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
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Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Madrid
Apartment in the City Center
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Great location in the city center
- > Sauna/Steam Room
Old Town Rooftops
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Rooftop Balcony
- > Self Check-in
Plaza Mayor by Monaro
- > $$$
- > 16+ Guests
- > City Views
- > Overlooking Plaza Mayor
Private room near great tapas bars
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Awesome location
- > Shared balcony
Puerta del Sol Attic Room
- > $$
- > 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.
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!
Old Town Rooftops | 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 other cities. 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!
This is an entire rental unit in the cosmopolitan neighborhood of Lavapiés, on a street without traffic or shops, an oasis of tranquility in Madrid. It can comfortably fit two guests and is kitted out with its own private bathroom, lounge, kitchen, and working space. The low price tag means more money for cañas and tapas – impossible to complain, really! You can make use of air conditioning, too.
Plaza Mayor by Monaro | Over-the-Top Luxury Airbnb in Madrid
You know what they say – location, location, location. 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!
More Epic Airbnbs in Madrid
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Madrid!
Modern Apartment | Best Airbnb in Madrid for Nightlife
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.
Gran Via Apartment | 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 gran Via, one of Madrid’s most bustling and vibrant squares where you’ll find shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. The clean and modern apartment has a lush 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. Including plenty of room to set up and get some work done if you’re living that digital nomad life.
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.
D-NewlyEstablished | 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!
The loft at RetiroPark | 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 all sorts of beds for up to six guests, so everyone should have space to snooze soundly! If you’ve had a long day out, check out the rain shower which is one of the top-selling points of this awesome Madrid apartment.
Stunning Design Flat | 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 six guests on queen beds, double 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.
Avant-Garde 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 four guests to watch down from the balcony to the square below. The interior design is super cool, with white walls and luxurious decor. 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.
La Latina Apartment | 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. This was rated one of the 50 coolest neighbourhoods in the world by the good people over at Time Out magazine.
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.
Dorm in room of 6 | Best Hostel on Airbnb in Madrid
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
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!
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!
One more tip: if you end up booking a hotel for a night or two during your trip, check HotelTonight before you book. It’s owned by Airbnb, and every booking earns you 10% of the base rate back as Airbnb credit (for US/UK users). So a hotel night can actually earn you credit toward your next Airbnb stay. We tested it against Booking.com and it came out cheaper more often than not, especially when counting the credit.
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.
