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Pancakes or waffles? Bikinis or one-pieces? Tea or coffee? These are the momentous debates of our time. They may be fun but make no mistake—they can tear families apart, ruin friendships, and even spark a full-on friendly debate war. Another hot topic that seems to cause roaring discussions is Madrid vs. Barcelona travel. Every year, thousands of travelers put their boxing gloves on and gather around a hot meal to discuss which Spanish city is better, Barcelona or Madrid.
Traveling to Spain is fun, but sometimes what’s not so fun is deciding which part of the country to travel to. Why? Because every inch of the country is epic and the choices are overwhelming. Sevilla, Madrid, San Sebastian, Barcelona? These are not easy decisions to make. Every city offers unique and exciting adventures. But if you’re wanting to see one of the two most popular cities in the country, you will undoubtedly come across this showdown—even if you are duking it out in your own head.
Table of Contents
Madrid vs. Barcelona Travel: Quick Note
Simply put, I like to say that Madrid is like the charming suit-and-tie guy. The one who looks excellent on paper and who is ready to wine and dine you. While Barcelona is like the colorful artist who skateboards and listens to hip indie music and is ready to sweep you off your feet for a spontaneous and wild ride.
At the end of the day, the Madrid vs. Barcelona travel decision will ultimately come down to your tastes and what you enjoy doing. There are people who prefer the twists and turns of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and narrow streets. Or the whimsical and quirky Catalan modernism architecture that paints the city. While others prefer the wow factor that is the grand buildings of Madrid. Or the impressive cultural museums and the big city vibes.
Personally, having lived in both cities, I can truly say that I like them both but for different reasons. I like Barcelona for its grit and mouthwatering Catalan food. The day trips are to die for and summer in the city is never one to miss. I like Madrid for its beauty and sophistication. The parks and museums are top-notch. My Spanish improved the most there and Los Madrileños (people from Madrid) are oh so kind and extremely generous.
Are you having the good ‘ol Madrid vs. Barcelona travel face-off? This post is for you. Rather than tell you which one is “better.” I’ll be breaking down the differences between the two cities and what’s great about each to help make your decision a whole lot easier.
Hey Lady! Looking for more info on everything travel in Spain? Check out these posts:
- 15 Crucial Things to Know About Barcelona before Visiting
- Barcelona Travel Guide: 33 Fun Things to do In Barcelona
- Granada Travel Guide: How to Spend 24 Hours in Granada, Spain
Solo Travel Madrid and Barcelona
I can’t think of a better place to start than talking about solo female travel in Madrid and Barcelona. Both places are hands down great cities to travel alone. There are plenty of wonderful and affordable places to stay like Airbnb’s and hotels. Plus, tons of social accommodation like hostels, if you’re looking to meet a few other travel pals along the way.
The tapas culture, in both cities, makes dining alone a breeze and unintimidating. Like any city, you’ll want to be aware of your surroundings at all times and look out for pickpockets, especially in Barcelona. Madrid and Barcelona both have extensive and reliable metro systems and both cities are walkable, so getting around should never be too much of a problem. If at any point you feel like you may get lonely, be sure to check out the many tours, group attractions, and events that you can join.
Weather
When figuring out Madrid vs. Barcelona travel, you must take into account the weather. Because Madrid is landlocked and Barcelona is on the coast, Madrid is going to be much hotter in the summer and colder in the winter. The best time to visit Barcelona is from May to July. The temperature is between 70° and low 80° (53C-65C). Plus, there are some pretty awesome festivals in the city during Spring and early Summer.
The best times to visit Madrid are from March to May and September to November. March through May, the weather is around 60°-70° (42-50C) and falls from the high 70°s to 50°s (60C to 42C) September to November. I wouldn’t recommend traveling to Madrid during the month of August. It’s scorching hot and most businesses are closed for vacation.
Culture and Language
When it comes to Madrid vs. Barcelona travel saying that the culture in both cities is different would be an understatement. It’s a sensitive topic and I will try my best to address it in an appropriate manner. If you are not aware, there’s an independence movement going on right now and many Catalans wish to be separate from the rest of Spain. However, as I’m no political analyst and I am, again, not trying to step on anyone’s toes here, I’m gonna politely leave this subject here.
This is not the time nor place for that conversation. However, I would encourage you to read on the topic further for more information. An important thing to know about Spain is that the country has 17 autonomous communities. Think America’s 50 states. Each community has its own distinct holidays, customs, and traditions. Barcelona is in Catalonia, which is one of the largest of these communities. Not only is it in Catalonia, but it’s also the capital. If you’re looking for a traditional Spanish getaway, Barcelona may not be where you get that.
In Barcelona, you’ll find the distinct Catalan culture and traditions embedded in its DNA and on every street corner. In fact, Spanish is just the co-official language, sharing its place with Catalan. And no, it’s not just a dialect, it is a language. You may find some local establishments that prefer to use Catalan only and you will see many street and shop signs in the language. To make the most out of a trip to Barcelona, I would highly suggest checking out some Catalan traditions. If you’re interested in more important info about Barcelona, I wrote a whole blog post that’s chock-full of crucial things to know about the city before you visit. Check it out here. For more of a traditional Spanish experience, Madrid will be your go-to. Additionally, another good option would be the south of Spain in Andalusia.
