Barcelona or Madrid? Or both?

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AZNYC

I say Madrid. It's got plenty to see in its own right, especially museums. And its right in the center of the country. From Madrid you can take day trips to Toledo, Avila, Salamanca, Segovia, el Escorial, Chinchon, Pedraza, etc. And you can take the Ave high speed train to Cordoba and Seville in just a couple of hours.

Barcelona is a very hip, popular destination right now. It has the advantage of being on the coast. It also has some outstanding architecture. But in a certain sense it's not the "real" Spain. Many people there prefer to speak Catalan, not Spanish. (Though admittedly, as a tourist there is no problem using Spanish to get around). Historically and culturally it has always been a little closer to Europe than the rest of Spain. Depending on your point of view you could say it is more cosmopolitan then Madrid. (Also a little more seedy and dangerous, in my opinion).

Personally, I wouldn't try to see both cities. In a certain sense, all big cities are the same. I would recommend staying in Madrid and going to see at least a couple of the smaller towns and surrounding countryside. That is the real Spain. If you decide on Barcelona, that's fine too. I would recommend at least taking a couple of day trips from there to get more of a feeling for the country (I haven't spent much time in Barcelona, but I'm sure there's plenty of natural beauty and history there). Pick one or the other, but try to get off the beaten path a little too.

Enjoy your trip!

Jane S

Neither. Go to Seville. Especially since it's April. If you can hit them during the Feria (last week of the month) even better! Or Semana Santa (not sure when Easter falls next year!)

From there, day trip to Granada for a day or two, and CÃ³rdoba.

Doesn't matter WHERE you go in Spain, you'll be strolling. Or walking...It's a very foot-oriented country...Don't go thinking that you are going to be driving anywhere. She already knows that.

Tell her that, no matter where you go, she'll notice how much things have changed! (of course, that depends how long "many years ago" actually is.

But for the more "Spanish Experience," Sevilla takes the cake for my money.

YOU get to go do some searches and try to find the best things to do there, 'kay? (since she made this assignment) I can clue you in on a couple of places that few people know about.

Madrid is the Capital...you'll find all sorts of Major things there...some of the best museums, etc., and Barcelona...serious art and architecture. BarÃ§a is more cosmopolitan, international and modern.

You'll have a blast, no matter where you go. I'm sure of that. Wish MY grandma would've made such an offer for me!

Craig B

I would absolutely recommend Sevilla or Madrid to you! If you really want to get a feel of what the 'real' Spain is all about then Barcelona is definately not for you, but Sevilla and Madrid are wonderful cities!

You will have an excellent time =)

Peyer G

Both would be my answer.

Barcelona have the sea, the gaudi, the architecture.
Madrid have La Movida, the museums, the gardens.

I don't know!!! See some pictures, read some books, and choose.

Alex

you can do both but if you had to chose, barca is the way to go

grace m.

when i went to spain (10 yrs. old) it was amazing. i went to madrid then barcelona. i suggest you go to BOTH it was amazing. go to madrid then barcelona. its great

itsme

Both! it's really worth going to both cities...they are really beautiful. I personally like more Barcelona but have more friends in Madrid so I always try to go to both and it's totally doable!
Try vueling for cheap flights from Madrid to Barcelona...also Iberia has some really good deals from time to time. Or you can always take the train, Ave takes only a couple of hours (3 and a half max) and it's about â‚¬120...they also have other prices but they longer.
In any case you will have an amazing time there!

Xinoxano

AZNYC's answer is quite right.

About a Spanish experience: Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and many of us Catalan do not feel actually Spanish (some other Catalans do even if most condider themselves first Catalan).

There is a different language, Catalan, more similar to French in some aspects, whereas Spanish is more similar to Portuguese.

In any case everybody can speak fluent Spanish too and you would not have any problem.

The great majority of people in Barcelona hate bull-fight in Barcelona, for example, whereas in Madrid many people like it.

So if you basically want a Spanish experience, it's better Madrid.

Both of them are beautiful and interesting and I think both are worth a visit.

Mary S

Hello! I love Barcelona but I heard many really good comments about Madrid I am going there in a couple of weeks and the ticket was really cheap check http://www.ebookers.es/ . Spain is not so big so I would suggest you to visit both.

In Barcelona there is plenty of amazing restaurants one of my favorites that you shouldâ€™t miss is in the centre http://www.centfocs.com/
And if you like sight seeing you must see gaudyÂ´s creations they are so amusing.

When my friends came they stayed at a really nice apartment in the centre, you can rent a room for a very good price. http://www.apartamentsurgell.com

Well I hope my answer helped you!

Bye!

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