Apartments in Madrid

Madrid has more than 4,500 tourist apartments for rent, with an average price of 250 euros per night and a minimum rate of around 79 euros. The offer is wide and varied, but not all areas will work equally well for you. If you are coming for tourism, the most practical option is to stay in the historic center: Sol, Ópera, La Latina or Malasaña. There you will have the main museums, bars and shops on foot, but in exchange you will pay more per night and the noise can be constant, especially on weekends. If you prefer something quieter and with better value for money, neighborhoods such as Chamberí, Argüelles or Salamanca (in its less commercial part) give you quick access to the center by metro, with supermarkets, neighborhood markets and fewer crowds.

The difference between some areas and others is not only in the price. In the center, the apartments are usually renovated old flats, with high ceilings and historic facades, but sometimes they lack natural light or an elevator. On the outskirts, such as in Vallecas, Carabanchel or Usera, you will find more modern buildings, with more square meters and, in many cases, a parking space. The average category of apartments in Madrid is 3.2 stars, so do not expect excessive luxuries: the normal thing is a studio or a one- or two-bedroom flat with an equipped kitchen and a full bathroom. Before booking, always look at the real photos from guests and read recent comments, because the difference between a well-maintained apartment and a neglected one is enormous.

As for prices, the low season (November, January and February, except Christmas) is the best time to find rates below 100 euros. In spring and autumn, with fairs and conferences, prices rise, and in May or September the average price can easily soar. To get there, Barajas airport is well connected to the center by metro (line 8) and Cercanías. Once in the city, get around by metro: it is fast, cheap and reaches everywhere. Avoid the car if it is not essential, because parking in the center is expensive and complicated. Before booking, also check whether the apartment includes cleaning fees, whether check-in is in person or with a code, and whether there is a security deposit. Some listings do not specify it and then surprises appear.