Attractions and Architecture
Barcelona
I simply cannot talk about Madrid vs. Barcelona travel without talking about attractions and architecture. Barcelona is a Modernist’s playground and it’s, of course, famous for its Gaudí structures. People travel from all over the world to see his masterpieces from the Sagrada Família Church to Parc Guell. There’s something to be said about seeing one of Gaudí’s breathtaking buildings as you walk through the city. There is truly nothing like it.
But hey, not everything is about him. The Gothic Quarter is where brilliant minds like Picasso and Joan Miró used to hang out. Joan Miró is an outstanding Catalan artist whose work was imaginative and fanciful. He’s also left his mark on the city and you can visit the Joan Miró Foundation to view his work as well as see some of his structures around the city. Architecture isn’t the only thing that Barcelona offers. You can visit the beautiful Arc de Triomf on your way to Ciutadella Park. Have a picnic in the park or marvel at the stunning Cascade Monumental in the center of the park. If you’re looking into things to do in Barcelona, I taped my eyelids open for a couple of days and created an exhaustive, yet awesome, list of fun things to do in Barcelona.
Madrid
Madrid is where you will find a wide range of architectural styles from various periods. Neoclassical, medieval, and even modern styles. Take a stroll down the famous Gran Via and you’ll see these attractive buildings in real-time. Madrid’s bread and butter though is art. Some would even go so far as to say it’s the art capital of Europe. Now, I don’t know about all that, but its art scene is pretty phenomenal. You’ve got the Golden Triage of Art, which is made up of three super important art museums in the city. They’re all located close to each other, hence the triangle. Those three museums are the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
Along with famous art museums, Madrid also has world-class art galleries and amazing attractions. You can take a long walk through the massive Buen Retiro Park, which is a jaw-dropper. Don’t forget to check out the Crystal Palace which is in the middle of the park. It houses exhibitions and is right next to an elegant fountain which is the perfect backdrop for Instagram magic. At La Montaña Park you can find the remarkable Temple of Debod. It’s an Egyptian temple that was given as a gift because Spain helped save the Abu Simbel temples. That’s one hell of a gift.
Food and Drink
Madrid
Food is a necessary part of life in any part of Spain. And when it comes to Madrid vs. Barcelona travel, firstly, let me say that you can find traditional Spanish cuisine in most cities in Spain—no matter which region. Things like gazpacho, jamón iberico, and tortilla de patata are readily available. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, I’ve put together a cheeky little cheat sheet of Spanish food for your next trip. Check it out here. However, there are a few exceptions like Cocido Madrileño. It’s a traditional chickpea and meat stew from Madrid. And calçots, a delicious Catalan green onion that is eaten between December and March.
In Madrid, the tapas culture is alive and well. At most bars, if you order a drink, you get a free tapas dish. This can be anything from patatas bravas to a bowl of olives or potato chips. (P.S.- To learn more about tapas, check out this post.) You can find a ton of traditional and regional dishes all over the city. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you can’t leave Madrid without having some delicious churros with a hot cup of delectable hot chocolate. And don’t forget to grab a beer. The Spanish love beer. They love beer so much that did you know that Spain has the second-largest number of employees in the beer industry in Europe after Germany? And like many cities around the world, major cities in Spain have their own beer. In Madrid that beer is Mahou. Grab a glass while visiting.
Barcelona
While in Catalonia, do as the Catalan do. The food from this region is highly acclaimed and Barcelona is a fantastic place to test your palate on some yummy Catalan food. I mean, not trying Catalan food while in Catalonia would be like not chowing down on pizza while in Naples. It’s just absurd. Not to mention, as Barcelona is located in the Mediterranean, you can have your fill of flavorful and fresh seafood. If you’re looking for a little guidance on Catalan food, click here for a list of some of my favorite Catalan dishes. If you’re feeling fancy, Barcelona has a whopping 24 Michelin-starred restaurants. So uh, go ahead and treat yo’self girl!
Now, something you must try when you’re in Barcelona is cava. I say this because I am shamelessly and completely obsessed with it. What is cava you may ask? Well, it’s pretty much Catalonia’s life-changing response to champagne…and it’s better. I said what I said. It’s a delightful sparkling wine that is only made in Catalonia. If you visit Barcelona, please do me a favor and guzzle down a few glasses for me. And don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about the beer. In Barcelona, you can find Estrella Damn, which is the oldest beer in Spain and the most famous in Barcelona. There’s also another delicious beer that’s brewed in the city called Moritz. You can even grab a cold glass at the factory in the Raval neighborhood.
Madrid vs. Barcelona Travel: Day Trips
Madrid
The comparison of day trips for Madrid vs. Barcelona travel is a common one. And I totally get it, many travelers want to know which city will give them the biggest bang for their buck. The truth is, you can’t go wrong with either. Madrid has some wonderful day trip opportunities with Toledo, Segovia, Salamanca, and Avila close by. Toledo is the most popular option and one of the most charming cities that I have ever been to. It’s easy to get there by bus, car, or train. Fun fact: It used to be the capital and visiting there is like getting a glimpse into ancient civilization. It’s full of rich Spanish culture and history.
