With inflation recently hitting an all-time high, many people want to save money on everything from food shopping to gas and travel.

With the dollar still slightly stronger than the euro, visiting an affordable European spot is a budget-friendly solution to rising travel costs.

One of Europe's more affordable capitals is Madrid, a place with plenty to do, see, drink and eat that won't break the bank.

On a budget, this is how to see Madrid.

The Madrid skyline. (Photo by Tanatat pongphibool thailand/Getty Images

Getting there

It is easy to find cheap airfare between the U.S. and Madrid, and you can also use low-cost carriers such as Easyjet and Iberia from other major cities around Europe. Add-ons such as baggage, seat selection and other extras should be taken into account.

Airfare deals to Spain from the U.S. are very popular. Check out the daily deal alert from TPG.

Points and miles are the cheapest ways to travel to Spain.

Accommodation

New luxury properties, budget hostels, and everything in between are available in Madrid. Some of the best for travelers hoping to stay within their means.

Best value points hotels

The Westin Palace Madrid is one of the favorites when it comes to redemption points. Here are some of the best places to stay in the Spanish capital.

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  • AC Avenida de América: Though slightly outside the historic center, this property is clean, comfortable and best for those who want to experience a more local side of Madrid while still having easy access to the main tourist sites and Barrio Salamanca shopping via a quick taxi or metro ride. Rates start at 20,000 Bonvoy points or under $100 per night.

The Jardín de Diana, the rooftop of the Hyatt Centric Madrid. (Photo courtesy of the hotel´s Facebook page)
  • Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid: This regal property boasts a gorgeous rooftop garden, restaurant and bar, and is located on Madrid’s famous Gran Vía Street. Rates start at 20,000 Hyatt points or about $200 per night.

Best cash value hotels

Don't have a lot of points. Don't fret. Excellent service and unbeatable value can be found at these hotels.

  • H10 Puerta de Alcalá: Located a stone’s throw away from Madrid’s most beloved green space, this hotel offers chic rooms and a rooftop overlooking the park. Rates can be found from about $95 per night.
  • Hotel Puerta Ámerica: With funky room decor, glass elevators and a Sky Bar, this hotel offers a trendy stay for a budget price. Deals can be found around $100 per night.

Boutique hostels

Backpackers aren't the only people who live in a hostel. Private rooms and bathroom are available in many hostels in Madrid. A hostel is a great place to stay if you want to make new friends or just want something a little different.

The Generator Madrid is a design-driven hostel that has a rooftop deck. Private rooms start at $60 per night, while shared bunk rooms cost as little as $25 per night.

The rooftop of The Hat Madrid. (Photo courtesy of the hostel’s Facebook page)

The Hat Madrid is a hostel that is a short walk from Madrid's Plaza Mayor. Bunks in a shared room can be reserved for under $20, while private doubles start at $70.

Staying at a budget hotel might make you happy.

Vacation rentals

You can find studio lofts and four-bedroom apartments in Madrid. The average price for a private apartment rental is between $60 and $200 per night. If you're looking for a vacation rental in Madrid, you should go toAirbnb.

Best times to visit Madrid

Winter is the best time of the year to find the lowest rates on hotels and activities. It gets cold and rainy in Madrid during this time of the year.

In August, when most locals flee the city for the seaside or mountains, you can find great deals on vacation rentals. It's a good idea to spend a bit more on lodging with air conditioning.

Madrid in May offers beautiful weather and prices may still be low. (Photo by SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images)

If you want the best weather, visit Madrid in May and October, where temperatures are pleasant under sunny skies, and prices are not as high as they may be. There are many exciting festivals in Madrid in May, such as the San Isidro celebrations.

Getting around Madrid on a budget

The metro and bus are both affordable, and it is easy to get around Madrid on foot. The metro and bus ticket is about 12 euro. The government may extend the promotion through the end of December.

The Gran Vía metro entrance in Madrid. (Photo by F.J. Jimenez/Getty Images)

Metro passes are valid for unlimited travel between one and seven days of purchase. Metro trips to the airport are included in this pass, even though it isn't currently discounted.

It is easy and cheap to get between the city center and the airport. Avenida merica is included in metro tourist tickets. The airport bus that runs between the airport and O'Donnell, Cibeles and Atocha costs 5 euro per way.

The tourists in Madrid make the same mistakes.

You can either take the RENFE trains from the airport to the city center or you can take a taxi from the airport. The cost of rideshare services is usually lower.

What to do in Madrid on a budget

Parks

The Retiro Park is one of the green spaces in Madrid. There is no entrance fee to these parks. If you want to rent a paddle boat in Retiro, you will have to pay more.

The lake in the Retiro Park in autumn. (Photo by Noppasin Wongchum/Getty Images)

Walk the city

You can see many of Madrid's attractions for free if you take a self- walking tour around the city center. Depending on your energy levels and length of your holiday, this walk can be completed in a day or two.

It is said that the geographical center of Spain is located in the Puerta Del Sol. The plaza mayor has hundreds of balconies that face the center of the square.

The Plaza Mayor. (Photo by Sylvain Sonnet/Getty Images)

The Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral can be enjoyed for free from the outside. The newly constructed walkway leads to the Plaza Espaa square.

Gran Va is a busy street with many shops and restaurants. When you get to the end, turn left on Calle lcala and walk up through Cibeles Square to catch a glimpse of the palace and fountain.

Free times for museums

There are many museums in Madrid. You don't have to pay to enter when it's just a few hours a week. You might have to queue up if you get there early.

El Rastro market

The flea market is held on Sundays. If you want to purchase something, you will have to pay. Go early because the market can get very busy. It is a good idea to leave valuables and cash at home as pickpockets work the crowds here.

Tips and tricks for visiting Madrid on a budget

Menu del día

On weekdays, many restaurants offer a set lunch menu with a choice of starter, main course, dessert or coffee and a drink for a fixed price. There is a great value in these.

Student, senior and teacher discounts

Student, teacher or senior discounts can be found at museums and other attractions. You need to double-check what type of identification is required.

Palacio Real in Madrid. (Photo by Jorg Greuel/Getty Images)

Free tapas

You can get a free tapa when you order a drink at a local bar. The higher the distance from the main historic city center, the more likely you will get a complimentary plate of food with your drink order.

Bottom Line

It is possible to save money while traveling and maximize the value you get from your holidays. If you know where to look, Madrid is a great place to go on a budget.