Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Bordeaux?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bordeaux or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Bordeaux or Madrid? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a historical, elegant, and charming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.
Madrid
Madrid is a compact, friendly, and authentic 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 food, shopping, and museums.
Bordeaux and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Bordeaux
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
Madrid
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Madrid?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid than Bordeaux. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Madrid is very popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Bordeaux attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Bordeaux is more touristy than Madrid and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. 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 Bordeaux different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Bordeaux. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bordeaux or Madrid?
Bordeaux
Madrid
Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Bordeaux and Madrid.
Bordeaux offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.
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.
Is the Food Better in Bordeaux or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Bordeaux
Madrid
Foodies will find both Bordeaux and Madrid both to be terrific destinations.
For foodies, Bordeaux is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.
Madrid has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Bordeaux or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Bordeaux
Madrid
Madrid is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.
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 Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.
Is Bordeaux or Madrid Better for Music?
Bordeaux
Madrid
Madrid is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Bordeaux 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.
Bordeaux is not a live music destination.
Is Bordeaux or Madrid Better for its Old Town?
Bordeaux
Madrid
Bordeaux is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Bordeaux is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Madrid?
Bordeaux
Madrid
Madrid is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.
Is Bordeaux or Madrid Better for Families?
Bordeaux
Madrid
Madrid is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Madrid is a very kid-friendly city. 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.
Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.
Is Bordeaux or Madrid Better for Couples?
Bordeaux
Madrid
With fun activities for couples, both Bordeaux and Madrid make for a excellent place to visit.
Couples visit Bordeaux frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.
Madrid is a great city 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 Bordeaux or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Bordeaux
Madrid
Madrid is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Madrid is a great city to visit for backpackers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Bordeaux is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.
Is Bordeaux or Madrid Better for Students?
Bordeaux
Madrid
Madrid is a world-class destination for students. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Many students frequent 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.
Bordeaux is very popular with students. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.
Is Bordeaux or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Bordeaux
Madrid
Madrid is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
With a huge network, the transit system in Madrid can get you around easily. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Many visitors use the public transit system in Bordeaux. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.
Is Bordeaux or Madrid a more walkable city?
Bordeaux
Madrid
Madrid is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.
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.
Bordeaux is a very walkable destination. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.
For even more information, also check out Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Bordeaux?
How long in Bordeaux or Madrid?
In either Bordeaux or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Madrid has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Madrid than Bordeaux. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayBordeaux 2-5Madrid 2-5
One day in Bordeaux or Madrid?
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bordeaux. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Madrid is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
A weekend in Bordeaux or Madrid?
Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Madrid is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Madrid, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Five days in Bordeaux or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bordeaux. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Madrid, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
A week in Bordeaux or Madrid?
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Bordeaux. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Madrid is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBordeaux €118Madrid €136
The average daily cost (per person) in Bordeaux is €118, 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 Bordeaux and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBordeaux €63Madrid €77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBordeaux €126Madrid €154
Compare Hotels in Bordeaux and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Bordeaux 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: Bordeaux Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bordeaux €15Madrid €19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bordeaux
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bordeaux:
- Airport to Bordeaux Premium Class Private Transfer: $272
- Private Transfer from Airport to Bordeaux City: $165
- Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Premium Class: $147
- Arrival Private Transfer Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux by Van: $115
- Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
- Departure Private Transfers : Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
- Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $102
- Arrival Private Transfers : Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $102
- Private Transfer Bordeaux City to Bordeaux Airport BOD by Car: $97
- Private Transfer from Bordeaux Airport to City of Bordeaux: $87
- Transfer Airport, Hotel, Station and others places: $77
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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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: $173
- Private One-Way Transfer to OR from Madrid Airport with private pick up: $77
- Arrival Private Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid City by Van: $71
- Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from MAD Airport to Madrid: $53
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Private Van: $87
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid MAD Airport to Madrid by Luxury Car: $81
- Arrival Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Business Car: $80
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Van: $87
- Departure Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Business Car: $80
- From Madrid Airport: 1-Way Private Hotel Transfer: $80
- From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $261
- Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $26
Is it cheaper to fly into Bordeaux or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Bordeaux 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 dayBordeaux €45Madrid €34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bordeaux
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bordeaux.
