Best Budget-Friendly Bars in Madrid - Collegiate

Imagine sipping a glass of sangria, out in the warm open air with a platter of olives, sundried tomatoes, salami, cheese… OMG who wouldn’t want to live in Spain! Spain’s capital Madrid is renowned for its lively nightlife and boasts lots of budget-friendly bars. So, it’s no surprise that over 40,000 international students flock to Madrid each year.

Having been there, tried that and loved that, we’ve piled together our top list of budget-friendly bars.

Why Choose Budget-Friendly Bars in Madrid?

Going for more budget-friendly bars means you can still have fun without breaking the bank. When on a student budget, it’s time to get smart with happy hours, student discounts, and aperitivo time. Many bars in Madrid offer complementary tapas tasters with drinks, making nights out so much better value for money – especially if you’re from the UK or USA. Plus, exploring these spots is a great way to socialise and experience true Spanish culture without having to spend a fortune.

Best Budget-Friendly Bars in Madrid You Should Try

Here are some of our top picks!

Classic Spanish Bars with Complementary Tapas

If you love getting a bite to eat with your drink (who doesn’t?), these bars will be your go-to:

El Tigre – Loved amongst locals and iconic for serving huge portions of free tapas with your first drink.
La Petisqueira – A hidden gem offering tasty tapas, ideal for students looking for quality food and cheap beer.
Taberna El Sur – Well-known for its delicious tapas selection and friendly atmosphere.

Student-Friendly Bars with Happy Hour Deals

Fancying more of night out? These bars offer some of the best deals:

100 Montaditos – A chain of bars that are famous for €1 beers and tapas on Wednesdays and Sundays.
La Sureña – Order a bucket of five beers for just a few euros and enjoy a relaxed vibe.
El Chapandaz – Try the legendary “Leche de Pantera” cocktail in a studenty atmosphere.

Rooftop Bars with Affordable Prices

Enjoy stunning city views without the hefty price tag:

Azotea del Círculo – A must-visit for breathtaking views (and aesthetic pics) and reasonably priced cocktails.
Café del Río – Chill by the Manzanares River with affordable drinks and scenic backdrops.
The Hat – A stylish hostel rooftop offering cheap drinks and a great vibe.

Themed and Alternative Budget Bars

For those who like a little something different:

La Vía Láctea – A retro bar with rock music and inexpensive drinks.
Ojalá – Quirky decor, a beach-like atmosphere, and budget-friendly cocktails.
Tupperware – A funky, colorful bar with cool vibes and great deals.

International Bars with Cheap Drinks

Sometimes, you just crave that international pub feel. These spots won’t disappoint:

Dubliners – A classic Irish pub with a buzzing student crowd and affordable drinks.
O’Connell St. – Another fantastic Irish pub known for its welcoming atmosphere.
Espit Chupitos – A legendary ‘shot bar’ offering a huge selection of affordable and creative shots.

How to Find the Best Budget-Friendly Bars in Madrid?

Want to stay ahead of the game? Here’s how you can find the best drink deals:

Use apps like Yelp and TripAdvisor to check out current promotions.
Join student Facebook groups for real-time tips and recommendations.
Follow bars on social media to catch limited-time offers and happy hour specials.
Look out for student nights – many bars offer exclusive discounts for university students.

Enjoy Madrid’s Nightlife with Collegiate

Living at Collegiate Madrid means you’re just a stone’s throw from the city’s best nightlife. Our luxury student accommodation provides stylish living spaces, study areas, and a vibrant student community. Whether you want to socialise in our shared lounges or explore Madrid’s buzzing bar scene, we’ve got you covered.

Click here to learn more about our student accommodation!