Cheap things to do in Madrid
Mercado de Antón Martín, Casa Labra, and a caña at every turn
Three days moving through Madrid's most lived-in neighbourhoods, eating well for almost nothing and paying for very little else. This is for the traveller who knows that the city's best hours happen in a bar with a small wine and nowhere to be.
Day 1: Lavapiés, Huertas and Sol
A morning in Madrid's most lived-in neighbourhood, a free afternoon around Sol, and a classic evening on Plaza de Santa Ana with cold beer and no cover charge.
- 9:30 AM
Café de Barbieri
Classic old-Madrid café in Lavapiés, great coffee and local vibe without tourist prices.
Map - 10:30 AM
Mercado de Antón Martín
Neighbourhood food market, a free wander through stalls, great local colour and cheap bites.
Map - 12:30 PM
- 2:30 PM
Puerta del Sol
Madrid's iconic central square, free, lively, perfect afternoon stroll and people-watching.
Map - 7:30 PM
Taberna el Sur de Huertas
Cosy Huertas taberna, solid $$ Spanish cooking right in the neighbourhood.
Map - 9:15 PM
Cervecería Santa Ana
Classic Santa Ana bar, cold cañas on one of Madrid's liveliest squares, local and unpretentious.
Map
Day 2: Malasaña markets and Conde Duque
Coffee and brunch in Malasaña, a free wander through Barceló market, cheap lunch in Justicia, and an evening of two-euro wine in a no-frills local bar.
- 9:30 AM
- 10:30 AM
Mercado de Barceló
Mercado de Barceló is a brilliant free browse, fresh produce, local stalls, lively neighbourhood atmosphere.
Map - 12:30 PM
Ochenta Grados Malasaña
Small-plate Spanish cooking where every dish costs about the same; order four or five and share.
Map - 2:30 PM
Centro de Cultura Contemporánea Conde Duque
Free contemporary culture centre in a repurposed barracks, rotating exhibitions and open courtyards.
Map - 7:30 PM
Perrachica
Perrachica is a buzzy Mediterranean spot in Trafalgar, great value, relaxed vibe, highly rated.
Map - 9:30 PM
Taberna La Mina
Taberna La Mina is a classic cheap Spanish bar, €2 wines, local crowd, zero pretension.
Map
Day 3: Churros, Plaza Mayor and the Austrias quarter
Start with churros con chocolate at San Ginés, spend the morning on Plaza Mayor for free, then work through royal convents, cheap dumplings and a historic bar that has barely changed in a century.
- 9:30 AM
Chocolatería San Ginés
Madrid's most iconic chocolatería right by Ópera, churn churros con chocolate for a classic cheap start to the day.
Map - 10:15 AM
Plaza Mayor
Free to walk and explore, the grand arcaded square is the historic heart of Madrid, steps from the chocolatería.
Map - 12:30 PM
Chun-Li Dumplings - Ópera
Cheap handmade dumplings a few steps from Plaza Mayor; get a mixed plate, fried and steamed.
Map - 4:00 PM
Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales
Guided visits about 8 euros, free for EU residents some weekday afternoons; Rubens tapestries inside.
Map - 7:30 PM
Taberna De Ramales
Low-key neighbourhood taberna right off Plaza de Oriente, solid affordable Spanish food in a no-frills setting.
Map - 9:00 PM
Casa Labra
Historic bar with dirt-cheap wine and tapas, the classic local nightcap a short stroll from Ópera, well before midnight.
Map
Where to stay
UMusic Hotel Madrid
Sits between Lavapiés and Ópera at a mid-range price, walking distance from all three days of the plan.
Make Madrid your trip
Swearby drafts the days from places people swear by. Swap any stop, then invite the crew by text, even friends without the app. Vote on dates, track costs as you go, and everyone gets one number at the end.
Get Swearby on the App StoreBefore you go
Book ahead
- Museo del Prado: weeks ahead
- Museo Reina Sofía: weeks ahead
- Royal Palace of Madrid: weeks ahead
- Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: weeks ahead
- Corral de la Morería: weeks ahead
- Santiago Bernabéu: a few days ahead
Skip these
- Mercado de San Miguel is a beautiful glass market but not a working market and prices show it, have one vermouth then crawl elsewhere.
- Plaza Mayor terrace restaurants where you pay for the view not the food.
- Paella for one ready in five minutes on picture menus, and flamenco dinner packages sold by street touts.
The full Madrid travel guide: when to go, safety, getting around