Date Spots in Madrid Under €20 (Total, For Two)

You want to take someone on a date in Madrid. You want it to be memorable, romantic, and show that you put thought into it. But you’re a student, not a trust fund kid, and dropping €50-80 on dinner and drinks isn’t realistic every week.

Welcome to the student dating budget dilemma: How do you make a good impression without going broke? How do you plan something special when your budget is limited? How do you navigate Madrid’s dating scene when most “romantic” spots cost more than your weekly grocery budget?

Good news: Madrid is full of cheap and free date activities that are actually better than expensive dinners. Sunset views, free museums, beautiful parks, and affordable cafés where conversation matters more than your credit limit.

This is the complete guide to dating in Madrid on €20 or less (total, for both people). Real dates, real budget, real romance.

Understanding the Budget

What €20 Actually Gets You

Breaking It Down:

€10 per person
OR asymmetric (you pay €15, they pay €5)
Enough for activity + coffee/drink
Not enough for fancy restaurant

What’s Possible:

Free activity + affordable meal (€12-18 total)
Cheap activity (€5-8) + drinks (€10-12)
Two affordable experiences (€8-10 each)
Creative dates that cost almost nothing

What’s Not Possible:

Fancy restaurant (€25+ per person)
Multiple drinks at expensive bars
Tourist trap experiences
Pretending you’re not on a budget

The Strategy:
Embrace the budget. Make it part of the charm. “I know this amazing free viewpoint” beats “Let’s go to an overpriced restaurant.”

First Date Ideas (Under €20 Total)

The Classic: Coffee Date

Cost: €6-10 total
Time: 1-2 hours
Success Rate: High (low pressure, easy escape if awkward)

Where to Go:

Toma Café (Malasaña): €3-4 per coffee
Federal Café (Chueca): €3-5 per coffee
Café de la Luz (Malasaña): €2-3 per coffee
Neighborhood bar with outdoor seating: €1.50-2 per coffee

Why It Works:

Low commitment (if it’s bad, leave after one coffee)
Public setting (safe)
Conversation-focused
Can extend to walk if going well
Budget-friendly

How to Make It Special:

Pick café with character (not Starbucks)
Suggest specific time (shows planning)
Have conversation topics ready
Offer to walk after if vibe is good

What to Order:

Coffee (€2-4)
Maybe pastry to share (€2-3)
Water is free
Total: €6-10

Pro Move:
“I know this great café in Malasaña with amazing coffee” > “Want to get coffee somewhere?”

The Sunset Walk

Cost: €0-5 (optional ice cream/drink)
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Romance Level: High

Best Routes:

Temple of Debod Sunset:

Meet at Ventura Rodríguez metro (6pm in winter, 7:30pm in summer)
Walk to Temple of Debod
Watch sunset together (FREE)
Walk through Parque del Oeste (FREE)
End at café in Malasaña or near Plaza de España (€6-8)

Cost: €0 for walk + €6-8 for post-sunset drinks

Madrid Río Walk:

Meet at Legazpi metro
Walk along Madrid Río path
Stop at viewpoints and bridges
Ice cream from kiosk (€3-4 total)
Sit by river and talk

Cost: €3-4 for ice cream, rest is FREE

Retiro Park Classic:

Meet at Retiro metro (late afternoon)
Walk around lake
Find secluded bench
Talk as sun sets
Exit near cheap tapas spot (€10-12 for both)

Cost: €10-12 if you eat, €0 if just walking

Why Sunsets Work:

Naturally romantic (no effort required)
Free entertainment (nature does the work)
Built-in conversation topic (“Wow, look at that sky”)
Memorable visuals = memorable date

Pro Tips:

Check sunset time beforehand
Bring light jacket (offer to share)
Have backup plan if weather is bad
Don’t force romance; let setting do the work

The Museum Date

Cost: €0-10 depending on timing
Time: 1.5-3 hours
Intellectual Bonus: Yes

Free Options:

Reina Sofía Museum:

Free: Monday, Wednesday-Saturday 7-9pm, Sunday 1:30-7pm
See Picasso’s Guernica (conversation starter)
Walk through modern art together
Discuss what you like/don’t like
Coffee after (€6-8)
Total: €6-8

Prado Museum:

Free: Monday-Saturday 6-8pm, Sunday 5-7pm
Classic European art
Less crowded than daytime
Impressive date choice
Drink after (€6-8)
Total: €6-8

Why Museums Work:

Shows cultural interest (not just Netflix)
Built-in conversation topics
Walking around = less awkward than sitting
You both learn something
Impressive without being expensive

How to Make It Work:

