Madrid vs. Barcelona – Which City Should You Visit?

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If you want to visit Spain (and I mean…why wouldn’t you?), odds are you’re probably trying to decide between Madrid vs. Barcelona. If we haven’t met yet, I’m Gina, and I’m an aesthetic traveler who is convinced she was Spanish in a past life. Spain is one of my favorite countries I’ve visited so far, and if you’re looking to visit too, you should know that Madrid and Barcelona are different in terms of the vibes, things to do, and aesthetic. But which city is right for you?

Can You Visit Madrid AND Barcelona In The Same Trip?

Depending on how much time you have, the answer is YES! Barcelona and Madrid are roughly a 3 hour train ride away from each other, which means if you’re staying in one city, it IS possible to visit the other. If you catch the early morning train, you could essentially give yourself a whole day in the opposite city. However, this post will help you decide where you should spend the majority of your time.

Comparing the City Layout of Madrid and Barcelona

Madrid

Madrid’s city center is organized into “neighborhoods.” The most popular ones include Sol (the center), Chueca, La Latina, Salamanca, Malasaña, and Retiro. Often times, it’s hard to tell where one neighborhood ends and another begins.

Gran Via, Madrid’s central street, runs through Sol and is where you’ll find many elegant buildings and architecture. I have heard people refer to Madrid as “the NYC of Europe,” and after coming here twice, I would have to agree. You don’t find the same modern skyscrapers, but you DO get the crowds walking down Gran Via like you would the avenues of New York. Outside of Gran Via, a lot of the neighborhoods give me NYC West Village vibes. They are bustling yet cozy, intimate, and charming. I loved walking around and looking at the balconies and designs on all the buildings.

Barcelona

Barcelona can largely be broken down into the “new city” (Eixample) and the “old city” (the Gothic Quarter, or Ciutat Vella). The 2 sections of the city are about a 10 minute subway ride or a 20 minute walk away from each other. Eixample is laid out in a more grid-like fashion, and IMO, is easier to navigate. In contrast, the Gothic Quarter has a lot of narrow alleys that look similar, and it’s easy (but fun!) to get lost.

The main street that cuts through Eixample is Passeig de Gracia, and the main street in the Gothic Quarter is Las Ramblas. Additionally, you may hear people talk about Avinguda Diagonal, a large street that cuts diagonally through the city and connects the western end with the eastern end.

To summarize, both cities are walkable and a decent size by Europe standards. The neighborhoods of Barcelona are much different from each other in terms of architecture and vibe. In Madrid, you notice slight differences, but the architecture and feel of the neighborhoods is more consistent overall.

What Is The “Vibe” of Madrid vs. Barcelona?

The Vibe of Madrid

Madrid is a more traditional Spanish city than Barcelona and exudes more of a formal, regal elegance. There are broad boulevards, majestic architecture, and an energy that blends Spanish tradition with cosmopolitan flair. It’s the kind of place where you sip coffee in a historic square in the morning, stroll through an art museum in the afternoon, and eat tapas/drink wine with your friends at night. When I was here, I would see massive groups of people out together, along with smaller groups and pairs. I loved how Madrid had a “community” feel despite being a city.

Speaking of community, remember when I said Madrid was the NYC of Europe? In terms of vibes, Madrid’s vibrant, upbeat energy contrasts the aggressive hustle culture that you have in New York. It’s very typical Spain energy – the energy of a bunch of people who happen to be in the same place and are just enjoying life. In short, if you want authentic Spanish culture, you’ll love it here.

• Pro Tip: Because Madrid is less touristy, you may encounter less people who speak English well. I didn’t have too many issues, but be sure to download an app like Google Translate before you go, just in case.

