Known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful Madrid is a lively metropolis that has been the capital of Spain since 1562. There are more bars in the third largest city of Europe (only London and Berlin are larger) than in any other European country. The city does have a friendly vibe, however, in spite of its enormous population. Its warm dry summers and cool winters help make it the popular tourist sensation it is. This city of great monuments, museums of art, and bullfighting events is a fabulous cultural destination that can be toured by vacationers on any size budget. This article should help those on the most meager of budgets discover just how to experience this lively city as inexpensively as possible.

LODGING

As with all European cities I've researched, HOSTELS are available in Madrid. These are a clean, safe and inexpensive option. They are usually small, family-run budget hotels that can be found throughout Madrid. Called "hostales" in Spanish, they should not be confused with "albergues juveniles" (youth hostels). Many times, they are located within a downtown apartment building and are clustered close together. Rooms usually only have a sink in the room and there is a shared hall bathroom. Some do have in-room bathrooms with a shower. Hostels generally have a curfew, but you can usually make arrangements to stay out past your curfew.

If you are a person who just have to have a hotel (I'm one of these too) then consider staying in a smaller city within a reasonable distance of Madrid. These are always cheaper than any accommodations you'll find within the bustling metropolis. If you want to stay within the city itself, do remember that the city becomes most active at night and inner city hotels can become quite noisy. The Plaza Santa Ana has a cluster of budget hotels. Make sure that you request a hotel with air conditioning. That's right! Not all lodging in Spain will have this luxury.

MEALS

In Madrid, eating at the bar is going to cost you less than dining at a sit-down table. Lunch-time meals will cost less than evening meals. The nightlife is what brings Madrid the most money, so the prices will be hiked up when the streets come alive in the evenings. Do the main thrust of your fine dining and drinking before that time. Go to a food store or market and buy snacks to munch on throughout the day, and try to only eat one sit-down meal a day. If staying in a hotel, find one that offers free breakfast foods.

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