London vs Madrid In 2025: Which City Is Better To Visit And Why?

London vs Madrid: Which City Is Better To Visit And Why?

When trying to decide on a European city vacation, there are two big major cities that are not easy to choose between: London and Madrid. 

Many tourists would pick London to visit, while others think that the UK capital has quite a few negative aspects about it, while the Spanish capital has a lot more to offer. 

I asked fellow travel blogger Mark of mj travel guides to go through all the pros and cons of both cities and settle the argument about London vs Madrid. 

London vs Madrid: Why I prefer Madrid

It may be because I’m British as London lost its charm for me a long time ago, but if I had to choose between the two cities then I would definitely pick Madrid every time. 

I spent 8 months living in the Spanish capital while working as an English teacher, and in my experience it is a magical, beautiful city with fantastic people and a lively atmosphere. 

While London is undoubtedly one of the biggest international cities in the world (there’s a reason why it is referred to as: ‘the capital of the world’), for me it is always too crowded, too touristy, overpriced and overall a little bit overrated.  

It can be an overwhelming place, especially when trying to figure out where to go and how to get there on the London Underground. Madrid, however is half the size of London, easier to get around and much more fascinating, but that’s coming from a Brit. 

So, let’s dissect the different aspects of city life and compare both places in order to decide which city is really better to visit and why. 

London vs Madrid: Which city is best?

This post will go into detail on each of these, but here’s a quick list if you’re in a hurry:

☑️ Best Tourist Attractions: London has more than Madrid

☑️ Best Parks: London has more, but Madrid has the amazing El Retiro, a UNESCO World Heritage site

☑️ Best Museums: London for more museums, Madrid for art lovers

☑️ Best Nightlife: Madrid, but London is also great

☑️ Best Shopping: London

☑️ Best Public Transport: Madrid is easier to use, cheaper and less crowded

☑️ Best Food: London for International cuisine, Madrid for local cuisine

☑️ Best Weather: Madrid (but it can get unbearably hot in the summer)

☑️ Best Architecture: It’s a tie!

☑️ Cheapest: Madrid

☑️ Best for Christmas: London

Map Showing London & Madrid

Here’s a map to give you an idea of the locations of these two cities, plus airports:

Which city has the best tourist attractions, London or Madrid?

There’s no denying that London beats Madrid when it comes to the amount of quality tourist attractions to visit. There is just an endless list of places to visit and things to do. 

Whether that’s experiencing incredible views of the city on the London Eye, visiting Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace or the Tower of London, you will be overwhelmed with options during your stay. 

This is why I would recommend having a solid itinerary before visiting London in order to really get the most of your trip. 

Madrid has plenty of tourist attractions too, like the Royal Palace and several museums which we’ll cover shortly, but you can see all of the city’s main attractions in a relatively short time, 2-3 days would be ideal. London on the other hand I would suggest a longer period, ideally a week. 

Which city has the better parks?

Overall, London wins the argument when it comes to which city has the better parks. There are over an incredible 3,000 parks in London making it a surprisingly green city. And there are 8 main parks that are visited by tourists every day (Hyde Park, St. James’ Park and Greenwich are my top choices). 

In comparison, Madrid has only around 40 parks, but this includes probably my favourite park in the entire world; El Retiro. This is a sprawling urban park (over 125 hectares in total) that is a UNESCO World Heritage site and trumps all that London’s parks have to offer in my opinion. 

El Retiro is full of beautiful commemorative monuments, statues, lakes, fountains, lush gardens and its main centrepiece; ‘The Crystal Palace’ is a stunning glass pavilion. All in all it is a green oasis in the heart of Madrid and a great place to relax during your city visit. 

Which city has the better museums?

London probably has the largest, most diverse collection of museums anywhere in the world, with over 192 museums and 11 national museums. From the National Gallery, the Natural History museum and the Churchill War rooms, you are absolutely spoilt for choice!

What’s amazing about the most popular museums in London is the fact that most are totally free, which is a relief as London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. 

So it sounds like London easily beats Madrid when it comes to the best museums. But Madrid is very much the perfect city for museum buffs, especially if you’re a fan of art. That’s because the Spanish capital is home to some of the most amazing art museums. 

