Madrid or Barcelona for a weekend?

[Anonymous]

If you had Thursday-Sunday to spend in one city, which one? I have been to barcelona before in 2017 for 2 days but don't remember much of it, except how hot, touristy, and crowded it was. Flights are about 20 dollars cheaper to madrid. We are coming from a week in Germany in March to visit family and will be craving some sun.

[Anonymous]

I prefer Madrid.

[Anonymous]

Madrid. Its definitely less touristy and hectic I found

[Anonymous]

I much prefer Barcelona

[Anonymous]

Both will still be somewhat chilly in March. Not cold, but you’ll need a jacket.

Barcelona is the more unique city. It’s particularly good if you have an interest in architecture or 20th-century art. However, Madrid is better if you are looking for a more stereotypically Spanish experience.

[Anonymous]

I much prefer Madrid. It's sophisticated, generally quieter, great stores, museums and food and sights. Barcelona is younger and generally shady and crowded and too hipster. Main interesting part is architecture if you are into Gaudi. Beach in Barcelona is not nice.

[Anonymous]

No one is sadder than a group of Englishmen who booked a long weekend getaway in the Spanish sun, and find themselves shivering in a terrace table in a grey Madrid plaza off the Gran Via, chugging some overpriced beer.

Madrid can be so dreary in March and it has that "city of bureaucrats" feel, so it's like DC in that respect. (To say nothing of the winter inversion, which traps all the pollution close to the ground.)

Go to the LA of Europe, aka Barcelona. You will have a better chance of sun. And it will not be too warm.

[Anonymous]

They are both great and you will enjoy each equally for a quick turn around trip. Yes you will be chilly but its nice to get away to a different country.
Sometimes when I can't decide I choose by the hotel and amenities I'm getting and how close they are to what I want to see and cost (and which hotel will let me check in ealry in the morning). Also I look at how fast I can get in and out of the airport. Madrid is pretty easy to move through. Also I choose between what flight is quicker and less transfers.

[Anonymous]

Madrid since you’ve never been there

[Anonymous]

What about Seville? Might be warmer and feels more classically Spanish.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Forgot to mention my husband and I will be bringing our college aged daughter and son.

DH is leaving towards Seville instead. Just wondering it that city will be “fun” enough for our kids

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Forgot to mention my husband and I will be bringing our college aged daughter and son.

DH is leaving towards Seville instead. Just wondering it that city will be “fun” enough for our kids

*leaning towards

[Anonymous]

I love both. Madrid for classical art and Barcelona for architecture.

[Anonymous]

Love both but Barcelona is better IMO.

Folks were much more arrogant in Madrid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Forgot to mention my husband and I will be bringing our college aged daughter and son.

DH is leaving towards Seville instead. Just wondering it that city will be “fun” enough for our kids

I think there is enough to do for a long weekend. You tour the Plaza de Espana, the Real Alcazar, and the cathedral, catch a flamenco show, and spend time wandering and eating tapas. I would have enjoyed that in college, but I guess it depends on your kids’ personalities. There’s not as much of a clubbing scene, but no one is going to do that on a trip with their parents anyway. It is very Instagramable, if that’s a priority.