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

Should you visit Madrid or Verona?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Madrid and Verona 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.

Madrid

Madrid is a compact, friendly, and authentic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Madrid travel costs.

Verona

Verona is a stunning, romantic, and cultural city. Verona is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Verona travel costs.

Madrid and Verona: Pros and Cons

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 for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Madrid or Verona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid than Verona. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Madrid is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Verona attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and impressive beauty. 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. Verona is famous for its role as the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays.

How is Madrid different from Verona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Madrid
Verona

Verona 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 Verona. While most people know Verona as the setting of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", there are also many unrelated but still impressive sights around town. Of course you must check out the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House and Balcony), but also make sure you visit the fortress of Castelvecchio, Arena di Verona, and Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore.

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 Madrid or Verona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Madrid
Verona

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Dining out in Verona is an experience not to be missed. Food is a source of pride for the locals in Verona, and you'll find excellent dishes in most eateries, even those catering specifically to tourists. There are many local recipes that are worth sampling while you're in the area including risotto with tastasal, potato gnocchi, and polenta.

Is Madrid or Verona Better for Nightlife?

Madrid
Verona

Madrid is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Madrid has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Verona. The nightlife scene caters to a mature crowd and there is a heavy focus on regional wine. There are many local bars and traditional osterie (inns) where you can sip local wine or hear live music.

Is Madrid or Verona Better for Music?

Madrid
Verona

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Verona is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Verona is not a live music destination.


Is Madrid or Verona Better for its Old Town?

Madrid
Verona

Verona is a great city for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Verona is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. At the heart of the city is the old town, which is filled with medieval and Renaissance style architecture. It's easy to explore this beautiful area on foot.

Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Verona?

Madrid
Verona

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Madrid draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Many visitors go to Verona to go shopping. The most well known shopping street is Corso Santa Anastasia, which has many antique shops as well as jewelry stores and high end boutiques.

Is Madrid or Verona More Beautiful?

Madrid
Verona

Verona is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Madrid is not a destination known for its beauty.

Verona is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's a city that is filled with romance and architectural beauty. From the wandering streets to the impressive monuments, this is a truly striking city.

Madrid is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Madrid or Verona Better for Families?

Madrid
Verona

Madrid is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Verona is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Madrid is very family-friendly. 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.

Verona is not the most family-friendly destination. You can head to the top of the the Lamberti Tower and, of course, check out the Romeo and Juliet balcony. Wandering the streets and grabbing gelato is also fun for the whole family.

Is Madrid or Verona Better for Couples?

Madrid
Verona

Both Madrid and Verona are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Madrid is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Verona is a very popular place to visit for couples. As the setting for Shakespeare's famed "Romeo and Juliet", this town is seeped in romantic history. In addition to checking out the classic balcony, couples can enjoy seeing an opera at Verona Arena or seeking out views of the beautiful city. Crossing the romantic Ponte Pietra is another must-do romantic activity in the area.

Is Madrid or Verona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Madrid
Verona

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

Many backpackers visit Madrid. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.

Verona is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers rarely spend more than a day or two in town, but there are hostels in the area that offer cheap accommodation.


Is Madrid or Verona Better for Students?

Madrid
Verona

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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.

Verona is a good city to visit for students. The city offers a more authentic Italian experience than some of the more popular tourist and study abroad destinations in Italy.

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

Madrid
Verona

Madrid is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Madrid can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.

Verona has a few public transit options. ATV operates buses through the city.

Is Madrid or Verona a more walkable city?

Madrid
Verona

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Verona is a very walkable destination. It's a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Many locals get around by walking or biking.


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

Should I spend more time in Verona or Madrid?

How long in Madrid or Verona?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Madrid and Verona. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than in Verona. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 1-3 days is enough time in Verona.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Madrid than Verona 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 Madrid or Verona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Madrid 2-5 
    Verona 1-3

One day in Madrid or Verona?

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.

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

A weekend in Madrid or Verona?

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.

Verona 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 Madrid or Verona?

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.

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


A week in Madrid or Verona?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Verona. 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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Verona or Madrid?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Madrid Prices
    Spain Prices
    Verona Prices
    Italy Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Madrid 162
    Verona 207

The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €162, while the average daily cost in Verona is €207. 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 Madrid and Verona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Madrid 78
    Verona 107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Madrid 156
    Verona 214
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Verona

Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Verona? 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 Madrid


Hotels in Verona


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 and Verona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Madrid 18
    Verona 6.88
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:

  • Private Transfer from Moratalla to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $273
  • Private Transfer from Bolnuevo to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $254
  • Private Transfer to Toledo or Segovia from Madrid: $239
  • Private Transfer from La Manga strip dos Mares to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $237
  • Private Transfer from La Manga Club to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $227
  • Private Transfer from Corvera Golf Resort to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $218
  • Private Transfer from Cieza to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $205
  • Madrid Airport MAD Round-Trip Private Transfer in Luxury Van: $191
  • Private Transfer from El Verger to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $191
  • Madrid Airport MAD Round-Trip Transfer in Private Van: $190
  • Private Transfer from La Torre Golf to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $182
  • Private Transfer from Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort to Alicante (ALC) Airport: $180

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Verona

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


  • Bus From Airport
    6.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Verona

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

  • From Verona to Milan - Private Transfer: $294
  • Private Luxury Transfer from Verona to Ortisei (or vice versa): $287
  • Private Luxury Transfer from Verona to Bolzano (or vice versa): $256
  • Verona to Venice Airport VCE Departure Private Transfer: $251
  • Verona Airport (VRN) to Lazise - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $217
  • Private Transfer from Verona to Venice / Venice airport / Venice Cruise Terminal: $207
  • Amarone Wine Tour with 2 Wineries Lunch and Private Transfer: $159
  • Verona Airport (VRN) to Lazise - Arrival Private Transfer: $109
  • Verona Airport (VRN) to Verona - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
  • Private Transfer to Verona: $96
  • Private Luxury Transfer from Verona to Sirmione ( or viceversa ): $80
  • Verona Airport Private Transfer - to/from hotel: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Verona?

