Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Prague?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Prague or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Prague and Madrid. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Prague
Prague is a cultural, historical, and beautiful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.
Madrid
Madrid is a diverse, compact, and friendly 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 live music, food, and shopping.
Prague and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Prague
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for food
Madrid
Pros- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less museums and historical sights
Is there more to do in Prague or Madrid?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Prague than Madrid. While Madrid is larger than Prague, Prague has more sights and attractions for tourists. Prague is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Madrid attracts visitors for its food, shopping, and big city activities. Prague is more touristy than Madrid and is popular for its world-famous old town, local beer, wild nightlife, historic landmarks, and the Charles Bridge. It is also well known for The Prague Castle. Madrid is famous for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing.
How is Prague different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Prague. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Prague or Madrid?
Prague
Madrid
Prague 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 Prague from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Most of the city's historic sights are found in the Old Town. Famous landmarks include the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the 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 Prague or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Prague
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Prague is not a good city for its restaurants.
Eat your way through Madrid, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.
Prague may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The meals are hearty and filling. There's lots of stew and dumplings that make for a soothing meal on a cold winter day. Goulash is a favorite dish at most of the traditional restaurants around town.
Is Prague or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Prague
Madrid
Prague is renowned for nightlife. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.
Prague is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has long been famous as a beer drinking capital, and although prices are higher than they once were, the fun is the same. The nightlife vibe is great any night of the week, but weekends tend to be the most active.
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 Prague or Madrid Better for Music?
Prague
Madrid
Both Prague and Madrid offer fantastic live music venues.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Prague The city has a long history of classical music, but rock, pop, and almost any other genre is popular here as well.
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.
Is Prague or Madrid Better for its Old Town?
Prague
Madrid
Prague is renowned for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
The old town of Prague is one of the most recognized in the world. Based around Old Town Square, this city has one of the most impressive old towns in the world.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Prague or Madrid?
Prague
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Prague is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Prague. There are many brand name stores in New Town, particularly around Wenceslas Square. In Old Town, Czech porcelain and Bohemia Crystal are popular things to buy.
Is Prague or Madrid Better for Families?
Prague
Madrid
Both Prague and Madrid are very good family-friendly destinations.
Prague is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a fun energy that appeals to adults and kids alike. Make sure you check out the Astronomical Clock and tour the famous Prague Castle. You'll also find the best playgrounds in town around Slavonic Island.
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 Prague or Madrid Better for Couples?
Prague
Madrid
Prague is renowned for romance. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.
Prague is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Whether you're enjoy beautiful architecture, historical buildings, or a night out drinking, this city makes a great stop for a couple's vacation.
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 Prague or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Prague
Madrid
Prague is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.
Many backpackers frequent Prague. It has its share of fun hostels that often have a social vibe that can't beat. The city is also a fun and affordable place to explore.
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 Prague or Madrid Better for Students?
Prague
Madrid
Prague and Madrid are both fantastic destinations for students and younger travelers.
Prague is a very popular place to visit for students. If you're studying abroad and want a cultural city with a young and fun vibe, the this is among the best.
Many students frequent 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.
Is Prague or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Prague
Madrid
Both Prague and Madrid offer fantastic public transit options.
Visitors in Prague can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Metro lines, trams, and buses will take you smoothly through old and new town.
Madrid has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Is Prague or Madrid a more walkable city?
Prague
Madrid
Prague and Madrid both are fantastic when exploring on foot.
It is easy to get around Prague on foot. The tourist area through old town is easily explored on foot. Walking around town is the best way to soak up the atmosphere.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Madrid. 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 Prague Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Prague?
How long in Prague or Madrid?
In either Prague or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Prague than Madrid because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Prague, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Prague than Madrid. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Prague, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Prague than Madrid. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Prague that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Prague 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 Prague.
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How many days in Prague or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayPrague 2-7Madrid 2-5
One day in Prague or Madrid?
Prague 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.
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 Prague or Madrid?
Prague 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 Prague or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Prague. 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.
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 Prague or Madrid?
