A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Madrid vs. Queenstown for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Madrid or Queenstown?

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 Queenstown 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. See Madrid travel costs.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a spirited, bustling, and active city. Queenstown is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include skiing, nightlife, and food. See Queenstown travel costs.

Madrid and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Madrid or Queenstown?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid. Although Madrid and Queenstown are both popular with visitors, Madrid has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Madrid is more popular for its museums and attractions, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Queenstown is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Madrid 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. Queenstown is popular for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery.

How is Madrid different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Queenstown and Madrid. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Madrid or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is renowned for skiing. However, Madrid is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Queenstown. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Madrid is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Madrid or Queenstown?

Madrid is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at fantastic restaurants in both Madrid and Queenstown.

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 Queenstown, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

Is Madrid or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Queenstown offers plenty to do in the evening. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

Is Madrid or Queenstown Better for Music?

Madrid is a world-class destination for live music. However, Queenstown is not a live music destination.

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.

Queenstown is not a live music destination.

Is Madrid or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is renowned for hiking. However, Madrid is not a hiking destination.

Around Queenstown visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Madrid is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Queenstown?

Madrid is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is well-known for its shopping. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Is Madrid or Queenstown More Beautiful?

Queenstown is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Madrid is not a destination known for its beauty.

Queenstown is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.

Madrid is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Madrid or Queenstown Better for Families?

Both Madrid and Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Is Madrid or Queenstown Better for Couples?

Queenstown is renowned for romance. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Queenstown is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

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.

Is Madrid or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Queenstown is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Queenstown. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

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.

Is Madrid or Queenstown Better for Students?

Madrid is a world-class destination for students. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Queenstown is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

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

Madrid is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Queenstown has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Madrid or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Madrid is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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.

Queenstown is a very walkable city. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Madrid?

How long in Madrid or Queenstown?

Both Madrid and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Queenstown than in Madrid. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

One day in Madrid or Queenstown?

When visiting Madrid, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Queenstown. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Madrid or Queenstown?

When visiting Madrid, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Queenstown 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 Queenstown?

Madrid, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Queenstown. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Queenstown?

Madrid is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Queenstown. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Madrid and Queenstown, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Queenstown much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Madrid is in Europe and Queenstown is in Pacific, 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 Queenstown would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Queenstown 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 Queenstown.

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

Which is Bigger, Madrid or Queenstown?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Queenstown, 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.