Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Lisbon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lisbon or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Lisbon or Madrid? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Lisbon
Lisbon is a picturesque, colorful, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.
Madrid
Madrid is a compact, friendly, and authentic 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 food, shopping, and museums.
Lisbon and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Lisbon
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Popular beach
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
Madrid
Pros- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less museums and historical sights
Is there more to do in Lisbon or Madrid?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Lisbon than Madrid. While Madrid is larger than Lisbon, Lisbon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lisbon is well known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. Also, Lisbon is famous for Castelo de São Jorge. Madrid is well known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing.
How is Lisbon different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Lisbon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lisbon or Madrid?
Lisbon
Madrid
Lisbon is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
Travelers visit Lisbon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.
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 Lisbon or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Lisbon
Madrid
Dining out at restaurants in both Lisbon and Madrid can be an enjoyable experience.
For foodies, Lisbon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.
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.
Is Lisbon or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Lisbon
Madrid
Lisbon is renowned for nightlife. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.
Lisbon is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.
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 Lisbon or Madrid Better for Music?
Lisbon
Madrid
It can be fun to see live music in either Lisbon and Madrid.
Lisbon has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.
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 Lisbon or Madrid Better for Beaches?
Lisbon
Madrid
Lisbon is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.
Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Lisbon. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.
Madrid is not a beach destination.
Is Lisbon or Madrid Better for its Old Town?
Lisbon
Madrid
Lisbon is renowned for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
The old town of Lisbon is one of the most recognized in the world. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Madrid?
Lisbon
Madrid
Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Lisbon and Madrid.
Many people travel to Lisbon specifically to go shopping. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.
Madrid is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.
Is Lisbon or Madrid Better for Families?
Lisbon
Madrid
Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisbon or Madrid.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lisbon. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.
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 Lisbon or Madrid Better for Couples?
Lisbon
Madrid
With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Madrid make for a excellent place to visit.
Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.
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 Lisbon or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Lisbon
Madrid
Lisbon is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.
Many backpackers frequent Lisbon. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.
Madrid is a great city to visit for backpackers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Is Lisbon or Madrid Better for Students?
Lisbon
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.
Many students frequent 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.
Lisbon is very popular with students. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.
Is Lisbon or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Lisbon
Madrid
Visitors will find terrific public transit in both Lisbon and Madrid.
Visitors in Lisbon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.
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.
Is Lisbon or Madrid a more walkable city?
Lisbon
Madrid
Lisbon and Madrid are terrific when it comes to walkability.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Lisbon. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.
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.
For even more information, also check out Is Lisbon Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Lisbon?
How long in Lisbon or Madrid?
In either Lisbon or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than Madrid because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Lisbon than Madrid. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lisbon, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Lisbon than Madrid. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lisbon that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon than Madrid 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 Lisbon.
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How many days in Lisbon or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayLisbon 3-7Madrid 2-5
One day in Lisbon or Madrid?
Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Madrid. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Lisbon or Madrid?
Lisbon is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Madrid is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Five days in Lisbon or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A week in Lisbon or Madrid?
Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the authentic big city of Madrid. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLisbon €131Madrid €136
The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €131, while the average daily cost in Madrid is €136. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lisbon and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLisbon €58Madrid €77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLisbon €116Madrid €154
Compare Hotels in Lisbon and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Lisbon 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: Lisbon Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lisbon €24Madrid €19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lisbon
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:
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Taxi Ride€6.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon
Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Lisbon to Seville private transfer one way max 6 persons: $738
- Full Day Tour - Transfer to Porto from Lisbon with Stops: $722
- Full Day Tour - Transfer to Algarve from Lisbon with Stops: $668
- From Private Transfer to Six Senses Douro Valley: $642
- Lisboa - Porto Private Transfer, with 2 visits on the way: $631
- One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport - Lagos: $588
- One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport - Faro: $588
- From the Algarve to Lisbon; Guided transfer with extra Wow!: $556
- To/From the Lisbon Airport: Faro Private Transfer: $535
- One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport - Albufeira: $535
- One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport and Portimão: $535
- Private Transfer Porto > Lisbon with stop Nazaré & Óbidos: $535
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride€26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vehicle transfer with driver included in Madrid: $142
- 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 minivan from Madrid City - Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD): $75
- 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: $449
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Madrid Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $149
- Round Trip Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid by Sedan: $77
Is it cheaper to fly into Lisbon or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Lisbon 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 dayLisbon €42Madrid €34
Typical Food Prices in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Coffee€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Soirée Rivage - Sunset cruise with dinner and Party: $25
- Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon with Set Lunch or Dinner : $28
- Tapas Food Tour: $42
- Fado Show and Portuguese Dinner: $48
- Lisbon Food Tour: $53
- Alfama Tour and Live Fado with Traditional Dinner: $53
- 2-Hour Pastel de Nata Cooking Class: $53
- Legendary Beer Dinner: $53
- No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Lisbon with many Tastings: $62
- Original Morning Food Tour: $63
- Lisbon Tipsy Food Tour with Drinks and Food inlcuded: $70
- Tipsy Food Crawl Walking Tour with Dinner: $70
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee€2.00
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Ice Cream€3.00
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Kebabs (for 2)€16
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Croissant€1.50
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Lunch at Airport (for 2)€16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid
For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 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.Lisbon €24Madrid €34
Tours and Activities in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Óbidos - Nazaré - Mafra (National Palace of Mafra)Private tour from Lisbon: $217
- 2-Hour Night Sailing Tour in Lisbon with a Drink: $49
- Divine Journey : Fatima Full Day Private Tour: $164
- Lisbon Full Day Small Group City Tour: $71
- Lisbon by Heart Private Walking Tour: $65
- Saint George Castle Guided Tour from Lisbon: $34
- Sintra or Cascais Half-day Private Tour - The real portuguese essence!: $120
- Street Art Walking Tour in Lisbon - Parque das Nações: $16
- Évora Private Tour - Cork Factory and Wine Estate Included: $245
- Évora Tour - Évora Town and Surroundings Private Tour: $243
- Évora Tour - The heart of Alentejo region: $104
- Évora Unveiled: A Half-Day Discovery| Premium Private Experience : $109
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 dayLisbon €18Madrid €20
Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:
- Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks and VIP Club Entry: $18
- 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $20
- Lisbon Pub Crawl: $21
- Pub Crawl with Open Bar and VIP Club Entry: $21
- Pub Crawl with Open Bar, Shots, & VIP Club Entry: $21
- Lisbon Wild Pub Crawl : $22
- Private Bar Crawl in Lisbon: $22
- Beer Tasting in a Classic Brewery: $27
- Pub Crawl Lisbon: $27
- Wine Tasting at Quinta das Murgas: $38
- Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
- Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl in Lisbon with Local Guide: $43
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
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Beer€5.00
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)€13
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Pub Crawl 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 comparing the travel costs between Lisbon and Madrid, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lisbon Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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.