As a student, you want to go out and do nice things. There is only one obstacle that could prevent you from going out: money. It could be nice to eat tapas for 12 euros each dish, but if you can get the same for half of the price (or even free) why won’t you? We’ve made a list of affordable hotspots in Madrid, for people with a budget (or if you just want to save money)
The best and most affordable hotspots in Madrid
Just like Valencia, Madrid also got a lot of nice and cheap hotspots for students to go to. To make it easier for you, we’ve found the best and affordable hotspots in Madrid. These hotspots were recommended by several students who study and live in Madrid. First a little fact: be careful with the word ‘bar’. In some countries a bar is a place to have drinks with music, in Spain a bar is more of a place to have a drink and grab a bite. If you want to have a drink at a nice place while there’s music playing, you have to use the word ‘pub’. The word pub (which you can also eat at) is in Spanish ‘bar’ (singular) or ‘bares’ (plural).
The most affordable bars in Madrid
El Tigre
El Tigre is a popular bar among students. It is a great place to have some cheap tapas and drinks.

For about 5,00 euros, you can have a large platter of tapas and a beer/wine. The service is well, because the staff works efficiently and they are friendly. The place looks cosy and local. There are hanging fresh big serrano hams above the bar, and the walls are made of nature stone. The tables are made of big beer casts. It will give you a cosy feeling. This El Tigre location is full of people around 20-25 years old. We’re saying ‘this location’, because there are two El Tigre bars which are not far away from each other. At el Tigre, Calle de las Infantas 30, you will get much tapas for free if you order a drink. It is student-proof, and therefore one of the most affordable hotspots in Madrid!
Macera Tallerbar
Do you want to taste one of the best cocktails in Madrid? Go to Macera Tallerbar! Macera Tallerbar is quiet a fancy and affordable cocktail bar, which can be found in Madrid and Barcelona. The barista makes the cocktails with passion and fresh ingredients. This place seriously has the best Gin Tonics in town! The place looks modern and pretty cool. Macera is also a bar where you could go to on your own and where you eventually will meet new people.
The most affordable restaurants in Madrid
Goiko Grill
Goiko Grill is established by the 26-years-old doctor, Anthony. At Goiko Grill you can have fresh 100% pure burgers. Not in the mood for a burger and trying to be healthy? Then you can also choose out of three amazing salads. There is a chance that there will be a queue, because nowadays these burgers are really loved. If you want, you can make an online reservation. Having a lazy day? Then you can even choose to order.
Takos al Pastor
No cravings for Spanish food, but down for Mexican food? Visit Takos al Pastor! This restaurant is very famous in Madrid. There could be a queue outside, but it is definitely worth the wait! The food is traditional Mexican and really cheap. Takos al Pastor offers taco’s for 1 euro per taco, and quesadillas are 2 euros. A cocktail is 3-4 euros, and other drinks are 1-2 euros.
The restaurant looks really happy and colourful. There are small coloured flags all over the place, wooden pallets and posters on the wall.
The most affordable clubs in Madrid
Teatro Kapital
If you feel like dancing, get yourself ready and visit Teatro Kapital! This is probably the biggest disco in Spain. You are not going to find a lot of locals in here, but there will be a lot of people from across the world. This place makes an excellent go-to spot for meeting new people. The disco has tons of variety regarding to music, rooms, karaoke and you will even receive a drink at the entrance. Although this place is quite expensive, it is still a place that you definitely want to visit (save some money if you’re planing to go). Furthermore, there will be a lot of other (and maybe more affordable) places where you can have a nice night out. Madrid is the Las Vegas of Spain. A city that never sleeps!
Some words might have been taken by Spanish people differently. To clarify the right word-use and meanings:
Bar: A place where you can drink (for example a beer) and eat some food.
Pub: A place where you can drink (mostly alcoholic drinks) at night, with music.
Disco: A place where you can only drink and dance.
Restaurant: Only for eating.