Spain’s buzzing and vibrant capital is one of the most exciting cities in Europe. In the daytime its perfect for strolling down the wide boulevards or through the awesome green spaces… However, it’s after dark night when this place really comes alive though – whether you want backstreet tapas bars or mega clubs, you’ll find them throughout the city!
But what about finding a place to stay? Well, there’s plenty of choice whatever your style. But for a home away from home, consider an Airbnb in Madrid over a hostel or hotel. It’ll give you the chance to either get to know a local family, have an opulent penthouse, or just get some well-earned me-time. Sounds good, right?
There’s only one problem. There are a lot of Airbnbs in the Spanish capital! So, I’ve decided to help you out. In this post, I’ll take a look at some of the coolest private rentals in Madrid. I’ve taken every budget, travel style, and taste into account, so strap yourselves in and enjoy!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Madrid
Apartment in the City Center
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Great location in the city center
- > Sauna/Steam Room
Comfy Private room in the Centre
- > $
- > 1 Guest
- > Air-conditioning
- > Private mini-fridge
The Marquis’ Former Home
- > $$$$$
- > 6 Guests
- > Overlooking Plaza Mayor
- > Airbnb Plus Property
Private room near great tapas bars
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Awesome location
- > Shared balcony
Puerta del Sol Attic Room
- > $$
- > 3 Guests
- > Laptop-friendly workspace
- > Breakfast included
What to Expect from an Airbnb in Madrid
Madrid is diverse, rich in history, and bursting with Spanish flair, so there’s no wonder you’ll be spoiled for choice in stylish and well-appointed Airbnbs here.
In a tourist hub like Madrid, it’s especially easy to be sucked into the world of cold (and expensive!) hotels, so Airbnbs that are designed and maintained by locals are the perfect antidote. Though some laws being introduced are beginning to regulate what kind of property can and can’t be listed on Airbnb, right now the field is pretty wide open – and that’s awesome for visitors!
I’m always pleasantly surprised by the chic and cheerful spaces on offer in this magical city – and you will be too! Below, check out some of the awesome property types you’ll be choosing from when you book an Airbnb in Madrid.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Madrid has long been a favorite for tourists in sunny Spain, so there are tons of well-serviced and top-rated B&Bs that are centrally located and affordable to boot. Keep an eye out for bed and breakfasts in Madrid with great views, home-cooked brekkies (no continental options around here!) and lots of local knowledge that will make your trip that much more special.
If you’re here on The Broke Backpacker, chances are you’re not a stranger to the hostel life – and neither are many travellers in Madrid! You’ll find more than 250 hostels in Madrid on Airbnb. I love this because even if you’re not ready to shell out on an entire apartment or a villa, you can still take advantage of Airbnb’s easy-as-pie booking platform and their highly thorough review process for trustworthy recommendations. No more unpleasant surprises when you arrive at a hostel? I’ll get behind that!
Last but not least, I have to highlight private apartments in Madrid because they’re so often beautifully designed and in stunning historical buildings. These vacation rentals in Madrid tend to be central-to-everything as well. Madrid is well-known for their style and quality of life, and you’ll be able to take full advantage of that at any of 300+ private apartments available in Madrid right now.
We love a good deal!
We’ve included links to Booking.com as well throughout this post — as we have found many of the same properties available on Booking and they are usually at a cheaper price! We’ve included both button options where we can to give you the choice of where you book 🙂
The Top 18 Airbnbs in Madrid
Now you know what to expect from Airbnbs in Madrid, it’s time to take a look at the best ones!
Apartment in the City Center | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Madrid
Let’s kick off with one of the best apartments in Madrid – regardless of price! The location is second to none, as it’s right in the historic centre, which will save on transportation costs for sightseeing. This accommodation is ideally located within walking distance of most of the city’s top things to do in Madrid.
You’d think a city center location would be noisy though, right? Not here. Although you’re right in the thick of the action (think tapas bars open ‘til well after midnight), you’ll not have trouble sleeping as this place is hidden away on a quiet street. I love the cozy lofted bed, too!
My other favorite feature has to be the combo sauna/steam room in the bathroom. Perfect after a little too much sangria the night before!
Comfy Private room in the Centre | Best Budget Airbnb in Madrid
Madrid is one of the cheapest capital cities in Europe, so you’ll get a lot more here for your money than you would in say Paris or London. To keep your costs as low as possible, a private room is usually your best bet. However, when it’s this good, you won’t feel let down with your Madrid Airbnb!
Even though it’s advertised as a private room, you do in fact get an entire rental unit. It can comfortably fit 1 guest and is kitted out with its own private bathroom, mini-fridge, and working space. The low price tag means more money for cañas and tapas – impossible to complain, really! Even though it’s cheap as patatas bravas, you can make use of air conditioning, too.
