A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Toledo vs. Madrid for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Toledo or Madrid?

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

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

Toledo

Toledo is a beautiful, ancient, and medieval city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Madrid

Madrid is a authentic, cultural, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Toledo and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Toledo or Madrid?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Madrid than Toledo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Madrid is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Toledo is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Toledo is more touristy than Madrid and is known for its medieval buildings, ancient landmarks, and fascinating history. Madrid is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also home to The Prado Museum.

How is Toledo different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toledo
Madrid

Toledo 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 Toledo. This medieval city is filled with ancient landmarks including the iconic Catedral de Toledo. In the old town you'll find many many historic buildings and a fascinating Jewish Quarter. Other notable sights include the Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, the Alcázar de Toledo, and the Museo de Santa Cruz.

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 Toledo or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toledo
Madrid

Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Madrid is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toledo. The city offers a great cuisine at a reasonable price. The dishes are influenced by the city's diverse past. You'll find many meat dishes due to the area's long running tradition of hunting. There are also classic dishes like carcamusas, which is pork covered in a tomato sauce. Dishes in general tend to be heavy and saucy with filling and delicious flavors.

Is Toledo or Madrid Better for Nightlife?

Toledo
Madrid

Madrid is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Madrid has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Toledo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Most tourists visit the town as a day trip, so things can quiet down somewhat at night. There is a large student population that frequents the bars around town and help keep things lively.

Is Toledo or Madrid Better for Music?

Toledo
Madrid

Madrid is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Toledo is not a live music destination.

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.

Toledo is not a live music destination.


Is Toledo or Madrid Better for its Old Town?

Toledo
Madrid

Toledo is renowned for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Toledo is one of the most recognized in the world. Perched on a hill and spilling out around the cathedral, this Spanish old town is filled with historic landmarks.

Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Toledo or Madrid?

Toledo
Madrid

Madrid is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Toledo offers some nice shopping areas. Calle Comercio is the main shopping street in town and there are two major shopping malls in the new part of town.

Is Toledo or Madrid Better for Families?

Toledo
Madrid

Madrid is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Madrid is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Toledo. The ancient streets are fun to explore. There are city gates, ancient Arab walls, and older kids will be fascinated by a visit to the Toledo Torture Museum. The city is known for its swords, and there are shops that you can visit to learn about this craft.


Is Toledo or Madrid Better for Couples?

Toledo
Madrid

Madrid is a very popular place for romance. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Madrid makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Toledo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an ancient city that is filled with fascinating history and impressive historic sights. Couples will enjoy wandering the medieval streets and visiting the ancient gates.

Is Toledo or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toledo
Madrid

Madrid is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Madrid is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.

Toledo is a good city to visit for backpackers. Many travelers visit Toledo as a day trip from Madrid, but for backpackers who want to spend more time, there are a handful of hostels in town.

Is Toledo or Madrid Better for Students?

Toledo
Madrid

Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Toledo. The city is popular with students, and you'll find many activities and a lively atmosphere both during the day and at night.


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

Toledo
Madrid

Madrid is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Madrid is top-notch. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.

You'll find some public transit in Toledo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a good bus system through town.

Is Toledo or Madrid a more walkable city?

Toledo
Madrid

Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Toledo is a very walkable city. It's a compact and easily walkable city, particularly within the old town. The bus and train stations are also about a 15 or 20 minute walk from the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Toledo?

How long in Toledo or Madrid?

In either Toledo or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Toledo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Toledo, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.

Families should spend more time in Madrid than Toledo. 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 Toledo. 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 Toledo 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 Toledo or Madrid? Ideal Length of Stay
    Toledo 1-2 
    Madrid 2-5

One day in Toledo or Madrid?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Toledo. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Madrid 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.


A weekend in Toledo or Madrid?

