By Cynthia Kane in Madrid—

After the holidays, cold weather, and eating and drinking your way around Madrid, you may find that your body is craving a trip to the gym and a round of any kind of exercise.

Exercising in Madrid is still a relatively new phenomenon: Gyms only popped up about six years ago and yoga and pilates studios about three years ago. But since then, many places have opened, providing a variety of options for those looking for a budget-friendly workout.

Here are a few ways to stay in shape while visiting or living in Madrid:

Opera Gym
Calle Fomento, 3
91 547 2668
Mon – Fri: 8 AM – 11 PM,
Sat: 11 AM – 4 PM, Sun and Holidays: 12 PM – 3 PM
website

Opera is a great gym for those in the center of the city. It’s also perfect if you’re not a die-hard gym enthusiast. This is for the more moderate gym goer. What’s different about Opera gym is that you can pay depending on what activity you want to participate in—so you don’t have to pay for spin classes if you are only interested in boxing. The pricing plan is divided into five categories: Weightlifting, Indoor Cycling, Aerobics, Boxing/Kick Boxing, and Pilates.

One activity is €40 per month, €59 will get you two activities, and €69 buys you three activities. Also, as with most gyms in Madrid, there is an initiation fee. Here, it is €30. Since it’s Madrid, there is always a discount if you are signing up for three months, six months, or a year. If you want an even lower price, mornings are the cheapest.

If you’re just visiting Madrid, Opera also offers daily passes for €8 and 10-pass tickets for €59.

Polydeportivos of Madrid
Various Locations Throughout Madrid
Hours vary by location
website

If you aren’t interested in a gym, but are looking for activities to be a part of, then a “polydeportivo” might be right for you. They are located all over the city and have organized group sports (basketball, etc), all kinds of dance classes, yoga, pilates, and a swimming pool.

The website has all the facility information you’ll need, as each location has different options and pricing plans. Some are €30 a month plus extra for classes.

Urban Fitness
Calle Alberto Aguilera, 1
91 445 3200
Mon-Fri: 7:30 AM– 11:30 PM
Sat, Sun: 10 AM – 3 PM
website

Urban fitness is similar to a gym you’d find in the United States. It might not be as large, but it is definitely a state-of-the-art modern workout facility: all the cardio machines (elliptical, treadmill, bike, and step), strength training equipment, and classes you’ll ever need. Classes include: boxing, yoga, pilates, spinning, abdominals, funk, kick boxing, tai chi, and more. They also have a locker room and sauna.

Sounds amazing, right? It is—and the gym always offers discounted prices that make sense if you are currently living in Madrid. The best way to save your money is to join for a year. They say the standard yearly price is €800, but there’s always a promotion going on—you can get the year for half the price!

About the author: Cynthia Kane is the editor of MAPMagazine.com, a Madrid travel e-zine, written by native English-speaking Madrid experts.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Follow the red diamonds. Photo by Diorama Sky.

By Cynthia Kane in Madrid—

Transportation is easy in Madrid, but if you aren’t aware of your options, you may end up losing money when you’re trying to save it. Here are some tips to help you get to where you’re going and still have money to spend once you get there!

10 bus or metro rides with the “billete de diez”

Although metro tickets are only €1 for a single ride within Madrid, buying multiple single journey tickets can actually cost you more than if you buy a metro pack. One option is to buy a ticket for 10 rides, which is otherwise known as a “billete de diez” or “Metrobús.” The cost is €7.40 and you can use this ticket to travel anywhere within Zone A, which is where most of the tourist attractions in the city are located.

What’s great about these tickets is that they can be used on both the metro and buses, and there is no expiration date! You can buy the “billete de diez” at any metro station, “estanco” (tobacco shop), and at the kiosks located in the metro station. You can’t, however, buy these passes on the bus.

Unlimited travel with the “Abono Turistico” pass

The second option for cheap metro travel is the “Abono Turístico.” This pass gives you unlimited travel throughout the city of Madrid on the metro and buses, and is also valid on the “cercanías,” trains that take you to Madrid’s surrounding areas. You can buy a pass for either 1-5 days or 7 days, and for either zone A or to for the entire Community of Madrid.

