The Best Student Bars in Centro, Madrid

This chain sells 100 different varieties of montadito – miniature baguettes that come with a huge range of fillings, from ham and chorizo to hotdogs and burgers. It also sells sides such as fries and nachos. On Sundays and Wednesdays everything on the already cheap menu is slashed to just one euro, while on any day of the week you can get a tankard of beer or tinto de verano (the version of sangria that locals actually drink) for €1.50.

This Madrid institution specialises in, you guessed it, jamón, or Spain’s beloved cured ham. The first thing you notice as you walk into the bustling bar is the ham legs hanging from the ceiling. Locals prop up the bar and order bocadillos de jamón (ham baguettes), or raciones (sharing plates) of ham, cheese and other Spanish classics. A caña (small beer) starts at just 50 cents.

This firm student favourite specialises in selling buckets of five bottles of beer at knockdown prices that are ideal to share among a group of friends. It also sells snacks and tapas, with regular deals, such as a bucket of Cruzcampo and a plate of prawns for €7 every Sunday. On Thursdays raciones (sharing plates) are two-for-one – dishes include croquettes, calamari and chicken wings.

This low-cost bar is another student favourite in Madrid thanks to its bargain drinks prices. Much of its menu, from beers and wine to snacks and tapas, is just one euro. There is a good range of montaditos (mini baguettes) for one euro, while cocktails are a steal at €4.

This bargain chain, whose name translates as ‘More than Drinks’, offers a great range of cheap drinks and snacks and is an ideal location for students on a budget. Cañas (small beers) and wine (including cava) are a euro, shots are €2, and cocktails are €4. The food menu is extensive, from breakfasts to classic tapas, burgers and hot dogs.

This designer hostel just off Plaza Mayor has a ‘hidden roof terrace’ that is a magnet for the city’s hip young things. Prices are reasonable and the rooftop provides some great Instagram-worthy shots. Guests staying at the hostel are welcomed with a free beer on the rooftop – reason enough to stay, in our book. Cheers!

This Hawaiian-themed bar, on Plaza Santa Ana, is loved by students and is buzzing well into the early hours. It serves quirky cocktails that, from the name alone, are a bit of a mystery. The Volcano is a huge cocktail shared by several people and arrives with a cloud of dry ice spewing from the top. The bar is packed with unusual decor, from tanks full of tropical fish to Hawaiian-themed frescos on the walls.