A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Almeria vs. Madrid for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Almeria or Madrid?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Almeria and Madrid. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Almeria

Almeria is a pristine, cultural, and historic region. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, nightlife, and food.

Madrid

Madrid is a diverse, compact, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and shopping.

Almeria and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Almeria or Madrid?

You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Almeria. Madrid is bigger than Almeria, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Almeria is more popular for its resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Almeria is well known for its stunning beaches that feel pristine despite their popularity. Madrid is well known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Also, Madrid is famous for The Prado Museum.

How is Almeria different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Almeria. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Almeria or Madrid?

Almeria
Madrid

Madrid is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Madrid. There are a number of cultural sights in the city including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace and Gardens, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.

Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Almeria or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Almeria
Madrid

Both Almeria and Madrid offer a number of fantastic restaurants to choose from.

Eat your way through Almeria, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is focused on local, fresh ingredients with many traditional recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Popular dishes change with the seasons because they rely so heavily on local produce. Particularly during the winter months you'll find hearty stews like patatas en ajopollo and gurullos con conejo, which is prepared with rabbit. Sardines are also popular year round.

For foodies, Madrid is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.

Is Almeria or Madrid Better for Nightlife?

Almeria
Madrid

Madrid is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Madrid know how to have a good time. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.

If you're looking for night time activities Almeria has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife vibe is about enjoying a cold beer on a terrace with friends. The city has a laid back Mediterranean atmosphere and plenty of terraced bars along the main streets, particularly in old town. With mild temperatures year around, you'll find yourself spending time outside most evenings while you enjoy tapas and drinks with friends. Flamenco and bullfighting are also popular in the evenings.

Is Almeria or Madrid Better for Music?

Almeria
Madrid

Madrid is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Almeria is not a live music destination.

In Madrid you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.

Almeria is not a live music destination.


Is Almeria or Madrid Better for Resorts?

Almeria
Madrid

Almeria is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Madrid is not a resort destination.

Almeria is a world class resort vacation destination. Stretched along the coastline you'll find many high end resorts with pools and nice atmospheres. There are all inclusive resorts as well as family-friendly and romantic options to choose from.

Madrid is not a resort destination.

Is Almeria or Madrid Better for Beaches?

Almeria
Madrid

Almeria is renowned for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.

Almeria is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Outside of town you'll find kilometers of stunning coastline and beaches. There are pristine natural beaches that still feel undiscovered with beautiful long stretches of sand. One of the biggest resort areas is Roquetas de Mar.

Madrid is not a beach destination.

Is Almeria or Madrid Better for its Old Town?

Almeria
Madrid

Almeria is a great region for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Almeria is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is at the cultural heart of the city. It has the most energy during the evenings, as well as many museums and sights worth visiting.

Madrid does not have a historic old town.


Is Almeria or Madrid Better for Hiking?

Almeria
Madrid

Almeria is a great region for hiking. However, Madrid is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Almeria for the hiking trails. The area has stunning hikes that run along the coastline or into the beautiful interior countryside. For some of the area's best hikes head into Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.

Madrid is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Almeria or Madrid?

Almeria
Madrid

Madrid is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. However, Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Madrid is a world class destination for shoppers. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.

Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Almeria or Madrid Better for Families?

Almeria
Madrid

Both Almeria and Madrid are very good family-friendly destinations.

Almeria is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has many beautiful beaches as well as waterparks, amusement parks, and fun activities like sailing and water sports. There's also a very impressive fort that the kids will enjoy exploring.

Madrid is a very family-friendly destination. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.


Is Almeria or Madrid Better for Couples?

Almeria
Madrid

Almeria and Madrid both very good destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Almeria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nature lovers and beach enthusiasts will find this to be the perfect romantic getaway. There are many outdoor activities and places to immerse yourself in nature. A highlight of a trip is a visit to Crystal Cave.

Madrid is a great region if you're traveling as a couple. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.

Is Almeria or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Almeria
Madrid

Almeria and Madrid are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Almeria is a very popular region for backpackers and budget travelers. There's plenty of affordable accommodation to choose from as well as all kinds of activities that backpackers will enjoy. If you like nature and enjoy spending time outside, then this is your place.

Madrid is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.

Is Almeria or Madrid Better for Students?

Almeria
Madrid

Madrid is a must-visit destination for students. However, Almeria is not popular with students.

Madrid is a very popular place to visit for students. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.

Almeria is not popular with students.


Is Almeria or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Almeria
Madrid

Madrid is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Madrid has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.

While Almeria offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are a number of bus lines that run through Almeria city and to Cabo de Gata.

Is Almeria or Madrid a more walkable city?

Almeria
Madrid

Madrid is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. However, Almeria is a region with minimal options for its walkability.

Getting around Madrid on foot is easy. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.

