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

Should you visit Madrid or San Remo?

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 San Remo 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 compact, friendly, and authentic 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 food, shopping, and museums.

San Remo

San Remo is a authentic, historic, and relaxing coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Madrid and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Madrid or San Remo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than San Remo. Madrid is bigger than San Remo, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while San Remo is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Madrid is more touristy than San Remo and is known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Also, Madrid is famous for The Prado Museum. San Remo is well known for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Madrid different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Madrid is a popular place for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Madrid. 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.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Madrid is terrific for its restaurants. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Madrid is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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, San Remo makes for a great culinary experience. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

Is Madrid or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

Madrid is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Madrid has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

San Remo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

Is Madrid or San Remo Better for Music?

Madrid is terrific for its music scene. However, San Remo 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.

San Remo is not a live music destination.

Is Madrid or San Remo Better for Beaches?

San Remo is a great coastal city for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.

The beaches at San Remo attract visitors from all over. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

Madrid is not a beach destination.

Is Madrid or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

San Remo is a great coastal city for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.

San Remo is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or San Remo?

Madrid is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

San Remo is a great destination for shopping. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Madrid or San Remo Better for Families?

Both Madrid and San Remo are excellent 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.

San Remo is a very kid-friendly city. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

Is Madrid or San Remo Better for Couples?

Both Madrid and San Remo are excellent 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.

San Remo is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

Is Madrid or San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Madrid is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Madrid. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.

Is Madrid or San Remo Better for Students?

Madrid is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, San Remo is not popular with students.

Many students frequent 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.

San Remo is not popular with students.

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

Madrid is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in San Remo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around town.

Is Madrid or San Remo a more walkable city?

Madrid is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Madrid. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.

San Remo is very walkable. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Madrid?

How long in Madrid or San Remo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Madrid or San Remo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Madrid than San Remo 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 San Remo.

Families should spend more time in Madrid than San Remo. 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 San Remo. 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 San Remo 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 San Remo?

Madrid is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of San Remo. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Madrid or San Remo?

Madrid is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Madrid, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

San Remo 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 San Remo?

Madrid is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Madrid, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Remo. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 San Remo?

Madrid is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of San Remo. This coastal 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Madrid and San Remo, we can see that San Remo 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 San Remo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Madrid or San Remo?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and San Remo, 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.