This pass is a great option if you know you are going to be traveling outside the city center for day trips. A one-day adult pass for only zone A is €5.20. For a 1-day pass that includes the Community of Madrid the cost is €10.40. A seven-day pass for travel in zone A is €23.60, and for travel that includes the Community of Madrid it is €47.20.

You will need your passport to buy the “Abono Turistico.” It can be purchased in metro stations, the tourism office in Madrid, at hotels, or online.

The “Abono” ticket for longer stays

A third option if you are in town for a month is to buy a season ticket, simply called an “Abono.” The “Abono” is valid for the entire calendar month, so it’s beneficial to buy the pass before the month begins. Zone A should cover everywhere you’d want to go, unless you are planning to travel outside the city.

An adult “Abono” for travel within Zone A costs €46. There are reductions in cost for young people and those over 65. To purchase the “Abono,” you will need your passport and a small passport size photo, and they can be purchased at most tobacco shops around the city.

Taxi Tips

Two quick tips about taking a taxi in Madrid:

For normal rides you do not need to tip the driver. Of course if you want to, go ahead. But again, you can save an extra euro just by knowing it’s not customary to do so.

Secondly, the meter always starts at €2.05, but depending on where you’re going and the time of day, you may be charged an extra fee on top of that.

There is an additional charge from 11 PM to 6 AM, on Sundays and public holidays, and there are extra supplements for travel starting from a bus or train station (€2.95), from the airport (€5.50), and to and from the IFEMA fair complex (€2.95).

About the author: Cynthia Kane is the editor of MAPMagazine.com, a Madrid travel e-zine, written by native English-speaking Madrid experts.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Crowds at the Rastro Market. Photo by Sylvain Bourdos.

By Cynthia Kane in Madrid–

If you’re looking to buy clothes, household goods, furniture, or trinkets on the cheap in Madrid, Sunday is your day. This is when the city’s sprawling outdoor flea market, the Rastro, is open between La Plaza Mayor and Puerta de Toledo.

History of the Rastro

The Rastro is the largest outdoor flea market in Madrid and its origins date back nearly five centuries. It’s been said that the area used to be the epicenter of the tanning trade. The word “Rastro” actually translates as “track” or “trace”, which evokes the image of slaughterers dragging animals to the tannery. Alongside the tanners were clothing makers and workers in other associated trades, which encouraged the development of the area into a commercial district.

Today, the Rastro has much more to offer than just tanned leather and hides. Walking the market’s principal road, Ribera de Curtidores, you will find every product imaginable: from t-shirts to jewelry to musical instruments to hand bags. The side streets are more specialized.

Where to look for what

As a general rule, the streets to the east of Ribera de Curtidores offer more commercial goods, and are hot spots for great deals. Calle de San Cayetano is also to the east: Here you’ll find frames and a variety of original artwork.

The streets to the west host more antiques dealers. The Calle de Carnero, leading off the main drag, is just one of many streets that offer an eclectic selection old world goodies. Dealers here casually display their items on blankets or in makeshift stalls. You can find everything from coins to crucifixes to old furniture.

On the north side, Calle Arniches runs into the Plaza del General Vara Del Rey, which is where you’ll find tons of second hand clothes.

Getting there

To get to the Rastro, take metro line 5 or 10 to La Latina or line 1,2, or 3 to Puerta del Sol. From these stops, follow the signs toward Puerta de Toledo—you’ll soon see the crowds browsing the market’s many stalls. The Rastro is open Sundays from 7 AM to 2:30 PM.

One note of caution: The market is filled with pickpockets, so keep a tight grip on your valuables.

Bonus tip: Relax at the Plaza de la Paja after shopping

So you’ve shopped, you’re tired, now what?

Well, head over to Plaza de la Paja. Filled with restaurants and bars, there’s nothing better than after a long day of bargain hunting to relax with a caña (little beer)! The entire area around Plaza de la Paja is chock-a-block full of revelers, enjoying the summer sun or the cozy winter taverns.

