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?
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Well…that’s where I come in! Madrid is the capital city of Spain, and Barcelona is arguably Spain’s most popular tourist city. I tend to meet people and categorize them as either “Madrid people” or “Barcelona people” in my head. Wondering where you fall? In this post, I’ll compare Madrid vs. Barcelona and help you decide which one to visit. Let’s find your perfect Spanish city!
Before we jump in, I also wanted to add that I feel like both cities are safe for solo travelers if you happen to be traveling by yourself.
Explore Spain’s Top Cities with Get Your Guide
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.
Barcelona, Spain
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.
Gran Via, Madrid’s central street, runs through Sol and is where you’ll find many of the city’s most popular landmarks and attractions. Often times, it’s hard to tell where one neighborhood ends and another begins.
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.
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.
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 see a live flamenco show by night. That’s not to say there isn’t nightlife…there is…but overall, it just feels more sophisticated. If you want authentic Spanish culture, you’ll love it here.
I did want to point out that because Madrid is less touristy, I encountered less people that spoke English well. My friend and 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’s vibe is quite the contrast to Madrid’s in that it’s vibrant, creative, and fun. 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, much of Barcelona’s famous buildings are artsy and whimsical. But you can still find some gorgeous, elegant architecture here too, especially in Eixample. Barcelona is right on the coastline, and the Barceloneta Beach only adds to the laid-back vibe.
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.
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. The food in both cities in phenomenal, as is the wine. In fact, I love the food in Spain so much that I created created posts for both cities. Check them out below!
- Unique Restaurants in Madrid, Spain
- The Best Restaurants in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter
- The Best Restaurants in Eixample Barcelona
To summarize, just eat all the food. 🙂
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.
Check out Salmon Guru for an eclectic vibe, RIU Rooftop for rooftop views, and Bad Company for drinks that are associated with stories. The photo at the top of this post where I was wearing the red dress was taken on the RIU Rooftop, and I would consider that a must-do activity in Madrid!
Nightlife in Barcelona
Barcelona’s nightlife has a more international, coastal flair…and of course, may have more tourists and students. Here, you’ll find beach clubs, outdoor terraces, and trendy cocktail bars (fun fact: Paradiso Bar, located in the Gothic Quarter, won Best Bar in the World in 2022!).
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 rooftops and cozy bars here as well. One of my favorite rooftop bars is on top of Lamaro Hotel (previously Hotel Colon Barcelona), because it overlooks the Gothic Cathedral. And for cozy bars, I love La Alcoba Azul.
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…and I have to admit I’m a Barcelona girlie to my core. (Although, you might have already guessed that…after all, it takes a lot of artsy creativity to start a travel blog!)
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.
As far as Madrid, I loved walking around and looking at the historic buildings and exploring the neighborhoods. I’m so happy that I went there, but for me personally, I do not have a strong desire to go back. Please do not let that deter you from visiting, because I think it is absolutely worth a visit. I just always like to give my readers my honest opinion, and Madrid just did not speak to me the way Barcelona did.
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.
The Go City Pass
One Of The Best Ways to See Madrid
Go City allows you to book numerous attractions at a discounted rate. Simply pick a pass for your desired number of days and start planning the best trip of your life.
Click the photo to explore the Madrid Pass
The Go City Pass
One Of The Best Ways to See Barcelona
Go City allows you to book numerous attractions at a discounted rate. Simply pick a pass for your desired number of days and start planning the best trip of your life.
Click the photo to explore the Barcelona Pass
