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

Should you visit Toulouse or Madrid?

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

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

Toulouse

Toulouse is a historic, vibrant, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Toulouse is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Toulouse travel costs.

Madrid

Madrid is a cultural, diverse, and compact city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food. See Madrid travel costs.

Toulouse and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulouse or Madrid?

You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Toulouse. Madrid is bigger than Toulouse, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its music, shopping, and big city activities, while Toulouse is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Madrid is more touristy than Toulouse and is known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Also, Madrid is famous for The Prado Museum. Toulouse is well known for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine.

How is Toulouse different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toulouse 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 Toulouse. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

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 Toulouse or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Toulouse and Madrid offer a number of world-class restaurants to choose from.

Many restaurants in Toulouse have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

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.

Is Toulouse or Madrid Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is great in both Toulouse and Madrid.

Many people head to Toulouse for the nightlife scene. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

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.

Is Toulouse or Madrid Better for Music?

Madrid is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Toulouse is not a live music destination.

Madrid has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Toulouse is not a live music destination.

Is Toulouse or Madrid Better for its Old Town?

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

Toulouse is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulouse or Madrid?

Madrid is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

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.

Toulouse is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Is Toulouse or Madrid More Beautiful?

Toulouse is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Madrid is not a destination known for its beauty.

Toulouse is a gorgeous place to visit. The city is full of beautiful architecture and it is divided by the Garonne River.

Madrid is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Toulouse or Madrid Better for Families?

Both Toulouse and Madrid are great to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Toulouse. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

Madrid is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Toulouse or Madrid Better for Couples?

Both Toulouse and Madrid are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Toulouse is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

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 Toulouse or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Madrid is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Toulouse or Madrid Better for Students?

Madrid is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Madrid is a very popular city 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.

Toulouse is a good city to visit for students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

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

Madrid is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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.

Toulouse has a few public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Toulouse or Madrid a more walkable city?

Madrid is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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.

Toulouse is very walkable. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Madrid?

In either Toulouse or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Toulouse because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Toulouse, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Toulouse. 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 big city with plenty to do. 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 Toulouse or Madrid?

Toulouse is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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 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 Toulouse or Madrid?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

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 Toulouse or Madrid?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Toulouse. 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.

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 Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

When comparing the travel costs between Toulouse 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 Toulouse Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Madrid?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Toulouse. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse 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.