A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Madrid vs. Acapulco de Juarez for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Madrid and Acapulco de Juarez 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.

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. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a built-up, well-known, and vibrant city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Madrid and Acapulco de Juarez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez?

You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Acapulco de Juarez. Madrid is bigger than Acapulco de Juarez, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its museums, food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Acapulco de Juarez is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. 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. Acapulco de Juarez is well known for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs.

How is Madrid different from Acapulco de Juarez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez?

Madrid is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Acapulco de Juarez specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.

Is the Food Better in Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Madrid is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Acapulco de Juarez. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

Is Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez is renowned for nightlife. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Acapulco de Juarez is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa Beach.

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 Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Music?

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Acapulco de Juarez 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.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a live music destination.

Is Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Madrid is not a resort destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is a world class resort vacation destination. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Madrid is not a resort destination.

Is Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Acapulco de Juarez is a great city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez is a great city for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Acapulco de Juarez attract visitors from all over. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

Madrid is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez?

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Madrid is a world class destination for shoppers. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Acapulco de Juarez. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.

Is Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Families?

Both Madrid and Acapulco de Juarez are excellent to visit with kids.

Madrid is a very family-friendly destination. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.

Acapulco de Juarez is a very kid-friendly city. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

Is Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez is renowned for romance. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Acapulco de Juarez is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

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.

Is Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Madrid is a great destination for backpackers. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Acapulco de Juarez is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are more hotels and resorts than hostels, so most backpackers head elsewhere. There is a young crowd during the spring break season.

Is Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Students?

Madrid is an unbeatable place for students. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not popular with 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.

Acapulco de Juarez is not popular with students.

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

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Is Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez a more walkable city?

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Acapulco de Juarez is somewhat walkable. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.

For even more information, also check out Is Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez or Madrid?

How long in Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez?

In either Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Madrid has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Madrid than Acapulco de Juarez. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 3-5 days is enough time in Acapulco de Juarez.

Couples should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Madrid. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Acapulco de Juarez that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Madrid than Acapulco de Juarez 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.

One day in Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez?

Madrid is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Acapulco de Juarez. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez?

Madrid is a popular place to visit. Madrid is a authentic city where you can fill many days. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer.

Acapulco de Juarez is a great place to explore. Don't miss the nightlife, 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.

Five days in Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez?

Madrid is a big city destination where you can fill many days. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acapulco de Juarez. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez?

Madrid is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Acapulco de Juarez. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Madrid or Acapulco de Juarez?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Acapulco de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Acapulco de Juarez, 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.