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

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Madrid?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Newcastle upon Tyne and Madrid can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a cultural, historical, and vibrant port city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Madrid

Madrid is a friendly, authentic, and cultural 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Madrid?

You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Newcastle upon Tyne. Madrid is bigger than Newcastle upon Tyne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Newcastle upon Tyne is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Madrid is more touristy than Newcastle upon Tyne 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. Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Madrid?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a great port 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Madrid has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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, Newcastle upon Tyne makes for a great culinary experience. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Madrid Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Newcastle upon Tyne and Madrid.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a large number of nightlife venues. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

Madrid is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Madrid Better for Music?

Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a live music destination.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Madrid Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a great port city for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Newcastle upon Tyne is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Madrid?

Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Madrid Better for Families?

Madrid is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Madrid. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Madrid Better for Couples?

Madrid is a very popular place for couples. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Madrid makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a nice destination for couples. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Madrid is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Newcastle upon Tyne. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Madrid Better for Students?

Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

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

Madrid is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Madrid is top-notch. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Newcastle upon Tyne. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Madrid a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Madrid are amazing when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Newcastle upon Tyne. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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.

For even more information, also check out Is Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Madrid?

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

Families should spend more time in Madrid than Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Madrid?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Each neighborhood in Madrid has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne or Madrid?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Many people visit Madrid for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. 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.

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Madrid?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Each neighborhood in Madrid has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Madrid, five days is sufficent for most.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Madrid?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. This port 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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Madrid. This city offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Madrid?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Newcastle upon Tyne. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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.