What budget for activities and outings Madrid?
Madrid boasts three exceptional museums that are not to be missed: the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. To make your visit easier, you can purchase the Paseo del Arte card(tarjeta Paseo del Arte), which allows you to visit all three museums for €32.80 (book online). Some museums also offer free night visits, such as the Reina Sofía on Mondays and Wednesdays to Saturdays from 7pm to 9pm, and on Sundays from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, or the Prado from Monday to Saturday from 6pm to 8pm, and on Sundays from 5pm to 8pm. A real bargain!
The capital's great parks are the perfect place to work out and relax. At Retiro, jogging, rollerblading, cycling and boating are the order of the day. At Casa de Campo, which you can fly over in a cable car, jogging and swimming in the summer swimming pool are on the agenda, while you can also work up a sweat along the Manzanares river in the south of the city.
There are many outlets on the outskirts of the capital. And if the Spanish brand Zara is already cheaper than in France, the Lefties store, on Calle Carretas towards the Puerta del Sol, offers end of series of the famous brand with discounts ranging from 10% to 60% without having to wait for the months of sales.
It's cheaper than in France. Entrance to discotheques can be free or cost up to €15. In general, you should expect to pay around €10, with one (or two) drinks. Concerts, when they're not free, cost between €5 and €20, depending on the venue.
What budget to eat Madrid?
Eating out is pretty cheap in Madrid. The real bargains are the lunchtime menus, the famous menu del día (usually from Monday to Friday), which offer starter, main course (usually a choice of two) and dessert for around €11 to €15. It's more expensive in the evening, although it's still cheaper overall than in France. Above all, as soon as you get away from the touristy areas of Sol and Gran Vía, you'll usually get a drink and a tapa for free.
There's nohappy hour in Madrid, but a small plate of tapas is often served as a free snack with your drink. In the night bars of Sol and Gran Via, touts often offer a free chupito (shot) to get you in. A good idea if you've come to party with young tourists. Otherwise, skip it.
What is the budget for accommodation Madrid?
Before you leave you should know that in Madrid, unlike most other destinations in Europe, prices are lower in July and August! Hotels go so far as to halve their prices because of the heat and the holidays of many Madrilenians who leave their shops closed (mainly in August). Offers are regularly proposed, so don't hesitate to go and have a look on their websites.
Travel budget Madrid and cost of living
Generally speaking, life in Spain is less expensive than in France. Nevertheless, prices have risen sharply in Madrid since the changeover to the euro. But restaurants, hotels and clothing are still less expensive than in Paris.
Small budget. 80 € per day (night in a youth hostel or hostal, two tapas meals on the go, transport, one museum entry, two evening drinks). Admission to museums and other tourist attractions is free on certain days of the week.
Average budget. At €120 per person per day, you can afford one night in a 2 or 3-star hotel, one meal in a tapas bar and one in a restaurant, admission to a museum, transport and two drinks in the evening.
Big budget. From €250 per day per person, you can spend a night in a beautiful 4-star hotel, two meals in a restaurant, transportation, a show or opera outing. You'll also be able to take home some souvenirs.
