11 of the Most Incredible Airbnb Alternatives in Madrid’s City Centre
Delve into the city’s history, culture and gastronomy with a stay in these enviable homes
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Spain's capital is one of the best destinations for those seeking an exciting city break. You'll find lively plazas, stunning architecture and fashionable shopping areas, as well as an excellent dining and nightlife scene. To make the most of your stay, we recommend basing yourself in the city centre, where you'll find all the attractions within arm's reach. Here at Plum Guide, we know Madrid like the back of our hand. To help you plan the perfect trip, we've selected our favourite Airbnb alternatives in Madrid's city centre. From one-bedroom apartments to larger homes for groups of friends and family, find your favourite from our list below.
City Elegance
City Elegance, Plum Guide home in Madrid
This stylish pad will please even the most discerning traveller. With an enviable location on Gran Vía, it’s the ideal choice for those who want all of the city’s attractions at their fingertips. But its central location is just part of its appeal. Inside, the high ceilings, ornamental plasterwork and bespoke wallpaper give the impression you’ve just stepped into a stately home. Whether you’re at the breakfast bar or gathered around the TV, there are plenty of areas for entertaining guests. The elegant decor continues into the two bedrooms, each with beautifully dressed beds. We recommend bagging the one with the en-suite for a pamper session in the Turkish-style sauna shower.
The New Muse
The New Muse, Plum Guide home in Madrid
Set in the central neighbourhood of Cortes, this home is ideal for visitors wanting to immerse themselves in Madrid’s art and culture scene. Follow in the footsteps of Spain’s most famous writers like Cervantes and Lope de Vega, before hopping from one tapas bar to another in Plaza de Santa Ana. When you’re feeling wiped, this stunning one-bedroom abode is exactly what you want to come home to. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the apartment is flooded with natural light. Admire the views over Madrid from the comfort of your bed, or step out onto the balcony to enjoy a sangria in the sun. There’s even a desk should you need to catch up on emails, and a second lounge which makes for a cosy reading nook.
Cornucopia
Cornucopia, Plum Guide home in Madrid
Finding city-centre apartments with enough room for large groups can be tricky, so this five-bedroom home is a real gem. The eclectic decor creates a fun and laid-back feel, from the bold wallpaper to the squiggly chaise lounge and Asian dresser. There's plenty of space in the kitchen for chefs, while other members of the party can gather 'round the large dining table. Two of the bedrooms have bunk beds, so we'd recommend this home for those travelling with kids or for friends who don't mind sharing. When you're ready to see what Madrid has to offer, you're just a short walk from its cultural attractions, including Museo Nacional del Prado and Palacio de Cristal.
Regal Vistas
Regal Vistas, Plum Guide home in Madrid
With its exposed brick wall, leather sofa and cowhide rug, this is one of the coolest homes on our list of Airbnb alternatives in Madrid's city centre. Upon arrival, pour yourself a drink from the mahogany cabinet and step out onto the private terrace. With fifth-floor views over the city's terracotta rooftops, this is our favourite spot to eat, drink and catch up with friends. If you're feeling jet-lagged, take a siesta in the cosy lounge – we love that you can leave the sliding doors open to keep things cool on hot days. Once you've freshened up, it's time to explore your surroundings, with Plaza de España, Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace of Madrid within walking distance.
Under the Spanish Sky
Under the Spanish Sky, Plum Guide home in Madrid
The moment you step into this home, you’re greeted by a bright and breezy space thanks to the large windows and French doors that open up onto the private terrace. We love the pops of colour – pink cushions here, blue tiles there. The decor goes well with the rustic details like the exposed bricks and wooden beams, blending nicely to create a warm and inviting space. There’s room for ten people, and you and your loved ones can spread out and mingle in the open-plan kitchen, the sofas and the small dining table on the sun-kissed terrace. Once you’ve gone over your plans for the day and are ready to head out, you’ll find Madrid’s attractions just a short walk away.
