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

Should you visit Madrid or Rijeka?

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 Rijeka 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 friendly, authentic, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a diverse, slow-paced, and coastal town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Madrid and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Madrid or Rijeka?

You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Rijeka. Madrid is bigger than Rijeka, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Rijeka is more popular for its beaches. Madrid is more touristy than Rijeka and is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Also, Madrid is famous for The Prado Museum. Rijeka is well known for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Madrid different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Madrid or Rijeka.

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.

Rijeka offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

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

Madrid is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Madrid has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Madrid or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Madrid and Rijeka.

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.

Rijeka offers plenty to do in the evening. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Madrid or Rijeka Better for Music?

Madrid is renowned for its music scene. However, Rijeka is not a live music destination.

In Madrid you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Rijeka is not a live music destination.

Is Madrid or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

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

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Madrid is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Rijeka?

Madrid is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Madrid is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Madrid or Rijeka Better for Families?

Both Madrid and Rijeka are superb 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.

Rijeka is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

Is Madrid or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Madrid is a well-known place for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Madrid or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Madrid is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Madrid is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Madrid or Rijeka Better for Students?

Madrid is renowned for students. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Madrid. 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 Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

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

Madrid is renowned for its public transit. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Madrid or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Madrid is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its 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.

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Madrid?

How long in Madrid or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Madrid or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Madrid than Rijeka because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rijeka.

Families should spend more time in Madrid than Rijeka. 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 Rijeka. 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 Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rijeka. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Madrid or Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka. 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 Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the diverse 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 shopping and museums when visiting the diverse destination of Rijeka. This town 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Madrid or Rijeka?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Rijeka, 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.