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

Should you visit Madrid or Tromso?

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 Tromso 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 cultural, diverse, and compact 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 nightlife, live music, and food. See Madrid travel costs.

Tromso

Tromso is a spectacular, remote, and one-of-a-kind town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come to Tromso because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Tromso travel costs.

Madrid and Tromso: Pros and Cons

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
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Northern Lights
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Madrid or Tromso?

You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Tromso. Madrid is bigger than Tromso, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Tromso is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, 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. Tromso is well known for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords.

How is Madrid different from Tromso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Madrid
Tromso

Madrid is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Tromso 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.

Tromso does not have museums and landmarks. You can learn about everything having to do with the Arctic at the museum, Polaria. There's also the the Polar Museum, the Arctic Cathedral, and Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum.


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

Madrid
Tromso

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tromso makes for a great culinary experience. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

Is Madrid or Tromso Better for Nightlife?

Madrid
Tromso

Madrid is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tromso. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Is Madrid or Tromso Better for Music?

Madrid
Tromso

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Tromso 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.

Tromso is not a live music destination.


Is Madrid or Tromso Better for Hiking?

Madrid
Tromso

Tromso is a great town for hiking. However, Madrid is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Tromso for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Madrid is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Tromso?

Madrid
Tromso

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Tromso is not known 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.

Tromso is a good destination for shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Is Madrid or Tromso More Beautiful?

Madrid
Tromso

Tromso is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Madrid is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Tromso because of it's amazing beauty. It's surrounding Arctic landscape includes fjords and snow-topped mountains.

Madrid is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Madrid or Tromso Better for Families?

Madrid
Tromso

Both Madrid and Tromso are great 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.

Tromso is a very kid-friendly city. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

Is Madrid or Tromso Better for Couples?

Madrid
Tromso

Both Madrid and Tromso are great 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.

Tromso is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

Is Madrid or Tromso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Madrid
Tromso

Madrid is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Tromso. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.


Is Madrid or Tromso Better for Students?

Madrid
Tromso

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

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.

Tromso is a good city to visit for students. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

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

Madrid
Tromso

Madrid is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Visitors in Madrid can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.

Tromso has a few public transit options. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

Is Madrid or Tromso a more walkable city?

Madrid
Tromso

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Tromso is very walkable. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.


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

Should I spend more time in Tromso or Madrid?

How long in Madrid or Tromso?

Both Madrid and Tromso have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tromso than in Madrid. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 4-7 days is enough time in Tromso.

Families should spend more time in Madrid than Tromso. 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 Tromso. 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 Tromso 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.


  • How many days in Madrid or Tromso? Ideal Length of Stay
    Madrid 2-5 
    Tromso 4-7

One day in Madrid or Tromso?

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.

Tromso might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Tromso?

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.

Tromso is a great place to explore. 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 Tromso?

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 Tromso. 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 Tromso?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the friendly 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.

Tromso is a small town with plenty to do. This town 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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Tromso or Madrid?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €162, while the average daily cost in Tromso is €70. 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 Tromso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Madrid 78
    Tromso 28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Madrid 156
    Tromso 56
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Tromso

Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Tromso? 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.

Hotels in Madrid


Hotels in Tromso


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 Tromso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Madrid 18
    Tromso 9.28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid

Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Moratalla to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $273
  • Private Transfer from Bolnuevo to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $254
  • Private Transfer to Toledo or Segovia from Madrid: $239
  • 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
  • Madrid Airport MAD Round-Trip Private Transfer in Luxury Van: $191
  • Private Transfer from El Verger to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $191
  • Madrid Airport MAD Round-Trip Transfer in Private Van: $190
  • Private Transfer from La Torre Golf to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $182
  • Private Transfer from Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort to Alicante (ALC) Airport: $180

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tromso

Also for Tromso, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Tromsø Private Airport-Hotel Transfer Service up to 13 guests: $45

Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Tromso?

