A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Delphi vs. Madrid for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Delphi or Madrid?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Delphi 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.

Delphi

Delphi is a historic, fascinating, and world-renowned archeological site. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Madrid

Madrid is a authentic, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Delphi and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Temple of Apollo
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • 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
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Delphi or Madrid?

You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Delphi. Madrid is bigger than Delphi, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Delphi is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Delphi is more touristy than Madrid and is known for its world renowned archeological ruins and its connection to Greek mythology. 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 Delphi different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Delphi
Madrid

Delphi 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 Delphi from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. This is one of the most popular archeological sites in Greece. You will find the Temple of Apollo and most of the monuments are dedicated to this God. There is an Ancient Theatre, an Ancient Stadium, as well as an Archaeological Museum. There's also the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea and the Treasury of the Athenians.

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 Delphi or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Delphi
Madrid

Madrid is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its local cuisine and 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.

Delphi offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of restaurant options in the area, some of them offering spectacular views. There are traditional Greek restaurants as well as modern cafes with international cuisine. You'll find all of the standard Greek staples such as gyros, lamb chops, and seafood.

Is Delphi or Madrid Better for Nightlife?

Delphi
Madrid

Madrid is great for its evening party scene. However, Delphi is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Madrid for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Delphi for the nightlife. This is a quiet town that shuts down in the evening. If you're looking for more of a nightlife scene, head to nearby Arachova, which is just a 10 minute drive away.

Is Delphi or Madrid Better for Music?

Delphi
Madrid

Madrid is renowned for its music scene. However, Delphi is not a live music destination.

Madrid has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.

Delphi is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Delphi or Madrid?

Delphi
Madrid

Madrid is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Delphi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Madrid specifically to go shopping. 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.

Delphi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Delphi or Madrid Better for Families?

Delphi
Madrid

Madrid is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Delphi is a family-friendly place to visit. The archeological ruins are world class, and kids who enjoy mythology and history will love this place. It's the perfect place for kids to let their imagination run wild.

Is Delphi or Madrid Better for Couples?

Delphi
Madrid

Madrid is great for couples. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for romance.

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.

Delphi is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination that is a great addition to any couple's itinerary to Greece.


Is Delphi or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Delphi
Madrid

Madrid is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Madrid. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.

Delphi is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel or two in the area, and the prices are reasonable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Delphi or Madrid Better for Students?

Delphi
Madrid

Madrid is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Delphi is not popular with students.

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.

Delphi is not popular with students.

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

Delphi
Madrid

Madrid is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its public transit.

Madrid has a great public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.

Delphi has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel to Delphi from Greece.


Is Delphi or Madrid a more walkable city?

Delphi
Madrid

Madrid is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its walkability.

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

Delphi is very walkable. Both the museum are archeological site are within walking distance of the town. The town is also small enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Delphi?

How long in Delphi or Madrid?

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

Families should spend more time in Madrid than Delphi. 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 Delphi. 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 Delphi 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 Delphi or Madrid? Ideal Length of Stay
    Delphi 1-2 
    Madrid 2-5

One day in Delphi or Madrid?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Delphi. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Madrid 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.

A weekend in Delphi or Madrid?

Delphi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, 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 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.


Five days in Delphi or Madrid?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Delphi. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. 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.

A week in Delphi or Madrid?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Delphi. This archeological site offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the compact big city of Madrid. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours from Athens, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Delphi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Delphi is €102, 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 Delphi and Madrid in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Delphi 59
    Madrid 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Delphi 118
    Madrid 154
Compare Hotels in Delphi and Madrid

Looking for a hotel in Delphi 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 Delphi


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.
    Delphi 8.57
    Madrid 19

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:

  • Segovia: Full-Day Tour with Transfer to and from Madrid: $447
  • Private Transfer Madrid City to Valladolid City by Sedan: $299
  • Private Transfer from Moratalla to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $273
  • Private Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Segovia City by Van: $266
  • From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $261
  • Private Transfer from Bolnuevo to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $254
  • Private Transfer from La Manga strip dos Mares to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $237
  • Balloon Ride with Transfer Option from Madrid City: $234
  • Private Transfer from La Manga Club to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $227
  • Private Transfer from Corvera Golf Resort to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $218
  • Private Transfer from Cieza to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $205
  • Private Transfer from El Verger to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $191

Is it cheaper to fly into Delphi or Madrid?

Prices for flights to both Madrid and Delphi 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
    Delphi 36
    Madrid 34

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: $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
  • Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $42
  • Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $47
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Delphi 11
    Madrid 34

Tours and Activities in Delphi

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

  • Delphi Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11
  • Athens to Delphi & Arachova Private Guided Tour with Lunch: $1,383
  • Athens: Delphi Day Trip with Licensed Guided Tour and Pickup: $26
  • Athens: Delphi Small-Group Day Experience & Arachova Visit: $104
  • Delphi Audiovisual Self-guided Tour with 3D Representations: $7.59
  • Delphi Guided Walking Tour and Admission Ticket: $106
  • Delphi Navel Of Earth Hosios Loukas Full Day Private Tour: $172
  • Delphi Skip-The-Line Private Tour with Licensed Guide & Admission: $143
  • Delphi Tour: $394
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Refundable Ticket with Audio: $18
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Ticket with Audio Guide: $16
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Ticket with Audio Tour: $13

Tours and Activities in Madrid

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

  • Madrid Photo Tour with Pro Photographer Lifestyle and Portrait: $82
  • Private Combo Tour Prado Museum and Reina Sofia: $221
  • Toledo with Cathedral from Madrid Full Day Tour: $134
  • "Prado Museum" Tour A Treasure of World Art: $65
  • 1 Hour Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $98
  • 1-Hour Private Flamenco Class in Madrid Experience: $45
  • 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.35
  • 2 Hours Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $163
  • 2-Hour Tour of the Madrid of Mysteries: $14
  • 2.5-Hour Evening Tapas Tour through Madrid: $37
  • 3 Hours Walking Tour in Madrid: $266
  • 3-Hour Tapas Walking Tour of Madrid Food and Drink Included: $93

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Delphi 13
    Madrid 20

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: $9.58
  • 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
  • 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: $16
  • Pub Crawl Madrid: $19
  • Pub Crawl Madrid: $22
  • 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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Delphi and Madrid, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Delphi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Delphi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Delphi 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 Delphi.

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


Which is Bigger, Delphi or Madrid?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Delphi. When comparing the sizes of Delphi 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.