The Best Student Bars In Centro Madrid

Madrid is a great destination for students. The Spanish capital has great weather, fascinating history and buzzing nightlife. But how do you keep to a strict student budget when there are tempting tapas bars at every turn? Follow our guide to the best student bars in Madrid.

1. 100 Montaditos

Pub, Restaurant, Bar, Spanish, Beer

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.

2. Museo del Jamón

Bar, Restaurant, Spanish, Tapas

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.

3. La Sureña

Bar, Restaurant, Spanish, Beer

Cervecería La Sureña, Plaza de Jacinto Benavente

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.

5. +KCopas

Bar, Spanish, Tapas

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.

6. The Hat

Boutique Hotel, Budget Hotel, Hostel, Hotel

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!

7. Mauna Loa

Bar, Pub Grub

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.

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