The Wicker Elephant
The Wicker Elephant, Plum Guide home in Madrid
We love homes that exude calm, and this three-bedroom apartment certainly makes us feel zen. Decorated in warm neutrals, natural materials like the rattan armchair, the bamboo mirror frames and the wooden dining table only add to the relaxing ambience. You’ll want to spend all your time in the bright and breezy lounge, with three large French doors that you can throw open to let the fresh air in. A stay here means you’re just a quick walk from Plaza Mayor and all its shops, bars and restaurants. After overeating at the tapas bars and overspending in the boutiques (oops), come home and plop yourself down on the plush sofas with a glass of wine, a delightful spot to chat into the wee hours.
Livin’ it Up
Livin' it Up, Plum Guide home in Madrid
Looking to impress a date with a romantic getaway in Madrid? This one-bedroom apartment will do the trick. Its beautiful parquet floors, cosy nooks and simple yet chic furniture come together nicely to create the perfect love nest. Based in the central Sol neighbourhood, you’ll be pleased to know that you’re just a quick stroll from the city’s landmarks and cultural sights. At the end of the day, take a long soak in the freestanding bath and admire the spectacular vistas of Madrid’s rooftops. Enjoy a nightcap on the sofa while gazing out at the city’s twinkling lights, before retiring to the bedroom with its floral wallpaper and feature ceiling.
Marble Stucco
Marble & Stucco, Plum Guide home in Madrid
This apartment is one of the more luxurious options on our list of Airbnb alternatives in Madrid's city centre. Dating back to the 17th century, the building was once a home for members of Spain's nobility. Although it's been given a modern facelift, you can still spot period features dotted around like the original panelling. Split across two levels, there's plenty of space for four people to spread out – and an extra guest can be accommodated on a sofa bed in the office. It's been tastefully designed for city living, with a fully-equipped kitchen, large lounge and dining area, and bedrooms opening onto Juliet balconies. To top it all off, the building has a communal gym and swimming pool to decompress after a day of taking in the sights.
The King’s View
The King's View, Plum Guide home in Madrid
When it comes to location, this home in Plaza Mayor is pretty hard to beat. It’s blessed with phenomenal views across the historic public square, which you can enjoy from the living room balcony – although you'll definitely need to pack earplugs, as this neighbourhood is busy day and night. While you have centuries of history outside, the home’s interiors are more contemporary with all the modern amenities you need. There are two comfy bedrooms, a walk-in shower and a well-equipped kitchen, although if you don’t feel like cooking you can just head downstairs to one of the many alfresco cafes in the square.
Wheels in Motion
Wheels In Motion, Plum Guide home in Madrid
We love what the hosts have done with this home, and you can tell that thought and time have been put into designing the place. There’s so much to love, starting with the open-plan kitchen and living area. The chunky wooden dining table is made for group dinners, while there’s plenty of room to relax on the armchairs and sofa. The well-dressed bedrooms are spacious and comfy, some offering large windows letting plenty of natural light in. You’ll come across many of Madrid’s attractions nearby – Puerta del Sol is just an eight-minute walk away, while the Royal Palace and the Museo Nacional del Prado are reachable in fifteen.
Cool Arenal
Cool Arenal, Plum Guide home in Madrid
With a sought-after location on Arenal Street, this is one of the best Airbnb alternatives in Madrid city centre for groups of friends or family. You’ll fall in love with the wraparound terrace with its breathtaking views across the city. We adore how multifunctional the space is, from the leafy corner with the comfy sofas to the sun loungers where you can top up your tan. There’s even an outdoor shower to cool off during those sweltering summer days. Pick up some local delicacies from Mercado de San Miguel and enjoy wine and tapas in the sunroom –there’s air-conditioning in here, so you can still enjoy the views without sweating. Speaking of keeping cool, both bedrooms have large sliding doors leading out onto the terrace.
