Madrid offers world-class art, vibrant tapas culture, and sunny plazas at wallet-friendly prices, making it an ideal European city for budget travelers seeking culture without breaking the bank.
- ●Stroll Retiro Park (free)
- ●People-watch in Puerta del Sol (free)
- ●Tapas crawl in La Latina (under €20)
- ●Free entry to Prado Museum on Sundays
Metro is efficient and cheap (€1.50-2 per ride), but book trains/accommodations early as prices spike in peak summer.