Madrid is a vibrant city full of culture, shopping, and great food. The Spanish capital sees a multitude of visitors every year, from budget backpackers to city-breakers.
Being a capital city, Madrid isn’t the most wallet-friendly destination. However, we’ve got a number of hints and tips to help you experience the best of the region no matter how tight your budget.
In this guide, we’ve figured out the five best cheap hostels in Madrid, to get you started on your trip. ‘Cheap’ doesn’t have to mean skimping on quality or sleeping in grotty digs – each of our top picks is comfortable, clean, and stylish.
Let’s get started!
Quick Answer: The Best Cheap Hostels in Madrid
- Best Overall Hostel in Madrid: Petit Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Madrid: Barbieri Sol Hostel
- Best Hostel in Madrid for Families: Toc Hostel Madrid
- Best Hostel in Madrid for Digital Nomads: Generator Madrid
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Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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What to Expect From the Best Cheap Hostels in Madrid?
No matter where you are in the world, hostels are some of the best accommodation options for budget backpackers, solo travellers, and holidaymakers.
You’ll almost always get the most affordable prices. But the unique social vibes are what really makes hostels stand out. You get to meet like-minded travellers from all over the world, share travel stories and tips and make new friends – without even having to leave the building!
Hostels are a great way of saving money in Madrid, and you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. From family-friendly to digital nomad paradise, you’ll find so many different types of hostels in Madrid.
Hostels are also a lot more comfortable than you might think! Gone are the days of stinky dorm rooms and mosquito infested communal areas, Madrid hostels are actually very stylish and contemporary, even cheap ones! You can expect free wifi, a spacious communal area, maybe even a terrace and bar. Some even come with restaurants and tours of the city.
As I mentioned above, hostels are the cheapest accommodation on the market. The general rule here is: the bigger the dorm, the lower the price.
Private rooms are definitely more expensive but still range below the cost of a hotel or Airbnb in Madrid (with a few exceptions). Here are some of the average costs of a hostel in Madrid:
- Dorm (mixed or female-only): $17-25/night
- Private Room: $35-50/night
When looking for a hostel, you’ll find most of the best hostels on HOSTELWORLD. There you can check out photos, detailed information about the place, and even reviews from previous guests. Just like other booking platforms, each hostel will have a rating, so you can easily pick out the hidden gems!
Madrid is a very well-connected city, but each district has its own vibes. When you’re looking for accommodation, you’ll have to find out where to stay in Madrid first, before you can plan any further.
Since there are so many things to do in Madrid, you want to be sure to stay close to the buzz. Planning and preparing your trip will pay off in the long run.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
The 5 BEST Cheap Hostels in Madrid
There are many Madrid hostels, but these cheap-o’s are by far the best hostels tucked away in the city!
#1 Best Overall Hostel in Madrid – Petit Hostel
Petit Hostel is a surprisingly elegant backpacker hostel. They say they’re “more than just a hostel”, and perhaps they are. But what it is, is a pretty cool place to hang out during your travels in Madrid, with some great reviews to show for it.
This modern hostel offers smart and well organized spaces that are spotlessly clean. If you’re not really considered hostel life before, you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised. There’s electronic check-in and key card access to dorms, so it’s super up to date.
You’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay in Madrid – and a very affordable one at that!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
This place has a great location for exploring Madrid’s best sights. Specifically, it’s close to the Royal Palace, La Almudena and Plazo Mayor, among other top attractions. You’ll find a whole bunch of tapas joints in nearby La Latina, and you can go souvenir shopping at the Rastro Market.
There’s a sizable selection of rooms available at Petit Hostel, all of them comfy and clean. Let’s kick things off by taking a look at the dorm options, which include the following:
- Mixed dorm
- Female dorm
If you’re traveling in a group and want a private room to yourselves, you can book a 4+ bed private room.
Prices per night start from around $17 USD.
Any extras?
