If you’re jetting off to Spain in search of a city break, how do you choose between the two big hitters? Let’s find out.
Spain is always among the most popular holiday destinations for British people each year. It’s close, it’s warm, and it’s cultured too. While many people go mostly for the sun, sea and sand, and perhaps a little partying, others prefer a city break, which can give them a little bit of everything.
Barcelona is often mistaken for the capital of Spain, which is actually Madrid. But the question is, which city is the best choice if you’re looking for a Spanish getaway? They both have their merits and they’re definitely not the same, so how do you know whether Barcelona or Madrid is right for you?
We have our own opinions, but in this articles we’ve tried to provide a balanced view of both cities so you can decide for yourself which you prefer.
Nightlife
A thrilling nightlife is a key component of a good holiday for a lot of people. But what makes a good nightlife can be different from person to person. Some like to spend their time in bars and pubs, while others want to go clubbing. Both Barcelona and Madrid offer great scenes, but you can find that there’s a difference in ambience and attitude.
Madrid supposedly has more bars per capita than any other city in the EU, and they stay open late. In fact, things get started pretty late too, so be prepared to stay up well into the wee hours. For a more laid back time, Barcelona has a selection of trendy bars and upscale clubs.
Holidays for all the family
If you’re going on holiday with the kids, you need things you can do as a family. Any good-sized city will usually have plenty of family events and activities, and both Madrid and Barcelona are family-friendly.
If you’re thinking about Madrid, you can find attractions like Buen Retiro Park, where there’s a children’s puppet theatre, the zoo and botanical garden Faunia, and the Carlos Sainz Go-Kart Centre.
Barcelona is even more child-friendly, with everything from an aquarium and fun walking tours to indoor parks like Peek a Boo and El Cau. Both cities are welcoming to children and families, and you’ll have no problem finding places to eat.
History and culture
You can’t visit any city in Europe without stumbling through plenty of history and culture. If you like to actually go looking for it, Madrid and Barcelona both offer opportunities for exploration. In Madrid, the Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza form a triple powerhouse of art.
This “Art Triangle” has the highest concentration of paintings in Europe, and you can find several other museums and galleries in the centre of the city too. In Barcelona, the Picasso museum and the modern art museum are two excellent examples of where to go. Both cities also offer opportunities to see theatre, classical music, and festivals celebrating arts and culture.
Food and drink
It would be a challenge to find anywhere in Spain that doesn’t have good food, but you also want to find places to eat that are suited to your tastes. Madrid is full of restaurants and bars, as well as food markets.
It’s also home to what’s recognised as the oldest restaurant in the world, Botín, and a cafe that’s been serving up churros – long fried doughnuts – to both hungry local residents and curious visitors for more than 100 years.
One thing that can be a struggle in Spain is finding vegetarian food, and Barcelona is one city where that’s a little easier. There are even some vegan restaurants. Since Barcelona is in Catalonia, you can also discover delicious Catalan food, along with Spanish cuisine and food and drink from around the world.
Architectural delights
For anyone who likes architecture, both cities are interesting, but most people would say that Barcelona is a clear winner on that front. Famous for its art and architecture by Gaudí, it’s unmissable for any architecture lover. The Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and Gaudí houses are all sights you will want to see.
Madrid certainly isn’t to be scoffed at, however. It is the capital after all, and it has buildings both old and new that you’re sure to find interesting. From the Royal Palace to the real Egyptian temple in the centre of the city, there’s enough to keep you entertained.
Ease of getting around
Being able to get around easily is a top priority for a lot of people when visiting a city. Getting around by car can be slow and expensive, so good public transport or infrastructure that promotes walking or cycling are good alternatives. Both Barcelona and Madrid are easily walkable, with plenty of walking tours on offer if that’s how you like to explore.
If you want to cycle, Barcelona is best, although Madrid is slowly catching up. You’ll find more cycle lanes in Barcelona, but both cities offer city bikes that you can pick up at certain locations. In Madrid, they’re even electric.
Shopping opportunities
Cities are always excellent for shopping too, so if you’re hoping to go home with a few souvenirs, it’s a good idea to know what’s on offer. In Madrid, you can find everything from local markets to boutique shops. Some of the big chain stores are available too, but they haven’t stopped the independent stores from surviving.
Shopping might not be a top priority for people visiting Barcelona, but there are some great opportunities, from designer showrooms to small and quirky shops. Markets are available too, from foodie La Boqueria to the huge Els Encants flea market.
Day trips from Madrid and Barcelona
Some people also like to get out of the city to see nearby attractions. From Madrid, you might like to try the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Segovia, around 60 miles away, or perhaps Toledo, around 45 miles away. Not far out of Barcelona, you can discover picturesque beaches and natural landscapes, as well as some interesting towns and villages.
You might like to take a trip to Cadaques or maybe Montserrat if you want to escape from the city. You can even take a day trip to see three countries in one day – start off in Spain and pop into Andorra and France to take in all the sights.
There’s no concrete answer to whether Madrid or Spain is the best city, and you can find something for everyone in each one. It all depends on your taste and preferred holiday style.
Have you been to one of the cities, or both? Which is your favourite, and why?