Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Liverpool?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Liverpool 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 Liverpool 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.
Liverpool
Liverpool is a historic, fun-filled, and diverse port city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and shopping.
Madrid
Madrid is a cultural, diverse, and compact city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.
Liverpool and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Liverpool
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less popular for food
- Public transit not as usable
Madrid
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 public transit
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Liverpool or Madrid?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid than Liverpool. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Madrid is very popular for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Liverpool attracts visitors for its theatre productions. Madrid is more touristy than Liverpool and is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also well known for The Prado Museum. Liverpool is famous for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles."
How is Liverpool different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Liverpool. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Liverpool or Madrid?
Liverpool
Madrid
Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Liverpool and Madrid.
Liverpool offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.
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.
Is Liverpool or Madrid Better for Theater?
Liverpool
Madrid
Liverpool is a great port city for theatre. However, Madrid is not a theatre destination.
Liverpool attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.
Madrid is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Liverpool or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Liverpool
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.
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.
Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).
Is Liverpool or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Liverpool
Madrid
Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Liverpool and Madrid.
Liverpool is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.
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 Liverpool or Madrid Better for Music?
Liverpool
Madrid
Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Liverpool or Madrid.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Liverpool Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.
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.
Is the Shopping Better in Liverpool or Madrid?
Liverpool
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Madrid make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Liverpool. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.
Is Liverpool or Madrid Better for Families?
Liverpool
Madrid
Both Liverpool and Madrid are great to visit with kids.
Liverpool is a very kid-friendly port city. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Madrid. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.
Is Liverpool or Madrid Better for Couples?
Liverpool
Madrid
Madrid is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
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.
Liverpool is a good port city for couples to visit. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.
Is Liverpool or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Liverpool
Madrid
Madrid is well known for backpackers. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
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.
Plenty of backpackers visit Liverpool. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.
Is Liverpool or Madrid Better for Students?
Liverpool
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
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.
Many students visit Liverpool. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.
Is Liverpool or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Liverpool
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
Visitors in Madrid can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
While Liverpool offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.
Is Liverpool or Madrid a more walkable city?
Liverpool
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.
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.
Liverpool is a very walkable destination.
For even more information, also check out Is Liverpool Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Liverpool?
How long in Liverpool or Madrid?
In either Liverpool or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Liverpool because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Liverpool, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Liverpool. 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 Liverpool. 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 Liverpool if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Madrid.
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How many days in Liverpool or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayLiverpool 2-3Madrid 2-5
One day in Liverpool or Madrid?
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Liverpool. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
People visit Madrid because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Liverpool or Madrid?
Liverpool 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.
People visit Madrid because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Liverpool or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Liverpool. 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.
People visit Madrid because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
A week in Liverpool or Madrid?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the fun-filled destination of Liverpool. 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.
Madrid is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 3-Day Tours from London, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLiverpool £161Madrid £117
The average daily cost (per person) in Liverpool is £161, 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 Liverpool and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLiverpool £76Madrid £66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLiverpool £152Madrid £132
Compare Hotels in Liverpool and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Liverpool 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: Liverpool Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Liverpool £26Madrid £16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liverpool
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Liverpool:
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City bike hire Liverpool£6.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liverpool
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liverpool:
- Private Transfer from Liverpool Cruise Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $240
- Beatles-Themed Private Taxi Tour with Transfers: $162
- Private Transfer from Liverpool City Centre to Manchester Airport (MAN): $157
- Liverpool Airport (LPL): Transfer to Liverpool Cruise Port: $147
- Liverpool Airport (LPL): Transfer to Liverpool Accommodation: $147
- Liverpool Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Liverpool: $147
- Liverpool Private Transfer from central Liverpool to Liverpool Airport: $122
- Liverpool Private Transfer from Liverpool Airport to City centre: $122
- Departure Private Transfer: Liverpool to Manchester Airport MAN in Business Car: $121
- Private Transfer from Bootle to Manchester Airport (MAN): $115
- Private Transfer from Liverpool Hotels to Holyhead Cruise Port: $102
- One-Way Private Transfer From/To Liverpool John Lennon Airport: $88
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride£22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private One-Way Transfer to OR from Madrid Airport with private pick up: $78
- Arrival Private Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid City by Van: $71
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Private Van: $83
- Arrival Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Luxury Van: $87
- Departure Private Transfer Madrid to MAD Airport in a Minibus: $137
- Departure Private Transfer from Madrid to MAD Airport by Van: $69
- From Madrid Airport: 1-Way Private Hotel Transfer: $80
- From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $261
- Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $26
- Madrid Airport (MAD): Private Transfer to Madrid: $172
- Madrid Airport One-Way or Round-Trip Transfers: $59
- Madrid Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Liverpool or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Liverpool 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 dayLiverpool £59Madrid £29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liverpool
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Liverpool.
- Brewery Bus Tour with Beer Tasting and Pizza: $81
- Small-Group: Experience Local Food Tour in Liverpool : $89
- Brewery bus tour, 5 breweries, 12 beers, 1 pizza, 1 bus: $89
- Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $100
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee£1.72
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Ice Cream£2.57
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Kebabs (for 2)£14
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Croissant£1.29
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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
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
- Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $43
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $43
- Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $47
- San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $52
- The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59
- Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $61
- Iberico Ham and Spanish Wine Small-Group Food Tour: $63
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Liverpool £36Madrid £29
Tours and Activities in Liverpool
Here are a few actual costs in Liverpool for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Hour Private Liverpool Walking Tour: $247
- A Hope Street Stroll: A self-guided tour from the Metropolitan Cathedral to LIPA: $5.20
- A Liverpool Legacy Tour of Beatles & Beyond: $153
- A Walk Through Time: History of Liverpool Walking Tour: $22
- Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Liverpool: $51
- Awesome Corners of Liverpool – Family Walking Tour: $284
- BEST OF LIVERPOOL History & Culture Tour-From The Cruise Terminal: $27
- BEST OF LIVERPOOL-Heritage, History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $27
- Beatles & Beer tour A Journey Through Liverpool Pubs and Melodies: $82
- Beatles & Beyond: A Liverpool Legacy Tour: $301
- Beatles Classic Tour of Liverpool by Private Taxi: $234
- Beatles Early Years Tour of Liverpool by Private Taxi: $179
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.06
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
- Madrid Mountains Free Walking Tour: $3.28
- Guided tour of the Madrid of spies: $3.28
- Escape Game and Tour: $4.26
- Madrid Old Town & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $4.26
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour: $4.26
- Marvels of Madrid Walking Tour: $4.26
- Secrets of Madrids Walking Tour: $4.26
- Ticket Entrance to the Madrid Nougat Museum: $5.32
- Mapfre Foundation Entry Ticket: $5.32
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Madrid: $5.45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLiverpool £13Madrid £17
Sample the Local Flavors in Liverpool
Also in Liverpool, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- FunnyBoyz Liverpool - Drag Shows, Tributes, Brunches & Bar Crawls: $19
- Evening Walking Historical Pub Crawl in Liverpool: $50
- Liverpool Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $50
- Pirate Pub Crawl & Boat Tour: $56
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
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Beer£4.29
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)£11
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.58
- 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: $19
- Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
- Wine Tasting Experience: $49
- Toledo Day Trip with Winery Visit and Wine Tasting: $55
- Toledo Full Day with Winery Visit, Tapas & Wine Tasting : $57
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Liverpool and Madrid, we can see that Liverpool is more expensive. And not only is Madrid much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Madrid would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Madrid and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Liverpool would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liverpool than you might in Madrid.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Liverpool Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Liverpool or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Liverpool. When comparing the sizes of Liverpool 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.