Barcelona/Madrid ......?

Question

I really want to go to Spain. Are Barcelona and Madrid nice? How far apart are they? What kind of shopping is there? What are some attractions? Is it nice? Please people, answer!

Answer 1

Both cities are very nice, they have different flavors. I could say Madrid  is more classic, while Barcelona is more avant-gardist, specially because of the buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi, such as La Sagrada Familia church, and some other nice buildings.  THey are like 1 hour by plane from each other. Both are strongly recommended and is hard to choose one, but if I had to pick one I think would choose Barcelona.

Answer 2

Although i have not been to either yet, i am going to visit both this summer, and i've heard they're both exceptionally beautiful.

Barcelona is on the Mediterranean coast and is a major tourist destination having a rich cultural heritage. It is most famous for its architectural works [Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner]

it has a meditereanean climate and have a total of seven beaches.

Madrid is also gorgeous. it is the largest and most populous city in spain. it is also very cultured. Its landmarks include the huge Royal Palace of Madrid; the Teatro Real (Royal theatre); the Buen Retiro park; and three art museums: Prado, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. like, Barcelona, Madrid also has a temparate climate. it can reach the 40 degree C in july.

i'm not quite positive how far apart they are, but i think you need to take a one or two hour flight.

have fun!

Answer 3

I just returned from Spain.  Both are great cities to visit...but I prefer Barcelona.  Being along the Mediterranean, it has a nice mix of cultural museums (Gaudi/Picasso), Roman based Barri Gotic section, a wonderful Las Ramblas boulevard, great places to eat along the Passieg de Gracia, Marina/Waterfront atmosphere.

The tour books on Barcelona were pretty accurate on what to see.  Barcelona is one of the better cities along the Mediterranean to walk around and see.  Their Barcelona Pass get's you access to their Bus/Subway system, as well a discounts to several museums (look for the big "i" to buy the pass at the airport, World Trade Center (Grand Marina Hotel), Placa de Catalunya, and other tourist centers.

It's a busy city that pretty much partied all night, but it's a great blend of old Europe structures/cultures with more modern activities/museums.

I found the native Catalans (residents of the semi-autonomous region of Catalunya (Catalonia)) to be very friendly and helpful.  If you know Castillian Spanish, that's great but I noticed the locals appreciated the effort when I spoke a few Catalan phrases that are in the back section of a couple of travel books on Barcelona that you can find at Borders or Barnes & Noble bookstores.

Have fun.