About the author: Cynthia Kane is the editor of MAPMagazine.com, a Madrid travel e-zine, written by native English-speaking Madrid experts.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Madrid's sumptuous El Retiro Park. Photo by Stephanie Corral.

By Stephanie Corral in Madrid—

(Editor’s note: Stephanie recently moved to Madrid from Los Angeles. EuroCheapo checked in with her before the big move and is now following up to hear about her experience.)

I was worried I wouldn’t like Madrid. Or even sillier still, I was worried that Madrid wouldn’t like me. But as it turns out, we are a perfect match.

It’s hard to believe I’ve only been living here for a month because I feel right at home. Although my arrival was marred by rain and exhaustion, after a couple of days (and many siestas), I was riding the metro alone, saying “vale” and meeting friends for tapas in Sol.

Perhaps the transition into Spanish life was easy because before the big move, I had done enough research to know what to expect (chain smokers, weird closing hours, slow service at restaurants). But there are things that can only be discovered by living here.

Madrid never ceases to surprise me, but here are five things about this city that are pretty amazing:

1. The tap water.

The tap water is good enough to drink here. While the tap water back in Los Angeles is also safe to drink, it has that “tap water” taste, which is why I never drank the stuff. I was skeptical about drinking from the tap at first so it took a couple of days of cautious sipping before I became a full-fledged tap water drinker.

And you know what? It tastes fantastic. Madrilenos are very proud of their tap water, which comes from the city’s neighboring mountains. Now I fill up my water bottle with what is probably the best tap water in Spain, if not in Europe.

2. Cheap food.

I love that I can go out with my friends for tapas and a drink at places like 100 Montaditos or El Mercado de San Miguel with less than €10 in my pocket. Tax is included in the bill and tipping isn’t a must like it is back home.

TIP: If you’re in the mood for brunch, go to VIPS (pronounced “VEEPS”), a popular chain in Madrid. For €3.75, you can have pancakes, eggs, bacon and café con leche).

3. The Metro.

I’m just going to say it: I am in love with Metro Madrid. The first time I rode the metro, my roommate laughed at my bright-eyed fascination. I explained to her that the metro system in LA is a joke. The metro in Madrid is super efficient, organized, and affordable. If you miss the train, you can catch the next one in four minutes, so there’s no reason to kick yourself over hitting the snooze button.

4. A walking city.

I’m amazed at how well I can get around this city on foot when I don’t feel like taking the metro. I spent my first week walking everywhere, constantly feeling like I had walked into a postcard at every corner. I had to buy new walking shoes within a week of moving here. But now that it’s getting much colder, I join everyone else underground.

5. Public Libraries.

When I first arrived in Madrid, my apartment didn’t have internet access. I lugged my laptop to various WiFi cafés, but that wasn’t always practical. A trip to my nearest biblioteca publica (public library) revealed that with a library card, I could sign up for free internet access for an hour on the library’s computers. I checked my email, read the news and caught up on my blog reading in a clean and quiet place.

To get a library card, all you need is a passport or NIE (Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero). To find the nearest library, visit the library directory on the Comunidad de Madrid website.

One more surprise: El Retiro Park on a weekday

I should also add that if you’re ever in Madrid and are craving some peace and quiet, go to El Retiro park during a weekday afternoon. Sit on the steps of the Crystal Palace and feed the ducks and black swans. A fair warning: It will be enough to make you consider moving here.

About the author: Stephanie Corral is a freelance writer from Los Angeles living in Madrid, where she works as an English teacher.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Madrid's Cine Doré offers films for €2.50! Photo by SantiMD.

By Cynthia Kane in Madrid–

Madrid is known for its great nightlife — from thumping clubs to tapas bars. But did you know that the city also offers its share of Cheapo-friendly nighttime entertainment options? Here are some of our favorite spots for finding film and music in Madrid.

Cine Doré
Tuesday - Sunday
Calle de Santa Isabel 3
28012 Madrid, Spain
+34 913 691 125

Cine Doré is the exhibition hall of the Spanish Film Library. Also known as the Filmoteca, this beautiful old theater dates back to 1923. Today the cinema offers three projection rooms and shows old and new films in their original versions. Aside from films, the theater also holds seminars, roundtables, conferences, and book talks… all of them great! But what sweetens the deal further is it’s price–it only costs €2.50 to catch a film. What a deal!