From the glorious Prado museum that has the largest collection of classical Spanish art anywhere in the world, to Sofia Reina that houses more modern art, including Picasso’s famous ‘Guernica’, Madrid is very much a museum city. 

As an art lover, I would choose Madrid over London every time!

Which city has the better nightlife?

In my experience I would say Madrid hands down has the better nightlife compared to London. Madrid has several different districts that come alive at nighttime, whether that’s Chueca, Malasaña, Huertas or the multicultural Lavapies. You can find countless great bars, restaurants and clubs that are busy every night of the week. 

Of course the same can be said about London, with Soho, Camden and Shoreditch always drawing large crowds most nights. London is just a bit too trendy for my liking however, with Madrid offering a lot more in terms of interesting places; you never really know what to expect whereas I can’t say the same for London.  

Which city is better for shopping?

This is another feature that you can’t deny London as the winner; it is renowned for being a shopping city, with the likes of Oxford street, Regent Street, Carnaby and other places full of luxurious clothing stores. 

But Madrid is also known as a shopping city in its own right, with Gran Via being the main shopping street and is also full of every type of clothes store you can possibly imagine. It even has its own Primark which is one of the biggest in the world, with Birmingham in England being home to the biggest. 

Which city has better public transport?

As mentioned at the top of this post, the London Underground can be notoriously difficult to use when you’re visiting the city for the first time. 

There are 11 different coloured lines on the underground in total and figuring out which line and connection you need can be an overwhelming experience, with Londoners always in a rush to catch their tube and not exactly coming across as overly friendly. 

But the tube lines are overall quite reliable, even if tube strikes are becoming a more common occurrence these days. London also has a reliable bus service covering the entire city, but expect your journey to take longer compared to the tube due to London traffic, which the less said about the better. 

In comparison, Madrid’s metro system actually has more lines to choose from but much less passengers per day at over 2 million while London has 3 million passengers per day. Annually, the London Underground is used by over a billion people, while less than 450 million people use Madrid’s metro each year. 

Similarly, Madrid has a really good bus service throughout the city, so there’s really not much to choose from to settle the London vs Madrid debate when it comes to public transport.

Which city has better food?

Most foreigners immediately assume that all British food is terrible, which is another slight generalisation, especially when it comes to London. In the UK capital there are 71 Michelin starred restaurants, while Madrid only has 26. 

And you can find every type of international cuisine throughout London, as well as several excellent food markets such as the popular Camden market and my personal favourite; Old Spitalfields market in Shoreditch. 

If we’re comparing more traditional food between both cities then Madrid is the more desirable destination. London has the likes of fish and chips and pie and mash which aren’t exactly healthy choices. 

Madrid, on the other hand, celebrates a wide array of delicious traditional dishes, whether it’s typical tapas dishes like patatas bravas, squid sandwiches (Bocadillo de Calamares) or churros with chocolate, Madrid is certainly a foodie’s heaven. 

Madrid has great food markets as well of course, with San Miguel market being the most popular and quite a treat for anyone wishing to sample some local cuisine. 

Which city has better weather?

This is quite clearly the easiest question to answer on this list! The UK is notorious for having bad weather whereas the opposite is true of course for sunny Spain. 

You can expect mild temperatures in Madrid for most of the year, even during winter months the capital is drenched in sunshine and not so freezing temperatures. 

However, the temperatures during the summer months can become quite unbearable, with most locals choosing to decamp to cooler climates, either in the north of Spain or abroad. 

London on the other hand can experience all kinds of wet and windy weather throughout the year, as well as a spot of snow and freezing temperatures at times during winter.

But it’s not all that bad; London during the summer is usually a delightful experience, and strolls through some of the city’s many parks during the autumn months can be something quite beautiful. 

Which city has better architecture?

This is quite a subjective question; and all things considered, it’s not easy to answer. I think Madrid has some stunningly beautiful and colourful architecture, such as the main square Plaza Mayor, Palacio de Cristal which is a glorious glass pavilion, and the city even has an Egyptian temple worth checking out; Temple of Debod. 

