A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Singapore vs. Madrid for Food, Music, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Singapore or Madrid?

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

Should I visit Singapore or Madrid? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Singapore

Singapore is a global, diverse, and colorful 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Madrid

Madrid is a compact, friendly, and authentic 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Singapore and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Singapore or Madrid?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Singapore. Although Singapore and Madrid are roughly the same size, Singapore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Singapore is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Madrid is more popular for its nightlife. Singapore is well known for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. Also, Singapore is famous for Merlion Park Waterfront. Madrid is well known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing.

How is Singapore different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Singapore
Madrid

Singapore 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 Singapore. The mix of cultures and unique history have led to museums and landmarks that mix historic and modern. The Merlion statue in Merlion Park has become a symbol of the city. For an educational experience, head to the Asian Civilizations Museum, and to see colonial architecture check out Fort Canning Park.

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 Singapore or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Singapore
Madrid

Both Singapore and Madrid offer a number of terrific restaurants to choose from.

For foodies, Singapore is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. From local dives to five star restaurants, the city's food scene is all about diversity. Make sure you try Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and Hokkien prawn mee.

Madrid has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Singapore or Madrid Better for Nightlife?

Singapore
Madrid

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

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 Singapore. It's all about the glitzy nightclubs and exclusive cocktail bars. Head to Clarke Quay, Marina Bay Sands, or one of the many rooftop bars to experience the best of Singapore's nightlife. Do keep in mind that the city has a high alcohol tax, and strict rules around drinking in public places during certain hours.

Is Singapore or Madrid Better for Music?

Singapore
Madrid

Both Singapore and Madrid offer terrific live music venues.

In Singapore you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

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.


Is Singapore or Madrid Better for Resorts?

Singapore
Madrid

Singapore is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Madrid is not a resort destination.

Singapore is a world class resort vacation destination. From sleek high rises with rooftop pools to family-friendly resorts with kid oriented activities, this city has it all. Popular resorts include Oasia Resort Sentosa, Dusit Thani Laguna, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Madrid is not a resort destination.

Is Singapore or Madrid Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Singapore
Madrid

Singapore is mediocre for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Most people don't go snorkeling in Singapore. The best place to snorkel in the area is Pulau Hantu.

Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Singapore or Madrid Better for Beaches?

Singapore
Madrid

Singapore is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Singapore. You'll find most of the area's best beaches on Sentosa Island. There's a 2 kilometer long artificial beach that is split into Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach.

Madrid is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Madrid?

Singapore
Madrid

Both Singapore and Madrid are terrific shopping destinations.

Singapore is a world class destination for shoppers. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

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.

Is Singapore or Madrid Better for Families?

Singapore
Madrid

Singapore is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Singapore is an extremely popular city to visit for families. With places like Sentosa and Universal Studios, there really is no shortage of activities for kids. There's also a zoo, an aquarium, and bird park, and many kid-friendly museums.

Madrid is a very kid-friendly 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 Singapore or Madrid Better for Couples?

Singapore
Madrid

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

Singapore is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

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 Singapore or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Singapore
Madrid

Singapore is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Singapore. Many backpackers use this city as a starting or ending point for their Southeast Asian backpacking trip. It's modern and glamourous, but still has plenty of backpacker-friendly and budget-friendly options.

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 Singapore or Madrid Better for Students?

Singapore
Madrid

Singapore and Madrid are both terrific destinations for students and younger travelers.

Many students frequent Singapore. As such a diverse city, you'll find plenty of international students as well as expats to hang out with.

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.

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

Singapore
Madrid

Both Singapore and Madrid offer terrific public transit options.

Singapore has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Madrid can take you anywhere. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.


Is Singapore or Madrid a more walkable city?

Singapore
Madrid

Singapore and Madrid both are terrific when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Singapore on foot. It's possible to walk in most areas in the city center. There are also park connectors that are nice for taking a stroll or going for a run.

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 Singapore Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Singapore?

How long in Singapore or Madrid?

In either Singapore or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Singapore than Madrid because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Singapore, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.

Families should spend more time in Singapore than Madrid. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Singapore, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Singapore 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 Singapore.


  • How many days in Singapore or Madrid? Ideal Length of Stay
    Singapore 2-7 
    Madrid 2-5

One day in Singapore or Madrid?

