The Best Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals in Madrid, Spain

Gran Vía in Madrid, Spain, is the perfect place for a shopping spree
Gran Vía in Madrid, Spain, is the perfect place for a shopping spree | © Robert Zehetmayer / Alamy Stock Photo

Royal palaces sit beside ancient Egyptian temples in Madrid, Spain’s elegant capital city. Stroll through the Puerta del Sol (the centre point of Spain) before admiring works by Velázquez at the Prado Museum. Tuck into tapas at Mercado San Miguel before retiring to one of these top holiday apartments in Madrid that you can book with Culture Trip.

Spain is a country as diverse as it is enchanting. At the centre of it all – quite literally – proudly stands its capital, Madrid. It’s a city the Madrileños are understandably proud of, home to some of the world’s finest art collections, top Spanish dining and a quality of life that leaves many big cities in the dust. The best way to immerse yourself in this buzzing metropolis? Book yourself a Madrid holiday rental that feels like home.

1. Super stylish, modernist apartments in Malasaña

Apartment

A stylish and contemporary lounge with a blue sofa, an armchair, two tables and a bedroom beyond at Mante House - Malasaña Design
Courtesy of Mante House - Malasaña Design / Booking.com

Tucked along a cobbled shopping lane in Madrid’s happening Malasaña neighbourhood, these smart holiday apartments in Madrid sit in the city’s main university district. They come in a wide choice of sizes, from one-bedrooms (sleeping up to three) to four-bedrooms (for groups of eight). Interiors are contemporary chic, with designer touches and plenty of space to flop. Fancy kitchens include espresso makers to help kick-start your day exploring the city.

2. Individually styled suites near the Sorolla Museum

Apartment

A twin room with a yellow wall, two single beds and hanging lanterns at Apartamento García Paredes
Courtesy of Apartamento García Paredes / Booking.com

Housed in a grand red-brick building in the swanky Almagro district, these elegant Airbnbs in Madrid reflect their upscale surroundings. Studio-plan apartments accommodate two in either queen or twin beds. Kitchenettes are ideal for snacks and light meals, while a washing machine is great for longer stays. Memory foam mattresses and premium bedding also aid a great night’s sleep. There are lots of great places to eat nearby, but queso fans shouldn’t miss the Poncelet Cheese Bar, a few minutes away.

4. City centre pad boasting excellent transport connections

Apartment

A TV and a king size bed in a chic bedroom with a Juliette balcony at Behap Madrid Puerta del Sol
Courtesy of Behap Madrid Puerta del Sol / Expedia

Located right on the bustling transport hub of Puerta del Sol, these one- and two-bedroom apartments are perfectly positioned for exploring the Spanish capital – and beyond – by train. But there’s loads to easily discover on foot, too, including the Plaza Mayor a few minutes away. As well as accommodating groups of up to four or six, the spacious Madrid holiday apartments come with modern kitchens with the added convenience of washing machines if you’re staying a while.

5. Scandi-design apartments with a 24/7 front desk

Apartment

An eye-pleasing combination of crisp white walls, modern artworks and retro-style furnishings give the NQN Apartments & Suites a real feeling of calm. Step outside, however, and just a block away is the central shopping avenue of Gran Vía. The soundproofed vacation apartments in Madrid can sleep couples to families of five and all come with open-plan kitchen-lounge-dining areas – perfect for chilling out after a day discovering the Spanish capital.

6. Chic units with exposed brick and pop colours

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Each themed around famous couples – from Romeo and Juliet to Homer and Marge – these city-centre holiday rentals in Madrid are imbued with a spirit of fun and romance. One- and two-bedroom units, however, accommodate up to four and six guests respectively. Calming tones and modern furnishings create a light and breezy mood, with some apartments opening to balconies overlooking the quiet Plaza Conde de Miranda, where they’re located.

7. Exclusive studios close to Plaza Mayor

Apartment

A large bed with yellow cushions and a throw, decorative art wallpaper behind it and a wooden floor at Plaza Mayor Suites & Apartments
Courtesy of Plaza Mayor Suites & Apartments / Expedia

While not actually on Madrid’s main square, Plaza Mayor Suites & Apartments could hardly be much closer. The 27 neatly arranged vacation rental apartments are housed in a typically handsome building right in the city centre, so within walking distance of an abundance of attractions. All have a studio-type layout with double beds for two and kitchenettes or separate kitchens. You can upgrade for rooms with balconies or, for a real treat, plump for one with the sunny rooftop terrace.

8. Sleek four-person accommodation in Malasaña

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Set in the heart of the student-friendly Malasaña district, this one-bedroom Airbnb in Madrid offers everything you might need for a comfortable stay in the capital. It accommodates up to four, with an open-plan kitchen-lounge space with a sofa bed. There are a Bluetooth speaker for music and a coffee pod machine for your morning caffeine fix. Step outside, and you have Noviciado Metro station right on your doorstep, while a 5-minute stroll takes you to the shopping street of Gran Vía.

9. A 16th-century palace in La Latina

Apartment

An apartment with wood-beamed vaulted ceiling, a TV, a cushioned sofa, a dining table, chairs and plants at A 16th Century Palace in La Latina
Courtesy of A 16th Century Palace in La Latina / Booking.com

Situated in the historic barrio of La Latina, renowned for its tapas bars, this is the place to head if you want an authentic taste of traditional Spain. The decor of this holiday rental in Madrid – once a part of the Duke of Alba’s palace, and now converted into a stunning penthouse – combines Spanish Renaissance Madrid with a twist of modern luxury. You’ll find beautiful wood panelling and ornate chandeliers throughout the Airbnb, and the former palace is an ideal place for cosying up after a long day of sightseeing or an evening of tapas-hopping.

10. High-end vintage apartment in historic Lavapiés

Apartment

If you like to be ahead of the curve, look no further than Lavapiés, Madrid’s up-and-coming, multicultural barrio. The apartment is effortlessly cool, with exposed brick walls and Art Deco furniture. Amenities include all of the latest mod cons, from a state-of-the-art Sonos sound system to a walk-in shower. The apartment is within easy walking distance of the most famous galleries in the city, so is ideal for any art-loving couple looking to visit Madrid’s world-renowned art museums.

Millie Olivia Paine contributed additional reporting to this article.
Looking for more places to stay in gorgeous Madrid? Check out our pick of the best bed and breakfasts to book in Madrid, bookable with Culture Trip.

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