Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Edinburgh?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a ancient, charming, and character-filled 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. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and shopping.
Madrid
Madrid is a cultural, diverse, and compact city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.
Edinburgh and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Edinburgh
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Home to the Edinburgh Castle
- Less popular for food
- Public transit not as usable
Madrid
Pros- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Less museums and historical sights
Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Madrid?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Madrid. While Madrid is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Madrid attracts visitors for its food, shopping, and big city activities. Edinburgh is more touristy than Madrid and is known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also well known for The Edinburgh Castle. Madrid is famous for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing.
How is Edinburgh different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Edinburgh. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Edinburgh or Madrid?
Edinburgh
Madrid
Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.
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 Edinburgh or Madrid Better for Theater?
Edinburgh
Madrid
Edinburgh is a great city for theatre. However, Madrid is not a theatre destination.
Edinburgh attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.
Madrid is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Edinburgh or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Edinburgh
Madrid
Madrid is terrific for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.
Many restaurants in Madrid have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.
Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.
Is Edinburgh or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Edinburgh
Madrid
The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Edinburgh and Madrid.
Edinburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.
Madrid is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Edinburgh or Madrid Better for Music?
Edinburgh
Madrid
It can be fun to see live music in either Edinburgh and Madrid.
With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Edinburgh. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.
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.
Is Edinburgh or Madrid Better for its Old Town?
Edinburgh
Madrid
Edinburgh is renowned for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
The old town of Edinburgh is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Madrid?
Edinburgh
Madrid
Madrid is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.
Known for shopping, Madrid draws large crowds to its 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.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Edinburgh. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.
Is Edinburgh or Madrid Better for Families?
Edinburgh
Madrid
Both Edinburgh and Madrid are great to visit with kids.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Edinburgh is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.
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.
Is Edinburgh or Madrid Better for Couples?
Edinburgh
Madrid
Both Edinburgh and Madrid are great destinations for a couple's getaway.
Edinburgh makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.
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.
Is Edinburgh or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Edinburgh
Madrid
Edinburgh is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.
Many backpackers frequent Edinburgh. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.
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.
Is Edinburgh or Madrid Better for Students?
Edinburgh
Madrid
Madrid is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.
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 Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.
Is Edinburgh or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Edinburgh
Madrid
Madrid is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
The thorough and effecient public transit system of Madrid can take you anywhere. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.
Is Edinburgh or Madrid a more walkable city?
Edinburgh
Madrid
Edinburgh and Madrid are world-class when it comes to walkability.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Edinburgh. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk 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.
For even more information, also check out Is Edinburgh Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Edinburgh?
How long in Edinburgh or Madrid?
In either Edinburgh or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Edinburgh than Madrid. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Edinburgh, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Edinburgh than Madrid if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Edinburgh.
-
How many days in Edinburgh or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayEdinburgh 2-5Madrid 2-5
One day in Edinburgh or Madrid?
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
People visit Madrid because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Edinburgh or Madrid?
Edinburgh 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.