Toledo 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 Toledo or Madrid?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toledo. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

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 Toledo or Madrid?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the medieval destination of Toledo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the compact 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 Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, and The Best Luxury Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Toledo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Toledo is €123, while the average daily cost in Madrid is €136. 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 Toledo and Madrid in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toledo 66
    Madrid 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toledo 132
    Madrid 154
Compare Hotels in Toledo and Madrid

Looking for a hotel in Toledo 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 Toledo


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: Toledo Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toledo 20
    Madrid 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toledo

Also for Toledo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Balloon Ride with Transfer Option from Madrid: $239
  • Hot Air Balloon over Toledo with optional transfers from Madrid : $237
  • Madrid: Private Airport Transfer to Toledo: $182
  • Madrid: Puy du Fou Round-Trip Transfer & Optional Ticket: $37

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid

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


  • Taxi Ride
    26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid

Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Madrid HTL-APT (MAD): $61
  • Transfer to Barajas Airport from Madrid: $77
  • Transfer in private minivan from Madrid Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $75
  • Transfer from the Airport to Madrid: $110
  • Shuttle Transfer Arrivals: Madrid Airport to City Center: $141
  • Segovia: Full-Day Tour with Transfer to and from Madrid: $456
  • Round Trip Private Transfer from Madrid MAD to Madrid City by Minivan: $120
  • Private transfer: Barajas Airport (MAD) to Madrid City Center: $29
  • Private transfer from Atocha Station to Madrid city center: $22
  • Private transfer from Airport or Train Station to Madrid: $110
  • Private Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Luxury Car: $119
  • Private Transfer to or from Madrid Airport: $121

Is it cheaper to fly into Toledo or Madrid?

Prices for flights to both Madrid and Toledo 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
    Toledo 39
    Madrid 34
Typical Food Prices in Toledo

For Toledo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    11

Typical Food Prices in Madrid

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


  • Coffee
    2.00
  • Ice Cream
    3.00
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    16
  • Croissant
    1.50
  • Lunch at Airport (for 2)
    16

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.
    Toledo 30
    Madrid 34

Tours and Activities in Toledo

For Toledo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Toledo Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $222
  •  3 Cultures Tour: $13
  • 2-Hour Tour with Tourist Bracelet for 7 Monuments: $22
  • City Sightseeing Toledo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • Essence of Private Tour with a Local Archaeologist: $193
  • From Madrid: Avila, Segovia & Toledo Private Tour: $824
  • From Madrid: Toledo Cathedral & Jewish Quarter Half-Day Tour: $56
  • From Madrid: Toledo and Segovia Day Tour: $51
  • Full-Day Private Toledo Tour from Madrid With Driver & Guide: $738
  • Guided tour of the Royal Palace of Aranjuez: $13
  • Madrid: Full-Day Guided Tour of Toledo with Cathedral Visit: $98
  • Madrid: Guided Sightseeing Day Trip to Toledo with Free Time: $26

Tours and Activities in Madrid

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

  • Private Combo Tour Prado Museum and Reina Sofia: $224
  • Skip the Line Guided Tour Royal Palace Madrid: $73
  • 1-Hour Madrid Segway Tour: $32
  • 1-Hour Private Flamenco Class in Madrid Experience: $45
  • 2-Hour Patisserie Experience for Dessert Lovers: $61
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour through the Beautiful Streets of Madrid: $50
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour on the History of Islamic Medieval the origins: $39
  • 2.5-Hour Evening Tapas Tour through Madrid: $38
  • 20 Minute Tandem Paragliding Flight Experience in Alicante: $94
  • 3 Hours Private Madrid City Tour Guide: $54
  • 3 Hours Walking Tour in Madrid: $271
  • 3-Hour Tapas Walking Tour of Madrid Food and Drink Included: $94

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toledo 19
    Madrid 20

Sample the Local Flavors in Toledo

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toledo:

  • From Madrid: Toledo Tour with Wine Tasting and 7 Monuments: $59
  • Day-trip to Toledo & Vineyard Visit - Wine Tasting: $83

Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid

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


  • Beer
    5.00
  • Drinks and Tapas (for 2)
    13

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 comparing the travel costs between Toledo 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 Toledo Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Toledo or Madrid?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Toledo. When comparing the sizes of Toledo 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.