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

Should you visit Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg 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.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a beautiful, historic, and fascinating city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Madrid

Madrid is a cultural, diverse, and compact city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Nuremberg and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nuremberg or Madrid?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid than Nuremberg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Madrid is very popular for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Nuremberg attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Nuremberg is famous for its quaint old town, beautiful architecture, and festive Christmas markets. 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.

How is Nuremberg different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nuremberg is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Nuremberg from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. It's well established on the tourist circuit and it's easy to see why. The history and charm, combined with interesting sights make it a top place to visit in Germany. Make sure you check out Kaiserburg, the Nuremberg Trials Memorial, and Germanisches National Museum.

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 Nuremberg or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Madrid is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Nuremberg 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.

Nuremberg is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is heavily influenced by Franconian cuisines and you'll find many sausages and lots of meat in the restaurants. In addition to Nuremberg sausage, you should definitely try the bretzel, leberkäsweggla (a meat and grain snack), and schäuferle (pig's shoulder meat).

Is Nuremberg or Madrid Better for Nightlife?

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

Nuremberg is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse with clubs, bars, live music venues, and a number of festivals held in town. It's possible to have a relaxing night with a beer in a beer garden or a more lively evening at one of the many clubs around town.

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 Nuremberg or Madrid Better for Music?

Madrid is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Nuremberg is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Nuremberg is not a live music destination.

Is Nuremberg or Madrid Better for its Old Town?

Nuremberg is renowned for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Nuremberg is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's old town is filled with charm and it's easy to explore on foot. It's also large enough that you'll leave wishing you had more time to see it all.

Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nuremberg or Madrid?

Madrid is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nuremberg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Madrid make it a world-class shopping destination. 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 explore the shopping areas in Nuremberg. In addition to its iconic Christmas markets, you'll find year round shopping areas, pedestrian shopping streets, and large shopping malls. Some of the best places to shop include Lorenzer Altstadt, Hauptmarkt, and Königstorpassage.

Is Nuremberg or Madrid Better for Families?

Both Nuremberg and Madrid are great to visit with kids.

Nuremberg is a very kid-friendly city. The town has a nice zoo and several museums that are great for kids like the DB Railway Museum, the Toy Museum, and the Nicolaus Copernicus Planetarium. Also make sure you visit the Imperial Castle which is a highlight of a trip to Nuremberg for kids and adults alike.

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.

Is Nuremberg or Madrid Better for Couples?

Both Nuremberg and Madrid are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Nuremberg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It has history, beauty, charm, and personality. You'll find many romantic spots to walk hand in hand or enjoy a delicious meal in a cozy setting.

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 Nuremberg or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nuremberg and Madrid are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Nuremberg is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a favorite city of many travelers to Germany and backpackers are no exception. There are enough hostels to keep prices in check and wandering the old town is a free and rewarding experience.

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.

Is Nuremberg or Madrid Better for Students?

Madrid is a world-class destination for students. Also, Nuremberg 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.

Many students visit Nuremberg. It's a reasonably priced city with a number of activities and great transportation. Students appreciate the energy and large number of things to do.

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

Madrid is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Nuremberg is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Madrid can get you around easily. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.

Nuremberg offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city offers buses, trams, and an underground train system.

Is Nuremberg or Madrid a more walkable city?

Madrid is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Nuremberg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Nuremberg is a very walkable destination. The old town in particular is very walkable and best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Nuremberg?

How long in Nuremberg or Madrid?

In either Nuremberg or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Nuremberg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Nuremberg, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.

Couples should spend more time in Madrid than Nuremberg. 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 Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg or Madrid?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nuremberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

People visit Madrid because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nuremberg or Madrid?

Nuremberg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

People visit Madrid because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nuremberg or Madrid?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nuremberg. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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.

People visit Madrid because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Nuremberg or Madrid?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Nuremberg. 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.

Madrid is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nuremberg or Madrid?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nuremberg. When comparing the sizes of Nuremberg 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.