People visit Madrid because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Edinburgh or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
People visit Madrid because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
A week in Edinburgh or Madrid?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the vibrant destination of Edinburgh. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Madrid is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEdinburgh £142Madrid £117
The average daily cost (per person) in Edinburgh is £142, 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 Edinburgh and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEdinburgh £74Madrid £66
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEdinburgh £148Madrid £132
Compare Hotels in Edinburgh and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Edinburgh 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: Edinburgh Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Edinburgh £17Madrid £16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Edinburgh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Edinburgh:
-
Local Bus£3.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edinburgh
Also for Edinburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Edinburgh to Inverness Direct transfer: $773
- From Loch Ness Private Day Tour with Transfers: $742
- Private Tour with transfer from Newhaven Cruise Port to Glasgow.: $297
- Private Transfer from Edinburgh to Gleneagles Hotel : $279
- Private Luxury Transfer Edinburgh (One Way - 7 Passengers): $256
- Edinburgh to Stirling | Executive Transfer: $253
- Central Edinburgh Hotels to Edinburgh Airport Transfers 1-3: $252
- Edinburgh Train Station to Edinburgh Hotel Transfers 1-3 Pax: $247
- Edinburgh to Glasgow Luxury Car Transfer: $241
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI): Private Transfer to Edinburgh: $225
- Private Transfer from Edinburgh to Glasgow city or GLA Airport by Luxury Car: $216
- Private Transfer from Glasgow city or GLA Airport to Edinburgh city - Luxury Car: $214
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride£22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vehicle transfer with driver included in Madrid: $141
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Madrid HTL-APT (MAD): $61
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Madrid APT-HTL (MAD): $61
- Transfer to Madrid, travel calmly and comfortably: $144
- Transfer to Barajas Airport from Madrid: $76
- Transfer in private vehicle from Madrid City - Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD): $61
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $61
- Transfer from Barajas Airport to Madrid: $95
- Segovia: Full-Day Tour with Transfer to and from Madrid: $448
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Madrid Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $149
- Round Trip Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid by Sedan: $77
- Private transfer: Barajas Airport (MAD) to Madrid City Center: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Edinburgh or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Edinburgh 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 dayEdinburgh £39Madrid £29
Typical Food Prices in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Breakfast£8.50
-
Dinner at Filling Station£10
-
Lunch for Two£15
-
Sandwich£1.85
-
Cheese & bread£7.23
-
Thai Restaurant Dinner (for 2)£25
-
2 Coffees and Scones£5.80
-
Turkish Delight£1.40
-
Soup at the Pub£5.90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $31
- Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
- Scottish Dinner and Folk Music Experience: $87
- Edinburgh Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $90
- 'Scotland meets Sardinia' - 8-course Dinner in Leith, Edinburgh: $110
- 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour: $114
- Edinburgh Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $120
- Edinburgh Food Tour for Families: $120
- The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh Private Food Tour: $148
- Edinburgh Food Tour with a Local Foodie Custom & Private: $167
- Private Edinburgh Food Tour of Old Town: $178
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
-
Coffee£1.72
-
Ice Cream£2.57
-
Kebabs (for 2)£14
-
Croissant£1.29
-
Lunch at Airport (for 2)£14
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Edinburgh £20Madrid £29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Edinburgh
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Edinburgh's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Show Tickets£32
-
Movie Tickets for Two£12
-
Donation for Storytellers£6.00
Tours and Activities in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1.5 hour Firth of Forth Sightseeing cruise: $23
- 2 Hour Holyrood Palace Private Walking Tour: $76
- 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh: $260
- 2-Day Inverness and the Highlands Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh: $227
- 2-Day Loch Lomond, West Highlands, Glencoe & Oban Tour: $164
- 3-Day Isle of Skye Inverness Highlands and Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh: $233
- 3-Hour Private Edinburgh Castle Tour: $274
- 4 Hour Walking Tour Around Old Edinburgh's City Wall: $30
- Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Tour from Edinburgh: $71
- Alnwick Castle, Northumberland & Scottish Borders 1-Day Tour: $66
- Alnwick Castle, Northumberland and Borders Tour with Admission: $103
- Arthur's Seat In App Audio Tour: a Vertiginous Hike: $12
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 dayEdinburgh £15Madrid £17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Edinburgh
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Edinburgh from other travelers:
-
Beer & Wine£14
-
Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern£1.65
Sample the Local Flavors in Edinburgh
Also in Edinburgh, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl with Free Shots & Discounts: $11
- Brewery Tour & Tasting: $18
- Edinburgh Bar Crawl: 5+ Venues, Free Shots, Free Club Entry: $19
- Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour with "Real-Actors": $25
- Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery: $28
- Lind & Lime Gin Distillery Tour & Tasting: $31
- Pickering's Gin Jolly Distillery Tasting Tour: $31
- Pub Crawl 7 Bars with 6 Shots: $31
- Pickering's Gin Jolly Distillery Tasting Tour: $32
- Visit a Working South Loch Gin Distillery: $32
- The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: $32
- 5 Hours Edinburgh Halloween Bar Crawl: $32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
-
Beer£4.29
-
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: $9.59
- 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Edinburgh and Madrid, we can see that Edinburgh is more expensive. And not only is Madrid much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Madrid would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Madrid 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh than you might in Madrid.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Edinburgh Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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.