Madrid, Insights from a Cebuano Budget Traveler

Madrid, being the capital city of Spain, has all the interesting monumental structures, landmarks, museums and government offices one would expect to find in many capitals all over the world. What I do like about Madrid is its geographical local within Spain. It lays right smack in the middle of the country, making it an easy jumping point to many other Spanish cities at the same time, I can use it as a base for my Spanish travels.

As a budget traveler, I like to start with looking around with the different airlines that travel to Europe. Remember, it is cheaper to fly during off season than during peak season. Call travel agents and ask around for their rates.

I always plan my trip way ahead, I can get find good bargains for airfare, hotels and other deals. Then, checking the weather and the season of your dates of travel is also important. If you travel on the European travel season, it may be more expensive in Spain since many would be traveling, hence hotel rates are higher.

But summer means lesser thick clothing, so you will have to bring a large suitcase full of thick clothes. Pack wisely. That is key in successful traveling.

When you do get to Madrid, you may arrive at the older Terminal 1 or 2 buildings or the latest, Terminal 3, but either way, you will need to get to Terminal 1, where the airport shuttles to town are located. Usually, I would take metro if I am not bringing a lot of stuff with me. If you have a small piece of luggage and are willing to rough it up a bit, you can head down the subway, which can take you directly into town in less than 30 minutes. That would depend where you want to go and how many subway changes you will need to make. It is also important to note, that some subway stations do not have lifts or escalators, so lagging with you a heavy piece of luggage is not a good idea if you are carrying something really heavy!

It would be ideal to get the 10 Viajes (trips) which is a ten tickets pack, saving you a considerable amount of money since a single trip ticket is 1 Euro.

If not, I take the airport shuttle bus. The taxi is not expensive if you are four person, since you can split the costs.

Looking for an affordable place within Madrid is quite easy because Spain is relatively cheaper than other European cities. Rather than staying in hotels, try to stay in hostals, which are small hotels without many amenities such pools, business centers, hotel restaurants, etc. These are basic places to stay that provide clean rooms and decent bathroom.

Madrid has a huge range of places to stay, from the high end to the many affordable budget hotels. My best advice, look for "hostals", because they are a lot cheaper. If you aren’t picky and want to rough it up a bit, it’s worth saving on those extra Euros.

Another tip would be home stays. Spain has a lot of these type of accommodations and they are quite good, considering the small price you have to pay.

For the first time traveler, though a bit more expensive, hotels in the city center are more convenient. That is, because the city center has everything from shops, restaurants, tourist spots and entertainment. Also, the city center is small enough to walk to the nearby neighborhoods, if your feet are up to the task. Getting an accommodation outside the center could be a cheaper alternative, but not as convenient, since most tourists spots are not as close by.

That is why, I find it very important to research on the location of your planned accommodations. Though Madrid does have a good pubic transport system, there is nothing like a nearby walk to places of interests.

Before deciding on your hotel, familiarize yourself with the lay-out of Madrid. Ask friend who has been there or do a bit of your own research. Others may have their own opinions on which area they loved most about Madrid. But just remember, the center of Madrid isn’t very big so you can actually take a leisurely walk around it.

If you would ask me, I would look for a hotel in either Gran Via, Sol/Opera, or Retiro, that would be better because they are centrally located. It is a lot more convenient to move around by foot from those areas.

The very heart of Madrid would be Puerta Del Sol, a big oval plaza where many hotels and shops are located. This is also where many tend to congregate in the afternoons till late in the evening, since malls are not a big thing in Europe. So, if you do decide to stay in this area, get a room not facing the plaza. It can get really noisy at night, and during summer, you often have the tendency to keep the windows open. Air-conditioning is not very popular in certain European cities.

Directly beside Puerta Del Sol is Plaza Mayor and the Opera. Personally, I prefer this area, which is just a block away from Sol, because it is next door to Parque Oriente and the Palacio Real, so the views are much greener. Besides, Burger King and McDonalds is much closer from the Opera too.

In front of the gardens of the Palacio Real is a street that would take you to Plaza de España, another big square that faces Torre España and Edificio Europa buildings. Here, you can also find the bronze figures of Don Quixote and his faithful squire, Sancho Panza as well as the monument to Miguel de Cervantes and Queen Isabel II.

Facing the Edificio Europa, you are now along the famous Gran Via, a popular main avenue which has many shops, restaurants and hotels as well. It is a bit busy and crowded, but one should not miss strolling along this magnificent avenue to catch glimpses of many historic buildings as well as glitzy shops and department stores.

Northeast of Plaza España is Argüelles, a small part of Madrid that consists of narrow, crisscrossing lanes in between the big avenues of Pintor Rosales (which runs along the edge of the Parque del Oeste) and the shop-lined Calle Princesa. Eventually, you will reach Moncloa, an area filled with student haunts because of the university in the area.

Behind the main avenue of Gran Via, is the small neighborhood of Chueca, Madrid’s gay center. There many small intersecting alleys that are filled with trendy bars, shops and restaurants, making this area a very hip part of town.

Malasaña, centered around the famed Plaza Dos de Mayo, is another area popular for nightclubs and bars.

Chamberí was built outside the old city walls, has a focal point known as the circular Plaza Olavide. This small part of Madrid has a lot of restaurants, bookshops, art galleries, and museums, such as the quaint Museo Sorolla.

There are affordable things to do as well. Let me outline the must see things to see and do while in the area such as the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, Almudena Cathedral, Puerta del Sol, Bullfighting, Cibeles Square, Reina Sofia Museam, Plaza Espanya, Atocha, Gran Via, Plaza de Oriente, Plaza de Colon, Casa de Campo and Museo De Jamon.

You don't have to spend a lot to eat well in Madrid. Ask around where you could visit a regular tapas bar. Want to save on your meals? Drop by a local grocery store or the famous Corte Ingles supermarket is the best thing to do for buying your basics food items. If you wish to spend a bit more, ask for the “menu del dia” which means, menu of the day.

There are flea markets on Sundays like the Rastro, where one can find great finds and deals.

You will be able to have an affordable vacation in Madrid. Just take the time to research, look for the best deals and when you are there, ask the locals. They know the best deals on a daily basis.

But the most important thing to remember, the best things in life are free, so enjoy beauty of Madrid!