I hadn’t been to Spain in about 10 years so on my recent trip to Madrid, I was looking forward to seeing what had changed and what hadn’t.  Well, the sunny Spanish weather was still there, as well as the sunny disposition of most Spainards.

Unfortunately, the Euro has brought with it a nasty surprise:  sticker shock.  I couldn’t believe how expensive everything was in Madrid, even on day trips and in off-beat neighbourhoods.  I’m talking like anywhere up to 2.50EUR for a bottle of coke!  Really crazy.  Anyway, I thought I’d share some tips on how I managed to not starve nor go broke while I was there.

Go to Museums on Free Days. Museo de Reina Sofia is free on the weekends, the Prado is free 6pm until 8pm from Tuesday to Saturday and 5pm until 8pm on Sundays.  Palacio Real is free on Wednesdays.  Sure, the museums are more crowded at these times, but unfortunately, utmost of Madrid is crowded all the time in the way that I doubt you’ll notice a difference.

Enjoy the parks – they’re free. Always.  The Retiro was my favourite, with its wonderful ponds and statues and architecture.

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Madrid’s Cine Doré offers films for €2.50! Photo by SantiMD.

By Cynthia Kane in Madrid–

Madrid is known for its great nightlife — from thumping clubs to tapas bars. But did you know that the city also offers its share of Cheapo-friendly nighttime entertainment options? Here are some of our favorite spots for finding film and music in Madrid.

Cine Doré Tuesday – Sunday Calle de Santa Isabel 3 28012 Madrid, Spain +34 913 691 125

Cine Doré is the exhibition hall of the Spanish Film Library. Also known as the Filmoteca, this beautiful old theater dates back to 1923. Today the cinema offers three projection rooms and shows old and newly come films in their original versions. Aside from films, the theater also holds seminars, roundtables, conferences, and book talks… all of them great! But what sweetens the deal further is it’s price–it only costs €2.50 to catch a film. What a deal!

Contra Club

Live music nightly at the Contra Club.

Calle de Bailén 16 28005 Madrid, Spain +34 915 231 511

Madrid’s Contra Club offers live music acts practically every night.

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Tapas make a cheap and tasty meal. Photo by Ville.fi.

By Nicolas J. Clément in Madrid—

For affordable eating in Madrid, you can choose between tapas or more expensive entrees in regular restaurants. Tapas, the famous party plates served in bars throughout Spain, are usually served with a caña (small beer) or a “caña doble,” if you’re really thirsty (it’s a better deal).

If you opt for tapas, you should consider hopping from one tapas bar to another. Each place will offer a different selection of plates, from the big and generous to the almost nonexistent (next!). Many of the best tapas bars in Madrid are located in “Zona Centro,” the liveliest neighborhood for nightlife. After downing some tapas, you can explore the nightlife on the hopping Calle Huertas.

Here is a quick list of my favorite restaurants that will provide an evening of excellent tapas tasting:

Malaspina Calle Cádiz, 9 (Metro Sol), open daily from 10.30 PM to 2 AM

It’s best to visit the informal Malaspina at night, when Calle Cadiz and Calle Barcelona are bustling with life, people and, well, “madrileños and madrileñas de toda la vida” (regulars).

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Cervecería 100 Montaditos serves cheap sandwiches. Photo by Infollatus.

By Cynthia Kane in Madrid—

Although Madrid is a pricey city, there are still many restaurants that offer up great food at a low, low, price! From €1 sandwiches to prix fixe Argentinean dinners under €20, Madrid has your tastes (and your wallet) covered. Below you’ll find five of our favorite cheap Madrid restaurants.

Glorieta de Montera Caballero de Gracia, 10 1- 3:45 PM & 8:30 – 11:45 PM Telephone: 91 523 44 07 Metro: Gran Via

Glorieta de Montera, along by its sister restaurants La Finca de Susana, Bazaar, and Ginger, strikes an sagacious balance between fine dining and cheap eats. All three Mediterranean restaurants have classic, white, minimalist décor injected with just enough creativity to keep them from teetering into the banal.

Polite staff and an ample, interesting menu may lead you to believe you’re going to get whopped by the bill, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised: fettuccini with chicken and dried tomatoes costs conscientious €5.99, and risotto with asparagus and artichokes or rice with squid costs €5.98.

The portions are generous, as is the half carafe of wine that comes with the meal.

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Shopping in Madrid.

You have a travel visa and you’ve booked your flight. It’s official: You’re moving to Madrid. If you’re like me, you want to have everything figured out before you go on shore at the Barajas airport. Thanks to the Internet, you just might.

With enough research and preparation beforehand, moving to Madrid will be less stressful and overwhelming. So whether your move is short-lived (like mine) or for good, here are eight things to keep in mind likewise your transition into Spanish life is a smooth one.

1. How’s your Spanish?

Brush up without ceasing your high school-level Spanish. Having a basic grasp of the language will make it much easier to contact potential employers and declare by verdict an apartment. Some easy ways to do this include watching Spanish news and opting for Spanish subtitles when watching a movie. (And if you esteem never sat down to watch a Spanish soap opera, now might be the time to see what you’ve been missing!)

2. Find shelter

While finding a place to live before you arrive is ideal, it’s much easier to search for housing once you’re there and quick to meet landlords and owners in person. Read more…