You should note though, this room does not have a kitchen, but does have a private entrance!
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View on Osprey View on REIThe Marquis’ Former Home | Over-the-Top Luxury Airbnb in Madrid
If you’re looking for something really over the top, why not stay in this former home of a Marquis overlooking Plaza Mayor? I thought you’d like that. And the views of the square from the Juliet balcony are quite something to behold!
The minimalist home is packed with luxurious furniture, and you have the choice of staying in a super-king or king bed. You could also stay in a single, but why would you?! Unless you’re in a big group of course. And if you are, it dramatically reduces the cost of one of the overall best Airbnbs in Madrid!
The location is perfect as you are within walking distance to all the main attractions such as the Royal Palace and Pontifical Basilica of St. Michael.
Private room near great tapas bars | Perfect Madrid Airbnb for Solo Travellers
When you’re travelling solo, people will always be telling you the best hostel to stay in to make friends. However, I know that hostels aren’t for everyone! It’s still a good idea to have a bit of company though, so a private room is an excellent option, especially if you have a friendly host who is happy to give you recommendations.
Another thing you’ll probably want if you plan on meeting people is a location with plenty of bars. La Latina will give you exactly that, and you can head to tapas bars and make friends over a caña!
Puerta del Sol Attic Room | Perfect Short Term Airbnb in Madrid for Digital Nomads
Being a digital nomad is great… Until you don’t have wifi or a place to put your laptop down. Happily, this cool private room in an attic within walking distance of Puerta del Sol has both of those things.
It’s also got a double bed so you can spread out and work propped up on your pillows. Not only that, but it also has a complimentary breakfast with the most important thing of all – coffee!
If you’ve spent all day inside working, you’ll want a convenient location for visiting all of Madrid’s great galleries and museums. This ticks that box too!
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It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Madrid
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Madrid!
Charming Chueca Apartment | Best Airbnb in Madrid for Nightlife
How do you decide which is the best area for nightlife in Madrid? Malasaña and Lavapies are worthy contenders alongside the Old Town. However, none of them quite match Chueca’s vibe!
This stylish and vintage-inspired studio is just a hop, skip, and a jump from some of Madrid’s most vibrant nightlife. If you do have one too many red wines, you could find worse places to get over your hangover.
The air-conditioning and TV will help restore you to humanity before you head out again the next night. If you are planning on staying in Malasaña or Lavapies, there are other options on this list that will suit you too so read on.
Spacious Apartment near Sol | Best short-term rental for couples
What’s better than waking up next to your other half? Well, them making you breakfast in bed, of course. Second place is waking up with an awesome view of a Spanish square, which is exactly what you’ll get here.
This cozy apartment is near Puerta del Sol, one of Madrid’s most bustling and vibrant squares where you’ll find shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. The clean and modern apartment has a queen-sized double bed which you might just end up staying in all night and day!
Also, it’s in a historic building but has been renovated with all the modern conveniences and style of a new apartment!
Private Room in Malasaña | Best Homestay in Madrid
When looking for a homestay in Madrid, you want somewhere with a local who can show you lots and keep a clean, tidy home, right? Well, look no further than this private room in a vacation rental in Madrid.
Not only is the room excellent, with a private bathroom and working space, but there are lots of cool bars on the narrow, cobbled street down below. This space has been designed for remote workers and solo travelers to connect and build a community, perfect for those looking to mingle with others.
2-Level Penthouse | Another Budget Apartment in Madrid
Now I know what you’re thinking, a penthouse doesn’t scream affordable! But this penthouse in the Chueca district is just that.
It has been decorated in white washed everything, so it feels super clean and light. The space is small but not cramped in any way. The entire rental unit has a spacious living area that is connected to the kitchen, so everything is well laid out.
The location is close to the metro and it is also within walking distance of the city center, so you cannot ask for a better place to stay in Madrid. The host is also very helpful and can provide recommendations for the best places to visit!
Luxury Penthouse with Terrace | Amazing Luxury Airbnb in Madrid
Cool individual places to stay are what Airbnb is all about. So, let’s take a closer look at one of the best luxury apartments in Madrid. The terrace is the really awesome feature here – there’s space for 6 people to dine (so if you’ve got friends in the area you could probably invite them over, with the host’s permission).
You can certainly enjoy your complimentary breakfast out here! The great thing is that even though this is a city center luxurious apartment, splitting it between four means it’s not as expensive as you’d expect. Especially considering all the facilities!
