A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hamburg vs. Madrid for Food, Music, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Hamburg or Madrid?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hamburg and Madrid can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a historic, energetic, and cultural port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Madrid

Madrid is a friendly, authentic, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hamburg and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Hamburg or Madrid?

You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Hamburg. Madrid is bigger than Hamburg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Hamburg is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Hamburg is well known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. 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 Hamburg different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hamburg
Madrid

Hamburg is a great port 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 Hamburg. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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 Hamburg or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hamburg
Madrid

Madrid is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Madrid has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Hamburg or Madrid Better for Nightlife?

Hamburg
Madrid

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Hamburg and Madrid.

Hamburg is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

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.

Is Hamburg or Madrid Better for Music?

Hamburg
Madrid

Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Hamburg or Madrid.

In Hamburg you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Madrid is known as a music capital 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Madrid?

Hamburg
Madrid

Madrid is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Madrid is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Is Hamburg or Madrid Better for Families?

Hamburg
Madrid

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Hamburg or Madrid.

Hamburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

Madrid is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Hamburg or Madrid Better for Couples?

Hamburg
Madrid

Madrid is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.


Is Hamburg or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hamburg
Madrid

Madrid is well known for backpackers. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Madrid is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Hamburg or Madrid Better for Students?

Hamburg
Madrid

Madrid is renowned for students. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Madrid. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

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

Hamburg
Madrid

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

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

Public transit in Hamburg is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.


Is Hamburg or Madrid a more walkable city?

Hamburg
Madrid

Madrid is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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.

Hamburg is very walkable. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Hamburg?

How long in Hamburg or Madrid?

In either Hamburg or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Hamburg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hamburg, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.

Families should spend more time in Madrid than Hamburg. 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 Hamburg. 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Madrid? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hamburg 1-3 
    Madrid 2-5

One day in Hamburg or Madrid?

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

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 Hamburg or Madrid?

Hamburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, 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.

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 Hamburg or Madrid?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. Don't miss the live music, 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.

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 Hamburg or Madrid?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the energetic destination of Hamburg. This port 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 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Hamburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hamburg is €117, 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 Hamburg and Madrid in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hamburg 54
    Madrid 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hamburg 108
    Madrid 154
Compare Hotels in Hamburg and Madrid

Looking for a hotel in Hamburg 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 Hamburg


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: Hamburg Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hamburg 29
    Madrid 19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    1.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Hamburg Airport(HAM): Transfer to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $655
  • Fredericia Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg city: $594
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM): Transfer to Fredericia Cruise Port: $594
  • Private One-Way Transfer to or from Kiel Port: $385
  • Private Direct Transfer From Hamburg to Wolfsburg; English Speaking Driver: $293
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers : $269
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers: $266
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM) to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $239
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Bremen with an English Speaking Driver: $237
  • Private Transfer From Hamburg To Bremen With a 2 Hour Stop: $236
  • Round Trip Transfer Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City by van: $212
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM): Private Transfer to Hamburg hotels: $179

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:

  • Madrid Airport MAD Round-Trip Transfer in Private Van: $165
  • Private One-Way Transfer to OR from Madrid Airport with private pick up: $78
  • Arrival Private Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Avila City by Business Car: $231
  • Arrival Private Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid City by Van: $73
  • Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from MAD Airport to Madrid: $53
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Toledo or Avila by Van: $181
  • Arrival Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Private Van: $84
  • Departure Private Transfer: Madrid City to Madrid Airport MAD by Business Car: $51
  • Departure Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Luxury Van: $84
  • From Madrid Airport: 1-Way Private Hotel Transfer: $81
  • From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $266
  • Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Hamburg or Madrid?

Prices for flights to both Madrid and Hamburg 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
    Hamburg 35
    Madrid 34
Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    15
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    5.00
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    6.00
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    15
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    4.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    6.00
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    3.50
  • Coffee and Donut
    4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.

  • St George's Culinary Food Tour: $48
  • Sternschanze kulinarisch: Die Food Tour: $48
  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $49
  • Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
  • Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $118
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $187
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $489
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $597
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $597

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: $28
  • Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $33
  • Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $34
  • Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $36
  • Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $37
  • San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $42
  • Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
  • Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $43
  • Skip the Line: Flamenco Show with Dinner and Workshop in Madrid Ticket: $50
  • The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $60
  • Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $62
  • Madrid San Miguel Market and City Center Street Food Tour: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hamburg 39
    Madrid 34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    3.50

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Hamburg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $290
  • Safari tour in St Pauli: $33
  • "Cruise in the City" - Sailing Yacht Event, Hamburg/Elbe: $75
  • "Hafengeburtstag Hamburg" 2024. Cruise&Sail from/to Wedel: $184
  • 1-Day Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour of Hamburg Line D: $20
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Night Tour: $94
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Tour: $76
  • 2H Hamburg E-scooter Tour: $32
  • 2H Hamburg Night Segway Tour: $86
  • 2H Hamburg Segway Tour: $67
  • 3 Hour Guided Hamburg Segway Tour: $94
  • 3-H Hamburg E-Scooter Tour: $81

Tours and Activities in Madrid

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

  • Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.09
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Escape Game and Tour: $4.34
  • Ticket Entrada al Museo del Turrón de Madrid: $5.43
  • Mapfre Foundation Entry Ticket: $5.43
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Madrid: $5.51
  • Manzanares River’s Story: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Madrid: $5.99
  • Manzanares River’s Story Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.50
  • Multicultural A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Madrid’s Tapas Spots: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • A local's A self-guided audio tour: $6.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hamburg 17
    Madrid 20

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:

  • Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $22
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $35
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $52
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $407
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $407
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl: $521

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: $9.77
  • Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $11
  • Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
  • Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
  • Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
  • Madrid's Live Music Bar Crawl: $21
  • 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: $39
  • Wine Tasting Experience: $50
  • Wine Tasting in Madrid Experience: $51
  • Toledo Day Trip with Winery Visit and Wine Tasting: $56


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

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


Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Madrid?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Hamburg. When comparing the sizes of Hamburg 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.