Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Galway?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Galway 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 Galway 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.
Galway
Galway is a cultural, historical, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.
Madrid
Madrid is a cultural, diverse, and compact city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.
Galway and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Galway
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular for students
- Public transit not as usable
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
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Galway or Madrid?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Madrid than Galway, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Madrid is more touristy than Galway 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. Galway is popular for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.
How is Galway different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Galway. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Galway or Madrid?
Galway
Madrid
Both Galway and Madrid have good landmarks and museums for visitors.
Galway is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.
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 Galway or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Galway
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.
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.
Galway has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.
Is Galway or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Galway
Madrid
Evening events are great in both Galway and Madrid.
Galway has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.
Madrid has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Galway or Madrid Better for Music?
Galway
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Galway 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.
Galway is not a live music destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Madrid?
Galway
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Galway 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 Galway. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.
Is Galway or Madrid Better for Families?
Galway
Madrid
Madrid is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Galway 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.
Galway is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.
Is Galway or Madrid Better for Couples?
Galway
Madrid
Madrid is notable for romance. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.
Galway makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day trip.
Is Galway or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Galway
Madrid
Both Galway and Madrid are great destinations for backpackers.
Backpackers come from all over to visit Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.
Many backpackers visit Madrid. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Is Galway or Madrid Better for Students?
Galway
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.
Madrid is a very popular city for students. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.
Plenty of students visit Galway. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.
Is Galway or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Galway
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.
Galway has some public transit options. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.
Is Galway or Madrid a more walkable city?
Galway
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Galway 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.
Galway is a very walkable city. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.
For even more information, also check out Is Galway Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Galway?
How long in Galway or Madrid?
In either Galway or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Galway because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Galway, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Galway. 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 Galway. 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 Galway 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 Galway or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayGalway 2-3Madrid 2-5
One day in Galway or Madrid?
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Galway. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
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 Galway or Madrid?
Galway 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.
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 Galway or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galway. 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 Galway or Madrid?
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Galway. This city 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 authentic 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGalway €131Madrid €136
The average daily cost (per person) in Galway is €131, 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 Galway and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGalway €70Madrid €77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGalway €140Madrid €154
Compare Hotels in Galway and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Galway 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: Galway Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Galway €33Madrid €18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galway
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Galway:
- Galway Private Driver: Personalized Tours & Transfers: $776
- One-Way Private Transfer to Killarney: $693
- From 1-Way Private Transfer to Dublin Airport: $693
- From 1-Way Private Transfer to Cork City: $582
- Galway to Shannon Airport | Private Transfer & Car Service: $305
- Galway to Limerick | Private Transfer and Car Service: $305
- Private Car Service Galway - Tours & Airport Transfers: $294
- Shannon Airport to Seamless Private Transfers: $266
- Galway City to Shannon Airport, Private Chauffeur Transfer.: $226
- Galway Private Transfer from Galway Airport to City centre: $93
- Galway Private Transfer from central Galway to Galway Airport: $93
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 Barajas Airport: Transfer to/from Atocha Bus Station: $7.75
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $25
- Alcobendas Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $27
- Airport Transfer: $30
- Private transfer: Barajas Airport (MAD) to Madrid City Center: $30
- Madrid Airport - City Center Transfers: $30
- Transfer to Madrid Airport (MAD): $30
- Private Arrival Transfer from Barajas Airport: $40
- Private Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD): $44
- Private Transfer: Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) to Madrid: $44
- Transfers Madrid Airport to Madrid Center in Vans up to 7 Passengers: $48
- Pozuelo de Alarcón Private Transfer to Madrid Barajas Airport: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Galway or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Galway 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 dayGalway €33Madrid €34
Typical Food Prices in Galway
Some typical examples of dining costs in Galway are as follows:
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Fish & Chips Dinner€8.12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galway
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Galway.
- Galway Food Tour: $111
- Galway Food Tours: $113
- Irish Whiskey & Galway Spirits Food Tour : $124
- Private Irish Cooking Experience in the Heart of Gaeltacht: $141
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:
- Flamenco Show with Dinner, Drinks and Optional Class: $55
- Corral de la Moreria Madrid Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner: $57
- The Authentic Morning Food Tour!: $61
- Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $63
- Tapas Crawl in Madrid Historical Quarter for Lunch or Dinner: $65
- Iberico Ham and Spanish Wine Small-Group Food Tour: $65
- Madrid San Miguel Market and City Center Street Food Tour: $66
- Murder Mystery Dinner Experience: $71
- 10 Tapas 2.5-Hour Cooking Class: $75
- Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $76
- Tipsy Tapas Food Tour with Drinks and Food: $76
- Unique Traditional Cooking Class of Sardines in Madrid: $76
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Galway €12Madrid €33
Tours and Activities in Galway
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Galway are as follows:
- Abalone farm tour and tasting with coastal seaweed walk. Guided. 2 hours: $85
- A taste of the Craic: A self-guided tour exploring Galway's local gastronomy: $7.26
- All Ireland tour, create your own tour of Ireland: $6,558
- Aran Island, Cliffs of Moher & Cruise tour from Galway. Guided.: $123
- Aran Island,Cliffs of Moher & Cliff cruise from Galway City.: $126
- Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher including Cliffs of Moher cruise.: $85
- Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea & Scones - Day Trip to Inisheer from Doolin: $141
- Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Cruise from Galway: $79
- Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks: $62
- Boat cruise with local skipper on Galway Bay. Galway city. 1 hour: $37
- City Sightseeing Galway Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $18
- City of the Tribes Tour: $136
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Modern Walking Tour (Golden age): $1.11
- Old Town Guided Walking Tour: $1.11
- Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.11
- Tour Retiro Park - Madrid self-guided tour app: $2.22
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.33
- Modern Madrid Walking Tour The Bourbons: $3.95
- App self-guided: Tour Madrid Spain: $4.43
- Highlights App Guided Tour with Puzzles: $4.43
- Madrid Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.53
- Madrid Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.83
- Ticket Entrance to the Madrid Nougat Museum: $5.54
- Wonders of Madrid City Walking Tour: $5.54
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGalway €15Madrid €19
Sample the Local Flavors in Galway
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Galway:
- Traditional Irish Poitin & Gin Distillery Tour: $368
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 Madrid Erasmus & International Meet and Party(New): $7.76
- Pub crawl Madrid Erasmus Meet & Party Erasmus and International: $9.06
- Original Pub Crawl With VIP Club Entry: $11
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Guided Bar Crawl with Drinks and Nightclub Entry: $13
- Pub Crawl Madrid's Night Time: $15
- Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $17
- Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $17
- Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $17
- Pub Crawl Madrid & Party: $17
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $19
- Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $23
When comparing the travel costs between Galway 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 Galway Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Galway or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Galway 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.