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

Should you visit Hue 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 Hue 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.

Hue

Hue is a authentic, ancient, and imperial city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Hue travel costs.

Madrid

Madrid is a cultural, diverse, and compact 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 nightlife, live music, and food. See Madrid travel costs.

Hue and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • 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 Hue or Madrid?

You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Hue. Madrid is bigger than Hue, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Hue is more popular for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Hue is well known for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. 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 Hue different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hue
Madrid

Hue 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 Hue. It's an ancient city that is filled with many sights from its imperial past. The Imperial City in Hue is the city's most important attraction. Other sights include the Thai Hoa Palace, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Royal Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh.

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 Hue or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hue
Madrid

Madrid is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Hue 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hue. Local dishes were once served to the city's emperors, but today you'll find them in restaurants and food stalls. Dishes are either sweet or spicy with lemongrass, basil, chilies, and mint herbs mixed in. Soups and grilled meats are popular such as bun bo hue and nem lui.

Is Hue or Madrid Better for Nightlife?

Hue
Madrid

Madrid is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Hue. For the best nightlife, many visitors head to the Western Area, particularly around the streets of Pham Ngu Lao, Chu Van An and Vo Thi Sau. Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street is another popular area for nightlife in Hue.

Is Hue or Madrid Better for Music?

Hue
Madrid

Madrid is terrific for its music scene. However, Hue is not a live music destination.

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.

Hue is not a live music destination.


Is Hue or Madrid Better for its Old Town?

Hue
Madrid

Hue is a great city for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Hue is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. As the former imperial capital, you'll see many temples and historical sites in the city.

Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Madrid?

Hue
Madrid

Madrid is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Hue. The city has many local markets where you can find traditional and authentic handicrafts. Some of the most interesting things to purchase at the markets include silk paintings, antiques, and lacquerware.

Is Hue or Madrid Better for Families?

Hue
Madrid

Madrid is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Hue is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring the Imperial City, visiting Ho Quyen Arena and Long Chau Temple, or wandering through the city's local markets. The Demilitarized Zone is also an interesting side trip.


Is Hue or Madrid Better for Couples?

Hue
Madrid

Madrid is a well-known place for couples. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Hue is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy boat rides or sunset cruises along Perfume River. There are also interesting temples and fascinating day trips that you can take from the city.

Is Hue or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hue
Madrid

Both Hue and Madrid are great destinations for backpackers.

Hue is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It is a popular stop over in central Vietnam. There are plenty of hostels and budget guesthouses to accommodate the backpacker crowds. There are also cheap restaurants and interesting activities relating to the city's long history.

Madrid is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.

Is Hue or Madrid Better for Students?

Hue
Madrid

Madrid is terrific for students. However, Hue is not popular with 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.

Hue is not popular with students.


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

Hue
Madrid

Madrid is terrific for its public transit. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Hue has some public transit options. Cyclos, motorbikes, and local bus are the most common ways to get around the city.

Is Hue or Madrid a more walkable city?

Hue
Madrid

Madrid is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

Hue is very walkable. Many of the sights can be reached on foot and the city is relatively compact.

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

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Hue?

How long in Hue or Madrid?

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

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

One day in Hue or Madrid?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Hue. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

When visiting Madrid, people usually allow for lots of time. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A weekend in Hue or Madrid?

Hue 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.

Many people visit Madrid for a weekend. When visiting Madrid, people usually allow for lots of time. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Hue or Madrid?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hue. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

When visiting Madrid, people usually allow for lots of time. Many people spend five days here. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Hue or Madrid?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Hue. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Hue?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hue is $56, while the average daily cost in Madrid is $189. 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 Hue and Madrid in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hue $22
    Madrid $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hue $44
    Madrid $182
Compare Hotels in Hue and Madrid

Looking for a hotel in Hue 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 Hue


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: Hue Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hue $12
    Madrid $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hue

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


  • Cyclo
    $0.45
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.83
  • Taxi Ride to Tombs
    $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hue:

  • Full-Day Hue Tour by Military Jeep Including One-Way Transfer to Hoi An: $190
  • Golden Bridge Trip with Guide, Lunch &transfer from Chan May Port: $159
  • Private Transfer From Hue To Phong Nha: $135
  • Hue to Hoi An Jeep Tour Private Transfer via Hai Van Pass 1 Way: $125
  • Private transfer from Hue to Hoi An with fabulous stops: $125
  • Hoi An: Hue Transfer stop An Bang Ghost town, Hai Van Pass: $122
  • Hue Transfer to Hoi An Via Hai Van Pass & Golden Bridge: $114
  • Private Transfer from Hue Phu Bai Airport (HUI) to Chan May Port: $101
  • Private Transfer: Hoi An City Center - Hue City Center: $100
  • Private car transfer from Hue to Da nang or Hoi An via Hai van Pass: $98
  • Hue to Hoi An Private Transfer: Sightseeing with English Driver: $96
  • Da Nang Airport: Private Transfer to/from Hue City: $94

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid

Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Alcobendas Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $29
  • Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $29
  • Private transfer departure from City Centre to Madrid Airport: $29
  • Madrid Barajas Airport Private Transfer To Alcobendas: $35
  • Madrid Barajas Airport Private Transfer To Madrid City: $35
  • Private transfer to Madrid Airport (MAD): $37
  • Private Transfer from Madrid Airport (MAD): $37
  • Madrid Airport (MAD) to Madrid - Arrival Private Transfer: $43
  • Private transfer from Madrid city to CHAMARTIN train station: $47
  • Private Transfer From Madrid Barajas Airport to Madrid: $48
  • Madrid Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Madrid Airport Departure Private Transfer: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Hue or Madrid?

