Madrid’s Best Cheap Eats ~ Budget Tapas Bars & Restaurants

It might be the capital city of Spain, but there are tons of cheap and even free places to eat and drink in Madrid!

From bustling tapas bars with free tapas to student-friendly cocktail spots, here are five budget friendly gastro haunts in Madrid where you can live the good life from as little as €3. Vamos!

By the local experts from Uniplaces, a student accommodation platform where you can book the perfect student accommodation in Madrid

1. Sidreria el Tigre ~ Cheap Drinks & FREE Tapas in Madrid’s City Centre

El Tigre is probably the most famous tapas bar in Madrid. It has three locations and is almost always crowded, simply because it is that good and cheap. Order either cider (which the bar is famous for) or beer, which are priced around €2.50 and come with FREE tapas.

The only catch is that you don’t know what type of tapas you will get, but how could possibly complain when you’re eating for free!

Address: Calle de las Infantas, 23, 28004 Madrid

2. Tragatapas ~ Bargain Buckets of Beer (€2 for 5 Beers!) & Cheap Tapas

Madrid’s Tragatapas Bar is perfect for cheap drinks and tapas with friends as they’re bargain dishes are perfect for sharing. Get a bucket of five beer for only 3 euros. As for the food, there are many generous dishes, including patatas bravas (traditional Spanish potatoes with a spicy sauce), homemade croquettes, chicken wings, jamón Iberico and even oysters for only €6 a pop!

Address: Calle Cava de San Miguel, 8, 28080 Madrid

3. Museo del Jamón ~ Quality Spanish Ham at Budget-Friendly Prices

Spain is world famous for its jamón serrano (quality cured ham), but it’s typically quite pricy. At the Museo del Jamón however you can get top quality jamón at rock bottom prices. They are open in many different locations across the city and the majority of them have a bar where you can have a quick beer and enjoy a range of quality tapas at reasonable prices.

And when you’re really hungry they’re range of set menus, which offer multiple dishes, bread and a drink are an excellent option at less than €8.

Address: Calle Mayor, 7, 28012 Madrid

4. Mama Teresa ~ Cheap Cocktails & Burgers Near Plaza del Sol

Conveniently located int eh centre of Madrid, just a few minute’s’ walk from Plaza del Sol, this family owned bar offers a variety of cheap cocktails all priced at just €3. Even better news for party-goers in Madrid is that they also come with a FREE shots!

They also offer excellent burgers priced from just €6.90 and  hotdogs from €3.5 euros! 

Address: Calle de Espoz y Mina, 32, 28012 Madrid

5. La Llama ~ Cheap Tapas Served in Industrial-Sized Portions

Last but not least is La Llama, a student-friendly tapas bar with goliath portions of tapas. Both drinks and tapas come in industrial sized quantities and at reasonable prices. The only problem is that it’s so popular that it’s normally quite hard to find a spot to sit.

Now that you know where to go and have a meal or a snack in Madrid, it is time for you to go explore the city and or try out a culinary tour by passing through all of these places.

Address: Av. de la Reina Victoria, 37, 28003 Madrid

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For more advice on moving to Madrid to study, and also to find some of the very best student accommodation, be sure to get in touch with the team at UniPlaces.