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

Should you visit Zurich 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 Zurich 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.

Zurich

Zurich is a liberal, beautiful, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, 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.

Zurich and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Madrid?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid than Zurich. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Madrid is very popular for its food, music, and big city activities, while Zurich attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Zurich is famous for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. 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 Zurich different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zurich 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 Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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 Zurich or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Madrid is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Madrid, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Zurich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Is Zurich or Madrid Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Madrid are very good when it comes to partying.

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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.

Is Zurich or Madrid Better for Music?

Madrid is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its music scene.

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.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Zurich while you're in town. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Is Zurich or Madrid Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Zurich is one of the most recognized in the world. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Madrid?

Both Zurich and Madrid are fantastic shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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 Zurich or Madrid Better for Families?

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

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Madrid Better for Couples?

Zurich and Madrid both very good destinations for a couple.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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.

Is Zurich or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Madrid is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Zurich or Madrid Better for Students?

Zurich and Madrid are both fantastic destinations for students and younger travelers.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Many students frequent 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 Zurich or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Madrid is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Madrid has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.

The public transit in Zurich can get you to most places easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Is Zurich or Madrid a more walkable city?

Madrid is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Zurich is a very walkable destination. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Madrid?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zurich. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Zurich or Madrid?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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.

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 Zurich or Madrid?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. 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 Zurich or Madrid?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic destination of Zurich. 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 cultural 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Madrid, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Madrid much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Madrid would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Madrid 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich than you might in Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Madrid?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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.