Barcelona or Madrid: Which One to Choose? – If you’re dreaming of an exciting city break in Spain, let’s figure out together which city will be the perfect match for you.

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Barcelona or Madrid? Which city would you visit first, and which one is the best match for you? Both are undeniably authentic Spanish gems, rich in landmarks, architecture, and unique vibes. It’s impossible to say that one is definitively better than the other. However, depending on your travel plans, one might suit you better. Barcelona and Madrid are both top destinations for first-time visitors to Spain, yet people often feel differently about each city, with many falling deeply in love with one over the other.

Barcelona or Madrid: Which one to visit?

Barcelona vs. Madrid: An eternal debate in Spain

Politics and Football

Barcelona or Madrid? This question has been a long-standing debate in Spain on many levels. Naturally, politics come into play first. Barcelona, as part of Catalonia, has long sought independence from Spain, while Madrid represents the traditional union and monarchy, serving as the headquarters for the main Spanish authorities. While Spaniards often avoid discussing politics with strangers, the topic of Catalan independence tends to spark heated debates, with strong opinions on both sides. Tourism statistics in Spain also highlight this divide. Overall, Madrid receives about 5 million visitors per year, while Barcelona attracts 6 million. However, when it comes to domestic tourism, the numbers tell a different story: Madrid welcomes 4 million Spanish tourists, while Barcelona only receives 1 million. This contrast is reflected in my personal experience as well. Among my circle of Spanish friends and family, the preference overwhelmingly leans toward Madrid. On the other hand, most of my international friends are undeniably captivated by Barcelona. As you can see, the question of whether Barcelona or Madrid is better doesn’t have a simple answer.

Another major factor in choosing between Barcelona and Madrid is football. ‘El Clasico,’ the match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, is one of the most anticipated events of the year. A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to attend one of these matches and it was one of the most unusual experiences I’ve had in Spain.

Want to step into football history? – Visit the FC Barcelona Museum or take a tour of the Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid!

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Puerta de Alcala / Madrid

Comparing Madrid and Barcelona

Somehow, none of my friends or family have ever said they liked both cities equally. Literally no one. I mean, that would be a typical thing to say, right? When comparing two very different cities, both of which are amazing, you’d expect people to say they liked both. However, when it comes to choosing between Barcelona and Madrid, travelers seem to have no trouble picking a favorite. It’s clear that these two Spanish cities have very distinct vibes.

But let’s try to compare Barcelona and Madrid from a tourist’s point of view, so you can decide where to head next if you don’t have time for both. Or feel free to share your own travel experiences – that’s totally fine! Let me also emphasize that despite living as an expat in Spain for 15 years, this post is purely my personal opinion. You’re welcome to disagree. When it comes to places and travelers, there’s no such thing as an absolute truth – keep that in mind.

So, gather all the information, browse through some inspiring photos, and then trust your own intuition! While I initially aimed to write an impartial post comparing Barcelona and Madrid, my personal experiences were much better in the latter. Despite visiting both cities multiple times and enjoying the unique qualities of each, I’ve always preferred Madrid, as there are many aspects of Barcelona that I don’t particularly like. Nevertheless, in this article, I’ll try to be as impartial as possible to help you make your own decision.

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Gothic Quarter / Barcelona

Barcelona or Madrid: My Personal Comparison

1. The Atmosphere

Both Barcelona and Madrid have distinct atmospheres and appeal. For me, Madrid feels elegant and classy, while Barcelona comes across as more artsy and extravagant (this is just my personal impression). That said, you can still find elegant places in Barcelona and extravagant neighborhoods in Madrid. I’m referring more to the overall architecture and the general vibe each city gives off. Barcelona’s origins can be traced back to Roman times on the Iberian Peninsula, when the Romans settled in Montjuïc in 218 B.C. Due to its strategic location, Barcelona has always been a key city, connecting Spain and France and serving as one of the most important Mediterranean ports. No wonder that taking a day trip from Barcelona to see Andorra, France, and Spain in one day is a popular activity for travelers.

Madrid, on the other hand, began with the establishment of a fortress called Mayrit by Emir Muhammad I in the second half of the 9th century. Later, in 1561, King Philip II decided to move the Spanish royal court from Toledo to Madrid. Since then, it has remained the capital of Spain. Not only is it the official residence of the Spanish monarchs, but it’s also home to the main governmental institutions, the Real Academia Española, and the World Tourism Organization.

Personally, I’m more into Madrid’s vibe. However, I must admit that while Madrid is the country’s capital, located in central Spain, travelers booking holidays in Spain often seek the coastal vibe, colorful architecture, and laid-back atmosphere, which is why Barcelona tends to win over Madrid in this regard. Even though Madrid has only about 1 million more inhabitants, its city center feels much more expansive compared to Barcelona’s historic core. This may be why Madrid often gives the impression of being a larger city overall.

