Cost To Visit Madrid: Complete 2025 Budget Guide
Planning a trip to Madrid? In this detailed visitor’s guide, we’ll break down the cost of visiting Madrid—including accommodation, food, transportation, and top attractions.
Discover how seasonal travel trends affect Madrid's pricing, and how to save money by choosing when you visit. Whether you're a budget backpacker or a luxury traveler, this budget guide gives you a complete picture of what to expect when visiting Madrid.
💡 Is Madrid Expensive to Visit?
Madrid is considered moderately priced compared to U.S. cities—cheaper than New York or Los Angeles, and far more affordable than European hubs like Paris or London. Within Spain, Madrid sits in the mid-range: pricier than Valencia or Seville, but cheaper than Barcelona in most categories.
Your costs will vary based on when you visit and your travel style. Let’s dive into the specifics of how much you’ll spend in Madrid.
🗓️ Madrid Travel Costs by Season (2025)
🔥 Peak Season (June – August)
Why it's expensive: Summer break, high demand, festivals, and major events.
What to expect: Higher airfare and fully booked hotels in central areas.
Tip: Book 3–6 months in advance to lock in the best prices.
🌸 Shoulder Season (March–May, September–October)
Why it’s ideal: Mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and moderate prices.
Best for: Outdoor sightseeing, food markets, and cultural events.
Savings: Hotel prices drop 15–25% compared to summer rates.
❄️ Low Season (November–February)
Why it’s cheapest: Fewer tourists, cooler weather, and the post-holiday lull.
Best for: Museum visits, budget travel, and off-season hotel deals.
Watch out: Prices spike around Christmas, New Year’s, and Three Kings Day (Jan 6).
💰 When Is the Most Expensive Time to Visit Madrid?
- June – August: Classic summer peak with high heat and big crowds.
- Christmas & New Year (Mid-Dec – Jan 6): Hotels fill fast and prices rise.
- Semana Santa (Holy Week – April 13–20, 2025): Religious parades & domestic tourism.
- Madrid Pride (Late June – July 6, 2025): Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration.
🕰️ When Is the Cheapest Time to Visit Madrid?
- January – February: Cold but clear, with deep discounts on hotels and flights.
- Mid-November – Early December: Pre-holiday calm with lower demand.
- Bonus: Many museums are free or discounted during off-peak hours or days.
🏨 Where to Stay in Madrid – By Budget
💎 Most Expensive Areas
Salamanca
- Madrid’s upscale shopping district, filled with luxury hotels and designer stores.
- Pros: Elegant, quiet, exclusive.
- Cons: Far from nightlife and the historic center.
- Nearby Attractions: Retiro Park, Museo Arqueológico Nacional, luxury boutiques.
Centro (Sol, Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor)
- Touristic heart of Madrid—close to everything.
- Pros: Walking distance to landmarks.
- Cons: Highest prices for hotels, especially in summer.
- Nearby Attractions: Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Mercado de San Miguel.
Chueca
- Trendy and vibrant LGBTQ+ neighborhood with high-end boutique hotels.
- Pros: Great nightlife, bars, and food.
- Cons: Can be noisy and more expensive.
- Nearby Attractions: Calle Hortaleza, rooftops, live music venues.
💼 Affordable but Central Neighborhoods
Malasaña
- Artsy, hip, full of tapas bars and indie shops.
- Pros: Central, fun, and great for young travelers.
- Cons: Not ideal for families or light sleepers.
- Nearby Attractions: Plaza del Dos de Mayo, Conde Duque cultural center.
Chamberí
- Local and residential, with traditional architecture.
- Pros: Authentic vibe, affordable hotels, good transit.
- Cons: Fewer tourist sights nearby.
- Nearby Attractions: Sorolla Museum, quiet cafés and markets.
Lavapiés
- Multicultural, bohemian, and creative.
- Pros: Cheap eats, budget stays.
- Cons: Less polished, may feel gritty to some.
- Nearby Attractions: Reina Sofía Museum, Tabacalera Art Space.
🏷️ Cheapest Areas to Stay
Carabanchel / Usera
- Working-class neighborhoods on the outskirts.
- Pros: Very low hotel and Airbnb prices.
- Cons: Farther from the center (30+ min by metro).
- Nearby Attractions: Matadero Madrid, Chinese cultural district in Usera.