Suggest specific museum + time
“Want to catch the Prado’s free hours then grab a drink?”
Don’t try to see everything (exhausting)
Pick 5-10 artworks to focus on
Ask their opinions (engagement)

The Picnic Date

Cost: €8-15 total
Time: 2-3 hours
Season: Spring/Summer/Early Fall

How to Do It:

Shopping (Mercadona Run):

Cheese (€2-3)
Jamón serrano (€2-3)
Bread (€1)
Fruit (grapes, strawberries: €2-3)
Wine or sparkling water (€3-4)
Small chocolate (€2)
Total: €12-15

Location Options:

Retiro Park (grass areas)
Parque del Oeste
Madrid Río (benches with views)
Casa de Campo (more secluded)

What to Bring:

Blanket or towel
Napkins
Bottle opener (if wine)
Trash bag (leave no trace)

Why It Works:

Thoughtful (you planned and prepared)
Relaxed atmosphere
Can talk for hours
No waiters interrupting
Actually cheaper than restaurant

Timing:

Late afternoon (4-6pm)
Catch sunset
Not too hot, not too cold

Weather Backup:
Have indoor plan ready (museum, café).

Early Dating (Getting to Know Each Other)

Active Dates (Doing Something Together)

Free Walking Tour Together

Cost: €0-10 (tip for guide)
Time: 2.5 hours

How It Works:

Join free walking tour of Madrid
Experience city together
Learn Madrid history
Conversation topics built in
Coffee or drink after (€6-8)

Total: €6-18 (depending on tip)

Why It’s Great:

Doing activity = less pressure
Something to talk about
Tourist-y but fun
Shows you want to explore together

Which Tour:
Classic Madrid tour (Toledo, Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace area)

El Rastro on Sunday Morning

Cost: €5-10 (coffee + maybe small purchase)
Time: 2-3 hours

The Date:

Meet at La Latina metro (10am)
Browse El Rastro flea market together
Look for weird/funny items
Stop for coffee at market bar (€3-4 total)
Walk through La Latina afterward
End at cheap tapas spot if hungry (extra €10-15)

Why It Works:

Interactive (commenting on items)
Playful atmosphere
See how they react to chaos
Authentic Madrid experience
Natural conversation flow

Total Cost: €3-15 depending on if you eat

Conversation-Focused Dates

Wine & Tapas (Budget Version)

Cost: €15-20 total
Time: 2-3 hours

The Strategy:

Option 1: Bar El Tigre

Order 2 drinks (€6-8)
Get FREE massive tapas with each drink
Literally a meal’s worth of food
Share the tapas
Total: €6-8

Option 2: La Latina Tapas Crawl

Go to 2-3 bars
Order 1 drink each place (€3-4)
Order 1-2 small tapas to share (€3-5)
Walk between bars (romantic)
Total: €15-18

Option 3: Supermarket Wine + Park

Buy bottle wine (€3-5)
Cheese + bread (€4-6)
Sit in park
Talk for hours
Total: €8-12

Why It Works:

Classic Spanish dating activity
Relaxed atmosphere
Food = natural conversation breaks
Walking between spots = varied scenery

Established Relationship Dates

When You’re Comfortable Together

Movie Night (Home or Cinema)

Home Movie Night:

Cost: €5-8
Rent movie online (€4) or use Netflix (free if subscribed)
Homemade popcorn (€1-2)
Cheap wine or drinks (€3-5)
Total: €5-12

Cinema Option:

Cheap day tickets: €5-7 each (Wednesdays often cheaper)
Skip expensive cinema snacks
Total: €10-14

Cook Together Date

Cost: €10-15 total
Time: 2-3 hours
Intimacy Level: Medium-High

What to Make:

Pasta dish together (€6-8 for ingredients)
Bottle of wine (€3-5)
Dessert from store (€3)
Total: €12-16

Why It’s Great:

Collaborative activity
See how you work together
More intimate than public date
Actually have to communicate
Cheaper than restaurant
Can be playful (food fights optional)

What to Cook:

Simple pasta (not complicated recipe)
Spanish tortilla together
Homemade pizza
Something neither of you will mess up badly

Day Trip Together

Cost: €10-20 total
Time: Full day

Destinations Under €20 for Two:

Option 1: Ávila

Bus round-trip: €12-16 for both
Walk medieval walls (€5 for one person, other watches)
Pack lunch (€4-6)
Total: €16-22 (slightly over but worth it)

Option 2: Alcalá de Henares

Train: €6-8 round-trip for both
Walk around (FREE)
Ice cream or coffee (€3-5)
Pack lunch
Total: €10-15

