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

Should you visit Madrid or Austin?

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 Austin 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 authentic, cultural, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Austin

Austin is a entrepreneurial, eccentric, and unconventional city. It's also a big city with many activities. This is beautiful destination to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Madrid and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Madrid or Austin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Madrid than Austin, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Madrid is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Austin is known for its museums, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty. Madrid is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also home to The Prado Museum. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Madrid different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Austin 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 Austin?

Austin 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 Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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 Madrid or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Madrid and Austin.

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.

Eat your way through Austin, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Is Madrid or Austin Better for Nightlife?

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

Austin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

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 Austin Better for Music?

Madrid and Austin are both destinations where visitors can find first-rate live music.

Madrid is known as a music capital 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.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Austin Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Is Madrid or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is adequate for hiking. However, Madrid is not a hiking destination.

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Madrid is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Austin?

Madrid is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Madrid or Austin Better for Families?

Madrid is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Madrid or Austin Better for Couples?

Madrid is a great destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Madrid or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Madrid and Austin are high quality places to visit.

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.

Austin is a great city to visit for backpackers. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Is Madrid or Austin Better for Students?

Madrid is a world-class destination for students. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Madrid is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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

Madrid is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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 mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Madrid or Austin a more walkable city?

Madrid is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of 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.

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or Madrid?

How long in Madrid or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Madrid and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than in Austin. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

Families should spend more time in Madrid than Austin. 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 Austin. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Madrid that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Madrid than Austin 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 Austin?

Madrid is a bustling city that 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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Austin. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Madrid or Austin?

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.

Austin 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 Madrid or Austin?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. 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.

A week in Madrid or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the compact 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the unconventional destination of Austin. 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 Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Madrid and Austin, 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. Even though Madrid is in Europe and Austin is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Madrid or Austin?

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