Contra Club

Live music nightly at the Contra Club.

Calle de Bailén 16
28005 Madrid, Spain
+34 915 231 511

Madrid’s Contra Club offers live music acts practically every night. They host all kinds of music; just check their site to see what’s playing. The entrance fee is 6 euro, but you get a mixed drink for free!

El Gato Verde
Calle Torrecilla del Lea, 15
28012 Madrid, Spain

If you’re looking for a truly Madrileño hang out, the El Gato Verde is the place for you. The bar offers wine for €2, beer for €1.30, and mixed drinks for €5. Not only are the prices right, but you’ll often get to take in some live music for free. Here you’ll find acoustic performances, jazz, blues, soul and funk. Entrance can be free or €5.

Cuevas de Sesamo
Calle Principe, 7

Cuevas de Sesamo is known for many things: pitchers of Sangria for €7, quotes along the walls, and their live music. Beginning every night at 9:30 PM, live piano music fills the underground cave bar, making you feel like you gone back in time.

About the author: Cynthia Kane is the editor of MAPMagazine.com, a Madrid travel e-zine, written by native English-speaking Madrid experts.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Tapas make a cheap and tasty meal. Photo by Ville.fi.

By Nicolas J. Clément in Madrid—

For affordable eating in Madrid, you can choose between tapas or more expensive entrees in regular restaurants. Tapas, the famous side plates served in bars throughout Spain, are usually served with a caña (small beer) or a “caña doble,” if you’re really thirsty (it’s a better deal).

If you opt for tapas, you should consider hopping from one tapas bar to another. Each place will offer a different selection of plates, from the big and generous to the almost nonexistent (next!). Many of the best tapas bars in Madrid are located in “Zona Centro,” the liveliest neighborhood for nightlife. After downing some tapas, you can explore the nightlife on the hopping Calle Huertas.

Here is a quick list of my favorite restaurants that will provide an evening of excellent tapas tasting:

Malaspina
Calle Cádiz, 9 (Metro Sol), open daily from 10.30 PM to 2 AM

It’s best to visit the informal Malaspina at night, when Calle Cadiz and Calle Barcelona are bustling with life, people and, well, “madrileños and madrileñas de toda la vida” (regulars). In addition to tapas, Malaspina serves a great sangria and good raciones (oversized tapas to share with friends). If your group is less than six people, you can order a “media-racion.” All Spanish classics are covered from the “tortilla” (omelet with potatoes) to “pulpo” (octopus). Expect to pay around €15 per person for an entree. A beer and a couple of tapas is cheaper.

La Tia Cebolla
Calle de la Cruz, 27 (Metro Sol), open daily from 12 PM to 2 AM (kitchen from 1 PM to 2 AM)

Although the tables at La Tia Cebolla host a fair number of tourists, you’ll still get real Madrid-style cuisine with prices made for locals. The “croquetas” are a a house specialty made of olive oil, flour, egg, milk and tuna or jamón (not to be confused with ham, which is worlds apart from the Spanish jamon). Croquetas go for around €5 for six pieces, and a small beer on the overcrowded terrace is about €2. Go before 10 PM to beat the crowd.

Il Picolino De Farfalla
Calle de las Huertas, 6 (Metro Sol or Anton Martin), open daily from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM (lunch) and 8:30 PM to 2:30 AM

Il Picolino De Farfalla offers international cuisine at amazingly cheap prices. “Asado,” a traditional Argentinian dish made of various types of meat, goes for a little over €10. Portions are more than enough to fill you up. A chorizo, with appetizer and a glass of wine included, makes a satisfying  €10 dinner.  As with all bars and restaurants in this area, go at 8 or 9 PM before the crowd gets in to avoid a wait.

Post tapas: Bar-hopping and free drinks

Did you really think you’d call it a night after tapas, beers, and dinner? But you haven’t hit the bars yet!

