Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Munich?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Munich or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich or Madrid, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Munich
Munich is a high energy, multicultural, and economically thriving city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.
Madrid
Madrid is a authentic, cultural, and diverse 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.
Munich and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Munich
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
Madrid
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Munich or Madrid?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Munich than Madrid. While Madrid is larger than Munich, Munich has more sights and attractions for tourists. Munich is better known for its museums and nightlife, while Madrid is more popular for its food. Munich is well known for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. Also, Munich is famous for The Nymphenburg Palace. Madrid is well known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing.
How is Munich different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Munich. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Munich or Madrid?
Munich
Madrid
Munich 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 Munich. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.
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 Munich or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Munich
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Madrid is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.
The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Munich. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.
Is Munich or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Munich
Madrid
Munich is renowned for nightlife. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.
Munich is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.
Madrid offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Munich or Madrid Better for Music?
Munich
Madrid
Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Munich or Madrid.
In Munich you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.
Madrid is known as a music capital 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.
Is the Shopping Better in Munich or Madrid?
Munich
Madrid
Shopping is a popular activity in both Madrid and Munich.
Munich is a world class destination for shoppers. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.
People travel from around the world to go shopping in Madrid. 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.
Is Munich or Madrid Better for Families?
Munich
Madrid
Munich and Madrid are both high quality destinations for the whole family.
Munich is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.
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.
Is Munich or Madrid Better for Couples?
Munich
Madrid
Munich and Madrid are both high quality to visit as a couple.
Couples visit Munich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.
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.
Is Munich or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Munich
Madrid
Munich is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.
Many backpackers frequent Munich. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.
Madrid is a great city to visit for backpackers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Is Munich or Madrid Better for Students?
Munich
Madrid
Munich and Madrid are first-rate places to visit for students.
Munich is a great destination for students. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international 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.
Is Munich or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Munich
Madrid
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Munich and Madrid.
Munich has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.
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.
Is Munich or Madrid a more walkable city?
Munich
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.
Munich is very walkable. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.
For even more information, also check out Is Munich Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Munich?
How long in Munich or Madrid?
In either Munich or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Munich has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Munich than Madrid. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Munich. 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.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Munich than Madrid 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 Munich.
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How many days in Munich or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayMunich 2-5Madrid 2-5
One day in Munich or Madrid?
Munich 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 food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Madrid. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Munich or Madrid?
Munich 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.
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.
Five days in Munich or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Munich. 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 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.
A week in Munich or Madrid?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the economically thriving big city of Munich. 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 nightlife and live music when visiting the compact 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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Germany, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMunich €148Madrid €136
The average daily cost (per person) in Munich is €148, while the average daily cost in Madrid is €136. 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 Munich and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMunich €89Madrid €77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMunich €178Madrid €154
Compare Hotels in Munich and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Munich or Madrid? 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.
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: Munich Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Munich €19Madrid €19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Munich
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Munich:
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Single Zone Trip on Subway€2.30
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Inner District Subway Day Pass€5.20
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City transport day ticket€11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Munich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:
- Private transfer from Munich to Vienna: $927
- Private transfer from Munich to Prague: $703
- Private arrival OR departure transfer from/to Munich airport: $291
- Private Scenic Transfer from Munich to Salzburg with 4h of Sightseeing: $272
- Private Scenic Transfer from Munich to Nuremberg with 4h of Sightseeing: $267
- Salzburg to Munich Transfer: $266
- Transfer Munich to Kaprun,Zell am See,Flachau,Stubai,Kitzbuhel,Innsbruck & Other: $259
- Private Transfer from Munich to Salzburg with 2 hours for sightseeing: $256
- Private Transfer from Munich City to Nuremberg City: $251
- Private Transfer from Munich to Vilshofen with 2 hours for sightseeing: $251
- Arrival Private Transfer from Munich Airport MUC to Munich in Luxury Car: $249
- Private arrival transfer Munich Airport to Munich Hotels: $245
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride€26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private One-Way Transfer to OR from Madrid Airport with private pick up: $77
- Arrival Private Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid City by Van: $71
- Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from MAD Airport to Madrid: $53
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Private Car: $80
- Arrival Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Business Car: $80
- Departure Private Transfer Madrid to MAD Airport in a Minibus: $137
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Car: $80
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Van: $87
- Departure Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Luxury Van: $87
- From Madrid Airport: 1-Way Private Hotel Transfer: $80
- From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $261
- Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $26
Is it cheaper to fly into Munich or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Munich 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
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Food Meals for one dayMunich €27Madrid €34
Typical Food Prices in Munich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Munich:
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Bratwurst€5.00
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Leberkässemmeln (Veal & Pork Sandwich)€1.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Munich.
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Viktualienmarkt Gourmet Food Tour: $46
- Munich Food Tour with Beer Tasting: $47
- Private Salzburg History & Food Tour with Munich train add-on: $55
- 6 gears dinner show menu: $99
- Original Munich Christmas Market Food Tour - all tastings included: $136
- Lunch Like a Local: Munich's ORIGINAL Viktualienmarkt Food Tour: $141
- Private Full Day Bavarian Beer and Food Tour in Munich: $209
- Private - Viktualienmarkt Food Tour and Beyond - best Munich tastings: $229
- Munich Food Tour & Food Market with German Delicacies: $265
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee€2.00
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Ice Cream€3.00
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Kebabs (for 2)€16
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Croissant€1.50
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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: $32
- 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
- Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $42
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $43
- Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $43
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Munich €29Madrid €34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Munich
Here are a few typical costs in Munich for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Schack Gallery Entrance€4.00
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Munich Zoo Entrance€9.00
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Pub Crawl Munich Tour€14
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Neuschwanstein Castle (2)€24
Tours and Activities in Munich
Here are a few actual costs in Munich for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hours VIP Private Segway Tour: $91
- 2-hour Private Walking Tour in Munich: $214
- 5 Top Churches in Munich Private Walking Tour : $210
- 5 Top Churches in Munich Private Walking Tour : $210
- A Tour inside Munich's Justizpalast: $23
- Albert Einstein Private Walking Tour in Old Town Munich: $202
- Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour in Munich: $68
- Bavarian Food Walking Tour from Munich : $47
- Bayern Munich Tour (City, Land, Bazaar, Historical, Taste): $266
- Bayern Tour (München Nürnberg Erlangen Würzburg Bamberg): $533
- Berchtesgaden and Eagle's Nest Day Tour from Munich: $71
- Best of Munich - Private Tour: $425
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.07
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
- Madrid Mountains Free Walking Tour: $3.27
- Secrets of Madrids Walking Tour: $4.26
- Marvels of Madrid Walking Tour: $4.26
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour: $4.26
- Escape Game and Tour: $4.26
- Madrid Old Town & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $4.26
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
- Ticket Entrance to the Madrid Nougat Museum: $5.33
- Mapfre Foundation Entry Ticket: $5.33
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMunich €37Madrid €20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Munich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Munich:
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Hofbrauhaus€12
Sample the Local Flavors in Munich
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Munich:
- Exclusive Brewery Tour & Tasting of 4 Organic Beers: $28
- Munich's Original Pub Crawl: $31
- English Guided Brewery Tour in Munich beertasting 4 beers: $37
- Cheese & Wine tasting: $95
- The ORIGINAL Munich Christmas Market Festive Wine Tour -with food: $141
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $287
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $294
- Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $400
- Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $400
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
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Beer€5.00
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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: $9.59
- 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
When comparing the travel costs between Munich and Madrid, we can see that Munich 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 Munich Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Munich or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Munich. When comparing the sizes of Munich 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.