The Best Airbnbs in Madrid Across the City's Top Neighborhoods

Skip to main contentTap into local life with these beautiful Madrid Airbnbs—complete with historic balconies, contemporary interiors, and unbeatable central locations.Courtesy AirbnbYou're not short of places to stay in Madrid; the Four Seasons Hotel and the Mandarin Oriental are just a few of the many excellent hotels in the city that have caught my eye. But to experience it the way the locals do, and for a more affordable option, an Airbnb in Madrid is the best way to go. This clutch of homestays features some of the loveliest that the Spanish capital has to offer, and whether you're looking for huge sun-trap terraces, stylish architect-designed interiors, or locations just a hop and a skip away from the best activities, there's something to suit. These are the best Madrid Airbnbs to bookmark ahead of your next trip.We've vetted these listings based on Superhost and Guest Favorite status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor.Industrial-chic garden house, RetiroNumber of guests: 6Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathsWhy we love it: Heated floors, home gym, courtyardFinding somewhere with both its own garden and a parking space this close to Retiro Park is rare in bustling Madrid—and something that will make life infinitely easier when traveling with children. This is a big space: a sunny, south-facing, industrial-chic sanctuary that forms your own urban oasis in one of the city’s loveliest enclaves. Downstairs, there’s a sprawling open-plan living area with heated floors (all the better for cozy off-season breaks), a fully equipped chef's kitchen, and even a compact home gym. Outside is just as divine, with leafy courtyard tables setting the scene for sunny alfresco breakfasts and sociable suppers alike. There’s a slew of nearby museums to explore and, of course, you’re within easy walking distance of the city’s greenest haven.Unique rooftop apartment, Barrio de SalamancaNumber of guests: 8Bed and bath: 4 bedrooms, 4 bathsWhy we love it: En suite bathrooms, large dining area, balconyRoll into ultra-glamorous Barrio de Salamanca—a mere minute’s walk from Calle Serrano and three minutes from Puerta de Alcalá—and this charming split-level apartment awaits, squarely in Madrid’s most exclusive postcode. To call it an apartment is really a disservice; it’s spread across two airy levels, with achingly stylish interiors brightened up with flashes of color downstairs, and a string of cozy attic bedrooms with sloping ceilings that children will find fun to cuddle up in after a day’s exploits. Each bedroom has its own bathroom for maximum privacy and minimum morning wait time—much appreciated when you’re traveling with a big group. And there’s good news if you are: Host Sebastian also owns the adjacent apartment right next door, so you can combine both properties into a glorious 12-person party pad—perfect for bachelorettes.Sun-drenched industrial loft, Puerta del SolNumber of guests: 10Bed and bath: 4 bedrooms, 4 bathsWhy we love it: High ceilings, skylight, heated floorsOn first glance, this looks like any other classical Madrid building, housed as it is on the first floor of this smart 18th-century residence. But head inside and you’ll soon see otherwise. This soaring 1,884-square-foot loft, with its bright white walls, beams, and modernist furniture, is a real head-turner, achieving that elusive balance of cavernous scale without losing out on cozy home comforts. The centerpiece of the former warehouse space is the sky-high 21-foot ceilings, which are flooded with light via an overhead skylight, below which sits a striking 10-foot black kitchen island. Original brickwork and wooden beams nod to the building's storied past, while four bedrooms (three with their own en suite bathrooms) and eco-friendly heated floors add modern flair. For a big group getaway with all your friends, this is a cool spot.Cool literary loft, Barrio de las LetrasNumber of guests: 6Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathsWhy we love it: Design-forward interiors, two balconies, fireplaceStylish travelers will like this one—its interiors are good enough to have caught the eye of a string of Spain’s leading interior design magazines. It’s easy to see why: this 19th-century apartment easily captures the bohemian, artistic spirit of Madrid's literary quarter. A string of pretty, original features adds traditional charm, with its towering 10-foot ceilings, exposed brick walls, and original wooden pillars. Enter into lofty living spaces filled with streaming light, plus two balconies ripe for people-watching on the cobbled streets below. There's an authentic 19th-century fireplace to stoke on cozy nights in, a grand dining table, and a smart marble kitchen. The primary bedroom is equally lavish, with a cool floor-to-ceiling revolving door and a deep marble bath in the en suite. Even better? You’re right in Madrid’s “Museum Triangle,” meaning the Prado and Reina Sofía are right on your doorstep.Trendy studio, Plaza EspañaNumber of guests: 2Bed and bath: Studio, 1 bathWhy we love it: Proximity to the train station, natural light, dishwasherFor an aparthotel feel within walking distance of all of the city’s coolest things to do, this is the one to beat. Think plush fixtures befitting the city’s best addresses, with the privacy of a homestay thrown in: a 42” TV, powerful rainfall shower, air conditioning, everything you need to cook up a flash meal for two, a coffee machine, and even a dishwasher are some of the perks (nobody should be left standing in front of a sink on vacation). Previous guests have been wowed by this spot—the natural light that beams through the windows provides a welcome dopamine hit, and a nearby metro station makes getting around a breeze.Luxurious bolthole, MalasañaNumber of guests: 6Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathsWhy we love it: Natural light, sofa bed, two balconiesThe whole family