The Vibe of Barcelona

Barcelona has a vibrant, creative, and energetic vibe. It tends to draw a younger crowd, and as a result, is more touristy…but don’t let that deter you from visiting. You can still get a lot of history here with the city’s Catalan roots and old buildings. While Madrid’s architecture is more elegant, many of Barcelona’s famous buildings are artsy and whimsical. But you can still find some gorgeous, elegant architecture here too, especially in Eixample. This is a city with a lot to do and experience, and there will be a lot of crowds with people trying to see and do it all.

As you can imagine, Eixample and the Gothic Quarter have a very different vibe and aesthetic. Eixample has newer architecture and is more bright and upbeat, whereas the Gothic Quarter is darker but still beautiful in its own way. I also thought the Gothic Quarter had a lot more trash and was overall dirtier than Eixample…but don’t worry, you get distracted by its charm. TBH, I actually love the Gothic Quarter. Both areas are very tourist-heavy.

Barcelona is right on the coastline, and the Barceloneta Beach only adds to the city’s fun, carefree vibe. You’ll find street performers, along with people playing volleyball, relaxing, running, and just enjoying the beach.

• Related Post: 10 of the Best Things To Do in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter

To summarize, Madrid is your rich auntie that enjoys Frank Sinatra winters and occasionally slips you $100, while Barcelona is your cool auntie that has more than a few stories involving tequila and Spanish men with Vespas but somehow still has her shit together.

The Best Things To Do in Madrid vs Barcelona

Things To Do in Madrid

If you like museums and historic buildings, you will love Madrid. Madrid is home to some world-class museums including the Prado and Reina Sofia, along with the famous Royal Palace. Be sure to stroll through Plaza Mayor, a famous square in the city, and grab some coffee or wine and people-watch. When I was here, I spent a lot of time wandering around Gran Via and the different neighborhoods and looking at all the architecture.

El Retiro, Madrid’s famous park, is a perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon. You’ll find lush greenery, gardens, and a few monuments. In the evening, you can catch a Flamenco show, which is a style of dance that Madrid is famous for.

While you’re here, you can also take a day trip to Toledo, Segovia, and/or Ávila‎ and explore some of Spain’s other historic cities. Madrid is land-locked, so there is no beach here.

Things To Do in Barcelona

If you like artsy creativity, you will love Barcelona. Some of the most unique buildings I have ever seen can be found here. Be sure to tour Casa Batlló and visit La Sagrada Familia, both designed by Antoni Gaudí.

Take a walk through the streets of Eixample and admire the newer, more chic part of the city, and then later, take the subway to the Gothic Quarter and wander through the alleyways adorned with string lights. While you’re in the Gothic Quarter, be sure to step inside the Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, and snap a picture in front of the Barcelona Cathedral.

While Madrid’s El Retiro park is pristine and well-kept, Barcelona’s Park Güell, also designed by Antoni Gaudí, is more of a kaleidoscope of colors than a traditional park. But would we expect anything less?

Lastly, I already mentioned that Barceloneta Beach is here, but it’s worth repeating, because who doesn’t love a good beach?! Just don’t forget your sunglasses…because part of it is a nude beach. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

To summarize, if you like more traditional museums and rich historic culture, visit Madrid. If you’re into more artsy, unique buildings that will inspire your creative side (or, if you’re a beach person!), go to Barcelona.

The Food Scene in Madrid and Barcelona

This is one category where I feel like you can’t go wrong either way. Spain is known for its tapas, and the food in both cities in phenomenal, as is the wine. In Barcelona, you’ll find more traditional tapas restaurants in the Gothic Quarter, whereas I felt Eixample had tapas but was a tad more multicultural with food. In Madrid, there are a ton of tapas places, but I noticed a lot of Japanese influences, as well as Italian and Mexican.

Let me reiterate: you can’t go wrong. In fact, I love the food in Spain so much that I created posts for both cities. Check them out below!

The Nightlife in Madrid vs. Barcelona

Before I dive into the nightlife scene, I want to point out that Spain traditionally operates on a late-night schedule at baseline, with most people eating dinner around 9:00-10:00pm. However, you will still be able to get food at 6:00pm if you would rather operate on a normal American schedule!