Prague is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the diverse 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 Budget Tours to Czech Republic, The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPrague $109Madrid $148
The average daily cost (per person) in Prague is $109, while the average daily cost in Madrid is $148. 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 Prague and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPrague $67Madrid $84
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPrague $134Madrid $168
Compare Hotels in Prague and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Prague 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: Prague Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Prague $8.08Madrid $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Prague
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Prague:
- Sightseeing Transfer to Salzburg via Cesky Krumlov: $1,426
- Private transfer from Prague to Berlin: $693
- Private transfer from Prague to Munich: $693
- Private transfer from Prague to Nuremberg: $629
- Private transfer from Prague to Vienna: $629
- Airport Transfer Beer Party Bus with Unlimited Beer: $585
- Private sightseeing transfer Prague - Vienna: $422
- Luxury transfer from Prague to Česky Krumlov: $312
- Transfer from Prague to Salzburg with Tour Stop in Cesky Krumlov: $291
- Private Scenic Transfer from Prague to Munich with 4h of Sightseeing: $289
- Private Transfer From Prague To Berlin With 2h For Sightseeing: $289
- Private Transfer from Prague to Salzburg with local English-speaking driver: $289
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Madrid Barajas Airport: Transfer to/from Atocha Bus Station: $7.45
- Madrid Barajas International Airport - Private Arrival Transfer: $22
- Private transfer from Atocha Station to Madrid city center: $22
- Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $26
- Private One-way Airport Transfer Madrid Airport To Madrid: $27
- Private transfer: Barajas Airport (MAD) to Madrid City Center: $29
- Madrid Barajas Airport Private Transfer To Alcobendas: $32
- Private Arrival Transfer from Barajas Airport: $40
- Private Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD): $42
- Private Transfer From Madrid Barajas Airport to Madrid: $44
- Private Transfer from Airport to the City of Madrid Round Trip: $48
- Madrid City Center: Private Transfer to Madrid Airport: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Prague or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Prague 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 dayPrague $26Madrid $37
Typical Food Prices in Prague
Some typical examples of dining costs in Prague are as follows:
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Fruit$4.20
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Lunch for One$13
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Bananas$0.59
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Cookies$0.33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Prague
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Prague.
- Anti Tour Prague - Self Guided Beer and Food Tour: $21
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $39
- Prague by Night: 2-Hour Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $47
- Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $52
- Vltava River Evening Dinner Cruise: $53
- Folkloric Dinner Show with Unlimited Drinks: $56
- 2-Hour Dinner Cruise with Transfers: $57
- River Cruise with Dinner and Live Music: $58
- Folklore dinner: $58
- Medieval Dinner with Unlimited Drinks: $59
- Prague 5 Courses Medieval Dinner and Live Performances: $60
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee$2.17
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Ice Cream$3.25
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Kebabs (for 2)$17
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Croissant$1.62
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Lunch at Airport (for 2)$17
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.Prague $16Madrid $37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Prague
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Prague are as follows:
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Opera Tickets$4.20
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Two Tickets for Charles Bridge Tower$5.88
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Image Theatre for Two$40
Tours and Activities in Prague
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Prague are as follows:
- City Tour with Prague Castle with Live guide: $44
- Live Virtual Tour of Prague: $58
- Private live-guided E-Scooter TOURS around Prague : $44
- 1 hour Prague Panoramic Vltava River sightseeing Cruise: $17
- 1–Hour Vintage Car Tour: $128
- 1,5 hour oldtimer convertible Prague sightseeing tour: $164
- 1,5-Hour Prague Magical Segway Tour: $68
- 1-Hour Introductory Tour of Prague Castle With Fast-GET Admission Ticket: $43
- 1.5 Hour SEGWAY Tour of Prague: $63
- 180 Min Grand Private City Tour on E-Scooter: $94
- 2 Countries Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland tour from Prague: $169
- 2 Hours Guided Prague Behind The Iron Curtain Communism Tour: $24
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 dayPrague $11Madrid $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Prague
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Prague from other travelers:
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A Bottle of Wine$6.68
Sample the Local Flavors in Prague
Also in Prague, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Staropramem Brewery Self-Guided Tour with Tasting: $13
- Clock Tower Bar Crawl with Drinks and Shots: $23
- Clock Tower Bar Crawl in Prague: $26
- 1 Hour Exclusive Moravian Wine Tasting in an Art Gallery : $28
- Pub Crawl in Prague: $32
- Pub Crawl and International Party: $34
- Pub Crawl with Open Bar and VIP Entry: $34
- Pub Crawl with 2-Hour Open Bar at Drunken Monkey: $35
- Golden Burlesque Show & Live Music w/ Lady & The Devil: $36
- Drunken Monkey Pub Crawl: $36
- Golden BURLESQUE: $42
- Prague beer tour with brewery visit and tasting: $46
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$5.42
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)$14
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Prague and Madrid, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Prague much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Prague would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Prague 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 Prague.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Prague Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Prague or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Prague. When comparing the sizes of Prague 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.