Madrid, in my mind, is full of colourful buildings that are a dream to walk around, but the same can be said of London. 

London definitely has more modern landmarks such as the Shard and the Gherkin buildings, as well as stunning cathedrals and abbeys, plus more quirky, unique architecture such as the former Battersea Power station. 

Which city is more expensive?

This is quite an easy answer. As mentioned previously, London is known as being one of the most expensive cities in the world. Whether that’s buying a pint of beer in a pub (which can cost over £6 – extortionate!), or trying to find a cheap restaurant or moderately priced accommodation, London is a rip off!

When you factor in the high cost of tourist attractions as well (a ticket to the London Eye for example will set you back £30 for a 30 minute ride), then you’ll soon realise why London is such a turn off for many tourists after just a few days. 

It is possible to enjoy the city without spending a fortune – visiting some of the free museums and parks for example, but it’s not an easy task. Madrid on the other hand is much cheaper, with cheaper restaurants, bars and accommodation, which makes for a more pleasant experience. 

Which city is better for Christmastime?

While it’s not a mistake to visit Madrid at Christmastime, London definitely has the better experience. From light displays to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, it’s bigger and better overall.

Madrid, on the other hand, has lights and decorations, as well as events, markets and unique cultural elements, like people wearing wigs and funny hats, among other things to experience.

So, if you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, you really can’t go wrong with either, but London has more.

Recommended Tours In Madrid

Flamenco Show & Special Menu at Torres Bermejas in Madrid

This Flamenco Show & Special Menu at Torres Bermejas in Madrid is a must for experiencing Flamenco in Madrid! You’ll get a table at the legendary Torres Bermejas, a tablao where some of the best-known flamenco dancers have performed, along with a tapas dinner.

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Sanna_H:
“Fantastic service and a great show. We were shown to our seats and offered drinks pretty much straight away. We didn’t go for the meal option as had eaten earlier. The wait staff were efficient and kept an eye on all in attendance. The show itself was spectacular and really captured the culture of Spain. Definitely on your bucket list if you come to Spain!”

🇪🇸 Learn More About Flamenco Show & Special Menu at Torres Bermejas in Madrid Here

Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour

This Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour is an excellent option for food-lovers and those looking to get a walking tour focused on food and wine tasting. You’ll learn about Madrid cuisine and local ingredients used in the dishes, and walking tour is capped at 12 people for a better experience.

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Jackie_A:
“This was one of the BEST tours I’ve ever done! Fuensanta was AMAZING first of all and all of the stops were perfectly picked to provide truly authentic experiences with food and drink. All of the food was so delicious and the drinks were great too! Highly recommend this tour and hopefully you get Fuen!”

🇪🇸 Learn More About this Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour Here

Recommended Tours In London

History of London Photo Tour

This private History of London Photo Tour for two people is led by a professional photographer, and you’ll get photos of hidden gems and London backstreets filled with history along with pro tips to help your photography improve!

📸 Book Your History of London Photo Tour

Explore Tower Bridge & Westminster Walking Tour

This Explore Tower Bridge & Westminster Walking Tour combines the Westminster area with the Tower Bridge exhibition, so you’ll get to see more than 20 attractions with explanations from your guide in a small group. At Tower Bridge you’ll cross the sky bridge on your own, and get amazing views for photos!

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Helen_J:
“Our tour guide was very informative in sharing his history knowledge with plenty of humour. Was a great experience. My nearly 10 year old also thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated all he’d learnt on our tour of Westminster. The Tower Bridge experience was a delightful surprise, as we weren’t aware of what would be made available and the amount there was for us to see!! We thoroughly enjoyed.”

🇬🇧 Get this combination Tower Bridge and Westminster Walking Tour

Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus in London

Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus in London is a social-media must, but it’s great for anyone because of the experience, too! It’s also a fabulous rainy-day option, as you’ll be on a vintage double-decker bus sipping tea and munching on cakes and sandwiches while seeing the main sites of London.

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from CarolAnn_G:
“Great fun and kitschy way to see the London sites and have tea! We had a grand time! Good tea and yummy treats! We don’t know how the people were on the upper level, but on our level we were lovely, enjoyed the music, the service, and the tour! A fun way to see London – even in the rain!”

