Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Porto?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Porto 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 Porto and Madrid can help you decide which place is right for you.
Porto
Porto is a dynamic, historic, and cultural port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. 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 friendly, authentic, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Porto and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Porto
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for shopping
Madrid
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
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Porto or Madrid?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Madrid than Porto, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Madrid is more popular for its music, shopping, and big city activities, while Porto is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Porto is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Madrid 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.
How is Porto different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Porto. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Porto or Madrid?
Porto
Madrid
Porto 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 Porto. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.
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 Porto or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Porto
Madrid
Both Porto and Madrid offer amazing local cuisine and restaurants.
Porto has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.
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.
Is Porto or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Porto
Madrid
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Porto and Madrid.
The nightlife in Porto has something for everybody. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
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 Porto or Madrid Better for Music?
Porto
Madrid
Madrid is very popular for live music. However, Porto is not a live music destination.
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.
Porto is not a live music destination.
Is Porto or Madrid Better for its Old Town?
Porto
Madrid
Porto is a great port city for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Porto is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Madrid?
Porto
Madrid
Madrid is very popular for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.
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.
Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.
Is Porto or Madrid Better for Families?
Porto
Madrid
You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Porto or Madrid.
Porto is a very family-friendly destination. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.
Madrid is a very kid-friendly port city. 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 Porto or Madrid Better for Couples?
Porto
Madrid
Both Porto and Madrid are superb destinations to visit as a couple.
Porto is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.
Madrid is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Porto or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Porto
Madrid
Porto is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.
Many backpackers frequent Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.
Madrid is a great port 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 Porto or Madrid Better for Students?
Porto
Madrid
Madrid is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.
Porto is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.
Is Porto or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Porto
Madrid
Madrid is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.
Madrid has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Porto has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.
Is Porto or Madrid a more walkable city?
Porto
Madrid
Madrid is very popular for its walkability. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its high level of walkability.
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.
Porto is a very walkable port city. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.
For even more information, also check out Is Porto Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Porto?
How long in Porto or Madrid?
In either Porto or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Madrid has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Madrid than Porto. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Porto than Madrid. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Porto, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Madrid than Porto. 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 Porto 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 Porto.
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How many days in Porto or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayPorto 2-5Madrid 2-5
One day in Porto or Madrid?
Porto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.
In Madrid, many people enjoy the live music and food that this diverse big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
A weekend in Porto or Madrid?
Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Five days in Porto or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Madrid is a fun place to experience. In Madrid, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
A week in Porto or Madrid?
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cosmopolitan big city of Porto. 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.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse big city of Madrid. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPorto €126Madrid €136
The average daily cost (per person) in Porto is €126, 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 Porto and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPorto €65Madrid €77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPorto €130Madrid €154
Compare Hotels in Porto and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Porto 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: Porto Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Porto €21Madrid €19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto
Also for Porto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer to Algarve: $1,066
- Private Transfer to Algarve with Stops up to 2 Cities: $906
- Luxury Sedan car transfer to Lisbon.: $639
- From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Coimbra & Fatima: $624
- From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Stop at Nazaré: $581
- From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Stop at Óbidos: $581
- Transfer to Santiago Compostela: $554
- Transfer to Vigo: $511
- Private Transfer from Oporto Airport to Lisboa: $490
- Private transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Oporto: $489
- Private Transfer to Lisbon with Stops up to 3 Cities: $479
- Porto to Braga Transfer: Explore Sameiro Sanctuary: $479
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:
- Segovia: Full-Day Tour with Transfer to and from Madrid: $448
- 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: $266
- Balloon Ride with Transfer Option from Madrid City: $261
- From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $261
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Porto or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Porto 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 dayPorto €36Madrid €34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto
For Porto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Downtown Porto: $37
- Tastiest Calories Food Tour: $48
- Bolhão Market and Codfish Tasting Guided Food Tour: $52
- Bolhão Market & Codfish Tasting Food Tour: $53
- Christmas All Inclusive Dinner River Cruise with DJ on Board : $55
- Porto Food Tour: Full Meal & Drinks: $56
- Porto Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $57
- 3-Hour Food Tour: $68
- Half-Day Food Tour: $68
- Semi - Private Oporto Food Tour: $74
- Portuguese Craft Beer and Food Tour: $74
- Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto: $75
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
- Torres Bermejas Flamenco Show in Madrid with Dinner, Tapas or Drink: $38
- 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: $42
- San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $52
- The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59
- Zarzuela Opera and Dinner at La Castafiore Restaurant in Madrid: $60
- Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $61
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Porto €25Madrid €34
Tours and Activities in Porto
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Porto.
- 4 Hour Blissful Wave Experience at Maceda Haven: $76
- Ultimate Ribeira Walking Tour: $2.61
- 1.5-Hour Private Electric Tuk Tuk Sightseeing Tour Historic Porto: $26
- 2 Hour Private Tuktuk Tour in Porto Douro to Left bank: $63
- 2 Hour Private Tuktuk Tour in Porto to Monastery and Cellars: $157
- 2 Hour Private Tuktuk Tour in Porto to Monastery and Cellars: $80
- 2-Hours of Porto Sunset Segway Tour - Guided Experience: $59
- 3 Hour Porto Essential Private Tour: $49
- 3 Hour Tuk tuk Tour in Porto: $98
- 3 Hours of Private Porto Classic Tuk Tour: $261
- 3-Hour Best of Porto Segway Tour - Guided Experience: $75
- 3-Hour Cano-Rafting Tour on the Paiva River: $49
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Madrid Photo Tour with Pro Photographer Lifestyle and Portrait: $82
- Private Combo Tour Prado Museum and Reina Sofia: $221
- Toledo with Cathedral from Madrid Full Day Tour: $134
- "Prado Museum" Tour A Treasure of World Art: $65
- 1 Hour Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $98
- 1-Hour Private Flamenco Class in Madrid Experience: $45
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.35
- 2 Hours Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $163
- 2-Hour Tour of the Madrid of Mysteries: $14
- 2.5-Hour Evening Tapas Tour through Madrid: $37
- 3 Hours Walking Tour in Madrid: $266
- 3-Hour Tapas Walking Tour of Madrid Food and Drink Included: $93
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPorto €19Madrid €20
Sample the Local Flavors in Porto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:
- Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket and Wine Tasting: $8.52
- Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket with Wine Tasting: $8.73
- Tickets for Port Cellar Visit and Wine Tasting at Fonseca: $11
- Guided City Pub Crawl with Club Entry: $13
- Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Tastings: $15
- Rooftop Fado concert, Port wine tasting, Portuguese tart: $16
- Pub Crawl with 5 Drinks: $19
- Mysterious Pub Crawl Interactive City Discovery Game: $19
- Douro and Port Wine Tasting: $20
- Pub Crawl Porto Live night: $21
- Pub Crawl with Shots and Drinking Games: $21
- Poças: Guided Tour & Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
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
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $22
- Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
When comparing the travel costs between Porto 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 Porto Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Porto or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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.