Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Beijing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beijing or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Madrid can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Beijing
Beijing is a historic, massive, and jam-packed city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.
Madrid
Madrid is a cultural, diverse, and compact 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 nightlife, live music, and food.
Beijing and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Beijing
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Home to the Forbidden City
- Less walkable
Madrid
Pros- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Less museums and historical sights
Is there more to do in Beijing or Madrid?
You'll generally find more things to do in Beijing than Madrid. Beijing is bigger than Madrid, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Beijing is better known for its museums & sights and impressive beauty, while Madrid is more popular for its music and shopping. Beijing is more touristy than Madrid and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Also, Beijing is famous for The Forbidden City. Madrid is well known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing.
How is Beijing different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Beijing. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beijing or Madrid?
Beijing
Madrid
Beijing is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
Travelers visit Beijing from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.
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.
Is the Food Better in Beijing or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Beijing
Madrid
Dining out at restaurants in both Beijing and Madrid can be an enjoyable experience.
Many restaurants in Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.
Eat your way through Madrid, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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 Beijing or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Beijing
Madrid
It's hard to distinguish whether Beijing or Madrid has a better nightlife scene.
The people in Beijing know how to have a good time. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.
The nightlife in Madrid has something for everybody. 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 Beijing or Madrid Better for Music?
Beijing
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Beijing 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.
Beijing is not a live music destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Madrid?
Beijing
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.
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.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.
Is Beijing or Madrid Better for Families?
Beijing
Madrid
Madrid is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Madrid is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.
Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.
Is Beijing or Madrid Better for Couples?
Beijing
Madrid
Madrid is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
Couples visit Madrid frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.
Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.
Is Beijing or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Beijing
Madrid
Beijing and Madrid are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Beijing is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.
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 Beijing or Madrid Better for Students?
Beijing
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Madrid is a very popular city 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.
Many students visit Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.
Is Beijing or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Beijing
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
Visitors in Madrid can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Beijing. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.
Is Beijing or Madrid a more walkable city?
Beijing
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city 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.
Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.
For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Beijing?
How long in Beijing or Madrid?
In either Beijing or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than Madrid because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Beijing. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Madrid, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Madrid than Beijing. 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 Beijing 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.
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How many days in Beijing or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayBeijing 3-7Madrid 2-5
One day in Beijing or Madrid?
Beijing is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
In Madrid, you'll find shopping and museums. 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 Beijing or Madrid?
Beijing 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.
In Madrid, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Beijing or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. 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 Beijing or Madrid?
Beijing is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.
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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeijing $78Madrid $152
The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $78, while the average daily cost in Madrid is $152. 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 Beijing and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeijing $40Madrid $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeijing $80Madrid $172
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Beijing 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beijing $7.92Madrid $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.84
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Train from Airport for Two$7.09
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Taxi to Hotel$8.51
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2 Metro Passes$2.27
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Metro$0.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Private Beijing Downtown Transfer for 10 hours Up to 30pax: $850
- Private Beijing Downtown Transfer for 10 hours Up to 15pax: $490
- Private Beijing Downtown Transfer for 10 hours Up to 5pax: $323
