Under $100: Madrid, Spain

Spain’s capital is more than just art museums, tapas and sangria (although these should be automatically added to any Madrid agenda). To fully enjoy the city and not spend all of your euros on the first día, heed these tips. Olé!

Start the morning with a cafe con leche and churros con chocolate which won’t set you back more than $5 or $6.

Statue of Velazquez, Prado Museum © Alfonsodetomas | Dreamstime

Traveling around the city could not be easier as both the underground metro and the bus system use the same ticket. Purchase a 10-trip ticket for €12 to get the most from your money.

Day-specific discounts abound in Madrid, so even if your budget is tight you can still enter some of Europe’s best art museums. The more than 7,000 paintings in the Museo del Prado can be seen for free Monday through Saturday, from 5–7 p.m. If your siesta lasts too long, the normal admission price is approximately $13.50. To view Goya’s fantastic ceiling frescoes, visit the Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida where entry is free all day, every day.

Plaza Mayor © Chrishowey | Dreamstime

The cost to view some of Madrid’s most well-known monuments and parks is absolutely free. Stroll through Plaza Mayor and past Palacio Real to catch a glimpse of Madrid architecture at its best. Visit Mallorca, a take-away lunch spot, and tote your snacks to the nearby Parque del Buen Retiro for a peaceful afternoon in nature.

Tapas restaurants seem to be around every corner in Madrid, but keep an eye out for the menus del día to snag the best culinary catches. Drop into Bar La Ideal for bocadillos (sandwiches) for less than $3. Casa Labra has been serving traditional Spanish tapas since 1860 with current prices ranging from $1 to $2.