A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Madrid for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bali or Madrid?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Madrid can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a tropical, lush, and frequented island. Many visitors also come to Bali because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Bali travel costs.

Madrid

Madrid is a friendly, authentic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Madrid travel costs.

Bali and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Madrid?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid than Bali. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Madrid is very popular for its museums and attractions, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Bali attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bali is more touristy than Madrid and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Madrid is famous for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also well known for The Prado Museum.

How is Bali different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Madrid is very good for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Madrid offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Bali and Madrid offer a number of amazing restaurants to choose from.

Bali has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Madrid is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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 Bali or Madrid Better for Nightlife?

Bali is renowned for nightlife. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Bali is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

Madrid offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Is Bali or Madrid Better for Music?

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

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Madrid 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.

Bali is not a live music destination.

Is Bali or Madrid Better for Resorts?

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

Bali is a world class resort vacation destination. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Madrid is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Madrid Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Bali is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Madrid Better for Beaches?

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

Bali is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Madrid is not a beach destination.

Is Bali or Madrid Better for Hiking?

Bali is a great island for hiking. However, Madrid is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Bali for the hiking trails. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Madrid is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Madrid?

Madrid is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Madrid make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bali. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Is Bali or Madrid More Beautiful?

Bali is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Madrid is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Bali because of it's amazing beauty. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning countryside. It's also a very cultural island with a lot of spirituality.

Madrid is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bali or Madrid Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Bali or Madrid.

Bali is a very kid-friendly island. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Madrid. 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 Bali or Madrid Better for Couples?

Bali is renowned for romance. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Bali is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Madrid is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Bali or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Bali. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Madrid is a great island to visit for backpackers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.

Is Bali or Madrid Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Madrid. 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.

Bali is not popular with students.

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

Madrid is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit 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.

Bali has some public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Is Bali or Madrid a more walkable city?

Madrid is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

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

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Bali?

How long in Bali or Madrid?

In either Bali or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bali than Madrid because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 7-14 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali than Madrid 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 Bali.

One day in Bali or Madrid?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bali. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Madrid is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bali or Madrid?

Bali is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Madrid is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Madrid?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With so much to do, five days is probably not enough time to see everything. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Madrid is a friendly big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bali or Madrid?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the tropical destination of Bali. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The diverse city of Madrid offers shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Madrid, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bali is in Asia and Madrid is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Bali.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Madrid?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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.