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

Should you visit Sapporo 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 Sapporo 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.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a laid-back, park-filled, and snowy city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include skiing, nightlife, and food. See Sapporo travel costs.

Madrid

Madrid is a cultural, diverse, and compact 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 nightlife, live music, and food. See Madrid travel costs.

Sapporo and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapporo or Madrid?

You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Sapporo. Madrid is bigger than Sapporo, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Sapporo is more popular for its skiing and museums and attractions. Sapporo is well known for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. 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 Sapporo different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sapporo or Madrid Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is a great city for skiing. However, Madrid is not a skiing destination.

Sapporo offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Madrid is not a skiing destination.

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

Sapporo is a great 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 Sapporo. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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 Sapporo or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Madrid is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sapporo makes for a great culinary experience. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

Is Sapporo or Madrid Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find great options in both Sapporo and Madrid.

The nightlife in Sapporo has something for everybody. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

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 Sapporo or Madrid Better for Music?

Madrid is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapporo or Madrid?

Madrid is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Sapporo is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Is Sapporo or Madrid Better for Families?

Both Sapporo and Madrid are great to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Sapporo. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

Madrid is 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.

Is Sapporo or Madrid Better for Couples?

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

Sapporo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

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 Sapporo or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Sapporo and Madrid are great places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Madrid. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.

Is Sapporo or Madrid Better for Students?

Madrid is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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 Sapporo. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

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

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

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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Sapporo. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

Is Sapporo or Madrid a more walkable city?

Madrid is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its 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.

Sapporo is very walkable. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Sapporo?

How long in Sapporo or Madrid?

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

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

Sapporo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Madrid, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Sapporo or Madrid?

Sapporo 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.

In Madrid, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer.

Five days in Sapporo or Madrid?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sapporo. 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.

Madrid is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Sapporo or Madrid?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the laid-back big city of Sapporo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Madrid. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sapporo and Madrid, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Sapporo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sapporo is in Asia and Madrid is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sapporo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sapporo 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 Sapporo.

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

Which is Bigger, Sapporo or Madrid?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Sapporo. When comparing the sizes of Sapporo 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.