Bar-hopping is best done on Calle Huertas, the main thoroughfare of the Huertas neighborhood. Just walk the street and let the bars’ staff convince you to sample a free “chupito,” usually a hard local liquor made of fruits. You can go from bar to bar this way without spending a single euro. No worries about leaving without buying another drink– it’s not mandatory.

After reaching the end of the street, you should be quite ready to go to bed happy. If you still have energy, go dancing at the famous five-floor nightclub Kapital (Calle Atocha 125). Other club options are Ananda (also near the Atocha train station) or Pacha (Calle de Barceló 11, metro Tribunal).

Popularity: 7% [?]

Cervecería 100 Montaditos serves cheap sandwiches. Photo by Infollatus.

By Cynthia Kane in Madrid—

Although Madrid is a pricey city, there are still many restaurants that offer up great food at a low, low, price! From €1 sandwiches to prix fixe Argentinean dinners under €20, Madrid has your tastes (and your wallet) covered. Below you’ll find five of our favorite cheap Madrid restaurants.

Glorieta de Montera
Caballero de Gracia, 10
1- 3:45 PM & 8:30 - 11:45 PM
Telephone: 91 523 44 07
Metro: Gran Via

Glorieta de Montera, along with its sister restaurants La Finca de Susana, Bazaar, and Ginger, strikes an ingenious balance between fine dining and cheap eats. All three Mediterranean restaurants have classic, white, minimalist décor injected with just enough creativity to keep them from teetering into the banal.

Polite staff and an ample, interesting menu may lead you to believe you’re going to get whopped by the bill, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised: fettuccini with chicken and dried tomatoes costs just €5.99, and risotto with asparagus and artichokes or rice with squid costs €5.98.

The portions are generous, as is the half carafe of wine that comes with the meal. Since everyone loves a bargain, the crowd is understandably eclectic: from the dread-locked malasaña types to ladies who look like your sweet old Aunt Ethel and, of course, lots of fashionable thirty-somethings mixed in.

Cervecería 100 Montaditos

If you need to refuel after, say, spending hours at the Museo del Prado, why not head over to one of the best sandwich places in the city of Madrid? The Cervecería 100 Montaditos is a well-known chain throughout Spain, and it’s a perfect place for a cheap, filling snack. The sandwiches are small but filled with yummy goodness. There’s anything and everything on this menu: salmon, ham, solomillo, tuna, and more. All sandwiches come with a free side of chips! They also offer salads for around €6.

Make sure to check the Cervecería out on a Wednesday, because that’s when all sandwiches cost only €1. (If you don’t get there early, be prepared to wait in line!)

There are multiple Montaditos in Madrid: visit the chain’s site to find the one closest to you.

La Gata Flora
Calle San Vicente Ferrer, 33
Telephone: 915 21 27 92
Metro: Tribunal

La Gata Flora is a popular Italian restaurant in Madrid’s Malasaña neighborhood. From the name you may have guessed that the restaurant has something to do with cats, and it does! The entire restaurant is decorated with photographs of cats, hanging cat lights, and pillows with embroidered cats.

Check out their menu del día for €10, which comes with an appetizer, main meal, dessert and wine! Try the berengena (eggplant)—it’s super tasty.

A Dos Velas
Calle de San Vicente Ferrer, 16
1-5 PM & 8 PM - 12 AM, Mon - Sat
Telephone: 91 446 18 63
Metro: Tribunal

Creative dishes with a fusion flare are what you’ll find at A Dos Velas. There are many different flavors, from Indian to Argentinian and Mediterranean. The service here is quite good and the dining area, decorated with dark tiles and exposed brick, is a wonderful place to relax.

A Dos Velas offers three prix fixe menus: lunch, dinner and group dining. The friendly feel of the place will have you coming back again and again.

Con Dos Fogones
Calle de San Bernardino, 9
1-5 PM & 8 PM-1 AM
Telephone: 91 559 63 26
Metro: Plaza de Espana

Salads, hamburgers, and Argentinian beef are only some of the tasty dishes you’ll find on the menu at Con Dos Fogones. The atmosphere is classy, and bursting with colors and stylish décor.

They offer a menu del Mediodía for €10, Monday-Friday, and a Menu Nocturno for €17.50, which includes an appetizer, main course, and dessert. And their prix fixe menus don’t stop there: they also have a group menu for €35.