Not only is this place one of the best budget hostels in Madrid, but they also have a fair few perks that make staying here even more worth it. These include:
- Self check-in/check-out
- 24-hour reception
- Vending machines
- Key card access
This place may not be the most happening party hub out there, but it’s clean, it’s cool and it’s definitely easy on the wallet. One particularly awesome thing we like is the key card situation – you even use the same one for your locker, so it all feels pretty secure.
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View on Osprey View on REI#2 Best Hostel in Madrid for Families – Toc Hostel Madrid
Toc Hostel Madrid is situated in a traditional downtown apartment building near Plaza Mayor, so you can be sure to expect some history and period features. In fact, the hostel bar is super swish, with crazy original ornate ceilings making you feel like you’re drinking in some sort of palace.
The history continues in the dorms, where you’ll find the spacious pod-style bunks mingling with exposed wooden beams in its loft spaces and large windows elsewhere. The private rooms though are next-level – hotel quality.
It’s a bright and breezy hostel, with an artsy, modern atmosphere. There are nice places to hang out as well, such as the games room and the restaurant. As you may be able to tell, it’s not exactly backpacker central – it’s more catered to welcoming couples and even families (they’re child-friendly).
Why you’ll love this hostel:
This budget hostel is situated close to the Porta del Sol metro station – with Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace an easy stroll away. There’s good shopping to be had on the doorstep if that’s your thing, but there are also plenty of places to eat and drink close by as well. It’s Central Madrid, after all.
Like the sound of all that? Then you’ll want to know about the wide range of room types going on here. Let’s start with the dorms:
- Mixed dorm
- Female dorm
There are private rooms on offer, too:
- Double room
- 3+ bed private rooms
Prices per night start from around $21 USD.
Any extras?
It’s easily one of the most beautiful budget hostels in Madrid, but there’s more than just impressive interiors and a cheap bunk going on here. You’ll also get to benefit from the following perks:
- Communal kitchen
- Games room
- Vending machines
- Housekeeping
If you’re in town to party you’d better look elsewhere, as Toc Hostel Madrid is firmly family-friendly. So, if you’re after somewhere quiet and chilled to relax after a day of exploring Madrid, this place is just the ticket.
#3 Best Hostel in Madrid for Digital Nomads – Generator Madrid
Generator is a funky Europe-wide hostel chain, so you know that any iteration of this brand is going to be reliable. In fact, it is considered one of the best hostels in Europe! Generator Madrid is no different. Well, other than the fact that it’s situated in a converted 1930s gas station.
The interiors make it feel more like a boutique hotel than a budget hostel in Madrid. It’s seriously stylish – from the vintage vibes of the diner-esque bar, all the way to the clean and minimal dorms.
The jewel in the crown at this place has to be its rooftop terrace. Here’s where you can enjoy cocktails, either in one of the lounge chairs or in a hot tub – your choice! It’s got views out across the city too. Basically, Generator Madrid will surpass all expectations.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
Located in the city center, just off the hustle and bustle of Gran Via, you’ll find this branch of Generator on the corner of Calle de Silva and Calle de San Bernardo. Just out the front door, there are a whole lot of eateries, galleries, and sights to check out. No matter what you’re planning to do in Madrid, you can do it from here.
It may look like a boutique hotel, but yes, Generator Madrid still has dorm rooms on offer. These include:
- Mixed dorm
- Femmale dorm
Dorms not your thing? Then you’ll definitely want to check out these private rooms:
- Twin room
- Double room
- Family room
Prices per night start from $25.
Any extras?
Generator Madrid is a very cool place to be. There is a load of cool amenities to match, making sure your stay in this funky hostel is pretty much hotel quality:
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Cocktail bar
- 24-hour reception
The only thing we can say about this particular Generator is that you may miss the atmosphere you’d (probably) otherwise get at another budget hostel in Madrid. It’s definitely lacking that “traditional” backpacking vibe. We reckon it’s a great choice for couples looking to spend a romantic weekend in Madrid, but it really is suitable for any traveller.
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#4 Best Cheap Hostel in Madrid – Barbieri Sol Hostel
Pretty much the opposite of Generator, Barbieri Sol Hostel isn’t particularly sleek. But what it does have is a lively, welcoming atmosphere to match the surrounding area of Puerta del Sol.