🇬🇧 🍵 Get Your Tickets for Bridget’s Afternoon Tea Bus Tour Here

Best Places to stay in London for Every Budget

Finding good accommodation in London is a far from easy task, there’s a lot to choose from at varying prices. So, here are three different accommodation recommendations to suit different budgets:

✅ Budget Recommendation: London Town Hotel

If you’re on a tight budget when visiting London, then The London Town Hotel is an excellent choice.

This 3-star hotel has a fantastic location in Kensington and Chelsea, just a short walk from the famous shopping high street Knightsbridge and not too far away from several popular museums. Room prices are excellent as well considering the location.

Amenities include:

• Non-smoking rooms
• Free WiFi
• Family rooms
• 24-hour front desk
• Terrace
• Lift
• Heating
• Garden
• Luggage storage
• Breakfast
• Free coffee and tea

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Shannon:
“Great location, close to Earls Court tube station. Facilities for tea, coffee and making our own breakfast was fantastic. Would definitely stay here again!”

🇬🇧 Check Prices & Availability at The London Town Hotel Here

✅ Mid-Range Recommendation: The Z Hotel Shoreditch

Just a short walk from trendy Shoreditch High street is the Z Hotel Shoreditch, which offers cosy en-suite rooms, a bar and breakfast every morning all for a reasonable cost. 

Old Street station is just 100 metres away making this hotel ideally situated for your stay in London.  

Amenities include:

• Non-smoking rooms
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Free WiFi
• Family rooms
• 24-hour front desk
• Lift
• Bar
• Heating
• Daily housekeeping
• Luggage storage
• Cafe with breakfast and more

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Gowri:
“Nice, trendy, clean, modern and comfortable accommodation. Kind and friendly hotel staff. Easy check in and out with luggage storage. Excellent location for eating tasty food and drinking nice cocktails. Trendy area with a huge variety of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from. Very good transport links, and only 2 stops to Euston on the underground. Used the bus to get to Spitalfields. Only 6 stops. Fabulous hotel for either business or leisure. Thank you Z hotels, will be back again.”

🇬🇧 Check Prices at The Z Hotel Shoreditch Here

✅ Luxury Recommendation: The Landmark London

If you’re looking for a more luxurious stay when in London, then The Landmark London offers exactly that. This is a stunning 5-star hotel based in Marylebone. 

It’s a massive property with elegant, spacious rooms, an indoor pool, spa and health club and not one but two high quality restaurants. A stay here will make you feel like royalty during your time in London!

Amenities include:

• Indoor swimming pool
• Non-smoking rooms
• Fitness centre
• Spa & Health Club
• Family rooms
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
• Bar
• Fabulous breakfast

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Sam:
““The landmark is stunning- the staff and accommodation is exceptional and it’s now our favourite London hotel-”

🇬🇧 Check Prices at The Landmark London Here

Best Places to stay in Madrid for Every Budget

Madrid also has a wide array of options when it comes to accommodation. Here are three different accommodation options at three different prices to consider:

✅ Budget Recommendation: Hostal Palacio Luna

If you’re visiting Madrid on a budget then Hostal Palacio Luna is a great option. This is a 3-star hotel located very close to the city’s main shopping high street; Gran Via. 

The rooms here offer peaceful garden views and the room prices are very cheap for Madrid. 

Amenities include:

• Non-smoking rooms
• Family rooms
• Free WiFi
• Parking
• Lift
• Heating
• Daily housekeeping
• Air conditioning
• Luggage storage

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Katherine:
“Clean and comfortable room, very close to Gran Via. Two supermarkets right outside the entrance. Our room faced onto the courtyard instead of the street and we didn’t hear any noise at night. Great air conditioning. Staff were very friendly and helpful.”

🇬🇧 Check Prices at the Hostal Palacio Luna Here

✅ Mid-Range Recommendation: Preciados

Preciados is a fantastic 4-star hotel that is located in the heart of Madrid. The hotel is based in a restored 19th century building and the rooms are tastefully decorated and feature stunning balcony views of the city. 

