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

Should you visit Reims or Madrid?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reims 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.

Reims

Reims is a beautiful, relaxing, and scenic 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 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.

Reims and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reims or Madrid?

You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Reims. Madrid is bigger than Reims, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Reims is more popular for its impressive beauty. Reims is well known for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. Madrid is well known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Also, Madrid is famous for The Prado Museum.

How is Reims different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Reims or Madrid.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Reims. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Madrid is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Reims or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Reims and Madrid offer first-rate local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Reims is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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.

Is Reims or Madrid Better for Nightlife?

Madrid is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Reims or Madrid Better for Music?

Madrid is very popular for its music scene. However, Reims is not a live music destination.

In Madrid you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Reims is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Reims or Madrid?

Madrid is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Madrid is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Reims. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

Is Reims or Madrid Better for Families?

Madrid is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Madrid is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Reims or Madrid Better for Couples?

Reims is renowned for romance. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Reims is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Madrid is well known for backpackers. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Madrid is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.

Reims is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

Is Reims or Madrid Better for Students?

Madrid is very popular for students. However, Reims is not popular with students.

Madrid is a great destination 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.

Reims is not popular with students.

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

Madrid is very popular for its public transit. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

While Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Reims or Madrid a more walkable city?

Madrid is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Reims 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.

Reims is very walkable. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Reims?

How long in Reims or Madrid?

In either Reims 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 Reims. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Madrid than Reims. 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 Reims. 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 Reims 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 Reims or Madrid?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reims. 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. 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 Reims or Madrid?

Reims 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 Reims or Madrid?

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

Madrid is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Madrid has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Reims or Madrid?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Reims. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly 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 Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Reims 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 Reims Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Reims or Madrid?

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