can pile into this smartly renovated apartment in trendy Malasaña—it has room for six, with two cozy bedrooms, one with an en suite bathroom, and an additional squashy sofa bed in the living room. A warm mix of woods, jewel tones, and flashy gold accents makes the space warm and cozy, helped along by an abundant stream of natural light that cascades through the windows come morning. Two small balconies provide a place for leisurely cappuccinos and exemplary people-watching below.Biophilic apartment, MalasañaNumber of guests: 3Bed and bath: Studio, 1 bathWhy we love it: Plants, lively neighborhood, large windowsIt’s easy to see why the hosts named this bright apartment Vine—plants spill out of boxes in every room, creeping up the walls, hanging out of planters, even covering the cistern in the bathroom. There’s space for two plus another on the sofa bed, and you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay in the kitchen cupboards. Malasaña is a lively neighborhood with an array of tapas bars to work through, and Madrid’s lovely Royal Palace, plus the museums and Puerta del Sol, are within walking distance.Rustic apartment, MalasañaNumber of guests: 6Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathsWhy we love it: Pops of color, natural woodwork, good locationThis is boho-chic done to an expert level, balancing minimalism with the owner’s tasteful collection of interior pieces for an effect that’s really quite striking. Natural woodwork, concrete floors, and a palette of earth tones meet a super-modern kitchen, a lovingly sourced collection of baskets, and the odd pop of color from a pouf or blanket. You’re just four minutes away from the metro, which will whisk you away into the rest of Madrid, and within walking distance of the Royal Palace and several vibrant food markets.Designer stay within a historic building, Puerta del SolNumber of guests: 7Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathsWhy we love it: Well-designed, stylish neighborhood, historic buildingMadrid’s Four Seasons sits just outside this flat. Step inside, however, and you won't feel that you’re compromising by not booking next door. Expertly designed by renowned architect and interior designer Claudia Schultheis to make the most of tall ceilings and period features, the apartment is finished off beautifully with a selection of tasteful modern furniture pieces to best suit its spot in Madrid’s most stylish neighborhood. Plus, when it’s time to head out, the city’s best rooftop bars, boutiques, theaters, museums, and restaurants are all at your fingertips.Newly renovated spot with retro flair, Conde DuqueNumber of guests: 2Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathWhy we love it: Excellent host, elevator, colorful decorThis sweet little stay in Conde Duque has had a recent facelift. It now wears a vibrant blue and orange outfit, pepped up with classic Spanish patterned tiles and shiny black accents. In the cupboards, you’ll find coffee, juice, condiments, and napkins to make life easier when you arrive; in fact, host Susa has been a real hit with previous guests, who said she couldn’t do enough to make their stay special.Cool getaway right in the thick of the action, Puerta del SolNumber of guests: 2Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathWhy we love it: Exposed brick walls, washing machine, elevatorBeamed ceilings, pleasingly wobbly exposed brick walls, and clever use of space all add interest to this bijou apartment, which is perfect for couples looking to escape for a long weekend. It's got good Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a washing machine and dishwasher, and even an elevator—not a given in old buildings—to take you and your luggage up to the fourth floor. But it’s the location that’s the main draw here. You’re just over 300 feet from pretty Puerta del Sol square, and steps from the Plaza Jacinto Benavente theater district and buzzy restaurants at Plaza del Angel.Downtown escape with a sun-trap terrace, MalasañaNumber of guests: 6Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathsWhy we love it: Terrace, proximity to top landmarks, self check-inWith 1,507 square feet at your disposal, families and big groups will love this light-filled space in trendy Malasaña. Big squashy sofas, a dining table, and a good-sized kitchen provide space to sit for a chat, but a stay here is all about the leafy outside terrace—it traps plenty of sun throughout the day, making it a great spot for drinks. Tourist hotspot Fuencarral street is just a short walk away, as are must-see landmarks such as Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol, Chueca, Plaza de España, and the Opera.Loft with many balconies, MalasañaNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathWhy we love it: Proximity to the airport, seven balconies, glass doors with wooden shuttersA favorite of Traveler contributor Erika Owen, this two-bedroom apartment on Calle del Pez in the hip Malasaña neighborhood is just 20 minutes from the airport and a five-minute walk from the Tribunal metro stop. The highlight? Each one of the seven balconies. “Every set of the apartment's glass doors—each with wooden shutters for privacy—opened up to a small outdoor space with just enough room to fit one person peering outside to take in the city view, preferably over coffee in your pajamas,” Owen says. The location was ideal, too—out of most tourists’ paths, but close enough to walk to all of the main sites.This gallery was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK. It has been updated with new information since its original publish date.Charley is the Commerce Writer at Condé Nast Traveller. She has worked as a commerce journalist for five years, joining Condé Nast in 2023 from her prior position as one of Hearst's shopping editors, where she covered homes and interiors. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism & Media Studies ... Read MoreBarcelona’s big rival has its mojo back