Large Apartment by Atocha | Best Airbnb in Madrid for Families
Not only is this a great entire apartment, but its location by Atocha train station is important. If you’re traveling with kids and they’re getting stir crazy, it’s the ideal place for a day trip to somewhere like Parque Warner or nearby Toledo.
There are double beds, single beds, and bunks for up to 8 guests, so you’d have to be a pretty big family not to fit in here! If you’ve had a long day out, check out the hot tub which is one of the top-selling points of this awesome Madrid apartment!
Stunning Apartment | Best Airbnb in Madrid for a Group of Friends
If you’re travelling with friends, you’ll want somewhere with plenty of room. There’s space for 6 guests on king beds, single beds, and even a sofa bed. And the dining table? There’s room for six around that too. So, if you fancy a night in making food and having a great time together (not to mention saving a wad of cash), you’re all sorted! After the food, settle down in front of a movie on the flat-screen TV!
Count’s Secret Lair in Plaza Mayor | Best Airbnb in Plaza Mayor
So, I know you’ve already seen a few flats in and around Plaza Mayor. But, I’m ending on a high note!
This awesome secret lair is in the plaza itself and has room for 4 guests to people watch down from the balcony to the square below. The interior design is super cool, with exposed brickwork and wooden beams. It’s not style over substance though – as there’s a fully equipped kitchen!
Plaza Mayor Loft | Loft Apartment in Plaza Mayor
I PROMISE this is the last Madrid Airbnb I’ll show you by Plaza Mayor – but I just couldn’t leave it out! It’s a little cheaper and smaller than the other options, but it’s just as cool and stylish. Exposed wooden beams, lots of light, and lots of lovely little touches mean it’s an awesome place to be.
The only thing that rivals how nice this place is inside, are the two balconies that look out onto Plaza Mayor. Whether you’re in Madrid for a weekend or fiesta, this is a great base.
The Light of La Latina | Best Airbnb Plus in Madrid
By now, you know the drill with Airbnb Plus properties – they have to maintain a year of amazing guest ratings to get the Plus stamp of approval, and their listings are individually verified by Airbnb. So, you can rest assured when you book a Plus property – it’s going to live up to the expectations all those beautiful photos put in your head.
What’s special about this property is its location in the Embajadores neighbourhood of Madrid, rated one of the 50 coolest neighbourhoods in the world by the good people over at Time Out magazine. The beautiful terrace off your bedroom opens over the Pavón Teatro Kamikaze, a theatre, bar and cafe frequented by Madrid’s coolest creative crowd.
Modern Room in Central Madrid | Best Designer Airbnb in Madrid
Madrid is a designer’s haven, with lots of modern and elegantly styled homes available for travellers, but this cozy apartment is a cut above the rest.
I think it’s special for two particular reasons: one, it has a private terrace/balcony with an outdoor hot tub, which is not common in Madrid. Two, it has incredible West facing windows with views over the city skyline. And you know what facing west means? sunsets. All that, and an awesome location? I’m in.
Bastardo Hostel Beds | Best Hostel on Airbnb in Madrid
Madrid is a backpacker’s haven, with lots of affordable hostels available for budget travellers, but this hostel is a cut above the rest. I think it’s special for two particular reasons: one, it was rated sparkling clean by the last 12+ bookers, which is no easy feat. Two, it’s keyless, and there’s no annoying wristbands – just use the barcode they’ll send to your phone to get in and out. All that, and an awesome location? I’m in.
Apartment near Gran Vía | Top Value Airbnb in Gran Vía
Last but not least is this cool spot just off Gran Vía. Lots of light comes into this 19th-century building and it’s a lovely place to wake up. Gran Vía is where you’ll find some of Madrid’s top shops, dining, nightlife, and it’s near all the attractions. A fully equipped kitchen, open plan dining room, and bedroom mean that you can really enjoy being in this area!
What To Pack For Madrid
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Madrid Travel Insurance
Before you head on your trip to Madrid, make sure you get your travel insurance sorted.
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.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
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.
Final Thoughts on Madrid Airbnbs
So, there you go. I’ve hand-picked an awesome selection of Madrid Airbnbs to make your trip as memorable, fun, and easy as possible. As you can see from my extensive list, there’s a huge variation in the types of places available.
Whether you want to have an authentic experience in a local’s house, bask on the roof terrace of a penthouse, or find somewhere to work away at your laptop, you won’t be disappointed. Madrid really does have everything.
In fact, you might feel there’s too much choice! If that’s the case, take it easy and pick my best value Airbnb in Madrid – the light and modern apartment in the center. It’s a great combination of value, style, and comfort.
All that’s left is for me to wish you an awesome holiday in the Spanish capital!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Check out our Backpacking Madrid guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Madrid guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Make sure you visit the other best places in Madrid too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of Spain.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
