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

Should you visit Madrid or Boston?

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 Boston 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. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Boston

Boston is a historic, traditional, and classic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Madrid and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Madrid or Boston?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Boston than Madrid. While Madrid is larger than Boston, Boston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boston is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Madrid is known for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities. Madrid is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Boston is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. It is also home to The Freedom Trail.

How is Madrid different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Boston is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Boston from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

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 Madrid or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is a great city for theatre. However, Madrid is not a theatre destination.

Boston attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Madrid is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Madrid or Boston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Madrid, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Boston has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

Is Madrid or Boston Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Madrid and Boston.

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.

Boston offers plenty to do in the evening. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Madrid or Boston Better for Music?

Madrid is an unbeatable place for live music. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its live music scene.

Madrid is a world class music destination. 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.

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Is Madrid or Boston Better for Beaches?

Boston is adequate for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.

Boston is a good spot to see the beach. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Madrid is not a beach destination.

Is Madrid or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston is renowned for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Boston is one of the most recognized in the world. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Boston?

Madrid is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Madrid or Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston is a great city for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Madrid does not offer Christmas activities.

Boston is a very popular destination during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Madrid does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Madrid or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is a great city for visiting Christmas markets. However, Madrid does not offer Christmas markets.

Boston has a lively atmosphere around its Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Madrid does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Madrid or Boston Better for Families?

Boston is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Boston is an extremely popular city to visit for families. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

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.

Is Madrid or Boston Better for Couples?

Madrid is notable for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Madrid or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Madrid is notable for backpackers. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Madrid. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Madrid or Boston Better for Students?

For students, both Madrid and Boston are fantastic places to visit.

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.

Boston is a very popular place to visit for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

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

Madrid and Boston both offer fantastic public transit to get you around.

Madrid has a great public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.

Public transit in Boston is top-notch. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Is Madrid or Boston a more walkable city?

Madrid and Boston are fantastic when it comes to 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.

It is easy to get around Boston on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Boston or Madrid?

How long in Madrid or Boston?

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

Families should spend more time in Boston than Madrid. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Boston, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Madrid than Boston. 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 Boston 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 Boston?

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 live music and food when visiting the big city destination of Boston. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Madrid or Boston?

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.

Boston is a great place to explore. Don't miss the museums, 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 Boston?

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 Boston. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Boston?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the authentic 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 museums and theater when visiting the historic big city of Boston. This 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Madrid and Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Madrid much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Madrid is in Europe and Boston 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 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston 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 Madrid Expensive? and Is Boston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Madrid or Boston?

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