Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Glasgow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Glasgow or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow 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.
Glasgow
Glasgow is a high energy, friendly, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.
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.
Glasgow and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Glasgow
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for shopping
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
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Glasgow or Madrid?
You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Glasgow. Madrid is bigger than Glasgow, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Glasgow is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights. Madrid is more touristy than Glasgow and is known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Also, Madrid is famous for The Prado Museum. Glasgow is well known for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population.
How is Glasgow different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Glasgow. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Glasgow or Madrid?
Glasgow
Madrid
Glasgow is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Glasgow. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.
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 Glasgow or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Glasgow
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.
Glasgow offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.
Is Glasgow or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Glasgow
Madrid
Glasgow is renowned for nightlife. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.
Glasgow is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.
Madrid offers plenty to do in the evening. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.
Is Glasgow or Madrid Better for Music?
Glasgow
Madrid
Glasgow and Madrid are both destinations where visitors can find first-rate live music.
Glasgow has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.
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.
Is Glasgow or Madrid Better for its Old Town?
Glasgow
Madrid
Glasgow is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Glasgow is a good destination for visiting its old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Madrid?
Glasgow
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.
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.
Glasgow is a great destination for shopping. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.
Is Glasgow or Madrid Better for Families?
Glasgow
Madrid
Madrid is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.
Glasgow is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.
Is Glasgow or Madrid Better for Couples?
Glasgow
Madrid
Madrid is great for couples. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.
Glasgow is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.
Is Glasgow or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Glasgow
Madrid
Madrid is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.
Glasgow is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.
Is Glasgow or Madrid Better for Students?
Glasgow
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.
Students come from all over to stay in Glasgow. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.
Is Glasgow or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Glasgow
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.
Madrid has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Public transit in Glasgow is fairly effecient and thorough. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.
Is Glasgow or Madrid a more walkable city?
Glasgow
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.
Glasgow is very walkable. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Glasgow Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Glasgow?
How long in Glasgow or Madrid?
In either Glasgow or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Glasgow because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glasgow, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Glasgow. 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 Glasgow. 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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayGlasgow 2-3Madrid 2-5
One day in Glasgow or Madrid?
Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Glasgow. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Because Madrid is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
A weekend in Glasgow or Madrid?
Glasgow is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Because Madrid is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer.
Five days in Glasgow or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glasgow. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Madrid is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Glasgow or Madrid?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the high energy destination of Glasgow. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Madrid. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGlasgow £144Madrid £117
The average daily cost (per person) in Glasgow is £144, 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 Glasgow and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGlasgow £74Madrid £66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGlasgow £148Madrid £132
Compare Hotels in Glasgow and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Glasgow 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: Glasgow Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Glasgow £27Madrid £16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow
Also for Glasgow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Private Day Trip to Edinburgh with Transfers: $834
- Glasgow to Inverness Direct transfer: $781
- Airport and Glasgow Centre Private Transfer to Oban: $312
- Executive transfer Glasgow/Edinburgh: $275
- Glasgow to Gleneagles Luxury Car Transfer: $241
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Edinburgh: $213
- Roundtrip Transfer Glasgow Airport(GLA) to Glenshee Ski Resort: $207
- Glasgow to Stirling Luxury Car Transfer: $203
- Private 1-Way/Roundtrip Transfer to Glasgow Airport: $172
- Glasgow Airport Transfers: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Car: $169
- Glasgow Airport to Lecht Ski Resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $153
- Glasgow Airport Transfer: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Van: $145
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride£22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Segovia: Full-Day Tour with Transfer to and from Madrid: $449
- 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: $267
- Balloon Ride with Transfer Option from Madrid City: $262
- From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $262
- Private Transfer from Bolnuevo to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $254
- Private Transfer from La Manga strip dos Mares to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $237
- 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 Glasgow or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Glasgow 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 dayGlasgow £45Madrid £29
Typical Food Prices in Glasgow
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Glasgow:
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Dessert at Farmer's Market£1.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee£1.71
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Ice Cream£2.57
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Kebabs (for 2)£14
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Croissant£1.28
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Lunch at Airport (for 2)£13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid
For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tipsy Tapas Food Tour with Drinks and Food: $27
- Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $33
- Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $33
- Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $35
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $43
- Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $43
- Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $47
- Skip the Line: Flamenco Show with Dinner and Workshop in Madrid Ticket: $49
- San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $52
- Traditional Paella & Sangría Workshop & Spanish Dinner in Madrid: $53
- The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Glasgow £22Madrid £29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)£12
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Two Bike Rental£34
Tours and Activities in Glasgow
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Glasgow.
- 1.5hr Glasgow Necropolis Tour: The City of the Dead: $144
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of Glasgow: $209
- 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Glasgow: $260
- 3 Hours Private City Glasgow Walking Tour: $272
- 3-Hour Private Glasgow Essentials Tour: $284
- Celtic Park Tour & Dine Package: $53
- City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
- Discover Glasgow's Finest - Private Walking Tour: $512
- Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & Glenfinnan - 2 Day Tour from Glasgow: $152
- Executive Scottish Lowlands Tour: $1,124
- From Glasgow, Edinburgh: Outlander Private Tour: $1,031
- From 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness Tour: $262
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Private Combo Tour Prado Museum and Reina Sofia: $222
- Toledo with Cathedral from Madrid Full Day Tour: $134
- Ávila & Segovia Day Tour from Madrid: $97
- "Prado Museum" Tour A Treasure of World Art: $65
- 1 Hour Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $98
- 1 hour tour in Madrid in Tuk Tuk through the best of the city: $136
- 1-Hour Madrid Segway Tour: $32
- 1-Hour Private Flamenco Class in Madrid Experience: $45
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
- 2 Hours Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $164
- 2.5-Hour Evening Tapas Tour through Madrid: $37
- 3 Hours Private Madrid City Tour Guide: $53
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGlasgow £15Madrid £17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Glasgow
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Glasgow:
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Bottle of Wine£12
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Ciders at Kilted Skirlie£3.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Glasgow:
- Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $23
- Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
- Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $37
- Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
- Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $62
- Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
- The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $112
- Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $186
- Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $187
- Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $456
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
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Beer£4.28
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)£11
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.62
- Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $11
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
- Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
- Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $19
- Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $22
- Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
- Wine Tasting Experience: $49
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Glasgow and Madrid, we can see that Glasgow 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 Glasgow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Glasgow 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 Glasgow Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Glasgow. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow 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.