Which place is cheaper, Bergamo or Madrid?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Madrid or Bergamo?
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 Bergamo 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. 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.
Bergamo
Bergamo is a beautiful, under-rated, and historical city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.
Madrid and Bergamo: 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 for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
Bergamo
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less popular for shopping
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular for students
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Madrid or Bergamo?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid than Bergamo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Madrid is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Bergamo attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Madrid is more touristy than Bergamo 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. Bergamo is famous for its historical buildings and beautiful squares.
How is Madrid different from Bergamo?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bergamo 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 Bergamo?
Madrid
Bergamo
Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Madrid or Bergamo.
Madrid is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.
Bergamo offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are historical buildings as well as fascinating museums that are worth checking out. Highlights include the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Colleoni Chapel, the Accademia Carrara, and the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro.
Is the Food Better in Madrid or Bergamo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Madrid
Bergamo
Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Madrid is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.
Bergamo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find traditional restaurants around town that serve the local specialties, many of which have their roots in peasant dishes. The flavors are humble but high quality and the food is fresh and masterfully prepared.
Is Madrid or Bergamo Better for Nightlife?
Madrid
Bergamo
Madrid is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.
Madrid has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.
With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergamo. Despite not being high on the itinerary of many travelers, the city has a great nightlife scene that includes many local bars and clubs. You can enjoy a local brew or sip some Italian wine while you enjoy the atmosphere of the old town.
Is Madrid or Bergamo Better for Music?
Madrid
Bergamo
Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Bergamo is not a live music destination.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Madrid 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.
Bergamo is not a live music destination.
Is Madrid or Bergamo Better for its Old Town?
Madrid
Bergamo
Bergamo is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Bergamo is a good destination for visiting its old town. Since the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has become more popular with visitors. Still, you can enjoy the authentic and less touristy vibe of this beautiful city.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Bergamo?
Madrid
Bergamo
Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.
Bergamo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas around town including shopping malls and shopping streets. You'll find most of the major brands as well as some interesting boutique shops.
Is Madrid or Bergamo Better for Families?
Madrid
Bergamo
Madrid is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Bergamo is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.
Madrid is a very kid-friendly city. 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.
Bergamo is not always a place people visit with their families. It's a beautiful city that is filled with history, and for kids there are pedestrian streets to explore and great Italian food. There's also the Museo di Scienze Naturali, which is worth checking out.
Is Madrid or Bergamo Better for Couples?
Madrid
Bergamo
Madrid is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.
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.
Bergamo is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beautiful architecture and impressive squares. There are also great restaurants and pedestrian streets that are fun to wander through.
Is Madrid or Bergamo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Madrid
Bergamo
Madrid is notable for backpackers. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.
Bergamo is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's not the most popular backpacker city in Italy, it does have a couple of hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable rates and a young vibe.
Is Madrid or Bergamo Better for Students?
Madrid
Bergamo
Madrid is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.
Plenty of students visit Bergamo. The university attracts international students and the city makes a great base for learning and exploring.
Is Madrid or Bergamo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Madrid
Bergamo
Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.
Public transit in Madrid is top-notch. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Bergamo has some public transit options. There are buses around town as well as two funiculars, one connecting Città Bassa with the Città Alta and the other connecting Città Alta to San Vigilio.
Is Madrid or Bergamo a more walkable city?
Madrid
Bergamo
Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.
It is easy to get around Madrid on foot. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.
Bergamo is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian streets and the best way to explore the city is on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Bergamo Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Bergamo or Madrid?
How long in Madrid or Bergamo?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Madrid and Bergamo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than in Bergamo. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bergamo.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Bergamo. 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 Bergamo. 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 Bergamo 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.
-
How many days in Madrid or Bergamo? Ideal Length of StayMadrid 2-5Bergamo 2-3
One day in Madrid or Bergamo?
Because Madrid is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bergamo. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Madrid or Bergamo?
Because Madrid is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer.
Bergamo 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 Bergamo?