The staff are friendly, helpful, and a big part of the hostel vibe. But one of the best things about this cheap hostel in Madrid is the huge rooftop terrace – perfect for evening drinks or sunning yourself in the afternoon! Naturally, it’s the social hub of the hostel.
There’s also a communal kitchen where you can keep costs low by cooking up your own meals. The nightly rate is also a bargain, so if you like the thought of a social hostel that won’t break the bank, this place is for you.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
Barbieri Sol Hostel has an awesome location. It’s central, situated in Puerta del Sol Square on the Calle de la Victoria. This means you’ll be right next door to some of the best bars and nightclubs in the city. This street is also really well known for tapas which is a bonus. From the hostel, you can easily walk to the city’s top attractions including Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park, and the Royal Palace.
As for sleeping arrangements, there are only 12 rooms at Barbieri Sol Hostel comprising of dorms or private rooms. They are as follows:
- Mixed dorm
- Twin room (private)
Prices start from around $17 per night.
Any extras?
It may be a small hotel, but this budget-friendly option has a whole lot of heart and some great amenities to boot. These include:
- Air-con
- Security lockers
- Free city tour
- Common room
Being close to some of the city’s best bars and clubs (according to the hostel, anyway) is a major plus of staying at Barbieri Sol Hostel. Even if you’re not here for the nightlife, the friendly vibe of this compact hostel really helps make it a solid option if you’re backpacking Spain on a budget.
#5 Best Hostel in Madrid for Solo Travellers – Hostel One Madrid
This is one cool, hipster-friendly hostel alright. Boasting bucketfuls of friendly vibes alongside its colorful interiors, this place is a solid choice for a budget hostel in Madrid.
One of the best things about Hostel One Madrid is its huge outdoor courtyard, complete with wall art and plenty of places to sit and chill. Dorms here are spacious, complete with parquet floors and large windows. Another major plus – the bathrooms are spotlessly clean.
This place is particularly great for solo travellers. Thanks to its roster of get-togethers and family dinners, you’re bound to feel super welcome here. The awesome atmosphere is easily the winning element of this hostel, with the staff really helping to bring it all together. That’s probably why this place consistently gets 10/10 review scores. It truly is difficult to say anything bad about it.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
Location-wise, this budget hostel is in bohemian Malasana, the coolest neighbourhood in Madrid. It’s less than a five-minute walk from here to the Noviciado subway station, which makes getting around the capital fairly easy. The district itself is known for its cool places to hang out, with plenty of shops, cafes, and bars to explore.
Below, you’ll find the choice of dorm beds available at Hostel One Madrid:
- Mixed dorm
- Female dorm
There’s one private room on offer here – a standard twin room with a shared bathroom.
Prices per night start from around $18.
Any extras?
Your room rate gets you more than just a bed for the night. There are some added extras to Hostel One Madrid that you should know about:
- Elevator
- Outdoor terrace
- Luggage storage
- Cafe
There are some pretty cool happenings going down at Hostel One Madrid, too. They include:
- Free family evening meals
- Free walking tour
- Organised nights out
- Weekly day trips
In terms of a social atmosphere, this place could well be the winner of all the budget hostels in Madrid. The staff goes above and beyond to make everyone feel at home, so you’ll know you’re in good hands.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Cheap Hostels in Madrid FAQ
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ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
So, did you find the perfect “Hostales baratos en Madrid?” Hopefully, this guide has allowed you to discover some awesome digs in the Spanish capital, we certainly had a great time here and as you can see, our hostel even had an incredible balcony!
Final Thoughts on Cheap Hostels in Madrid
Taking a trip to Madrid is always a good idea. Not only does this city have some amazing sights to soak up, but it’s super easy to visit on a budget when you opt to stay in a hostel.
Madrid’s cheap hostels are a mixed bunch – some are sleek and inside large buildings, others more low-key and sociable.
Whatever your travel style, Madrid’s hostel scene has you covered. Let us know which hostel you decide to choose! I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures.
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