About the author: Cynthia Kane is the editor of MAPMagazine.com, a Madrid travel e-zine, written by native English-speaking Madrid experts.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Shopping in Madrid. Photo by Van Swearingen

By Stephanie Corral—

(Editor’s note: Stephanie is moving to Madrid from Los Angeles in one week. EuroCheapo will be checking in with her before and after she makes the big move.)

You have a travel visa and you’ve booked your flight. It’s official: You’re moving to Madrid. If you’re like me, you want to have everything figured out before you land at the Barajas airport. Thanks to the Internet, you just might.

With enough research and preparation beforehand, moving to Madrid will be less stressful and overwhelming. So whether your move is temporary (like mine) or for good, here are eight things to keep in mind so your transition into Spanish life is a smooth one.

1. How’s your Spanish?

Brush up on your high school-level Spanish. Having a basic grasp of the language will make it much easier to contact potential employers and find an apartment. Some easy ways to do this include watching Spanish news and opting for Spanish subtitles when watching a movie. (And if you have never sat down to watch a Spanish soap opera, now might be the time to see what you’ve been missing!)

2. Find shelter

While finding a place to live before you arrive is ideal, it’s much easier to search for housing once you’re there and able to meet landlords and owners in person. Check housing websites like Idealista, which allows you to narrow your search by price, region and property size. Other good websites to check out include En Alquiler, Pisos, and Piso Compartido.

When trying to contact the lister, it is always best to call instead of email. Since not all Spaniards have 24/7 access to the Internet, there’s a good chance your email will go unread for days. Also, if you like the place and the price is within your budget, jump on it. If you decide to sleep on it, the chances are someone else will take it before you do.

3. Transportation

Unlike in Los Angeles, I won’t need a car to get around in Madrid, in Spain, or even in most of Europe. Spain’s subway system is one of the most efficient in the world and very affordable (tickets are as cheap as 1€). Check Metro Madrid for stops and schedules.

4. Electronics

If you’re taking any American electrical appliances with you (laptop, cameras, hair dryer, etc.) you’ll need an adaptor plug and maybe a converter. Not only are the power outlets different in Spain (and the rest of Europe), but the power supply is between 220 and 240V, while American appliances take 110V. If your appliance says it can take between 100 and 240V, it should work in Spain.

5. Weather

As you pack, keep in mind that Spain has a temperate climate with cool winters and hot summers. On average, Madrid receives 19 inches of rainfall a year and even some snow. (In January, the city was blanketed with two inches of snow.) Check out weather.com to see the weather in Madrid right now.

6. Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero (NIE)

An NIE is like a Social Security number which will allow you to buy property, file taxes and open a bank account. You can get your NIE at the local police station but you need to make an appointment by calling (+34) 902 565 701. To apply, you must fill out the Ex-15 form and have the following documents: original and copy of passport, original and copy of student Visa, three color passport photos, a Spanish address and a letter explaining why you need an NIE, which you can get from your employer or school.

Tip: It’s always best to have extra copies of everything. I learned this the hard way at the Spanish Consulate in Los Angeles.

7. Internet

You’re going to need Internet access in order to find an apartment, job or to book a flight. There are plenty of free wifi spots in Madrid, as seen on this map of Madrid’s hot-spots.

8. Book a hostel (or hotel)

Since you will probably be on the housing hunt for several days, book a hostel or hotel ahead of time. Some good websites to look for hostels are HostelWorld, Backpacker Spain, Hostel Bookers, and EuropeanHostels. If you’re taking valuables, pick a hostel that has lockers available. (For a list of affordable hotels in Madrid, you should naturally check out EuroCheapo’s Madrid hotel guide!)

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and remember that politeness and patience (see: Spanish bureaucracy) go a long way. When all else fails, look around. You’re in España now!

About the author: Stephanie Corral is a freelance writer from Los Angeles who is moving to Madrid this month to teach English.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Rent a bike for free in Madrid. Photo by sindandune.

