Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Belfast?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Belfast or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Madrid, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Belfast
Belfast is a affordable, under-rated, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and shopping.
Madrid
Madrid is a authentic, cultural, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.
Belfast and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Belfast
Pros- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with couples
- Less popular with backpackers
- Less popular for students
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Madrid
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- 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 Belfast or Madrid?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Madrid than Belfast, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Madrid is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also home to The Prado Museum. Belfast is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".
How is Belfast different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Belfast. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Belfast or Madrid?
Belfast
Madrid
Madrid is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.
Madrid is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.
Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.
Is the Food Better in Belfast or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Belfast
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.
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.
You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.
Is Belfast or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Belfast
Madrid
Madrid is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.
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.
With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.
Is Belfast or Madrid Better for Music?
Belfast
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Belfast is not a live music destination.
Madrid is a world class music destination. 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.
Belfast is not a live music destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Madrid?
Belfast
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.
Madrid is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.
Is Belfast or Madrid Better for Families?
Belfast
Madrid
Madrid is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.
Madrid is 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.
Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.
Is Belfast or Madrid Better for Couples?
Belfast
Madrid
Madrid is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.
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.
Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.
Is Belfast or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Belfast
Madrid
Madrid is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers come from all over to visit Madrid. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.
Is Belfast or Madrid Better for Students?
Belfast
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.
Madrid is a great destination 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.
Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.
Is Belfast or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Belfast
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.
Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.
Is Belfast or Madrid a more walkable city?
Belfast
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.
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.
Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.
For even more information, also check out Is Belfast Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Belfast?
How long in Belfast or Madrid?
In either Belfast or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Belfast because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Belfast, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Belfast. 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 Belfast. 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayBelfast 1-3Madrid 2-5
One day in Belfast or Madrid?
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Belfast. 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 Belfast or Madrid?
Belfast 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 Belfast or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. 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 Belfast or Madrid?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of Belfast. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBelfast £133Madrid £117
The average daily cost (per person) in Belfast is £133, while the average daily cost in Madrid is £117. 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 Belfast and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBelfast £68Madrid £66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBelfast £136Madrid £132
Compare Hotels in Belfast and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Belfast 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: Belfast Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Belfast £14Madrid £16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Dublin Airport: $294
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Derrygonnelly: $286
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Belcoo: $286
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bellanaleck: $268
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Kinawley: $264
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisnarick: $259
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Ballinamallard: $248
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Castlederg: $248
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisnaskea: $243
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Maguiresbridge: $243
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tempo: $241
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Newtownbutler: $236
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride£22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Madrid Barajas Airport: Transfer to/from Atocha Bus Station: $7.48
- Madrid Barajas International Airport - Private Arrival Transfer: $22
- Private transfer from Atocha Station to Madrid city center: $22
- Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $26
- Private One-way Airport Transfer Madrid Airport To Madrid: $27
- Private transfer: Barajas Airport (MAD) to Madrid City Center: $29
- Madrid Barajas Airport Private Transfer To Alcobendas: $32
- Private Arrival Transfer from Barajas Airport: $40
- Private Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD): $42
- Private Transfer From Madrid Barajas Airport to Madrid: $44
- Private Transfer from Airport to the City of Madrid Round Trip: $48
- Madrid City Center: Private Transfer to Madrid Airport: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Belfast or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Belfast 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 dayBelfast £51Madrid £29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.
- Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
- Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee£1.71
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Ice Cream£2.57
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Kebabs (for 2)£14
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Croissant£1.28
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Lunch at Airport (for 2)£13
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: $27
- Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $33
- Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $33
- Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $35
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $43
- Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $43
- Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $47
- Skip the Line: Flamenco Show with Dinner and Workshop in Madrid Ticket: $49
- San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $52
- Traditional Paella & Sangría Workshop & Spanish Dinner in Madrid: $53
- The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Belfast £18Madrid £29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:
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Movie Tickets£8.00
Tours and Activities in Belfast
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:
- Belfast A Music and StreetArt Experience. Small Gr Walking Tour : $25
- Belfast The Troubles cab tour Adventure 2hrs personal guide : $113
- Historical Private Tour in Belfast : $76
- 2 Hour Fungi Experience in Belfast: $62
- 2 hour Private Political History & Murals Tour Belfast: $70
- 2 hours Belfast Original Drivers The Troubles Black Taxi Tour: $92
- 3 Hour extended Murals Tour: $101
- A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour : $28
- Antrim Coast Carrickfergus and Gobbins Cliff Experience: $437
- Award winners Express 2 hrs Black Taxi tours and Mural Taxi Tour: $158
- Belfast Black Taxi Tour of Murals and Peace Walls 2 hours: $114
- Belfast Famous Black taxi political mural peace wall tour 2 hour: $125
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.07
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Madrid Mountains Free Walking Tour: $3.27
- History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $4.28
- Escape Game and Tour: $4.28
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour: $5.35
- Marvels of Madrid Walking Tour: $5.35
- Madrid Old Town & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $5.35
- Ticket Entrance to the Madrid Nougat Museum: $5.35
- Wonders of Madrid City Walking Tour: $5.35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBelfast £7.86Madrid £17
Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:
- Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
- Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
- Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
- Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
- VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119
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£4.28
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)£11
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.62
- 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-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $19
- Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $22
- Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
- Wine Tasting Experience: $49
When comparing the travel costs between Belfast and Madrid, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Belfast Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Belfast or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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.