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

Should you visit Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a bustling, trendy, and modern port city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. 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 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.

Shanghai and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Bund
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Shanghai or Madrid?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Madrid than Shanghai. While Shanghai is larger than Madrid, Madrid has more sights and attractions for tourists. Madrid is very popular for its nightlife and music, while Shanghai attracts visitors for its museums and impressive beauty. Shanghai is famous for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. 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 Shanghai different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Shanghai
Madrid

Shanghai 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 Shanghai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

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 Shanghai or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai
Madrid

Foodies will find both Shanghai and Madrid both to be fantastic destinations.

Eat your way through Shanghai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

For foodies, Madrid is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 Shanghai or Madrid Better for Nightlife?

Shanghai
Madrid

Madrid is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

Madrid has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Shanghai or Madrid Better for Music?

Shanghai
Madrid

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

Shanghai is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Madrid?

Shanghai
Madrid

Both Shanghai and Madrid are fantastic shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Shanghai make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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.

Is Shanghai or Madrid Better for Families?

Shanghai
Madrid

Both Shanghai and Madrid are very good family-friendly destinations.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

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 Shanghai or Madrid Better for Couples?

Shanghai
Madrid

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

Shanghai is a great port city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city 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 Shanghai or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai
Madrid

Both Shanghai and Madrid are very good destinations for backpackers.

Shanghai is a great port city to visit for backpackers. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

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 Shanghai or Madrid Better for Students?

Shanghai
Madrid

Madrid is a world-class destination for students. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Madrid is a very popular place to visit 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.

Shanghai is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

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

Shanghai
Madrid

Madrid is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

The public transit in Shanghai can get you to most places easily. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.


Is Shanghai or Madrid a more walkable city?

Shanghai
Madrid

Madrid is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Madrid on foot. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.

Shanghai is a very walkable destination. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Madrid?

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

Couples should spend more time in Shanghai than Madrid. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Shanghai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Madrid than Shanghai 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.


  • How many days in Shanghai or Madrid? Ideal Length of Stay
    Shanghai 2-5 
    Madrid 2-5

One day in Shanghai or Madrid?

Shanghai 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.

The city of Madrid offers museums and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Madrid?

Shanghai 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Madrid, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Shanghai or Madrid?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shanghai. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Madrid, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Madrid?

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

Madrid is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Shanghai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $115, 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 Shanghai and Madrid in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shanghai $81
    Madrid $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shanghai $162
    Madrid $168
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Madrid

Looking for a hotel in Shanghai 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.

Hotels in Shanghai


Hotels in Madrid


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: Madrid Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shanghai $3.89
    Madrid $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.61
  • Two Subway Tickets
    $0.83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:

  • Shanghai Pudong Int’l Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Yiwu City Area : $226
  • Shanghai To Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $209
  • Shanghai-Suzhou private day tour with private transfer and Lunch: $204
  • Shanghai to Suzhou and Tongli Water Town Self-Guide Tour Private Round Transfer: $171
  • Shanghai to Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Self-Guide Trip with Private Transfer: $171
  • Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) Departure Transfer (central Shanghai to Airport): $170
  • Shanghai to Hangzhou Private Transfer with Stop at Xitang Water Town: $157
  • Shanghai Pudong Airport To Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport one way private transfer: $155
  • Shanghai to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Hongqiao Station Transfer: $150
  • Shanghai Airport to Ningbo City Private Arrival Transfer: $149
  • Shanghai Era Theatre Acrobatics Show with Hotel Transfer: $149
  • Round-trip Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $149

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:


  • 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: $7.59
  • Private transfer from Atocha Station to Madrid city center: $22
  • Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $27
  • Private transfer: Barajas Airport (MAD) to Madrid City Center: $29
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Barajas Airport: $40
  • Madrid to Madrid Airport (MAD) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
  • Madrid City Center: Private Transfer to Madrid Airport: $50
  • Departure Private Transfer: Madrid City to Madrid Airport MAD by Business Car: $51
  • Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from MAD Airport to Madrid: $53
  • Madrid Airport: Private Transfer to Madrid City Center: $54
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Madrid Airport: $55
  • Madrid Airport One-Way or Round-Trip Transfers: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Madrid?

Prices for flights to both Madrid and Shanghai 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Shanghai $22
    Madrid $37
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai

Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:


  • Dumpling Breakfast
    $1.39
  • Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory
    $20
  • Ajisen Lunch for Two
    $7.22
  • Cantelope
    $1.67
  • Dumplings and Soup
    $2.08
  • Duck Dinner
    $4.17
  • Pastries
    $2.92
  • Barbeque Dinner
    $8.89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.

  • Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum In Shanghai: $67
  • 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Steamed Colorful Dumplings: $70
  • 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings: $70
  • 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $71
  • Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $77
  • Late night food tour in Shanghai's French Concession: $85
  • Shanghai Evening Food Tour/Shanghai tour gastronomico nocturno : $85
  • Shanghai Spicy Food Tour: $85

Typical Food Prices in Madrid

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:


  • Coffee
    $2.18
  • Ice Cream
    $3.27
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    $17
  • Croissant
    $1.63
  • 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: $28
  • Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $33
  • Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $34
  • Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $36
  • Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $37
  • San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $42
  • Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
  • Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $43
  • Skip the Line: Flamenco Show with Dinner and Workshop in Madrid Ticket: $50
  • The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $60
  • Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $62
  • Madrid San Miguel Market and City Center Street Food Tour: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shanghai $8.48
    Madrid $37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Shanghai

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:


  • 30 Minute River Cruise for Two
    $28
  • Zoo for Two
    $14

Tours and Activities in Shanghai

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:

  • Half-Day Private Tour of Shanghai Bund with River Cruise or Tower View: $90
  • Private Shanghai Flexible City Highlight Tour with Night Cruise: $221
  • Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights: $108
  • Shanghai Layover Tour to Xinchang Water Town with City Highlights Option : $135
  • Yiwu International Trade City Private Day Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train: $183
  • Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Museum Private Shanghai Day Tour: $175
  • Zhouzhuang Water Town Self-Guided Day Tour from Shanghai: $88
  • 1 Day Shanghai Airport Layover Private Tour for City Highlights: $202
  • 1 Day Shanghai Highlight Small Group Tour: $124
  • 1 Day Shanghai Private Tour: $180
  • 1 Days Shanghai Quality Group Tour: $110
  • 1 day Shanghai to Suzhou Garden Mini Group tour: $116

Tours and Activities in Madrid

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.

  • Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.09
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Escape Game and Tour: $4.34
  • Ticket Entrada al Museo del Turrón de Madrid: $5.43
  • Mapfre Foundation Entry Ticket: $5.43
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Madrid: $5.51
  • Manzanares River’s Story: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Madrid: $5.99
  • Manzanares River’s Story Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.50
  • Multicultural A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Madrid’s Tapas Spots: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • A local's A self-guided audio tour: $6.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shanghai $7.40
    Madrid $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai

Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255

Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:


  • Beer
    $5.44
  • 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: $9.77
  • Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $11
  • Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
  • Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
  • Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
  • Madrid's Live Music Bar Crawl: $21
  • 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: $39
  • Wine Tasting Experience: $50
  • Wine Tasting in Madrid Experience: $51
  • Toledo Day Trip with Winery Visit and Wine Tasting: $56


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

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


Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Madrid?

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