Which place is cheaper, Genoa or Madrid?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Madrid or Genoa?
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 Genoa 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. 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.
Genoa
Genoa is a energetic, historic, and vibrant port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.
Madrid and Genoa: 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
- Big city activities
Genoa
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
Is there more to do in Madrid or Genoa?
You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Genoa. Madrid is bigger than Genoa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Genoa is more popular for its museums, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. 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. Genoa is well known for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.
How is Madrid different from Genoa?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Genoa 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 Genoa?
Madrid
Genoa
Genoa 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 Genoa. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.
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 Genoa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Madrid
Genoa
Madrid is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and 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.
With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Genoa makes for a great culinary experience. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.
Is Madrid or Genoa Better for Nightlife?
Madrid
Genoa
Madrid is great for its evening party scene. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.
Many people head to Madrid for the nightlife scene. 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.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.
Is Madrid or Genoa Better for Music?
Madrid
Genoa
Madrid is terrific for its music scene. However, Genoa 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.
Genoa is not a live music destination.
Is Madrid or Genoa Better for Beaches?
Madrid
Genoa
Genoa is adequate for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.
Genoa is a good spot to see the beach. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.
Madrid is not a beach destination.
Is Madrid or Genoa Better for its Old Town?
Madrid
Genoa
Genoa is a port city with good options for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Genoa is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Genoa?
Madrid
Genoa
Madrid is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Genoa 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.
Genoa is a great destination for shopping. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.
Is Madrid or Genoa Better for Families?
Madrid
Genoa
Both Madrid and Genoa are high quality 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.
Genoa is a very kid-friendly city. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.
Is Madrid or Genoa Better for Couples?
Madrid
Genoa
Both Madrid and Genoa are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.
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.
Genoa is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.
Is Madrid or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Madrid
Genoa
For backpackers, both Madrid and Genoa 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.
Genoa is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.
Is Madrid or Genoa Better for Students?
Madrid
Genoa
Madrid is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for students.
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 Genoa. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.
Is Madrid or Genoa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Madrid
Genoa
Madrid is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Genoa 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.
Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Genoa. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.
Is Madrid or Genoa a more walkable city?
Madrid
Genoa
Madrid is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Genoa 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.
Genoa is very walkable. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Genoa Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Genoa or Madrid?
How long in Madrid or Genoa?
It's fun to spend time in either Madrid or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Madrid due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.
Families should spend more time in Genoa than Madrid. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Genoa, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Madrid than Genoa. 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 Genoa 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 Genoa? Ideal Length of StayMadrid 2-5Genoa 2-4
One day in Madrid or Genoa?
Each neighborhood in Madrid has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Genoa. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Madrid or Genoa?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Genoa 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 Genoa?
Madrid is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Madrid has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Genoa. 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 Genoa?
You'll find museums and nightlife around the compact big city of Madrid. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the energetic destination of Genoa. This port 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMadrid €136Genoa €150
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €136, while the average daily cost in Genoa is €150. 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 Genoa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid €77Genoa €88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid €154Genoa €176
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Genoa
Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Genoa? 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 Genoa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid €19Genoa €8.69
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Genoa
Also for Genoa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Genova : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $599
- Private Direct Transfer From Genoa to Nice, En Speaking Driver: $271
- Private Transfer From Genoa to Milan English Speaking Driver: $249
- Genoa to Milan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $229
- Genoa Airport (GOA) to Milan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $222
- From Genoa to Florence Hotels - Private Transfer: $145
- Genoa to Malpensa Milan Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer : $131
- Private Transfer from/to Genoa to/from Portofino: $123
- Private transfer from Genoa to Portofino with Hotel or Cruise Port pick-up: $120
- Savona Cruise Port to Genoa hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
- Genoa airport (GOA) to Savona Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
- Genoa to Milan - Arrival Private Transfer: $115
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Genoa?
Prices for flights to both Genoa 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 €34Genoa €51
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Genoa
For Genoa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Genoese cooking lesson in the garden with lunch: $68
- Genoa Old town Food Tour: $74
- Itinerant dinner in the old town: $75
- Street Food Tour: $84
- Do Eat Better Experience - Food Tours in Genoa: $86
- Traditional Food Tour: $91
- Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Camogli: $93
- Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Savona: $93
- Dining experience with cooking demo and wines in Rapallo: $93
- Traditional Home Cooking Class in Genoa: $93
- Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner: $93
- Small-group Street food tour in Savona: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Madrid €34Genoa €20
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 Genoa
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Genoa.
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour from Via Del Campo 29 Rosso: $82
- 2 Hours Private Historical Tour in Genoa: $104
- 3 Hours Private Walking Tour of Genoa from the Cruise Terminal: $240
- Aquarium of Genoa + Panera Ice Cream Taste experience: $32
- Aquarium of Genoa Ticket and Whale Watching Cruise: $70
- Aquarium of Entry Ticket and Aperitif: $31
- Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Genoa: $152
- Cesarine: Small Group Market tour and Dining Experience in Genoa: $141
- City Sightseeing Genoa Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $27
- Departure by Private Car from Genoa City to Genoa Cruise Port: $44
- Discover Genoa, old town walking tour: $131
- E-bike tour in Genova: $82
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid €20Genoa €10
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Genoa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Genoa:
- Guided Eco Hiking and Sea View Wine Tasting in Portofino Park: $75
- 3 Hour Pesto Making and Wine Tasting Activity in Campetto Genoa: $105
- CAMOGLI: PRIVATE Ligurian Wine Tasting Experience and walking on National Park: $125
When comparing the travel costs between Madrid and Genoa, we can see that Genoa 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 Genoa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Genoa?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Genoa. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Genoa, 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.