Well, it depends on what you're looking for. If it's traditional culture, Madrid can offer classy museums and easy day trips to historic cities, but if it's a more laidback, perhaps beachy break then it has to be Barcelona.
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Cheaper, with more variety, better food, and generally more to do than Barcelona, Madrid gets the top prize for a longer trip. If you're in the south of France and want a quick weekend in Spain and to experience Gaudi's architecture, Barcelona is the one for you.
The Madrid to Barcelona route is one of the most popular, and it's easy to see why. The scenery is stunning, and there's so much to see and do along the way. Whether you're looking for breathtaking mountain views, stunning coastal scenery, or charming Spanish towns and villages, this journey has it all.
For most travelers, 6 to 9 days is the perfect amount of time for a Spain trip with stops in both Barcelona and Madrid. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as about 5 days.
Yes, Barcelona and Madrid is safe for tourism, but tourists can be easy prey for pickpockets. There is little violent crime and few unsafe areas but compared to barcelona, Madrid is safe destination but it is also huge city! Both are very beautiful cities in Spain.
A first-time visitor could easily spend a week here, but many tourists often allot just 2 days in Madrid (maybe 3) before moving to the next city. Don't worry if you find yourself crunched for time, you can easily see all the main sights on a well-organized 2-day Madrid itinerary.
How Many Days Do You Need in Madrid? After spending a week in Madrid, we think that 2 days in Madrid is the right amount of time to see the main highlights of the city, though there's PLENTY more to do, see, eat, and drink to fill your time if you're lucky enough to have more.
How many days do you need to visit? I think to really get a feel for Barcelona you should plan for at least four or five days. While you could see the highlights in less, you'll do yourself a disservice if you hurry your visit. This is a city of late-night dinners and afternoon siestas.
Without a doubt, taking the train is faster, cheaper, more convenient, and greener than flying. By taking the train you: Don't have to make your way to and from the cities' airports which are located out of town, unlike the train stations which are located in the city centers of Madrid and Barcelona.
For most travelers, 6 to 9 days is the perfect amount of time for a Spain trip with stops in both Barcelona and Madrid. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as about 5 days.
Barcelona consumer prices are around 9% higher than Madrid, and restaurants and shopping trips will cost a few euros more. Barcelona rental prices are the highest in Spain according to Deloitte, averaging €21.30/m2 (i.e. you're paying over €1,000 a month for a regular flat).
Madrid is a great city to visit in and of itself, and even better if you plan on taking some side trips. With its central location in Spain, Madrid provides the perfect base for day trips or weekend getaways.
Recommend that you do not skip Madrid ~ the Prado, Palace, Gran Via, Plaza Mayor and all the beautiful buildings are worth seeing. Also, Toledo, 1/2 hour via AVE train is definitely worth an overnight stay (Hostal Posada de Manolo, near the cathederal is excellent). Sevilla, 2 1/2 hours via AVE is interesting.
Is €1,000 enough to live in Spain per month? Yes, it is possible to live in Spain with 1,000 euros a month, as the minimum wage is 1,080 euros. However, the freedom and comfort you will have with around 1,000 euros a month will depend on the city you will live in.
The best time to visit Madrid is in the fall (September to November) or spring (March to May), when balmy temps blow through the city, making it come alive. But if you don't mind layering up or experiencing a toned down Madrid, visit in the winter when hotels reduce their rates.
The rivalry between the two Spanish giants are one of the fiercest rivalries in the world… Real Madrid and Barcelona are two of the most successful clubs in Spanish football.