Is Madrid expensive to visit?
Madrid is a popular destination that is also moderately priced. It falls in the middle range of travel cost prices globaly with a daily average travel cost of $189. If we compare it to the rest of Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a moderately priced place to visit. It ranks in the top 50% of cities in Europe for its travel costs. Its travel costs are comparable with places such as Bruges and Pamplona.

Madrid, Spain
How expensive is Madrid?
For a trip to Madrid, travelers spend on average $189 per day (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations from previous visitors. As this is an average cost, your individual spending may vary, especially since there's a wide range of accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment options here. If you stick to moderately-priced hotels and restaurants, as well as take advantage of some of free things to do in the area, you can stick close to the average budget. See more travel costs for Madrid here to see how all of the average spending costs pan out.
How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Madrid?
On average, a weekend trip to Madrid costs about $567 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a weekend trip costs $1,134.
How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Madrid?
A one week trip to Madrid costs about $1,324 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $2,647.

Madrid
Is it expensive to backpack in Madrid?
With more than 60 hostels around town, Madrid is a very popular backpacker destination. Hostels usually cost around $25 per night. There's a wide range in prices though, with the cheapest beds costing about $3 and the most expensive rooms costing about $55. (See hostel prices in Madrid here.)
Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Madrid.
- $22 for a dorm bed at Cats Hostel Madrid Sol
- $26 for a dorm bed at The Hat Madrid
- $24 for a dorm bed at Mola Hostel
Are hotels expensive in Madrid?
Examining hotel prices in Madrid, we can see that they are moderately priced when compared to hotels in other cities. The average cost for a night in a hotel room is approximately $89. The city is equipped with about 37 five-star hotels, boasting an average nightly rate of $231. For travelers aiming for a comfortable yet budget-conscious stay, three-star hotels come in at an average of $100 per night, while two-star hotels offer a more pocket-friendly choice at $52 per night.
Hotels by star rating in Madrid
Rating | Number of Hotels | Average Hotel Price |
---|---|---|
5 stars | 37 | $231 |
4 stars | 224 | $100 |
3 stars | 406 | $100 |
2 stars | 220 | $52 |
1 star | 154 | $72 |
No rating | 226 | $146 |
How expensive are sightseeing activities in Madrid?
In Madrid, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the area. On average, previous travelers have spent around $39 per day on sightseeing and entertainment, which is more than the country's average of $31.
- Tour 'Best of Prado Museum' (Skip the line ticket. 7 people max.): $60
- Madrid Thyssen Museum Small Group Guided Tour : $57
- Tuk Tuk Tour Madrid 90 mins: $198
- Food E-Bike Tour in Madrid - Small Groups, All Inclusive: $107
- Madrid’s History, Bites & Sips – An Intimate Tour Since 2018: $90
- Madrid - Medieval to Modern Walking Tour (English): $3.61
- Prado Museum Masterpieces - 3 hours Full tour - Small group: $78
- Skip the Line Prado Museum Madrid Exclusive Guided Tour : $159
Is food expensive in Madrid?
In Madrid, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $69 per day on food, which is less than the country's average of $81.
- Chocolate & Churros Cooking Class in Madrid : $72
- Madrid Old Town Tour & Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner: $71
- Afternoon Tapas Cooking Class in a Secret Venue in Madrid: $161
- Madrid Tapas & Paella Cooking Experience with Local Market Visit: $114
- Paella Cooking Class in Madrid with Bottomless Wine Pairing: $143
- Madrid's Authentic Culture & Food Tour by Food Lover Tour: $78
Is transportation expensive in Madrid?
Local transportation in Madrid can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $22 on local transportation per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $34. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.
More for Madrid
If you're planning a trip to Madrid, Spain, check out these other informative travel guides.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.