The hotel is only a 5-minute walk to key Madrid tourist attractions such as Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace, making it a great choice when staying in the Spanish capital. 

Amenities include:

• Non-smoking rooms
• Airport shuttle
• Family rooms
• Room service
• Restaurant
• Private parking
• 24-hour front desk
• Bar
• Fabulous breakfast
• Free minibar in rooms
• Most rooms have a balcony

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Jose:
“Perfect for couples, day trips or anything, we walked everywhere without any issue, and the staff was nothing but nice and helpful. would recommend and come-back again”

🇬🇧 Check Prices at Preciados Here

✅ Luxury Recommendation: Radisson Blu Hotel, Madrid Prado 

For an exceptionally luxurious stay when visiting Madrid, then I highly recommend the Radisson Blu Hotel, Madrid Prado. 

This 4-star boutique hotel is situated in the centre of Madrid’s art triangle of museums, just opposite the famous Prado museum and only 500 metres from Atocha train station. 

The rooms are designed by famous interior decorators Sandra Tarruella and Isabel López and it also features a fabulous restaurant that showcases the best of Spanish cuisine. 

Amenities include:

• Non-smoking rooms
• Airport shuttle
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Room service
• Restaurant
• Free WiFi
• Spa and wellness centre
• Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
• Bar
• Fabulous breakfast

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Simona:
“Super good breakfast, lovely staff, huge room, superb location. They were super attentive. It was the birthday of our daughter and they prepared a surprise for her in our room.”

🇬🇧 Check Prices at Radisson Blu Hotel, Madrid Prado Here

👉 If you’re looking for even cheaper, I use HostelWorld to find the best hostels and deals!

What to Consider for visiting London vs Madrid

👉 Weather. The summers in London are partly cloudy and comfortable, while winters are very cold, windy and mostly cloudy. The best time to visit is late June through early September. London is notorious for rainy days, but there are actually around 200 dry days per year! You might want to bring a packable umbrella like this one and/or rain jacket like this one just to be prepared, though!

🌞 Summers in Madrid are characterized by hot and dry weather. The months from late spring to early fall, particularly May to October, have pleasant temperatures for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Winters are mild, with cool temperatures and occasional rainfall, making it a comfortable time to visit as well.

Madrid enjoys approximately 2,800 hours of sunshine annually, creating a generally sunny and inviting atmosphere. While rain is less frequent compared to some other European cities, it’s advisable to pack a light jacket or umbrella, especially during the winter months, to stay prepared for occasional showers.

👉 Stay Hydrated. When you’re walking around and exploring cities like London and Madrid, it’s really easy to get so wrapped up in sightseeing that you forget to hydrate and eat! Bring a water bottle, electrolyte packets and some snacks to be prepared!

🚇 Getting Around Madrid & London 🇬🇧🇪🇸

👉 Traveling Between Sites: When exploring London or Madrid, plan your travel time between sites, considering possible delays. In London, the Tube may take longer than expected. You can find the timetables here (and download the app here). In Madrid, the Tourist Travel Pass offers an efficient way to move around with unlimited trips within your chosen timeframe.

👉 City Pass & Transportation Cards: For London, consider the Oyster Card for seamless travel on public transportation. In Madrid, the Tourist Ticket covers various transport modes. Zone A is ideal for the city center, including the metro and buses, while Zone T expands to cover the entire metro network and buses for day trips.

👉 Flights & Rideshare: Use WayAway for flight deals, and save 10% with code MUKI-TRAVELS. In London, Uber is available 24/7. Download the app in advance for a quick and convenient option, especially if staying out late or planning to enjoy some drinks. In Madrid, various apps like Citymapper, Moovit, and Chipi can assist in navigating public transportation.

👉 Boat Tours & Additional Apps: Explore London with a 24 Hour Hop-On Hop-Off River Cruise. In Madrid, the Travel Card app provides information and allows you to top up your Tourist Travel Pass. For both cities, useful apps include Citymapper, Moovit, Chipi, and specific transport apps like Madrid Metro Bus Cercanías.

👉 Renting a Car: If you plan to drive, use Discover Cars to find the best deals. Note that renting a car may not be necessary if flying into and out of the city centers.

