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!

A busy square with old building in Madrid, Spain
The view from my room!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

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Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Madrid

OVERALL BEST VALUE AIRBNB IN MADRID
Apartment in the heart of Madrid
OVERALL BEST VALUE AIRBNB IN MADRID

Apartment in the City Center

  • > $$
  • > 2 Guests
  • > Great location in the city center
  • > Sauna/Steam Room
BEST BUDGET AIRBNB IN MADRID
Comfy private room in the centre
BEST BUDGET AIRBNB IN MADRID

Comfy Private room in the Centre

  • > $
  • > 1 Guest
  • > Air-conditioning
  • > Private mini-fridge
OVER-THE-TOP LUXURY AIRBNB IN MADRID
The Marquis former home, Madrid
OVER-THE-TOP LUXURY AIRBNB IN MADRID

The Marquis’ Former Home

  • > $$$$$
  • > 6 Guests
  • > Overlooking Plaza Mayor
  • > Airbnb Plus Property
FOR SOLO TRAVELERS IN MADRID
Private room near great tapas bars
FOR SOLO TRAVELERS IN MADRID

Private room near great tapas bars

  • > $
  • > 2 Guests
  • > Awesome location
  • > Shared balcony
IDEAL DIGITAL NOMAD AIRBNB
Attic room near Sol
IDEAL DIGITAL NOMAD AIRBNB

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.

Nic standing next to street art of Dick Dastardly in Madrid, Spain.
A dick and a Dick!
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.

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

Apartment in the heart of Madrid
This loft-style space offers great value and an unbeatable location

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

Comfy private room in the centre

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!

Is This the Best Backpack EVER???
audy on top of a mountain in japan with the osprey aether

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

View on Osprey View on REI

The Marquis’ Former Home | Over-the-Top Luxury Airbnb in Madrid

The Marquis former home
It’s worth clicking on this one just to see the rest of this stunning apartment.

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

Private room near great tapas bars

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

Attic room near Sol
Free morning coffee means you won’t have to walk farther than a flight of stairs before you can get to work!

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!

Travel with peace of mind. Travel WITH a security belt.
Active Roots Security Belt

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

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!

Modern Apartment | Best Airbnb in Madrid for Nightlife

Modern Apartment

So you’re in need of somewhere to crash close to the best bars and nightlife in Madrid? You, my friend, are in for a treat.

This apartment is steps away from delicious restaurants, swanky cocktail bars, clubs, get ready for a night you definitely won’t remember. Now, let’s be honest nobody wants to walk miles for a brekkie after a few too many, well good news, there’s heaps of cafes on your doorstep with coffee strong enough to bring Elvis back to life.

The apartment itself is modern, clean and has some funky interior. There’s a large comfy queen-sized bed, living room and a kitchen if you want to whip up the finest eggs on toast Madrid has ever seen,

Overall I’d recommend this apartment if you want to be close to the action without breaking the bank.

Spacious Apartment near Sol | Best short-term rental for couples

Spacious Apartment near Sol

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

Private room in Malasaña

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

2-Level Penthouse

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

Luxury penthouse with terrace oasis
The interiors of this luxury Airbnb are just as stunning as this terrace!

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

Large apartment by Atocha
Your whole family will love this colorful apartment in Madrid.

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

Stunning Sol Apartment
This clean and colorful apartment has plenty of room for all your travel buddies.

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

The fish-eye photography doesn’t do this place justice, trust us.

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

Plaza Mayor Loft

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

The Light of La Latina

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

Modern Room in Central 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.

Dorm in room of 6 | Best Hostel on Airbnb in Madrid

Dorm in room of 6

Hostels on Airbnb? Has the world gone mad? Yes… but that’s a conversation for another time.

There is no shortage of hostels in Madrid, it’s a budget backpacker’s wet dream and in my humble backpack opinion, here is the best hostel on Airbnb.

Stay in a moderately comfy bed in a room of six or you’ve got the option of a private room. There’s a shared kitchen, ideal for simple cooking. You’re in a great location next to the metro and close to bars. And the cherry on the cake is the price, a true budget traveller’s heaven.

Apartment near Gran Vía | Top Value Airbnb in Gran Vía

Apartment off Gran Via
I love the stylish-but-rustic vibe in this classic apartment.

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.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

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.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

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.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

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.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

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.

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

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!

Nic and Shorty doing a selfie in front of the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain
Selfie or it didn’t happen!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Looking for more info on visiting Madrid?

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the broke backpacker team at the water temple in bali
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