Prices for flights to both Verona and Madrid 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
    Madrid 59
    Verona 94
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:

  • Madrid Old Town Tour & Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner: $71
  • Chocolate & Churros Cooking Class in Madrid : $72
  • Murder Mystery Dinner Experience: $76
  • Spanish Tapas Experience and Sangría Showcooking in Madrid: $78
  • Paella and Tapas Cooking Workshop in Madrid: $84
  • Madrid Spanish Omelet Cooking Class and Bottomless Wine brunch: $90
  • Spanish Cooking Class Paella Tapas and Sangria in Madrid: $102
  • Tapas & Paella Cooking Class in Madrid with a Professional Chef: $106
  • Tapas, Drinks & Stories: Madrid by Night Food Tour: $124
  • Paella Cooking Class in Madrid with Bottomless Wine Pairing: $142
  • Taste of Spain: Tapas Cooking Class with Bottomless Wine Pairing: $142
  • Afternoon Tapas Cooking Class in a Secret Venue in Madrid: $160

Typical Food Prices in Verona

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


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    36
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    23
  • Cappucino
    1.75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Verona

For Verona, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 1.5 Hour Food Tour in Verona with Tastings & Sightseeing: $51
  • 1.5 Hour Food Tour in Verona with Tastings and Sightseeing: $51
  • Verona Street Food Tour and City Guided Sightseeing: $54
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Fine Wine: $65
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class With Free Flowing Wine: $66
  • Fresh Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class in the center of Verona: $73
  • Guided Food Tour with Wine Tasting in Verona: $74
  • Guided Food Tour with Wine Tasting in Verona: $75
  • Tortellini Cooking Class and Lunch with Mamma Ivana: $77
  • Wine and Aperitivo Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Arena di Verona : Fresh Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Course with Wine: $82
  • Fresh Pasta, Risotto, and Tiramisù Cooking Class: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Madrid 33
    Verona 12

Tours and Activities in Madrid

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

  • 1 Hour Madrid Welcome and Historical Tour: $106
  • El Pardo Royal Palace Entry Ticket: $20
  • Madrid Kids and Family Sightseeing Tour: $71
  • Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour: $100
  • Toledo with Cathedral from Madrid Full Day Tour: $147
  • Ávila & Segovia and Alcazar Day Tour from Madrid lunch included: $214
  • 2 Days Guided Cultural Tour in Madrid Royal Palace and 3 Museums : $227
  • 2 Hour Madrid City Expert Tour : $202
  • 2-Hour Tour of the Madrid of Mysteries: $15
  • 3 Hours Bike tour from the City center to Santiago Bernabeu and it's Museum: $108
  • 3-hour experience on the Redován K2 Family Via Ferrata: $49
  • 30 Minutes of Jet Ski Adventure on the Coast of Alicante: $106

Typical Entertainment Prices in Verona

For Verona, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Juliet's House Entry
    4.00
  • Verona Card
    10

Tours and Activities in Verona

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

  • 2-hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Verona: $365
  • 3 Hour Shared Walking and Aperitivo Tour of Verona: $77
  • 3 Hour Shared Walking and Aperitivo Tour of Verona: $102
  • 3 Hour Watercolor Private Experience in Verona: $78
  • Adventure on Lake Garda and 1 Night in Hotel in Bussolengo: $184
  • Amarone 2005 Wine Experience: $42
  • Amarone Wine Experience at Montresor winery: $36
  • Boutique Winery Tour & Tasting in Valpolicella: $72
  • Boutique Winery Tour & Tasting in Valpolicella: $69
  • CSTRents - Verona Segway PT Authorized Tour: $149
  • Cesarine: Small Group Market tour and Dining Experience in Verona: $130
  • City Sightseeing Verona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Madrid 19
    Verona 11
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:

  • Top Pub Crawl Madrid & Party: $11
  • Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $12
  • Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
  • Pub Crawl Madrid by Mad Party Crew: $20
  • Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $30
  • Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor in Madrid : $30
  • Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
  • Wine Tasting in Madrid Experience: $55
  • Toledo Tour with Tapas, Wine Tasting and Optional 3 Monuments: $57
  • Hypno Tasting Wine Tasting under Hypnosis in Madrid: $59
  • Madrid Royal Palace Small Group Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $71
  • New Year Eve Madrid Pub Crawl: $82

Sample the Local Flavors in Verona

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

  • Verona Pub Crawl Explore Nightlife with New Friends: $20
  • Verona Guided Bar Crawl in the Old Town: $21
  • Montresor Winery Visit with Wine Tasting and Snacks: $41
  • Wine tasting with cellar tour between Verona and Lake Garda: $42
  • Local Wine Tasting Experience in Verona City Center: $46
  • Visit and wine tasting at Tenuta La Cà: $47
  • 6 Wine Tasting in Valpolicella Classica: the cradle of Amarone: $47
  • Lake Garda: Wine Tour & Tasting Experience in Bardolino area: $48
  • Lazise: Historical Center Wine Tasting Tour: $49
  • Wine Tasting Workshop near Juliet's Balcony: $50
  • Wine Tasting near Juliet's House & Arena with Valpolicella: $50
  • Blindfolded Wine Tasting: $53


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Madrid and Verona, we can see that Verona 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 Verona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Verona 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 Madrid Expensive? and Is Verona Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Madrid or Verona?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Verona. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Verona, 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.