👉 Top-Up and Purchase Points: In Madrid, purchase your Tourist Travel Pass at metro stations, designated machines at the airport, the Madrid Regional Transport Consortium office, tobacco shops (estancos), and authorized retailers. Top up your travel card at various locations, including Cercanías train stations and Metro de Madrid stations.

👉 Ticket Prices: The Tourist Travel Pass in Madrid offers flexibility with 1 to 7-day options for Zones A and T. Prices vary, with discounts for children under 11 and free travel for those under 4. The London Pass is the best option for 24 hours in London – it includes unlimited attractions, and you get to choose the number of days you want it to last.

London vs Madrid: FAQs

🇬🇧🆚🇪🇸 Which is better, London or Madrid?

Choosing between London and Madrid depends on personal preferences. London is known for its history and culture, while Madrid offers a lively atmosphere and rich Spanish heritage.

❄️ Is Madrid colder than London?

Madrid has a warmer climate compared to London, with milder winters and hotter summers.

💸 How much cheaper is Madrid than London?

Madrid is a bit more affordable than London, with lower living costs and prices for various goods and services.

🌍 Is Madrid further west than London?

No, London is further west than Madrid. London is located in the western part of Europe, while Madrid is more towards the east.

🌟 Why is Madrid so popular?

Madrid’s popularity stems from its cultural richness, fun nightlife, delicious cuisine, and historical landmarks like the Royal Palace and Prado Museum.

☁️ Is Madrid more polluted than London?

London generally faces higher pollution levels compared to Madrid due to factors like traffic congestion, while Madrid has implemented measures to improve air quality.

🏙️ Is Madrid bigger than London?

No, London is larger than Madrid in terms of both population and geographical size.

🍲 Is food cheaper in Spain than the UK?

Yes, food is generally more affordable in Spain than in the UK, making dining out and grocery shopping more budget-friendly in cities like Madrid.

🥘 What food is Madrid famous for?

Madrid is renowned for its delicious tapas, paella, and churros with chocolate, for an amazing culinary experience.

🌆 Why is Madrid better than Barcelona?

While both cities have their unique charm, some may prefer Madrid for its central location, fun atmosphere, and as the political and cultural capital of Spain.

🏖️ Does Madrid have beaches?

Madrid is landlocked and doesn’t have beaches. If you’re looking for a beach experience, consider visiting coastal cities like Barcelona or Valencia in Spain.

All In All: Which City is Better – London or Madrid?

So those are all the pros and cons to consider when settling the argument about London vs Madrid. It is quite a subjective discussion but when weighing up everything from an objective perspective, there’s no denying that London has the edge when it comes to tourist attractions and things to do. 

For my money, Madrid is the more culturally enriching, vibrant city, and without a doubt the nice sunny weather makes a difference! I hope you have enjoyed reading through my list of reasons to visit both amazing cities and it’s helped you decide which one to choose for your next European city destination!

Author: Mark Jeavons  
Mark is from Wolverhampton in England and started travel blogging back in August 2022  after deciding to combine his love of writing and travelling!  

In 2013 he quit his boring day job and travelled the world solo for nine months. Ever since  then he has continued his travels whenever possible and so far I’ve visited over 40 countries, mostly as a solo traveller!  

His expertise lies in European countries such as Spain, having worked as an English teacher in Madrid for eight months. He’s also spent considerable time in South East Asia and India  and Nepal.  

His aim with his travel blog (www.solotravelman.com) is to give expert, up to date and in  depth advice on the places he has visited and build connections with fellow travellers out  there.  

Being a solo traveller can be daunting and a lonely place at times. Mark wants to change  that and provide information to fellow solo travellers and regular travellers out there. 

🇬🇧 P.S. If you want even more sites to see while you’re in London, check out this post on the best photo spots in the city!
🇬🇧 If you’re traveling to London in the Winter, be sure to check out this post: 7 Crucial Items Tourists Forget to Pack for London in December
🇬🇧 If you only have a short layover in London, check out: 24 Hours In London: Map, Things To Do, Tours + Tips

👉 For more International travel guides, check out this page.