Why Day Trips Work:

Full day together
Adventure bonding
Escape Madrid routine
Memorable experience
Actually cheaper than staying in Madrid

Romantic but Cheap

Viewpoints & Scenic Spots (All FREE)

Temple of Debod at Sunset

Cost: €0
Romance: 10/10

The Date:

Meet before sunset
Watch sun set over Madrid
Ancient Egyptian temple backdrop
City lights come on
Walk through park after

Add drinks after: +€6-8
Total: €6-8

Cerro del Tío Pío

Cost: €0
Romance: 9/10 (views) -1 (need to get there)

The Date:

Take metro to Buenos Aires
Walk to hills (10 min)
Watch sunset over Madrid skyline
Less crowded than Temple of Debod
More dramatic views

Bring:

Blanket
Snacks/drinks from supermarket (€5-8)
Total: €5-8

Best For:

Established relationship (it’s less central)
Sunset lovers
Photography enthusiasts
Wanting privacy

Círculo de Bellas Artes Rooftop

Cost: €4 per person = €8 total
Romance: 9/10

The Date:

Pay €4 each for rooftop access
360° views of Madrid
Sunset views
Bar on rooftop (drinks extra: €5-7 each)

Budget Options:

Just pay for access, bring own drinks: €8 total
Access + one drink each: €18-22 total

Why It’s Worth €8:

Incredible views
Iconic Madrid spot
Can stay for hours
Weather permitting

Cultural Dates on a Budget

Free Concert or Live Music

Cost: €0-8
Time: 2-3 hours

Where to Find:

La Casa Encendida (free concerts)
Church concerts (free classical music)
Summer park concerts (free in summer)
Cheap venue cover (€3-5 each)

Total: €0-10

Why It Works:

Shared experience
Something to discuss after
Cultural activity
Not just talking (less pressure)

Comedy Show Date

Cost: €8-16 for both
Time: 2 hours

Where:

Comedy Club Madrid: €8-12 each (sometimes cheaper)
Open mic nights: FREE

Why Comedy Works:

Laughing together = bonding
Icebreaker for conversation
Fun, not serious
See sense of humor compatibility

Total: €8-16 (or FREE for open mic)

Seasonal Date Ideas

Spring Dates

Cherry Blossoms in Quinta de los Molinos

Cost: €0
Walk through gardens
See cherry blossoms (March-April)
Incredibly beautiful and photogenic
Coffee after (€6)
Total: €6

Summer Dates

Beach Day (Kind of):

Madrid Río “beach” areas
Free outdoor pools (some)
Pack picnic (€10-12)
Sunbathe, swim, relax
Total: €10-12

Outdoor Cinema:

Free summer screenings in parks
Bring blanket
Snacks (€5-8)
Total: €5-8

Fall Dates

Retiro Park in Fall Colors:

Cost: €0
Walk through autumn leaves
Coffee with view (€6-8)
Cozy sweater weather
Total: €6-8

Winter Dates

Christmas Markets:

Plaza Mayor Christmas market (FREE to browse)
Hot chocolate together (€6-8)
Window shopping
Holiday atmosphere
Total: €6-8

Cozy Café Date:

Café de la Luz or similar
Stay for 2-3 hours
Conversation + hot drinks
Escape cold
Total: €8-12

The €20 Date Night Formula

Mix & Match Components

Free Activity (€0) +

Sunset walk
Free museum hours
Park visit
Viewpoint

+ Affordable Food/Drink (€10-20)

Coffee (€6-8)
Wine & tapas (€12-18)
Ice cream (€4-6)
Cheap restaurant (€15-20)

= Perfect Date Under €20

Sample Perfect Dates

Date #1: Cultural + Food

Reina Sofía free hours (€0)
Discuss art while walking
Cheap tapas in Lavapiés (€12-15)
Total: €12-15

Date #2: Outdoor + Drinks

Sunset at Temple of Debod (€0)
Walk through Malasaña
Drinks at affordable bar (€8-12)
Total: €8-12

Date #3: Active + Snacks

El Rastro Sunday morning (€0)
Coffee at market (€4)
Ice cream while walking (€4)
Total: €8

Date #4: Romantic + View

Cerro del Tío Pío sunset (€0)
Supermarket wine + snacks (€8-10)
Talk under stars
Total: €8-10

First Date vs. Fifth Date

Progression

First Date (Play It Safe):

Coffee or drink (€6-10)
Public place
Easy exit if awkward
1-2 hours max
Conversation-focused

Second Date (More Commitment):

