Which place is cheaper, Bari or Madrid?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Madrid or Bari?
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 Bari 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 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.
Bari
Bari is a authentic, local, and cultural port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.
Madrid and Bari: Pros and Cons
Madrid
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 public transit
- Big city activities
Bari
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Popular beach
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less popular for shopping
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Madrid or Bari?
You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Bari. Madrid is bigger than Bari, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its music, shopping, and big city activities, while Bari is more popular for its museums, beaches, and historical sights. Madrid is more touristy than Bari and is known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Also, Madrid is famous for The Prado Museum. Bari is well known for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic.
How is Madrid different from Bari?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bari 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 Bari?
Madrid
Bari
Bari is a great port 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 Bari. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.
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 Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Madrid
Bari
There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at fantastic restaurants in both Madrid and Bari.
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 Bari, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.
Is Madrid or Bari Better for Nightlife?
Madrid
Bari
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Madrid and Bari.
The nightlife in Madrid has something for everybody. 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.
Bari offers plenty to do in the evening. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.
Is Madrid or Bari Better for Music?
Madrid
Bari
Madrid is terrific for its music scene. However, Bari 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.
Bari is not a live music destination.
Is Madrid or Bari Better for Beaches?
Madrid
Bari
Bari is a port city with good options for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.
Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Bari. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.
Madrid is not a beach destination.
Is Madrid or Bari Better for its Old Town?
Madrid
Bari
Bari is a great port city for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Bari is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Bari?
Madrid
Bari
Madrid is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.
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.
Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.
Is Madrid or Bari Better for Families?
Madrid
Bari
Both Madrid and Bari are very good 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.
Bari is a very kid-friendly city. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.
Is Madrid or Bari Better for Couples?
Madrid
Bari
Madrid is a great city for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.
Madrid is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.
Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Is Madrid or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Madrid
Bari
For backpackers, both Madrid and Bari are very good 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.
Bari is a great city to visit for backpackers. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.
Is Madrid or Bari Better for Students?
Madrid
Bari
Madrid is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for 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.
Bari is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.
Is Madrid or Bari Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Madrid
Bari
Madrid is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.
The thorough and effecient public transit system of Madrid can take you anywhere. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.
Is Madrid or Bari a more walkable city?
Madrid
Bari
Madrid is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.
Madrid is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.
Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.
For even more information, also check out Is Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Bari Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Bari or Madrid?
How long in Madrid or Bari?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Madrid and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than in Bari. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.
Families should spend more time in Bari than Madrid. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bari, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Madrid than Bari. 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 Bari 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 Madrid or Bari? Ideal Length of StayMadrid 2-5Bari 1-3
One day in Madrid or Bari?
Madrid is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.
A weekend in Madrid or Bari?
Madrid is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Bari is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.
Five days in Madrid or Bari?
Madrid is a authentic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Bari?
The compact city of Madrid offers shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Bari. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMadrid €136Bari €113
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €136, while the average daily cost in Bari is €113. 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 Madrid and Bari in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid €77Bari €73
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid €154Bari €146
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Bari
Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Bari? 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: Madrid Hotel Prices and Bari Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid €19Bari €11
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:
- Segovia: Full-Day Tour with Transfer to and from Madrid: $449
- Private Transfer Madrid City to Valladolid City by Sedan: $299
- Private Transfer from Moratalla to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $273
- Private Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Segovia City by Van: $267
- Balloon Ride with Transfer Option from Madrid City: $262
- From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $262
- Private Transfer from Bolnuevo to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $254
- Private Transfer from La Manga strip dos Mares to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $237
- Private Transfer from La Manga Club to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $227
- Private Transfer from Corvera Golf Resort to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $218
- Private Transfer from Cieza to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $205
- Private Transfer from El Verger to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $191
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bari
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Bari:
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Train to Lecce€44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bari
Also for Bari, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer:From BARI CENTER to ROME AIRPORTS or reverse: $1,068
- Bari or Naples: Private Transfer Service: $541
- From 1-Way Private Transfer to Monte Sant'Angelo: $492
- From 1-Way Private Transfer to San Giovanni Rotondo: $492
- Private 24-seat Coach Transfer: From Bari Airport to Matera: $417
- Private transfert from Bari to Naples: $401
- From 1-Way Private Transfer to Matera: $310
- Private Transfer from Bari to Amalfi with 2 hours for sightseeing: $296
- Private Transfer from Bari (BRI) Airport to Mesagne: $284
- Vineyard Wine Tasting & soft lunch & transfer included: $273
- Private Transfer from Bari to Naples with 2 hours for sightseeing: $270
- Private Transfer from Bari (BRI) Airport to Valle d'Itria: $268
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Bari?
Prices for flights to both Bari and Madrid 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 dayMadrid €34Bari €32
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
Typical Food Prices in Bari
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bari:
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Dinner€44
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Coffee€2.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bari
For Bari, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street food tour of Polignano a Mare: $39
- Bari Walking Street Food Tour: $48
- Bari Street Food Tour by Bike: $70
- Italian Street Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks: $70
- Puglia Plates - Bari Food Tour: $76
- Street Food Tour in Bari old town - Do Eat Better Experience: $78
- Rickshaw Street Food Tour: $80
- Conversano: Apulian cooking lesson with dinner included: $82
- Bari Street Food Tour by Rickshaw: $82
- Bari Street Food Tour on Segway: $86
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Barletta with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Margherita di Savoia with Show Cooking: $93
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Madrid €34Bari €8.61
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
Tours and Activities in Bari
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bari.
- Bari tour with a local tour guide.: $219
- Private Experience - day of fishing on the Bari coast: $219
- Guided tour and tasting at La Cantina Frrud - Wine Museum: $38
- 1.5 Hour Cave's Tour Polignano a Mare: $38
- 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour of Altamura the Lioness of Puglia: $38
- 2 Hours Private Guided Tour in the Historic Centre of Altamura: $229
- 2-Hour Bari City Tour: $241
- 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Bari with Street Food: $49
- Alberobello Private Tour with Pick Up: $175
- Alberobello, Monopoli Polignano Small-Group Guided Tour from Bari: $152
- Altamura walking tour: $229
- Apulia: Bike Tour through the Treasures of Bari: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid €20Bari €13
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bari
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Bari:
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Beer€2.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Bari
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bari:
- Afternoon Tour Secrets of Alberobello incl. Food & Wine tasting: $79
- Private Tour: Trani walking tour with Moscato wine tasting: $115
- Wine tasting experience in the Apulian countryside : $235
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Madrid and Bari, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Bari much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bari would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bari 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 Bari.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Madrid Expensive? and Is Bari Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Bari?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bari. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Bari, 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.