Save Money With The Madrid Card
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The Madrid card is a passport to free entry and discounts at many of Madrid's top attractions and restaurants. You will learn where and how to buy it and essential tips on how to use it. If you want to see as much of Madrid as possible during your stay, then the Madrid card could save you money.
How You Can Benefit From The Madrid Card
The Madrid Card gives you free entry into 40 museums, including the famous Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia galleries. Normally you would pay the following prices per person to get into the main exhibition in the Prado, the Reina Sofia and Thyssen (more for any temporary exhibitions).
Main exhibition in the Prado and Reina Sofia
Entrance fee: €12.00
Main exhibition in Thyssen-Bornemisza
Entrance fee: €13.00
There is an organised program called 'Discover Madrid'. It includes guided walks and tours of the city. I found them to be a brilliant way to learn about Madrid's history, and to help me find my way about.
The card comes with 2 guide books that tell you which attractions, excursions and other benefits are available with the card. You can get discounts in lots of restaurants too, and discounts on entry into clubs.
When Does It Become Worth Using The Madrid Card?
If you want to see more than 2 attractions a day, and you are interested in the walking tours around the city centre, then I think the Madrid Card is worth it. The only thing is that you have to plan well what you are going to visit. This is easy with the guide books that come with the card, because they tell how to travel to each attraction, shop, restaurant or excursion.
Each card is only valid for one person, and it can't be used in conjunction with any other promotional offers. The first time you use the card, is the moment that it is activated. For example, if you use at 09:00 on a Saturday morning, then the time it is valid for starts counting down. If it is valid for 24 hrs, then it will expire at 09:00 on Sunday morning. So have your plan in place before you start.
Where Can I Buy The Madrid Card?
Prices:
3-day pass: €67.00
2-day pass: €60.00
1-day pass: €47.00
You can buy the Madrid Card when you are in Madrid, by going to the tourist information office in the Plaza Mayor.
Metro: Sol (Red Line, L2) plus 5 minutes walk.
Here they only accept payment by credit card using their online system. So you'll need to have a card that you can make online purchases with. If you want to buy the card with cash, tourist information can tell you about a travel agents just around the corner on Calle Mayor (Neo Turismo, 2nd floor) that is open all day where they accept cash.
How The Madrid Card Can Save You Money
If you plan to visit lots of tourist attractions, the Madrid Card is a must have because it gives you free entry into 40 museums. You'll be able to enjoy 10% discounts at participating restaurants. You can also get 10% discounts on entry into several popular night clubs.