Prices for flights to both Tromso 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Madrid 59
    Tromso 37
Typical Food Prices in Madrid

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:


  • Coffee
    2.00
  • Ice Cream
    3.00
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    16
  • Croissant
    1.50
  • 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:

  • Madrid Old Town Tour & Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner: $71
  • Chocolate & Churros Cooking Class in Madrid : $72
  • Murder Mystery Dinner Experience: $76
  • Spanish Tapas Experience and Sangría Showcooking in Madrid: $78
  • Paella and Tapas Cooking Workshop in Madrid: $84
  • Madrid Spanish Omelet Cooking Class and Bottomless Wine brunch: $90
  • Spanish Cooking Class Paella Tapas and Sangria in Madrid: $102
  • Tapas & Paella Cooking Class in Madrid with a Professional Chef: $106
  • Tapas, Drinks & Stories: Madrid by Night Food Tour: $124
  • Paella Cooking Class in Madrid with Bottomless Wine Pairing: $142
  • Taste of Spain: Tapas Cooking Class with Bottomless Wine Pairing: $142
  • Afternoon Tapas Cooking Class in a Secret Venue in Madrid: $160

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso

For Tromso, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Tromsø: Northern Lights Chase Small Group with Photos and Dinner: $170
  • 3 Hours Private Walking Food Tour in Norway: $184
  • Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $205

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Madrid 33
    Tromso 5.61

Tours and Activities in Madrid

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.

  • 1 Hour Madrid Welcome and Historical Tour: $106
  • El Pardo Royal Palace Entry Ticket: $20
  • Madrid Kids and Family Sightseeing Tour: $71
  • Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour: $100
  • Toledo with Cathedral from Madrid Full Day Tour: $147
  • Ávila & Segovia and Alcazar Day Tour from Madrid lunch included: $214
  • 2 Days Guided Cultural Tour in Madrid Royal Palace and 3 Museums : $227
  • 2 Hour Madrid City Expert Tour : $202
  • 2-Hour Tour of the Madrid of Mysteries: $15
  • 3 Hours Bike tour from the City center to Santiago Bernabeu and it's Museum: $108
  • 3-hour experience on the Redován K2 Family Via Ferrata: $49
  • 30 Minutes of Jet Ski Adventure on the Coast of Alicante: $106

Tours and Activities in Tromso

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tromso.

  • 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $92
  • 4 Hour Aurora Tour Photos Snacks and Warm Drinks Included: $98
  • 7 hours Tromsø Aurora Tour: Photos, snacks & warm drinks included: $98
  • Adventure Snowmobile Safari: $256
  • Arctic Fjordcruise & Safari in Tromso with Luxury Catamaran : $149
  • Arctic Nature Photography Sightseeing Tour from Tromso: $139
  • Arctic Nature Tour from Tromsø by minibus: $139
  • Arctic Wildlife and Fjord Sightseeing: $232
  • Aurora Cuisine Cruise: $195
  • Aurora tour: $134
  • Auroras Hunt - Tour in Spanish, Northern Lights Chase in Spanish: $247
  • Bleu Day Tour: Fjord and Landscape by Creative Vacations: $196

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Madrid 19
    Tromso 4.66
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:


  • Beer
    5.00
  • Drinks and Tapas (for 2)
    13

Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:

  • Top Pub Crawl Madrid & Party: $11
  • Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $12
  • Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
  • Pub Crawl Madrid by Mad Party Crew: $20
  • Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $30
  • Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor in Madrid : $30
  • Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
  • Wine Tasting in Madrid Experience: $55
  • Toledo Tour with Tapas, Wine Tasting and Optional 3 Monuments: $57
  • Hypno Tasting Wine Tasting under Hypnosis in Madrid: $59
  • Madrid Royal Palace Small Group Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $71
  • New Year Eve Madrid Pub Crawl: $82


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

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


Which is Bigger, Madrid or Tromso?

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