By Cynthia Kane in Madrid–

Looking for things to do in Madrid that won’t put a hole in your wallet? If so, check out the following list of activities you can do for absolutely free!

Free Madrid walking tours

If you’ve just arrived in Madrid (or even if you’ve been here for a while but haven’t yet explored the city), take one of the two free Madrid walking tours offered daily at 11 AM and 3 PM. The tours are 3.5 hours long, and you’ll learn the history of the city, see the most popular sights, and uncover hidden treasures.

Note: Although the tour itself is free, tips are very much appreciated. For more information, visit the tour’s website.

Free bicycle rental

If you’re in the mood for some exercise or just want to take a nice stroll around town, head over to Juan Carlos I park to pick up a free bicycle. Yes, we said free! How does it work? Simply register for an electronic card at the tent next to the park’s first parking lot. And it gets better: The card offers you unlimited bike access for an entire year.

Parque Juan Carlos I, Avenida Manuel Azaña, Avenida Logroño, Via de Dublin s/n (Metro: Campo de las Naciones). Bike rental hours: Mon-Fri 10 AM-1 PM, 4:30-7:30 PM. Sat, Sun, and holidays: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM.

Free museums

Ready for a day of art but not for a hefty admission charge? Then take advantage of these free times at the city’s most popular museums:

Head over to the Museo del Prado (Paseo del Prado Metro: Banco de Espana) on Tuesday- Saturday from 6 PM – 8 PM or Sunday from 5 PM – 8 PM for free entrance.

If Dali and Picasso are more your style, then head to the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia on Calle Santa Isabel, 52 (Metro: Atocha) on Saturdays for free admission from 10 AM – 2 PM.

For museums that are always free, check out the following:

CaixaForum. Paseo Prado, 36 (Metro: Atocha) Open daily 10 AM – 8 PM.

La Casa Encendida. Ronda de Valencia, 2 (Metro: Embajadores) Open daily 10 AM – 10 PM.

Museo Municipal de Arte Contemporanea. Calle Conde Duque, 9 (Metro: Noviciado). Open Tuesday – Saturday 10 AM – 2 PM, 5:30-9 PM, Sunday 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM.

Templo de Debod. Montana del Principe Pio (Metro: Plaza de España). Open Tuesday – Friday 10 AM – 2 PM, Saturday, Sunday 10 AM – 2 PM.

Free food!

Free food may sound too good to be true, but here in Madrid, if you order a drink, then olives, potato chips, or tasty tapas will be on their way! Some suggestions for great free food:

El Tigre. Calle Infantas, 30 (Metro: Gran Via)

Entretapas y Vinos. Calle Fuencarral, 93 (Metro: Tribunal)

La Bardemcilla. Calle de Augusto Figueroa, 47 (Metro: Chueca)

About the author: Cynthia Kane is the editor of MAPMagazine.com, a Madrid travel e-zine, written by native English-speaking Madrid experts.

Popularity: 9% [?]

Madrid is filled with Cheapo-friendly activities, including complementary admission to the Prado museum and nightlife options that are easy on the wallet.

For a less conventional Madrid freebie, however, consider paying a visit to the Spanish capital’s Congreso de los Diputados.

Congreso's impressive marble facade.

The Congreso de los Diputados is a democratically elected body, 350 members in total, and is Spain’s legislative branch of government. Elected members attend sessions in an impressive neoclassical building near the Carrera de San Jerónimo.

Take note of the intricate, carved marble facade of the Congreso building. It depicts allegorical figures like Justice, Fine Arts, and Spanish Valor as they uphold the Spanish Constitution.

Visiting Congress

The Congreso is open to the public every Saturday morning, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM (closed most Saturdays in August). 50 visitors can visit the building at a time.

Guided group tours (groups up to 55 visitors) are available Monday through Friday, and must be arranged in advance.

Check out the Congreso de los Diputados’ website for more information about arranging a visit.

See it in action!

If you’re in the mood to do more than simply tour the building, why not attend one of Congreso’s plenary sessions? Spanish politics in action? For free? Sounds good to us! (Just make sure you reserve your place one week in advance.)

Have you been to see the Congreso in session? Tell us about it in the comment section below.

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