9 Must Visit Budget Attractions in Madrid
While we might be biased since we studied only 30 minutes away from Spain’s capital, Madrid is a must-see city when traveling in Europe. Even though we traveled here at least 10 times while abroad, we discovered something new each time we explored this gorgeous city. Here are some of the must-visit attractions in Madrid that won’t break your budget:
City Favorites
Retiro Park: This ginormous park will absolutely take your breath away. Its upkeep is immaculate, and every shrub is shaped and designed to ridiculous perfection. There are rose gardens, cafes and a small lake where you can rent a rowboat for less than 10 euro. You don’t feel like you’re in a big, bustling city once you take some time to explore the grounds and people watch.
Cibeles Palace: Is a huge landmark of Madrid. You only have to pay 2 euro to get a 360 view of the city that won’t disappoint. Tip: They only allow people on the rooftop on the hour or at special times, so plan on waiting.
Templo de Debod: According to esMadrid, “In the 20th century, the Egyptian government gave the temple as a gift to the city of Madrid and it was transported and rebuilt stone by stone in its current location.” You can tour the temple for free, but only 30 people can enter at a time. It’s a very popular spot to see a panoramic view of the city during sunset, so plan ahead to get a prime spot.
Arts & Plazas
El Prado: Even if you aren’t an art buff, this colossal art museum is worth seeing just for the sheer size of it. With over 1,000 paintings and sculptures from artists like Goya and Velazquez, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and lost inside. One of the highlights was seeing the famous “Las Meninas” in real life after learning about it in our Spanish art class.
Plaza Del Sol: The perfect meeting point since it’s right in the center of the city. You’ll see a lot of street performers here if you’re looking for free entertainment. You can also take a picture with “El Oso y El Madroño” (the Bear and the Strawberry Tree), which is a famous statue that is the official symbol of Madrid.
Markets:
San Miguel Indoor Food Market: Who doesn’t love free samples? This market is a great place to try a variety of authentic Spanish food, see how it’s prepared and have a quick bite to eat.
El Rastro Flea Market: If you’re exploring Madrid on the weekend, don’t miss this unique market. It’s only open on Sundays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. You can find all sorts of local trinkets that are great for souvenirs and gifts. It runs along Plaza de Cascorro and Calle Ribera de Curtidores and gets crowded quickly.
Authentic Tapas
El Tigre: This hole-in-the-wall bar is the place to go for an authentic tapas experience. It’s a little grungy, there fake animal heads on the walls and trash on the ground, which adds to the overall aesthetic. Since the tapas are free (once you buy a drink), it’s a fun surprise to see what you get. Tip: try the Calimocho! It’s a mix of wine and coke, and they’re extremely generous with the alcohol since the drinks come in huge plastic cups.
Nightlife
Teatro Kapital: This is still by far one of the best nightclubs we’ve been to in Europe. While it’s pricier to get in, about 18 euro (includes two drink tickets), the atmosphere is worth it. With seven floors, you’ll meet people from all over the world and always find good music. The club also has really cool live performances. Another plus is that it’s right near the Atocha train station, so it’s a quick walk once you leave the club at 6 a.m.
For more must visit places around Europe, check out our destination guides.
