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

Should you visit Messina or Madrid?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Messina and Madrid 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.

Messina

Messina is a historic, bustling, and local port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Madrid

Madrid is a cultural, diverse, and compact city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Messina and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Madrid?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Madrid than Messina, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Madrid is more popular for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Messina is known for its beaches. Madrid is more touristy than Messina and 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. Messina is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Messina different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Messina and Madrid have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Messina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

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 Messina or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Madrid is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Messina or Madrid Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Messina and Madrid.

Messina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

Many people head to Madrid for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Messina or Madrid Better for Music?

Madrid is renowned for live music. However, Messina 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.

Messina is not a live music destination.

Is Messina or Madrid Better for Beaches?

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

Messina is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Madrid is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Madrid?

Madrid is renowned for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Messina. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Is Messina or Madrid Better for Families?

Both Messina and Madrid are great to visit with kids.

Messina is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

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.

Is Messina or Madrid Better for Couples?

Madrid is well known for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Madrid frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Messina or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Madrid is well known for backpackers. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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 Messina. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

Is Messina or Madrid Better for Students?

Madrid is renowned for students. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Messina. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

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

Madrid is renowned for its public transit. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Messina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Messina or Madrid a more walkable city?

Madrid is renowned for its walkability. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Messina is a very walkable port city. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

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

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Messina?

How long in Messina or Madrid?

In either Messina or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Messina because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Madrid than Messina 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 Messina or Madrid?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Messina. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Because Madrid is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Messina or Madrid?

Messina 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.

Because Madrid is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Madrid?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. 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.

Madrid is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Madrid?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling destination of Messina. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Madrid. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Madrid?

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