Madrid or Barcelona: Where to Start?

If there were ever two cities that were such close chums yet still a world apart, it would be Madrid and Barcelona – Spain’s shining urban centers. And while both have common cosmopolitan qualities, it’s the little differences that set them apart, ascribing a uniqueness not as easily pinpointed in other European countries. In very general terms, Barcelona is a little more touristy, and therefore a little more expensive than the capital city Madrid, which has more variety and often presents better value.

So when it comes to Madrid vs Barcelona travel, what is on your specific to-do list may well determine where you’ll be basing your luxury vacation in Spain.

Comb the art museums

While Barcelona has its Picasso Museum, an extensive collection housed in medieval mansions, Madrid shines with three massively important galleries: The Prado Museum rivals the Louvre in Paris, filled to the rafters with pre-20th century masterpieces. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is one of the best private art collections in the world and the Reina Sofía art gallery takes hours to visit, the walls are lined with 20th-century Spanish greats – Gris, Dalí, Picasso, Miró and more.

Drink in the architecture

Modernist Antoni Gaudi's architecture seems to be around every corner in Barcelona, including the famously unfinished Sagrada Familia church from the 1880s and the whimsical, mosaic-covered buildings and sculptures in Park Güell. The city’s Gothic Quarter is also filled with landmark buildings, including the remains of the Roman wall. Madrid is no slouch in this category, exhibiting buildings of varying styles from different eras. The Royal Palace of Madrid and the Royal Theatre with its restored 1850 Opera House are just two of the highlights.

Lie on the beach.

This one is easy. Barcelona is the place to be if sand and surf are on your mind. The city is also the jumping-off point for getaways north to the towns and beaches of Costa Brava, and the jumping-on port for luxury cruises heading into the Mediterranean and beyond.

Enjoy six meals a day.

So much snacking! Spain has the right idea when it comes to food – eating seems to be a continuous affair, second breakfast and afternoon snacks and all. Both cities have amazing restaurants and excellent food tours. While Catalan cuisine is terrific in Barcelona, Madrid is a showcase for the whole country’s culinary efforts, so you get more variety – with fewer touristy eateries.

Stay up late.

Skewing younger, Barcelona has a firm grip on the party life of visitors filling its numerous bars and extremely cool clubs. That said, entire streets in Madrid are filled with bars and restaurants, and the citizens barely sleep, even during the week. This one is a toss-up.

Add in a few day trips.

Getting out of Dodge is always recommended. Day trips from Barcelona take travelers to Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí and home of a giant museum designed by the master himself, and to the town of Sitges, famous for its beaches, film festival, and LGBTQ culture. Being so central, Madrid is excellent for hopping on a high-speed train in any direction. And its neighboring cities of Toledo and Segovia are exciting in their own right, diverse, and engaging.

So, which Spanish city is better, Madrid or Barcelona? It’s clear that you will have to visit both and decide for yourself.