Singapore is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Madrid. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Singapore or Madrid?

Singapore 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.

You'll find live music and food around the compact big city of Madrid. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Singapore or Madrid?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Singapore. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly city of Madrid. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Singapore or Madrid?

Singapore is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

Madrid is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Singapore, The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Singapore?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Singapore is $151, 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 Singapore and Madrid in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Singapore $98
    Madrid $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Singapore $196
    Madrid $168
Compare Hotels in Singapore and Madrid

Looking for a hotel in Singapore 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 Singapore


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.
    Singapore $10
    Madrid $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Singapore

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Singapore:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Singapore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Singapore:

  • Private Transfer from Seletar Airport (XSP) to Legoland Malasya: $273
  • Private Transfer from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Legoland (Malaysia): $254
  • Free Wifi Rental | Two - Way Airport Transfer Minivan (4pax): $185
  • Singapore Bird Park & River Wonder (Tickets & Transfer ) : $179
  • Universal Studios Singapore Admission Ticket with Transfer: $175
  • Singapore Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Hotels one way Private Transfer: $174
  • Night Safari with Tram Ride and Hotel Transfer: $168
  • Singapore Changi Airport (SIN): Transfer to Downtown hotels: $162
  • Singapore to Kuala Lumpur One Way Transfer: $153
  • Singapore to Kuala Lumpur One Way Transfer: $153
  • Private Transfer: SIN Airport to Singapore in Luxury Car: $152
  • Changi International Airport Private MPV Transfer: $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: $7.45
  • 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 Singapore or Madrid?

Prices for flights to both Madrid and Singapore 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
    Singapore $27
    Madrid $37
Typical Food Prices in Singapore

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


  • Breakfast
    $4.48
  • Sugarcane Juice
    $1.47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Singapore

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

  • Singapore : Traditional Snacks Cooking Class: $34
  • Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $46
  • Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $47
  • Guided Hawker Culture & Street Food Tour at Night: $65
  • Local Hawker Food Tour with Tastings: $65
  • Eat and Snap in Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $72
  • Small Group: Michelin and Local Hawker Food Tour: $72
  • Private Korean Cooking Class in Balmoral Road: $74
  • Katong Food Tour of Singapore with Local Foodie: $75
  • Singapore Bike and Bites Food Tour: $75
  • Zebra Urban Safari Bicycle Tour with Local Dinner and Drinks: $75
  • Local Food Tour: $80

Typical Food Prices in Madrid

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


  • Coffee
    $2.17
  • Ice Cream
    $3.25
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    $17
  • Croissant
    $1.62
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Singapore $32
    Madrid $37

Tours and Activities in Singapore

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

  • SG Adventure Pass with Dukw Tour: $122
  • *16 Hrs Tailored Melaka Highlights Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $158
  • *19 Hrs Kuala Lumpur&Melaka Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $182
  • 1 Hour Admission Ticket for Singapore Cable Car: $26
  • 1-way Singapore hotel pickup (Batam private tour guests only): $120
  • 3 Ethnic Neighborhoods & UNESCO Street Food / Cultural Experience: $149
  • 3 Hour Private Sunset Tour in Singapore: $241
  • 3-Hour Marina Bay Best Spots Walking Tour: $68
  • 3-Hour Private Bike Tour Singapore: $199
  • 6-Hours Singapore Tour in Private Car or Minibus with Driver: $233
  • A Private Arts Heritage Experience with Dining at Little India: $128
  • Airzone Admission Ticket: $22

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Singapore $27
    Madrid $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Singapore

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Singapore:

  • Tour of Tiger Brewery in Singapore: $21
  • Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl:Wildest Nightlife Clubbing: $25
  • Singapore Pub Crawl - Party like a Local: $26
  • Little India Pub Crawl: $26
  • Halloween Horror Nightlife PartySingapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $37
  • Enjoy Gin Distillery Tour with Tasting Flight and Singapore Sling Masterclass: $55

Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid

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


  • Beer
    $5.42
  • 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 comparing the travel costs between Singapore and Madrid, we can see that Singapore 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. Even though Singapore is in Asia and Madrid is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Singapore or Madrid?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Madrid. When comparing the sizes of Singapore 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.