🏷️ Average Daily Travel Costs in Madrid (2025)
| Traveler Type | Euros (€) | USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | €110/day | $116/day |
| Mid-Range | €210/day | $222/day |
| Luxury | €395/day | $417/day |
🏠 Accommodation Costs in Madrid
| Budget Type | Cost Per Night (€) | USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (hostels, 1–2 star) | €30–€60 | $32–$64 |
| Mid-Range (3-star hotels) | €100–€160 | $106–$170 |
| Luxury (4–5 stars, central) | €250–€500+ | $265–$530+ |
🍝 Food Costs in Madrid (Per Day)
| Meal Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | €3–€5 ($3–$5) | €6–€10 ($6–$11) | €15+ ($16+) |
| Lunch | €8–€12 ($9–$13) | €12–€20 ($13–$21) | €30+ ($32+) |
| Dinner | €10–€15 ($11–$16) | €20–€35 ($21–$37) | €50–€100+ ($53–$106+) |
Pro Tip: Take advantage of the "menú del día" (set lunch menu) for a full meal at just €10–€15 ($11–$16)—great value!
🚇 Transportation Costs in Madrid
- Metro/Bus (Single Trip): €1.50–€2.00 ($1.60–$2.10)
- 10-Trip Card: €12.20 ($13)
- Tourist Travel Card (1–7 Days): €8.40–€35.40 ($9–$38)
- Taxi (within city): €8–€20 ($8.50–$21.20)
- Uber / Cabify / Bolt: Similar to taxis
- Scooter Rental: €15–€25/day ($16–$27)
- Private Car + Driver: €150–€250/day ($160–$265)
🏛️ Cost of Popular Attractions in Madrid
| Attraction | Entry Fee (€) | Entry Fee ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Palace of Madrid | €12 | $13 |
| Prado Museum | €15 (free last 2 hrs daily) | $16 |
| Reina Sofía Museum | €12 | $13 |
| Thyssen-Bornemisza | €13 | $14 |
| Santiago Bernabéu Tour | €25 | $27 |
| Retiro Park & Crystal Palace | Free | Free |
| Flamenco Show (evening) | €25–€45 | $27–$48 |
| Tapas Tour or Food Walk | €50–€90 | $53–$95 |
🏞️ Day Trips from Madrid (2025)
| Destination | Distance | Transport | Round Trip (€) | Attractions (and Cost) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toledo | 30 min | Train | €22–€26 ($23–$28) | Cathedral (€10), Alcázar (free with museum pass) |
| Segovia | 1 hr | Train | €25 ($27) | Alcázar (€9), Roman Aqueduct (Free) |
| Ávila | 1.5 hrs | Bus/Train | €20–€25 ($21–$27) | City Walls (€5), Cathedral (€6) |
| El Escorial | 1 hr | Train | €12–€15 ($13–$16) | Monastery (€12) |
| Aranjuez | 45 min | Train | €15–€18 ($16–$19) | Royal Palace (€9) |
📊 Estimated Cost for 7 Days in Madrid
| Type of Traveler | Lodging | Food | Transport | Attractions | Total (€) | Total ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | €210–€350 | €105–€150 | €30–€50 | €50–€80 | €395–€630 | $417–$670 |
| Mid-Range | €630–€910 | €175–€245 | €50–€80 | €80–€150 | €935–€1,385 | $985–$1,460 |
| Luxury | €1,400+ | €350–€700 | €100–€200 | €150–€300 | €2,000–€2,600+ | $2,100–$2,750+ |
✈️ Flight Costs to Madrid (2025)
| Season | Average Round Trip from U.S. |
|---|---|
| Peak (June–Aug) | $750–$1,200 |
| Shoulder (Mar–May, Sept–Oct) | $500–$900 |
| Low (Jan–Feb, Nov–early Dec) | $400–$750 |
🧠 Tip: You can save big on airfare by signing up for cheap flight alerts from Jetsetter Alerts.
✅ Is Visiting Madrid Worth the Cost?
Absolutely. Whether you’re sipping wine in La Latina, marveling at masterpieces in the Prado, or catching a flamenco show under the stars—Madrid delivers unforgettable moments at every price point.
At the end of the day, it’s not about how much you spend—it’s about the memories you create. Life is short—book the trip, eat the tapas, and dance in the plaza.
- Hotel prices drop up to 40% compared to summer.
- Round-trip flights from the U.S. can be as low as $450–$650.
- Average daily budget: €90–€120 ($95–$127) for mid-range travelers.
- Accommodation: €630–€910
- Food: €175–€245
- Transportation & attractions: €130–€200
- Budget traveler: €100/day ($106/day)
- Mid-range traveler: €210/day ($222/day)
- Luxury traveler: €395+/day ($417+/day)