- Bordeaux - sweet food tour of the old city: $63
- No Diet Club : Bordeaux Food Tour in Les Chartrons !: $63
- NO DIET CLUB - Unique food tour in Bordeaux !: $64
- 2-Hour River Dinner Cruise: $74
- Bordeaux : Afternoon Food Tour by a local guide: $84
- Bakeries, Chocolate and Patisseries Food Tour: $85
- Bordeaux : Food Tour by a local guide: $95
- Private Bakery, Chocolate & Patisserie Food Tour: $95
- Food Tour in Bordeaux : $97
- Bordeaux Food Tour - Bakeries, Pastries, Chocolate and more!: $98
- Bordeaux Ultimate Food Tour: $105
- Pastry Cooking Class: $105
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee€2.00
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Ice Cream€3.00
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Kebabs (for 2)€16
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Croissant€1.50
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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: $27
- Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $32
- Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $33
- Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $35
- Torres Bermejas Flamenco Show in Madrid with Dinner, Tapas or Drink: $38
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
- Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $42
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $42
- San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $52
- The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59
- Zarzuela Opera and Dinner at La Castafiore Restaurant in Madrid: $60
- Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $61
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bordeaux €7.89Madrid €34
Tours and Activities in Bordeaux
Here are a few actual costs in Bordeaux for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "Bordeaux by bicycle: a 3-hour tour immersive experience": $39
- "Explore Saint-Émilion on e-Bikes: Small Group, Full-Day Tour": $196
- 2 hours - Bordeaux Private tour with a native guide: $163
- 4 Hours Gastronomic Tour in Bordeaux the Sandwiches of the World: $64
- Afternoon Gastronomic Tour in Bordeaux: $86
- Aperitive guided cruise « Wine and Canelé »: $20
- Blending workshop and tour of the chateau: $42
- Blind Tasting: 5 Bordeaux Natural Wine + Cheese experience: $53
- Bordeaux - Private Historic Walking Tour: $457
- Bordeaux : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.12
- Bordeaux : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour: $75
- Bordeaux : Must-sees's Private Guided Walking Tour: $27
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: $3.20
- Madrid Mountains Free Walking Tour: $3.26
- Madrid Old Town & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $4.26
- Escape Game and Tour: $4.26
- Secrets of Madrids Walking Tour: $4.26
- Marvels of Madrid Walking Tour: $4.26
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour: $4.26
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.35
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour : $4.35
- Ticket Entrance to the Madrid Nougat Museum: $5.33
- Mapfre Foundation Entry Ticket: $5.33
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBordeaux €26Madrid €20
Sample the Local Flavors in Bordeaux
Also in Bordeaux, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine and Trade Museum Entry Ticket & Wine Tasting: $11
- Distillery Tour in Bordeaux with Spirits Tasting: $16
- Wine Tasting Cruise: $22
- Cité du Vin Direct Ticket and Wine Tasting: $23
- Bordeaux Pub Crawl: $25
- Taillan-Médoc: Château Visit and Wine Tasting in Bordeaux: $27
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $29
- Unusual Wine Tasting Experience - Wood & Wine: $30
- An Unusual Wine Tasting Hour in Bordeaux: $30
- Discover Bordeaux vineyard : special wine tasting with two cellar men brothers: $32
- Wine Country Vineyards Tour w/ Local Wine Tastings: $59
- Bordeaux Vineyards Wine Tasting Half-Day Trip: $61
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€5.00
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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: $9.59
- 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
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $22
- Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
When comparing the travel costs between Bordeaux and Madrid, we can see that Madrid 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 Bordeaux Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux 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.