Activity + coffee (€10-15)
2-3 hours
Something interactive
Shows more planning

Third-Fifth Date (Comfortable):

Longer activities (€15-20)
3-4 hours
More personal (cooking together, day trip)
Inside jokes reference

Established Relationship:

Mix of cheap and splurge dates
Sometimes just hang out (€0)
Comfort over impressing

Budget Red Flags to Avoid

Don’t Do These

Expensive Restaurant on First Date:

Too much pressure
Financial strain
Expectations get weird
Better options exist

Tourist Trap Experiences:

Overpriced
Not authentic
Locals know better
Shows you didn’t research

Pretending You Have More Money:

Unsustainable
Sets wrong expectations
Honesty is attractive
Budget dates can be better

Going Into Debt for Dates:

Not worth it
Financial stress kills romance
Sustainable dating > impressive once

The Money Conversation

Being Honest About Budget

How to Bring It Up:

“I know this great cheap tapas spot” (owns the budget)
“Want to do a picnic? I make a mean cheese board” (creative + budget)
“I’m trying to save money, but I’d love to take you to [free activity]” (honest)

What Works:

Confidence about budget limitations
Creative solutions
Emphasizing experience over spending
Being student-broke together

What Doesn’t:

Apologizing constantly
Acting embarrassed
Pretending money doesn’t matter
Letting budget stop you from dating

Truth:
If someone judges you for budget dates, they’re not right for you anyway. Real connection > expensive restaurants.

Making Cheap Feel Special

It’s About Effort, Not Money

Show Thoughtfulness:

Suggest specific plan (not just “hang out”)
Know their interests
Pick spot for a reason
Have backup plan ready

Examples:

Basic: “Want to get coffee?”

Better: “There’s this café in Malasaña with amazing coffee. Want to check it out Saturday at 4?”

Even Better: “I know you love parks. Want to watch sunset at Temple of Debod then get coffee in the area?”

The Difference:
Planning + personalization + confidence = special, regardless of cost.

Small Gestures Matter

€2-5 Additions:

Bring their favorite snack
Find small flower (€2)
Print photo from previous date (€0.30)
Write note beforehand

These Cost Nothing:

Remember details they mentioned
Ask thoughtful questions
Put phone away
Actually listen
Make them laugh

Dating Different Types of People

International Students

Advantages:

Also on budget (understand constraints)
Want to explore Madrid together
Shared “new to city” experience

Good Dates:

Day trips discovering Spain
Free tours learning together
Language exchange over coffee
Cultural events

Spanish Students

Advantages:

Know cheap local spots
Can show you authentic Madrid
Language practice opportunity

Good Dates:

Let them suggest neighborhood spots
Traditional Spanish activities
Their favorite local bar
Family picnic in park

Note:
Spanish dating culture = slower pace, group hangouts common at first

Other Broke Students

Advantages:

Understanding about budget
Creative date ideas appreciated
No pretense needed

Best Approach:

Be honest: “I have €10 for this week”
Suggest free activities
Cook together
Make it fun challenge

When You Want to Splurge

Special Occasions (€30-40 Total)

Birthdays, Anniversaries:

Nice brunch (€20-25 for both)
Day trip with nice lunch (€30-35)
Dinner at mid-range restaurant (€30-40)

Why Splurge Sometimes:

Shows they’re special
Mark important occasions
Break routine
Create memories

But Still Budget-Conscious:

€30-40 is splurge (not €100)
Mix with free activities
Share dishes (try more + save money)
Focus on experience, not price tag

The Bottom Line

What €20 Gets You in Madrid:

Museum + coffee date
Sunset + tapas
Day trip adventure
Picnic + wine
Full day exploring
Comedy show + drinks
Multiple affordable dates vs. one expensive one

What Money Can’t Buy:

Genuine conversation
Shared laughter
Connection
Memories
Chemistry

The Truth:
Best dates = thought + effort + compatibility. Not money.

Watching sunset at free viewpoint > €50 fancy restaurant you can’t afford.

That’s the Como Local difference.

Quick Start: This Week

Planning First Date:

Pick one idea from this guide
Suggest specific time and place
Have backup plan ready
Bring €10 cash
Focus on conversation, not spending

Already Dating:

Try one new cheap date idea
See how creative you can be under €15
Make it fun challenge together
Discover money doesn’t equal romance

Ready to date in Madrid without going broke? Pick one idea from this guide, invite someone special, and prove that the best dates don’t need big budgets. Tag Como Local with your creative cheap date ideas!

Share your best budget date spots and experiences with other students. Where do you take dates in Madrid?

Como Local – Because romance shouldn’t require a trust fund. ❤️