Today we are fortunate enough to have a guest post from blogger, Nausheen Farishta.
Copy and photos by Nausheen Farishta
I’ll start off right away by acknowledging my bias. Having lived and worked in Madrid for a year I have a definite love for the city. While I did visit Barcelona for a few days, I called Madrid home for 10+ months.
Still, even I know that both cities have plenty to offer. Folks often say – live in Madrid, tour Barcelona. While this is how my personal experience played out, I am sure there are those who think exactly the opposite.
My advice? Explore both, explore as much as you can. But, if you have to choose then here are four points to consider:
Does language matter?
If you’re considering a visit to Spain, you may also be dreaming about dusting off your high school Spanish skills and chatting it up with the locals. Bear in mind that Castilian (similar to what we learn as Spanish in the states) is spoken in Madrid, while in Barcelona the language of choice is Catalan. Since Barcelona is a tourist-heavy city, you should be fine communicating one way or another; but, if you know you really want to practice Spanish then you should head to Madrid.
Local flavor or international mingling?
Again: Madrid to live, Barcelona to tour. Barcelona attracts more tourists, which means a bustling international vibe (and also slightly higher prices). Madrid is for the locals, and has a more grounded feel to it.
Art or architecture?
There is no denying the mark Gaudi left on Barcelona’s cityscape. From the Sagrada Familia to Casa Batlló, the architecture in Barcelona is well worth marveling at. If art museums are more your style, then Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art is a must-visit. There you will find three of Spain’s most famous museums: the Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Beach trips or day trips? Are you picturing sunny days lounging on a Mediterranean beach? Then you want Barcelona for its access to the sea. Barcelona’s beaches are the place to be, day or night – sunbathe during the day and enjoy drinks at a beachside bar by night. If you’d rather be out and about exploring historic sites and charming Spanish towns, Madrid is the place for you. Thanks to its central location, Madrid is the perfect stepping stone to nearby day trips. Check out Toledo, Segovia, Salamanca and Avila, for starters.
I hope these comparisons help make your decision easier. What’s your pick, Madrid or Barcelona?
Copy and photos by Nausheen Farishta
I’ll start off right away by acknowledging my bias. Having lived and worked in Madrid for a year I have a definite love for the city. While I did visit Barcelona for a few days, I called Madrid home for 10+ months.
Still, even I know that both cities have plenty to offer. Folks often say – live in Madrid, tour Barcelona. While this is how my personal experience played out, I am sure there are those who think exactly the opposite.
My advice? Explore both, explore as much as you can. But, if you have to choose then here are four points to consider:
Does language matter?
If you’re considering a visit to Spain, you may also be dreaming about dusting off your high school Spanish skills and chatting it up with the locals. Bear in mind that Castilian (similar to what we learn as Spanish in the states) is spoken in Madrid, while in Barcelona the language of choice is Catalan. Since Barcelona is a tourist-heavy city, you should be fine communicating one way or another; but, if you know you really want to practice Spanish then you should head to Madrid.
Local flavor or international mingling?
Again: Madrid to live, Barcelona to tour. Barcelona attracts more tourists, which means a bustling international vibe (and also slightly higher prices). Madrid is for the locals, and has a more grounded feel to it.
Art or architecture?
There is no denying the mark Gaudi left on Barcelona’s cityscape. From the Sagrada Familia to Casa Batlló, the architecture in Barcelona is well worth marveling at. If art museums are more your style, then Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art is a must-visit. There you will find three of Spain’s most famous museums: the Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Beach trips or day trips? Are you picturing sunny days lounging on a Mediterranean beach? Then you want Barcelona for its access to the sea. Barcelona’s beaches are the place to be, day or night – sunbathe during the day and enjoy drinks at a beachside bar by night. If you’d rather be out and about exploring historic sites and charming Spanish towns, Madrid is the place for you. Thanks to its central location, Madrid is the perfect stepping stone to nearby day trips. Check out Toledo, Segovia, Salamanca and Avila, for starters.
I hope these comparisons help make your decision easier. What’s your pick, Madrid or Barcelona?
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