Nightlife in Madrid

Madrid is a great place to experience authentic Spanish nightlife. You can choose between cozy tapas bars in La Latina, rooftops in Sol or Chueca, or clubs with DJs or live bands in Malasaña. Like the rest of Madrid, the vibe is more local than touristy. I also had a friend tell me there are underground bars and clubs here….ummm, wut?! Check out Salmon Guru for an eclectic vibe, RIU Rooftop for rooftop views, and Bad Company (underground speakeasy) for drinks that are associated with stories.

TBH, one of my favorite parts of nightlife here is how many people are just out and about with their friends and loved ones. I personally didn’t visit any clubs in Madrid, but I loved getting tapas and drinks later at night so I could feel like a local. A lot of the bars are dark and moody, but others are fun and eclectic. No matter what type of nightlife you want, you can find it here.

Nightlife in Barcelona

IMO, Barcelona’s nightlife largely depends on whether you’re in Eixample vs. the Gothic Quarter. A lot of the bars in Eixample have a more upscale feel, whereas many bars in the Gothic Quarter are more eclectic, dark, and hole-in-the-wall. If you want clubs, you can find a few (Club Sauvage, Pipa Club, etc) at Plaça Reial. And if you want a speakeasy, Paradiso Bar won Best Bar in the World in 2022.

Of course, expect to find more tourists and students…but don’t let the “younger crowd” deter you. I first visited Barcelona in my 30s and found many bars that didn’t make me feel like I was transported immediately back to my college era. In fact, I felt like the majority of places I saw while exploring were more suited to my liking (that is, the likings of a 30-something millennial). One of my favorite memories in Barcelona is going dancing in one of the clubs that was more of a “local’s spot” – however, that’s the only club I’ve ever been to there.

You can also find a ton of rooftop bars here. One of my favorite rooftops in the Gothic Quarter is L’Attic on top of Lamaro Hotel overlooking the Gothic Cathedral. In Eixample, the terrace of Sercotel Rosselló has stunning Sagrada Familia views, but make a reservation…it’s always booked. Or, check out the rooftop of Majestic Hotel if you want views of Passeig de Gracia. If you’re at the beach, Azul Rooftop Barceloneta is a highly-rated option.

To summarize, you can find cozy bars, rooftops, and clubs in both cities…but in Barcelona, you may be partying with a younger crowd and/or more tourists depending on where you go.

My Personal Opinion on Madrid vs. Barcelona

At the beginning of this post, I mentioned how I categorize people as “Madrid people” or “Barcelona people” in my head. For a long time, I have always said I am a Barcelona girlie to my core. Of course, you might have already guessed that…after all, it takes a lot of artsy creativity to start a travel blog!

BUT – after coming to both cities multiple times, I have decided to refine my definition of where I fall. Now, when asked, I usually say that I would tell people to vacation in Barcelona, but to live in Madrid.

Barcelona is a city that I find myself coming back to again and again. Despite it’s touristy reputation, I have always been able to see the beauty of its history and culture through an objective lens. I am in constant awe of the uniqueness of Gaudí’s architecture, the eerily beautiful Gothic Quarter, and the beach. It never gets old. But Madrid is a city I could see myself spending my day-to-day life in. When I was in Barcelona, it was very obvious to me who was a tourist and who wasn’t…but Madrid, everyone just kind of blends together and it feels more local. Having said that, I have many people tell me they love vacationing in Madrid more than Barcelona because it is less touristy, and they enjoy the experience of authentic Spain.

Let’s Plan Your Trip!

Have you decided which famous Spanish city you want to visit? Click on the Madrid or Barcelona image below to view my blog posts for each place so you can plan your trip. Additionally, if you scroll down further, I have linked the GoCity passes for both cities, so you can explore ways to save money while booking attractions. You can also jump to the GetYourGuide activity links I included at the top.