- Beijing Layover Tour with Hutong, Temple of Heaven and Airport Transfer: $296
- Private Transfer to Beidaihe Summer Resort from Beijing: $272
- 1 Day Pass for Universal Beijing and Private Transfer Package: $265
- Private Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace with A Guide: $259
- Beijing Layover Private Tour: City Highlights With Airport Transfer: $250
- Private Day Tour of Beijing City Overview with Airport Transfer: $245
- Beijing Layover of Comprehensive City Tour With Airport Transfer: $240
- Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise Port to Beijing with stop at Great Wall : $221
- Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise port to Mutianyu Great Wall of China : $221
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private One-Way Transfer to OR from Madrid Airport with private pick up: $64
- Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from MAD Airport to Madrid: $54
- Arrival Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Avila City by Sedan: $236
- Arrival Transfer from Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City by Van: $79
- Arrival Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Luxury Van: $90
- Departure Private Transfer from Madrid to MAD Airport by Van: $71
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Van: $85
- Departure Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Business Car: $84
- Departure Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Luxury Van: $90
- From Madrid Airport: 1-Way Private Hotel Transfer: $82
- From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $269
- From Private Transfer to Segovia: $218
Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Beijing 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
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Food Meals for one dayBeijing $20Madrid $38
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.85
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Hot Pot Dinner$7.09
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.84
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Watermelon$1.99
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$17
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Two Popsicles$0.85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Gulou (the Drum Tower) of Beijing Dinner & Beer Walking Tour: $68
- Beijing Gulou Night Market Food Tour: $68
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $75
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee$2.23
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Ice Cream$3.35
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Kebabs (for 2)$18
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Croissant$1.67
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Lunch at Airport (for 2)$18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid
For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flamenco Show, Dinner and Workshop at Taberna Flamenca El Cortijo: $54
- Flamenco Show with Dinner, Drinks and Optional Class: $55
- Corral de la Moreria Madrid Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner: $56
- The Authentic Morning Food Tour!: $60
- Dinner-Show La Circa de Marta Cariño! en el centro de Madrid: $61
- Zarzuela Opera and Dinner at La Castafiore Restaurant in Madrid: $62
- Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $63
- Tapas Crawl in Madrid Historical Quarter for Lunch or Dinner: $65
- Iberico Ham and Spanish Wine Small-Group Food Tour: $65
- Madrid San Miguel Market and City Center Street Food Tour: $65
- Paella and Tapas Cooking Workshop in Madrid: $67
- Spanish Omelet Cooking Class and Bottomless Wine brunch: $73
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beijing $25Madrid $37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.51
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Two Opera Tickets$60
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.93
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Day Small-Group Tour of Beijing Highlights, No Shopping: $229
- 4-Hour Beijing Layover Tour to Hutong from Daxing Airport: $145
- 9 Day Shared Tour from Beijing to Shanghai: $299
- All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour: $188
- All Inclusive Private Summer Palace, Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour: $204
- All Inclusive Private Tour: Juyongguan Greatwall, Sacred Road, MingTombs : $176
- Beijing 2 Summer Palace Private Garden Tour: $140
- Beijing Art Tour: Seeing Fantastic Ming Murals at Fa Hai Temple : $220
- Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with English Driver : $121
- Beijing Private Tour of Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube: $297
- BusDa:Morning Shared Temple of Heaven Tour : $28
- China Art Museum and 798 Art Zone Private Tour: $137
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Old Town Guided Walking Tour: $1.10
- Modern Walking Tour (Golden age): $1.10
- Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.10
- Tour navideño por Madrid: $1.10
- Free Walking City Highlights Tour: $1.10
- Madrid Medieval History Tour the City’s Ancient Past: $1.10
- Madrid Walking Tour from Puerta del Sol to Retiro Park: $2.18
- Self Guided Tours Madrid With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.36
- Madrid Essential: Free Walking Tour: $3.36
- Horror Night Tour in Madrid on Foot: $3.36
- Madrid Mountains Free Walking Tour: $3.37
- Madrid Historical Walking Tour: $3.92
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeijing $12Madrid $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Private Tour-Drum Tower, Hutong Food Taste and Local Brewery Beer: $120
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $166
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
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Beer$5.58
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)$15
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Pub Crawl Madrid Erasmus & International Meet and Party(New): $8.78
- Original Pub Crawl With VIP Club Entry: $11
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Guided Bar Crawl with Drinks and Nightclub Entry: $13
- Pub Crawl Madrid's Night Time: $15
- Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $17
- Pub Crawl (3 bars + 1 club) Party Night!: $22
- Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $22
- Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $33
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Madrid, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing 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 Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beijing or Madrid?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Madrid. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.