Cheap flights to Madrid from

If you're booking a direct flight to Madrid with easyJet, you can fly out of Bristol, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, or London Luton airports in the UK.

Already been to Madrid or simply want to do something few other visitors do? You can start by heading underground to the Estación de Chamberí. This now-disused yet beautifully preserved station was originally part of the city's first metro line in 1919, and can take you back to what the stop used to look like when it closed in 1966. Meanwhile, book lovers can try San Ginés Book Shop – one of the oldest bookstores in Spain – to peruse an array of antique and second-hand books. If you're into watches, Antigua Relojeria near Plaza Mayor is home to the Salt Street Watchmaker, who you can ‘watch' (pun intended) come to life and get back to work every half hour. You can even try ghost-hunting in Madrid – simply stopping outside urban spots like The House of Seven Chimneys can be ideal for a bit of light exploring.

Though probably best known for being the capital of Spain, the seat of Spanish royalty, and the centre of all roads in the country, Madrid is also famous for plenty of other reasons. For example, art lovers will know it for the Museo Nacional del Prado, while football fans anywhere will think of the legendary football team Real Madrid.

Madrid is also famous for its cuisine and is especially known for its bocadillos de calamares (fried calamari sandwiches). It's even home to the world's oldest restaurant – Sobrino de Botín, which was established in 1725 – and the Madrid Gastrofestival, a two-week-long affair where you can sample tasty treats from professional chefs or learn how to cook traditional Spanish fare yourself. Culturally, the city is renowned as the birthplace of the flamenco and the zarzuela, a light opera genre.

Madrid is a relatively cheap place to visit. Though pricier than Eastern European destinations, it's quite affordable compared to major Western European cities like London, Paris, and Milan. That makes it a destination great for even the more budget-conscious traveller – and you can do plenty of things to boost the affordability of a Madrid city break.

You can start by planning your holiday outside the city's peak season of May to September. In particular, the months of April and October promise good weather without the crowds and the spike in local prices they bring – and you can also expect direct easyJet flights to the city to be at their cheapest. You can save on public transport in Madrid by purchasing a 10-journey metro ticket or a more unlimited-access tourist transport card which is an affordable way to get around. If you're eating out, always ask for the menú del día or daily menu to avail of three-course meals (drinks and desserts included) at a more affordable price or frequent bars that serve free tapas with your drink order. You can also fill your itinerary with attractions that don't charge admissions, such as churches, museums, and parks.

Four days is more than enough – with a three-day itinerary perfect for getting acquainted with the city, an extra 24 hours means you can take your time to fully enjoy what Madrid has to offer. You can spend your first day exploring all the major attractions of the old town, including Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and the Almudena Cathedral, stopping by to eat at the Mercado de San Miguel or established restaurants like Lhardy and Casa Ciriaco. You can then dedicate your second day to immersing yourself in contemporary Madrid by walking through Calle Gran Vía and the surrounding area.

That way, you can spend your third day visiting spots you're interested in, like the El Rasto flea market or the Temple of Debod – an Egyptian temple first built in Nubia and transferred to Madrid in 1968. From here, you can use your last day to try some bespoke experiences. With an easyJet holiday, you can do things like visit the theme park Parque Warner Madrid, get tickets to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and even attend a flamenco show at the Tablao Torres Bermejas.