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

Should you visit Madrid or Verona?

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 Verona 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. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Verona

Verona is a stunning, romantic, and cultural city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Madrid and Verona: 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
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Madrid or Verona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid than Verona. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Madrid is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Verona attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Madrid is famous for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also well known for The Prado Museum. Verona is famous for its role as the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays.

How is Madrid different from Verona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Madrid
Verona

Verona is a great 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 Verona. While most people know Verona as the setting of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", there are also many unrelated but still impressive sights around town. Of course you must check out the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House and Balcony), but also make sure you visit the fortress of Castelvecchio, Arena di Verona, and Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore.

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 Verona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Madrid
Verona

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

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.

Dining out in Verona is an experience not to be missed. Food is a source of pride for the locals in Verona, and you'll find excellent dishes in most eateries, even those catering specifically to tourists. There are many local recipes that are worth sampling while you're in the area including risotto with tastasal, potato gnocchi, and polenta.

Is Madrid or Verona Better for Nightlife?

Madrid
Verona

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

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 Verona. The nightlife scene caters to a mature crowd and there is a heavy focus on regional wine. There are many local bars and traditional osterie (inns) where you can sip local wine or hear live music.

Is Madrid or Verona Better for Music?

Madrid
Verona

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Verona is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Madrid. 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.

Verona is not a live music destination.


Is Madrid or Verona Better for its Old Town?

Madrid
Verona

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

Verona is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. At the heart of the city is the old town, which is filled with medieval and Renaissance style architecture. It's easy to explore this beautiful area on foot.

Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Verona?

Madrid
Verona

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Madrid draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Verona to go shopping. The most well known shopping street is Corso Santa Anastasia, which has many antique shops as well as jewelry stores and high end boutiques.

Is Madrid or Verona Better for Families?

Madrid
Verona

Madrid is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Verona is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Madrid is very family-friendly. 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.

Verona is not the most family-friendly destination. You can head to the top of the the Lamberti Tower and, of course, check out the Romeo and Juliet balcony. Wandering the streets and grabbing gelato is also fun for the whole family.


Is Madrid or Verona Better for Couples?

Madrid
Verona

Both Madrid and Verona 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.

Verona is a very popular place to visit for couples. As the setting for Shakespeare's famed "Romeo and Juliet", this town is seeped in romantic history. In addition to checking out the classic balcony, couples can enjoy seeing an opera at Verona Arena or seeking out views of the beautiful city. Crossing the romantic Ponte Pietra is another must-do romantic activity in the area.

Is Madrid or Verona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Madrid
Verona

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

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

Verona is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers rarely spend more than a day or two in town, but there are hostels in the area that offer cheap accommodation.

Is Madrid or Verona Better for Students?

Madrid
Verona

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

Verona is a good city to visit for students. The city offers a more authentic Italian experience than some of the more popular tourist and study abroad destinations in Italy.


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

Madrid
Verona

Madrid is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Verona has a few public transit options. ATV operates buses through the city.

Is Madrid or Verona a more walkable city?

Madrid
Verona

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Verona is a very walkable destination. It's a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Many locals get around by walking or biking.

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

Should I spend more time in Verona or Madrid?

How long in Madrid or Verona?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Madrid and Verona. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than in Verona. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 1-3 days is enough time in Verona.

Families should spend more time in Madrid than Verona. 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 Verona. 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 Verona 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 Verona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Madrid 2-5 
    Verona 1-3

One day in Madrid or Verona?

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 Verona. 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 Verona?

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.

Verona 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 Verona?

