Living in Madrid comes with one big perk: it’s one of the best-connected cities in Europe. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a quick escape without spending a fortune on flights, there are plenty of cheap trips from Madrid. From sunny beaches to historic cities, here are five budget-friendly destinations that are just a few hours away.
#1 Lisbon
I fell in love with Lisbon when I first visited in 2017 — between the gorgeous, hilly streets, ocean views, and pastéis de nata, it’s hard not to. The fact that it’s a cheap trip from Madrid makes it that much more appealing!
Things to Do/See
- Mosteiro dos Jerónimos – Ornate monastery showcasing Portugal’s iconic architecture.
- Torre de Belém – Riverside fortress with beautiful city and river views.
- Praça do Comércio – Lisbon’s main square, perfect for a sunny coffee stop.
- National Tile Museum – Explore Portugal’s famous azulejo tile art.
- Castelo de São Jorge – Hilltop castle offering panoramic city views.
Restaurant and Food Recommendations
- Pastéis de Belém – The original and best pastéis de nata in the city.
- Ponto Final – Fresh seafood and unforgettable ocean views.
- Miolo – Cozy brunch spot perfect for slow mornings.
- Cantina das Freiras – Great value meals with beautiful city views.
Hotel Recommendations
- Apartment for less than 100 Euros per night
- Cheap boutique hotel with rooftop terrace
- Trendy hotel close to the historic center
How to Get There
Find the cheapest flight and hotel deals through Booking.com. Depending on when you book, you can find direct flights as cheap as 26 Euros, making it one of the best cheap trips from Madrid! Travel time is about 1 hour 15 minutes, making it one of the easiest international weekend trips from Madrid.
Browse on Kiwi, which also has extremely low prices!
When to Visit for Best Prices
The best time to visit Lisbon is March–May or September–October, when the weather is mild, crowds are smaller, and prices are lower.
#2 Malta
If you’re craving sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and historic charm, Malta is one of the best cheap trips from Madrid. This Mediterranean island may be small, but it packs in a fascinating mix of cultures, ancient sites that predate the pyramids, and stunning coastlines that feel like a dream. Whether you’re exploring its Game of Thrones filming sites or lounging by the sea, Malta is a cheap trip from Madrid that feels worlds away.
Things to Do/See
- Visit Mdina – A historic city and filming location for Game of Thrones’ King’s Landing.
- Wander Valletta – Explore the capital’s colorful streets and harbor views.
- Crystal Lagoon – Swim in turquoise waters and take a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon.
- Marsaxlokk Market – Browse the local fish market and enjoy fresh seafood by the water.
- Mnajdra Temple & Hagar Qim – Ancient archaeological sites that predate the Egyptian pyramids.
Restaurant and Food Recommendations
- Crystal Palace (Rabat) – Grab a warm, flaky pastizzi, a must-try Maltese pastry.
- San Paolo Naufrago – Affordable local cuisine in a cozy setting.
- Nenu the Artisan Baker (Valletta) – Great for Maltese flatbreads and hearty local dishes.
- Ta’ Kris – Authentic Maltese food in a rustic atmosphere — perfect for dinner.
Hotel Recommendations
- Gorgeous hotel with a terrace in the heart of Mdina
- Beautiful beachfront apartment with affordable prices
- Historic affordable luxury boutique hotel in Rabat
How to Get There
Flights get as low as 70 Euros depending on when you book! I’d recommend looking at Kiwi to find affordable flights from Madrid. Not only do they have great prices, but they have excellent customer service to help you navigate any travel mishaps.
When to Visit for Best Prices
November to February are the cheapest months to visit, but the shoulder seasons (March–May or September–October) offer mild weather, thinner crowds, and still-affordable prices.
#3 Paris
Paris might seem like a splurge destination, but if you plan it right, you can turn it into one of the best-value cheap trips from Madrid. With affordable flights, budget-friendly hotels, and plenty of free attractions, you can enjoy the romance, art, and charm of the City of Light without breaking the bank.
Things to Do/See
- Eiffel Tower – The city’s icon; visit at sunrise or sunset for fewer crowds.
- Montmartre – Wander through artist-lined streets and visit the Sacré-Cœur.
- Latin Quarter – Enjoy cozy cafés, bookstores, and Parisian street life.