Madrid is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergamo. 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 Bergamo?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Madrid. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Bergamo. 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 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMadrid €136Bergamo €155
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €136, while the average daily cost in Bergamo is €155. 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 Bergamo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid €77Bergamo €83
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid €154Bergamo €166
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Bergamo
Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Bergamo? 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 Bergamo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid €19Bergamo €32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride€26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Madrid Barajas Airport: Transfer to/from Atocha Bus Station: $7.48
- Madrid Barajas International Airport - Private Arrival Transfer: $22
- Private transfer from Atocha Station to Madrid city center: $22
- Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $26
- Private One-way Airport Transfer Madrid Airport To Madrid: $27
- Private transfer: Barajas Airport (MAD) to Madrid City Center: $29
- Madrid Barajas Airport Private Transfer To Alcobendas: $32
- Private Arrival Transfer from Barajas Airport: $40
- Private Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD): $42
- Private Transfer From Madrid Barajas Airport to Madrid: $44
- Private Transfer from Airport to the City of Madrid Round Trip: $48
- Madrid City Center: Private Transfer to Madrid Airport: $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergamo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergamo:
- Bergamo Airport (BGY): Private Transfer to/from Milan: $402
- MILAN - ORIO AL SERIO BGY Airport Transfer Luxury: MASERATI: $326
- Small-Group Transfer from Bergamo Airport to Trieste: $268
- Private Departure Transfer from central Bergamo to Milan Malpensa airport: $262
- Milan: ORIO AL SERIO BGY Airport Transfer in Luxury MINIVAN: $222
- Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Venice + Water Taxi - Private Transfer: $218
- Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) to St. Moritz - Round-Trip Transfer: $205
- Milan: Orio al Serio BGY Airport Transfer SEDAN CAR E CLASS: $181
- Orio al Serio Airport to Madonna di Campiglio Arrival Transfer: $117
- Bergamo Airport (BGY) to Milan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- Private Transfer from Milan Bergamo Airport to Bergamo hotels : $46
- Bergamo to Bergamo Airport (BGY) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Bergamo?
Prices for flights to both Bergamo 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
-
Food Meals for one dayMadrid €34Bergamo €42
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
-
Coffee€2.00
-
Ice Cream€3.00
-
Kebabs (for 2)€16
-
Croissant€1.50
-
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergamo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergamo.
- Authentic Taste at the Table Family Recipes Cooking Class: $82
- Tricolor Pasta Cooking Class with a Chef in Como countryside: $86
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lomello with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Casorezzo with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Carugo with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining experience at a local's home in Ranica with cooking demo: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Endine Gaiano with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cantù with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Busto Arsizio with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining experience at a local's home in Passirano with cooking demo: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Guardamiglio with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cernusco sul Naviglio with Show Cooking: $93
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Madrid €34Bergamo €33
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.07
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Madrid Mountains Free Walking Tour: $3.27
- History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $4.28
- Escape Game and Tour: $4.28
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour: $5.35
- Marvels of Madrid Walking Tour: $5.35
- Madrid Old Town & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $5.35
- Ticket Entrance to the Madrid Nougat Museum: $5.35
- Wonders of Madrid City Walking Tour: $5.35
Tours and Activities in Bergamo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergamo are as follows:
- 2.5-hour Private Bergamo Walking Tour: $120
- Bergamo : Highlights Private Walking Tour: $70
- Bergamo : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
- Bergamo Old Town Scavenger Hunt and Landmarks Self Guided Tour: $6.55
- Bergamo Old Town Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt Tour: $5.35
- Bergamo Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
- Bergamo Private Walking Tour: $164
- Bergamo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $8.94
- Bergamo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
- Bergamo private guided tour: $156
- Bergamo sightseeings tour. Magic of medieval town.: $273
- 2.5-Hour Private Tour of the Lower Town: $118
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid €20Bergamo €23
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
-
Beer€5.00
-
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Bergamo
Also in Bergamo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Food and Wine tasting of Valtenesi and Lugana: $46
- Lake Como: Wellness Spa experience with wine tasting : $163
When comparing the travel costs between Madrid and Bergamo, we can see that Bergamo 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 Madrid Expensive? and Is Bergamo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Bergamo?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bergamo. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Bergamo, 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.