BRITS who have found themselves in Madrid for the Champions League final today should make the most of the Spanish capital.
While the match between Tottenham and Liverpool is the reason for the holiday, it doesn’t mean spending the whole time in the stadium.
Alamy
We’ve rounded up the best cheap (and even free) things to do before and after the match to explore the city.
From beautiful architecture to the best views of the city, here are the top ten things to do which won’t cost the earth.
1. Museo del Prado
As the most popular museum in Madrid, it is home to thousands of drawings and paintings dating back to the 12th century.
While it costs €15 (£13) to explore during the day, it is free to go in between 6pm and 8pm from Monday to Saturday.
Alamy
2. Mercado de San Miguel
One of the oldest markets in Madrid, it has a number of food stalls selling fresh cheese, wine and chocolates.
While many stalls are good for dining out, some may offer free tastings before buying.
3. Plaza Mayor
The large plaza is a common meeting place for locals and tourists, and is perfect to sit back and watch from.
With it previously being used for everything from public executions to royal ceremonies, it is now surrounded by cafes and restaurants.
Alamy
4. Atocha Railway Station
While a railway station isn’t often a common place to visit during a holiday, the largest train station in the city is home to a tropical garden.
Trains from Barcelona and Malaga often travel through the station so stopping to sit in the garden before venturing to the city centre is a must.
5. Museo de Reina Sofia
Another museum which is free at certain times, it is best to go between 7pm and 9pm during the week, apart from Tuesday when it closes.
Inside are works from Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.
Alamy
6. Azotea del Circulo
The rooftop bar has 360 degree panoramic views of the city.
Costing just €4 (£3.50) to get in, it is easy to watch the city, or splurge on drinks and dinner as well.
7. La Tabacalera
For street art fans, walking through La Tabacalera in the Lavapies neighbourhood is the best place to find it.
The underground tunnels are covered in graffiti with the famous Calle de Miguel Servet featuring one long wall of art.
Alamy
8. Temple of Debod
On top the hill in Parque de la Montaña is the Temple of Debod, which dates back to 2 BC.
It was given to Madrid in 1968 as thanks from Egypt for saving a number of ancient temples, yet the free attraction is best explored at sunset.
9. El Rastro
Every Sunday, the oldest open flea market in Madrid opens between 9am and 3pm selling everything from vintage clothes to electronics.
It is free to walk around although can be hard to resist a bargain.
Alamy
10. Flamenco at Clan
A visit to Madrid isn’t complete without watching flamenco, with free performances at restaurant Clan.
You will have to buy a drink, but if you can stay until midnight, the shows last well into the night.
How to get around Madrid
Most of the main attractions are in the central area which can be visited on foot.
However, there is also an underground metro which runs from 6am to 1:30am with over 300 stations across the city – single fares cost €1.50 (£1.32).
Buses also run throughout the night and day, and are €1.50 (£1.32) for a single journey., or there are plenty of taxis to flag down which are well regulated and affordable.
Football fans trying to get to the all-British final were left furious after flights soared to £1,500 to the capital.
However, alternative travel such as by coach were available for £299 return, although with a journey time of 30 hours.
With over 16,000 tickets per club offered to fans at the Estadio Metropolitano stadium, thousands of Brits will be flocking to watch.