Another fantastic option would be to rent a car and drive out to Segovia. Take in the amazing landscapes. Once you’re there you will be stunned by the city’s main attraction, the Aqueduct of Segovia. It was constructed by the Romans around 100 AD and it stands in all its glory peeking out between the houses and buildings. Additionally, if you’re a Disney fan, the Alcazar de Segovia is an impressive castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella castle. A must-see.
Barcelona
On the flip side, Barcelona’s day trips are nothing to sniff at either. Catalonia and is stuffed with so much beauty and culture. Not experiencing it would be like going to Santa’s North Pole and not playing with the toys in the big man’s land. If you love nature and being outdoors, Montserrat is an extraordinary day trip from Barcelona. It’s a multi-peaked mountain range about an hour from Barcelona. You can get there by train and even stay overnight to view the most spectacular sunrise and views of Catalonia.
So, the one thing Barcelona does have over Madrid is beaches. And not just any kind of beaches. The ones where the water is bright blue and the sand is so warm and inviting. Costa Brava is a wonderful day trip if you’re visiting Barcelona. I suggest renting a car because most of the gorgeous coves and smaller villages aren’t accessible using public transportation. Costa Brava is more than just beaches though. It was also home to Salvador Dali. You can visit his house in Port Lligat and the Dalí Theater Musem in Figures.
If you’re looking for more alluring day trips from Barcelona, check out this post here.
Sports
If you think the Madrid vs. Barcelona travel debate is epic, you ain’t seen nothing yet. The sports universe comes to a screeching halt whenever a little game called El Clásico comes around. If you’re a soccer fan, then I’m sure you are more than familiar with it. But if I’m speaking a weird alien language to you, allow me to explain. Whenever teams FC Barcelona and Real Madrid C.F. go against each other their games are referred to as El Clásico. You see, these two teams have one of the biggest rivalries in the sports world.
If you want to step on the same ground as Messi, look no further than the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. Not that Barcelona needs anything else to add to its brag list but Camp Nou is also the largest soccer stadium in Europe. Try to land a ticket and go see a game or better yet, take a tour. The stadium can hold up to 100,000 people.
However, I couldn’t leave out Madrid’s bragging rights, could I? Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is home to Real Madrid. The tour is a must-have Madrid experience. Not only can you see where Cristiano Ronaldo has poured his blood, sweat, and buckets of tears into, but you can also get access to private areas.
Nightlife
Madrid
We’re reaching the end of our friendly Madrid vs. Barcelona travel banter. Nevertheless, we can’t call it a night until we talk about what you can do before you call it a night. A little secret about Madrid is that it has a vibrant nightlife. This is an often underrated and surprising aspect of Madrid. It’s like finding a dollar in your pocket! Streets are lined with bars and cafes and every night of the week there’s a party. Nightlife in the Spanish capital seems to have no end with clubs like Teatro Kapital and Sala El Sol. Furthermore, when the party ends at the nightclubs it spills over into cafes where everyone stuffs their faces with churros and chocolate until the sun comes up.
Barcelona
Barcelona may not have as eclectic a nightlife as Madrid but it’s a great place to shake your bootay and get your groove on. The best thing about the clubs in Barcelona is that people actually dance and have a good time. No one is hugging the wall and no one is acting too cool for school. Everyone is dancing and having the time of their lives. Jamboree is my favorite place to go dancing in Barcelona. If you love 90s music and hip hop, this underground spot is for you. If you like a more relaxed vibe, for instance, a Friday night board game and wine kinda deal, Barcelona has also got some cute board game cafes and bars to have a drink and play games like Firefly Drinks and Games.
Madrid vs. Barcelona Travel: Visiting Both
If the Madrid vs. Barcelona travel battle has made you fall in love with both cities, my job here is done. I love both cities and they’re both so special in their own right that sometimes I want to throw up the white flag and say “Don’t make me choose!” If you’re with me, throw your hands up…and then immediately put them back down cause I got something to share with ya! If you’ve got time on your trip to Spain…why not visit both cities?!
There are plenty of ways to get from Madrid to Barcelona and the reverse. You can travel by train, plane, car, or bus. One of the most popular ways is with the ‘AVE’ train. It’s a high-speed train that will take you from one city to the other in the time it takes to watch a movie. (About 3 hours to be exact.) The great thing about taking the train is that the stations are located in the city centers which can shave down some of your travel time. If you book your seat in advance, there are some seriously good discounts.
Flights between the two cities are usually priced pretty reasonably. There are lots of options per day and by the time you touchdown, you probably won’t even have gotten to the juicy parts of your novel. If you fly, be sure to factor in the time it will take to get from the airport to the city center. Although the train is a comfortable ride, flying can be super convenient.
I hope this showdown was as much fun for you as it was for me. Which city are you excited to visit? Leave a comment below and let me know.
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