- The Louvre – A must for art lovers — even the courtyard and glass pyramid are worth the visit.
Restaurant and Food Recommendations
- Les Deux Magots – Famous for their rich hot chocolate.
- La Patisserie Viennoise – Budget-friendly lunch and pastries in the Latin Quarter.
- Le 17.45 – Build your own charcuterie board! Great way to sample French meats and cheeses without breaking the bank.
- Le Petit Boillon Pharamond – Budget-friendly dinner with classic French cuisine.
Hotel Recommendations
- Cute, budget-friendly hostel with private rooms in Montmartre
- Traditional French hotel in the heart of Paris
- Well-connected, cozy hotel in Montparnasse
How to Get There
Check for travel deals on Expedia! Depending on how far in advance you book, you can get flights for as little as 89 Euros directly through Expedia’s travel booking website.
When to Visit for Best Prices
Travel between January and March for the lowest prices, or plan your trip during April–May or September–October for milder weather and moderate rates.
#4 Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is one of the most vibrant and sensory-rich destinations you can visit from Madrid. From colorful souks to ornate palaces and incredible food, it’s a cultural experience unlike anywhere else. Plus, it’s surprisingly one of the best cheap trips from Madrid — you can find round-trip flights for less than €60!
Things to Do & See
- Jemaa el-Fna Square – The heart of Marrakech, full of food stalls and street performers.
- Shop the Souks – Wander through winding alleys filled with textiles, spices, and handmade goods.
- Bahia Palace – A masterpiece of Moroccan architecture.
- Ben Youssef Madrasa – A beautifully preserved Islamic college.
- Visit a Hammam – Relax at a traditional spa and enjoy Moroccan mint tea afterward.
Restaurant and Food Recommendations
- La Trattoria – Italian cuisine meets Moroccan ambiance.
- Le Jardin – Lush courtyard garden perfect for lunch.
- Dar Dar Rooftop – Great for sunset cocktails in the Medina.
- Comptoir Darna – Dinner with live entertainment.
- Dar El Bacha – Elegant café known for its coffee and pastries.
Hotel Recommendations
- Traditional riad close to the Medina. This is where I stayed on my trip to Marrakech, and I can’t recommend it enough!
- Peaceful riad with rooftop terrace, pool, and central location
- Gorgeously decorated traditional riad in the center
How to Get There
Flights are about 2 hours from Madrid and get as low as 60 Euros when you book through Expedia or Booking.com!
When to Visit for Best Prices
The best time to visit is January–March and September–October, when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller. Avoid July and August, when temperatures soar.
Want more tips? Check out my complete guide to Marrakech!
#5 Copenhagen, Denmark
If you love Scandinavian design, cozy cafés, and charming canals, Copenhagen is one of the best (and often overlooked) cheap trips from Madrid. While Denmark is known for being pricey, there are plenty of ways to visit on a budget — especially with affordable flights and cozy apartment rentals.
Things to Do & See
- Nyhavn Harbor – The city’s most photogenic spot.
- Christiansborg Palace – Visit the royal stables and climb the tower for a view of the city.
- Tivoli Gardens – One of the world’s oldest amusement parks.
- Rosenborg Castle – A fairy-tale fortress filled with royal treasures.
- Strøget Street – One of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets.
Restaurant and Food Recommendations
- Amator – Cozy spot for eggs and coffee.
- Mad & Kaffe – Trendy brunch café with local ingredients.
- Fabro – Delicious, affordable pasta.
- Ruffino Osteria – Romantic Italian dinner spot.
- Ved Stranden – Wine bar with cozy, candle-lit vibes.
Hotel Recommendations
- Cute apartment loft in the Queen’s neighborhood
- Hotel in the walking heart of Copenhagen
- Historic apartment on the harbor
How to Get There
Flights from Madrid get as low as 80 Euros when you book through Expedia or Booking.com!
When to Visit for Best Prices
The cheapest months are January–March, but pack warm clothes! For a balance of better weather and decent prices, try March–April or September–October.
Cheap Trips from Madrid: Interactive Map
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving beach days, city breaks, or a mix of culture and relaxation, these cheap trips from Madrid make it easy to explore more of Spain (and beyond) without spending a fortune.
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