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 Verona. 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 Verona?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic destination of Verona. This 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 10-Day Tours in Italy, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Verona or Madrid?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €136, while the average daily cost in Verona is €168. 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 Verona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Madrid 77
    Verona 107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Madrid 154
    Verona 214
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Verona

Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Verona? 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 Verona


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 Verona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Madrid 19
    Verona 6.88
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:

  • 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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Verona

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Verona:


  • Bus From Airport
    6.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Verona

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

  • 1-Way Private Transfer to/from Marco Polo Airport: $661
  • private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $620
  • Verona Airport:1-Way Private Transfer to Venice+water taxi: $535
  • Verona Airport (VRN): One Way Transfer to Venice+WaterTaxi: $503
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Venice Airport: $500
  • Verona Airport(VRN): 1-Way Transfer to Venice, Piazzale Roma: $364
  • Private Luxury Transfer from Verona to Malpensa airport (MPX) (or vice versa): $291
  • Private Luxury Transfer from Verona to Selva Val Gardena (or vice versa): $284
  • Private Luxury Transfer from Verona to Florence (or vice versa): $272
  • Private Luxury Transfer from Verona to Ortisei (or vice versa): $262
  • Private Luxury Transfer from Verona to Madonna di Campiglio (or vice versa): $218
  • Private Luxury Transfer from Verona to Bolzano (or vice versa): $218

Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Verona?

Prices for flights to both Verona 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 34
    Verona 54
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:

  • 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

Typical Food Prices in Verona

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


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    36
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    23
  • Cappucino
    1.75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Verona

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

  • Guided Food Tour with Wine Tasting: $63
  • Tortellini Cooking Class and Lunch with Mamma Ivana: $64
  • Eat Drink and Love wine and food tour: $82
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Castelnuovo del Garda with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Fumane with Show Cooking: $93
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Soave: $93
  • Verona Food Tour with Guide: $95
  • Food Tour with Amarone Wine Tasting: $95
  • Wine and Food Tour with Dinner and Tastings: $96
  • Small-group Street food tour in Soave: $97
  • Verona Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $101
  • Valpolicella: Traditional cooking class with local products: $102

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Madrid 34
    Verona 12

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Verona

For Verona, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Juliet's House Entry
    4.00
  • Verona Card
    10

Tours and Activities in Verona

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

  • Amarone wine experience in Verona countryside: $37
  • "Let yourself be guided .. Let yourself be pampered" Private Tour: $218
  • 3 Hour Shared Walking and Aperitivo Tour of Verona: $70
  • 3 Hour Walking tour of Verona and Arena: $142
  • 3 Hour Watercolor Private Experience in Verona: $65
  • 4-Hour Guided E-bike Tour of the Two Wineries in Bardolino: $119
  • A day in the life of Verona - Private tour with a local: $224
  • A private tasting tour of Verona, between food and wine: $280
  • Adventure in e-Bike among medieval villages and castles: $125
  • Amarone 2005 Wine Experience: $33
  • Amarone Della Valpolicella Wine Experience - Meet the Vogadori Family: $38
  • Amarone Wine Experience at Montresor winery: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Madrid 20
    Verona 11
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:

  • 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 Verona

Also in Verona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine tasting in Bardolino: $26
  • Valpolicella Wine Tour and Tasting in Medieval Court: $33
  • Amarone Wine Tour: $35
  • Montresor Winery Visit with Wine Tasting and Snacks: $37
  • Valdadige: Roeno Guided Tour and Wine tasting: $37
  • Verona area: Wine Tasting Experience in Valpolicella: $38
  • Food and Wine Tasting in Valpolicella: $38
  • Unique Wine tasting in Verona, with Amarone docg: $41
  • Lazise: Historical Center Wine Tasting Tour: $43
  • Lake Garda: Wine Tour & Tasting Experience in Bardolino area: $44
  • Wine Tasting near Juliet's Balcony in Verona: $45
  • Wine Tasting in Underground Cellar in Verona City Center : $46


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Madrid and Verona, we can see that Verona is more expensive. And not only is Madrid much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Madrid would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Madrid 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 Verona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Verona than you might in Madrid.

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


Which is Bigger, Madrid or Verona?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Verona. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Verona, 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.