A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lake District National Park vs. Madrid for Food, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Lake District National Park or Madrid?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lake District National Park and Madrid. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park is a beautiful, spectacular, and relaxing national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food and hiking.

Madrid

Madrid is a diverse, compact, and friendly 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Lake District National Park and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Lake District National Park or Madrid?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Madrid than Lake District National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Madrid is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Lake District National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Lake District National Park is well known for its mountains, lakes, stunning natural beauty, and amazing hikes. 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 Lake District National Park different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lake District National Park or Madrid?

Lake District National Park
Madrid

Madrid is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Lake District National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Madrid. 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.

Lake District National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Lake District National Park or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lake District National Park
Madrid

Madrid is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Lake District National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Madrid, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lake District National Park makes for a great culinary experience. There's a long history of culinary arts in the region and you'll enjoy locally sourced ingredients at many restaurants. There are also a number of Michelin starred restaurants to choose from.

Is Lake District National Park or Madrid Better for Nightlife?

Lake District National Park
Madrid

Madrid is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lake District National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Lake District National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lake District National Park or Madrid Better for Music?

Lake District National Park
Madrid

Madrid is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Lake District National Park is not a live music destination.

Madrid has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Lake District National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Lake District National Park or Madrid Better for Hiking?

Lake District National Park
Madrid

Lake District National Park is renowned for hiking. However, Madrid is not a hiking destination.

Around Lake District National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There's a huge selection of hikes to choose from in the area, ranging from easy strolls to more strenuous climbs. The park offers some of the best hiking in the country and you can spend days exploring. Some of the favorite hikes in the area include Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Catbells.

Madrid is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lake District National Park or Madrid?

Lake District National Park
Madrid

Madrid is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lake District National Park or Madrid Better for Families?

Lake District National Park
Madrid

Both Lake District National Park and Madrid are very good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lake District National Park. Kids will enjoy getting out in nature as much as the adults do. They can stretch their legs and run around, or you can check out some of the family-friendly activities in the area. Popular options include the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, the World of Beatrix Potter, Wray Castle, and the adventure park Brockhole on Windermere. There's also Lakes Aquarium, Lake District Wildlife Park, and Lake District Coast Aquarium for animal lovers.

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.


Is Lake District National Park or Madrid Better for Couples?

Lake District National Park
Madrid

Lake District National Park and Madrid both very good destinations for a couple.

Lake District National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. One of the most impressive national parks in the country, couples will enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring this stunning setting. Whether you're watching the sunset from a mountaintop or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the water, this park is a perfect place to relax.

Couples visit Madrid frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.

Is Lake District National Park or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lake District National Park
Madrid

Lake District National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Lake District National Park. There are plenty of camping options throughout the park with a range of hookup facilities to meet everyone's needs. Waterfront campsites are also available.

Madrid is a great national park to visit for backpackers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.

Is Lake District National Park or Madrid Better for Students?

Lake District National Park
Madrid

Madrid is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake District National Park is not popular with students.

Madrid is a very popular place to visit 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.

Lake District National Park is not popular with students.


Is Lake District National Park or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lake District National Park
Madrid

Madrid is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Lake District National Park is lacking in options for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Madrid can get you around easily. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.

Public transit is generally limited in Lake District National Park. There are shuttlebuses in parts of the park.

Is Lake District National Park or Madrid a more walkable city?

Lake District National Park
Madrid

Madrid is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Lake District National Park is not a walkable destination.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Madrid. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.

Lake District National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Lake District National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Lake District National Park?

How long in Lake District National Park or Madrid?

In either Lake District National Park or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lake District National Park than Madrid because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lake District National Park, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.

Families should spend more time in Madrid than Lake District National Park. 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 Lake District National Park. 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 Lake District National Park 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 Lake District National Park or Madrid? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lake District National Park 3-7 
    Madrid 2-5

One day in Lake District National Park or Madrid?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Lake District National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


A weekend in Lake District National Park or Madrid?

Lake District National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people visit Madrid for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Lake District National Park or Madrid?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake District National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Madrid is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Many people spend five days here. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Lake District National Park or Madrid?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the enjoyable destination of Lake District National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Madrid, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from London, The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Lake District National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lake District National Park is £81, 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 Lake District National Park and Madrid in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lake District National Park £39
    Madrid £66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lake District National Park £78
    Madrid £132
Compare Hotels in Lake District National Park and Madrid

Looking for a hotel in Lake District National Park 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 Lake District National Park


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: Madrid Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lake District National Park £33
    Madrid £16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake District National Park

Also for Lake District National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Lake District Ski Club to Manchester Airport - Departure Transfer: $43
  • Lake District Ski Club to Newcastle Airport - Departure Transfer: $33

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid

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


  • Taxi Ride
    £22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid

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

  • Vehicle transfer with driver included in Madrid: $141
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Madrid HTL-APT (MAD): $61
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Madrid APT-HTL (MAD): $61
  • Transfer to Madrid, travel calmly and comfortably: $144
  • Transfer to Barajas Airport from Madrid: $76
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Madrid City - Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD): $61
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $61
  • Transfer from Barajas Airport to Madrid: $95
  • Segovia: Full-Day Tour with Transfer to and from Madrid: $448
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Madrid Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $149
  • Round Trip Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid by Sedan: $77
  • Private transfer: Barajas Airport (MAD) to Madrid City Center: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Lake District National Park or Madrid?

Prices for flights to both Madrid and Lake District National Park 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
    Lake District National Park £21
    Madrid £29

Typical Food Prices in Madrid

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


  • Coffee
    £1.72
  • Ice Cream
    £2.57
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    £14
  • Croissant
    £1.29
  • Lunch at Airport (for 2)
    £14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid

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

  • Tipsy Tapas Food Tour with Drinks and Food: $27
  • Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $32
  • Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $33
  • Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $35
  • Torres Bermejas Flamenco Show in Madrid with Dinner, Tapas or Drink: $38
  • Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
  • Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $42
  • Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $42
  • San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $52
  • The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59
  • Zarzuela Opera and Dinner at La Castafiore Restaurant in Madrid: $60
  • Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $61

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lake District National Park £20
    Madrid £29

Tours and Activities in Lake District National Park

For Lake District National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3-Hours Via Ferrata Experience in Keswick: $139
  • Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District: $89
  • Guided Canoeing Experience on Coniston Water - Half Day: $89

Tours and Activities in Madrid

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

  • Madrid Photo Tour with Pro Photographer Lifestyle and Portrait: $82
  • Private Combo Tour Prado Museum and Reina Sofia: $221
  • Toledo with Cathedral from Madrid Full Day Tour: $134
  • "Prado Museum" Tour A Treasure of World Art: $65
  • 1 Hour Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $98
  • 1-Hour Private Flamenco Class in Madrid Experience: $45
  • 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.35
  • 2 Hours Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $163
  • 2-Hour Tour of the Madrid of Mysteries: $14
  • 2.5-Hour Evening Tapas Tour through Madrid: $37
  • 3 Hours Walking Tour in Madrid: $266
  • 3-Hour Tapas Walking Tour of Madrid Food and Drink Included: $93

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lake District National Park £4.64
    Madrid £17

Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid

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


  • Beer
    £4.29
  • Drinks and Tapas (for 2)
    £11

Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:

  • Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.59
  • Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $11
  • Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
  • Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
  • Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
  • Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
  • Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $16
  • Pub Crawl Madrid: $19
  • Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $22
  • Pub Crawl Madrid: $22
  • Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
  • Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38


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

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