Almeria is generally not a very walkable region. While there are many beautiful walks in the area, if you want to truly explore, you'll likely want to have access to a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Almeria Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Almeria?

How long in Almeria or Madrid?

In either Almeria or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Almeria because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Almeria, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.

Families should spend more time in Almeria than Madrid. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Almeria, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Madrid than Almeria. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Madrid that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Madrid than Almeria if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Madrid.


  • How many days in Almeria or Madrid? Ideal Length of Stay
    Almeria 1-3 
    Madrid 2-5

One day in Almeria or Madrid?

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Almeria. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Because Madrid is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Almeria or Madrid?

Almeria is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Because Madrid is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer.

Five days in Almeria or Madrid?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Almeria. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Madrid is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Almeria or Madrid?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Almeria. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Madrid. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Almeria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Almeria is €99, while the average daily cost in Madrid is €136. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Almeria and Madrid in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Almeria 44
    Madrid 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Almeria 88
    Madrid 154
Compare Hotels in Almeria and Madrid

Looking for a hotel in Almeria or Madrid? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Almeria


Hotels in Madrid


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Madrid Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Almeria 20
    Madrid 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Almeria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Almeria:

  • Transfers desde Aeropuerto de Almería (LEI) a Vera Playa - 4 pasajeros: $125
  • Almería Private Transfer from Almería Airport to City centre or Cabo de Gata: $66
  • Almería Private Transfer from the city centre or Cabo de Gata to Almería Airport: $66
  • Private Transfer from Almeria Airport to / from Almeria Spain: $42

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid

Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Madrid Airport MAD Round-Trip Transfer in Private Van: $164
  • Private One-Way Transfer to OR from Madrid Airport with private pick up: $78
  • Arrival Private Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Avila City by Business Car: $231
  • Arrival Private Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid City by Van: $73
  • Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from MAD Airport to Madrid: $53
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Segovia City by Minivan: $225
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Toledo or Avila by Van: $180
  • Arrival Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Private Van: $84
  • Arrival Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Business Car: $81
  • Arrival Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Luxury Van: $88
  • Departure Private Transfer Madrid to MAD Airport in a Minibus: $138
  • Departure Private Transfer: Madrid City to Madrid Airport MAD by Business Car: $51

Is it cheaper to fly into Almeria or Madrid?

Prices for flights to both Madrid and Almeria change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Almeria 40
    Madrid 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Almeria

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Almeria.

  • Spanish Paella Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Private Authentic Spanish Cooking Class with Juan in Almeria: $94

Typical Food Prices in Madrid

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:


  • Coffee
    2.00
  • Ice Cream
    3.00
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    16
  • Croissant
    1.50
  • Lunch at Airport (for 2)
    16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid

For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Tipsy Tapas Food Tour with Drinks and Food: $28
  • Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $33
  • Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $34
  • Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $36
  • Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $37
  • Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
  • San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $42
  • Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $43
  • Skip the Line: Flamenco Show with Dinner and Workshop in Madrid Ticket: $50
  • Corral de la Moreria Madrid Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner: $55
  • The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $60
  • Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Almeria 16
    Madrid 34

Tours and Activities in Almeria

Here are a few actual costs in Almeria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Almeria : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Local Guide: $49
  • Almeria like a Local: Customized Private Tour : $53
  • Fort Bravo Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Full-Day Western Theme Park Tour of Mini Hollywood - Oasys: $70
  • Sailing experience along the coast of Cabo de Gata in Almería: $99

Tours and Activities in Madrid

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.

  • Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.09
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Madrid Mountains Free Walking Tour: $3.29
  • Escape Game and Tour: $4.34
  • Ticket Entrada al Museo del Turrón de Madrid: $5.43
  • Mapfre Foundation Entry Ticket: $5.43
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Madrid: $5.51
  • Manzanares River’s Story: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Madrid: $5.99
  • Manzanares River’s Story Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.50
  • Madrid Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.59
  • Madrid’s Tapas Spots: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Almeria 4.29
    Madrid 20

Sample the Local Flavors in Almeria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Almeria:

  • Visit to Eco Winery Cortijo El Cura and wine tasting in English: $24
  • Visit to Eco Winery Cortijo El Cura and wine tasting in Spanish: $24

Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:


  • Beer
    5.00
  • Drinks and Tapas (for 2)
    13

Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:

  • Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.77
  • Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $11
  • Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
  • Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
  • Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
  • Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
  • Pub Crawl Madrid: $19
  • Madrid's Live Music Bar Crawl: $21
  • Pub Crawl Madrid: $22
  • Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $22
  • Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
  • Wine Tasting Experience: $50


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Almeria and Madrid, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Almeria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Almeria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Almeria and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Madrid would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Madrid than you might in Almeria.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Almeria Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Almeria or Madrid?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Almeria. When comparing the sizes of Almeria and Madrid, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.