Prices for flights to both Madrid and Hue 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
    Hue $25
    Madrid $69
Typical Food Prices in Hue

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hue are as follows:


  • River Night Market Dinner (for Two)
    $7.58
  • Two Sugarcane Drinks
    $0.76
  • Quick Lunch (for Two)
    $2.08
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $4.17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hue

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

  • Hue Food Tour by Walking or Cyclo or Motorbike with Driver: $21
  • Walking Street Food tour in Hue: $26
  • Hue Walking Street Food Tour: $27
  • Hue City: Cyclo, Market Tour & Cooking Class at Madam Thu: $27
  • Eat Like a Local with a Local Hue Food Tour : $30
  • Home Cooking Class and Dinner with Local Chef in Hue City: $31
  • HUE : NIGHT WALKING AND STREET FOOD TOUR: $31
  • Hue : Cooking Class with Local Family: $33
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $33
  • Cooking Class with Local Family: $33
  • Hue : Night Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $33
  • Guided Local Food Tour with Tastings: $33

Typical Food Prices in Madrid

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:


  • Coffee
    $2.35
  • Ice Cream
    $3.52
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    $19
  • Croissant
    $1.76
  • Lunch at Airport (for 2)
    $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid

For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Corral de la Moreria Madrid Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner: $60
  • Local Flamenco Show with dinner at El Cortijo: $60
  • Zarzuela Opera and Dinner at La Castafiore Restaurant in Madrid: $66
  • Madrid Old Town Tour & Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner: $71
  • Chocolate & Churros Cooking Class in Madrid : $72
  • Madrid's Authentic Culture & Food Tour by Food Lover Tour: $78
  • 10 Tapas Cooking Class Experience in Madrid with Sangria: $82
  • Paella and Tapas Cooking Workshop in Madrid: $84
  • Madrid Spanish Omelet Cooking Class and Bottomless Wine brunch: $90
  • Spanish Cooking Class Paella Tapas and Sangria in Madrid: $102
  • Flamenco Show at Tablao La Carmela with Tapas Dinner: $106
  • Madrid Small Group Tapas Tour at 4 Venues -Lunch or Dinner: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hue $11
    Madrid $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hue

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hue are as follows:


  • Boat Ride
    $7.39
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $1.06
  • Imperial Citadel Entrance
    $3.03
  • Massage at Institute for the Blind
    $1.52

Tours and Activities in Hue

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hue are as follows:

  • Bach Ma National Park Adventure Trekking Day Trip from Hue: $56
  • Hoi An Guided Bus Tour via 4 Stops from Hue with entry ticket : $18
  • 12 Hours Experience Different Hue: $179
  • 2 Day Nature Tour in Tam Giang Lagoon & Bach Ma National Park: $245
  • 2025 Journey to Paradise Cave — An Adventure's Paradise : $57
  • 3,5-Hours Hue Imperial Walking Tour with Guide with Local Gifts: $28
  • 3-Hour Hue Royal Palace Small Group Guided Walking Tour: $23
  • 6 Hours All Inclusive Hue Green Biking Private Tour: $98
  • All Inclusive Deluxe Hue City Group Tour - Max 12 pax: $63
  • Bach Ma National Park Day Trek Private Tour from Hue: $95
  • Bach Ma National Park Tour From Hue City : $39
  • Bach Ma National Park Trekking Tour 1 Day From Hue City: $44

Tours and Activities in Madrid

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

  • Self Guided Walking City Tour in Madrid: $1.18
  • Walking Tour of Madrid Moderno, Madrid de los Bourbons : $1.80
  • Madrid Monumental Tour Retreat, Prado and Cibeles: $2.39
  • Tour "Barrio de las Letras" Spanish Golden Age: $2.87
  • Madrid Walking Tour from Puerta del Sol to Retiro Park: $3.59
  • Madrid Historical Walking Tour: $3.59
  • Self Guided Tours Madrid With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.59
  • Madrid - Medieval to Modern Walking Tour (English): $3.61
  • Madrid Mountains Free Walking Tour: $3.61
  • Madrid Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $3.85
  • Guided Tour of Madrid of the Austrias and the Historic Center: $4.80
  • Madrid City Highlights Walking Tour: $4.81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hue $5.49
    Madrid $23
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hue

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hue:


  • Beer
    $0.95

Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:


  • Beer
    $5.87
  • Drinks and Tapas (for 2)
    $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:

  • Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
  • Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $12
  • Pub Crawl Madrid by Mad Party Crew: $20
  • Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $30
  • Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
  • Wine Tasting in Madrid Experience: $55
  • Toledo Tour with Tapas, Wine Tasting and Optional 3 Monuments: $58
  • Madrid Royal Palace Small Group Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $71
  • New Year Eve Madrid Pub Crawl: $83
  • Toledo Full Day with Winery Visit, Tapas & Wine Tasting : $83
  • Spanish Wine Tasting : $90
  • Madrid Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Food & Wine Tour : $95


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hue and Madrid, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Hue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hue is in Asia and Madrid is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Hue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hue 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 Hue.

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


Which is Bigger, Hue or Madrid?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hue. When comparing the sizes of Hue 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.