Best Atmosphere: Barcelona

palacio real madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid

2. The Landmarks

When it comes to Spanish landmarks, it’s really hard to pick favorites or choose one over another. However, it is clear that, as the country’s capital, Madrid houses many of Spain’s national treasures. These include the Royal Palace, the Golden Triangle of museums (the Prado, Thyssen, and Reina Sofía), and even lesser-known museums like the Archaeological Museum, where you can see one of Spain’s most famous sculptures, the Dama de Elche. The architecture in Madrid makes the city feel like an open-air museum, with iconic structures like the Congreso de los Diputados, the Bank of Spain, and the impressive fountains of Cibeles, Neptuno, and the Ángel Caído, as well as the Cybeles Palace.

In Barcelona, the major landmarks are closely associated with one of the most famous Spaniards, Antonio Gaudi, – La Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and Park Güell. While Barcelona’s landmarks often leave a strong impression on first-time visitors, over time, travelers come to realize that Spain is much more than just Gaudí’s work (who was not even born in Barcelona and was originally from Reus). In this sense, Barcelona is mainly focused on Catalan landmarks, while Madrid represents the best of the whole of Spain. So unless you are a die-hard Gaudí fan, I would recommend Madrid for those who are passionate about history and cultural heritage.

Best Landmarks: Madrid

Whether you choose Barcelona or Madrid, I highly recommend pre-booking tickets for the top landmarks in both cities. The waiting lines are extremely long, and you’ll waste a lot of time if you purchase your tickets directly at each landmark.

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La Pedrera / Barcelona

3. The weather

When comparing the climates of Madrid and Barcelona, the choice becomes quite clear – you can’t beat the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona owes many of its best attributes to its seaside location. In contrast, Madrid can feel exhausting, both physically and mentally, during the summer months (as the rest of Central Spain). Temperatures in Madrid often rise to 35°C (95°F) and can occasionally reach 40°C (104°F). While this may not seem extreme compared to Cordoba or Seville, where temperatures can occasionally soar to 50°C (122°F), it is still quite overwhelming. Madrid’s summer heat can make sightseeing unpleasant. Given the choice, I would rather visit the cooler, rainier Asturias or the Basque Country in summer to escape the city’s dry heat. Madrid in December can be colder than one might expect from Spain, though it rarely drops below freezing.

On the other hand, Barcelona is much more comfortable year-round. The city’s Mediterranean climate makes it a great destination for any season. Average summer temperatures in Barcelona hover around 29°C (84°F), and winters are mild, with temperatures averaging around 10°C (50°F), making it ideal for exploring at any time.

Best Weather: Barcelona

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Autumn in Madrid – my favorite time to visit the city

4. Tourism & Locals

Whether you choose Barcelona or Madrid, both will be touristy. The numbers vary each year, but Barcelona attracts around 6 million visitors annually, while Madrid receives about 5 million. However, I’ve always felt that in Madrid, the overcrowding is significantly less noticeable. The exception is during public holidays and on Wednesdays and Mondays when many museums offer free entrance.

As with most major cities around the world, the locals in Barcelona and Madrid are generally less friendly and welcoming compared to the Spaniards you’d encounter in lesser-known parts of the country. That said, this impression depends on where you’re coming from, as Spaniards are generally nice and easygoing with strangers, compared to many other nations. However, since I live outside the major capitals and frequently travel to lesser-known regions, I definitely notice the difference.

Between Barcelona and Madrid, the locals in Madrid generally have a better attitude toward tourism. In Barcelona, locals often seem to have a more negative feel toward international travelers, especially due to protests against mass tourism, demands to abolish holiday rentals, and the significant rise in rental prices over the last few years, partly driven by digital nomads. In contrast, in Madrid, I have never seen slogans against tourism, such as “Barcelona is not for sale” or “Tourists go home” on the city walls. I also recall my trip to Cambrils during the independence protests, when protesters blocked airports to draw international attention.

Tourists don’t vote in Spanish elections to decide on Catalonia’s independence, nor should they be negatively impacted by the political situation, especially given that tourism contributes 30 billion euros to the city’s economy every year. Overall, I find the attitude of many locals in Barcelona and Catalonia towards international travelers to be quite unpleasant. Of course, it’s not everyone – there are many nice people as well – but the number of people who go out to protest against tourists in Barcelona speaks for itself.

The Best in Tourism & Locals: Madrid

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5. Language

First of all, if you’re learning Spanish and think about visiting to practice, Barcelona and Madrid are too full for English speakers (probably, even more so Barcelona). I’m always amused, after living and traveling across Spain for over 15 years, when friends say they visited Spain and everyone’s English was so good. But when you ask them where they went, places like La Sagrada Familia or Las Ramblas come up – these are not places where you’ll encounter many Spanish people. Locals largely avoid these tourist spots. Go travel across Castilla-La Mancha or Aragón, and then let’s talk about how easy it is to get around with English in Spain. The truth is, outside of the big cities, the level of English in Spain is generally quite low – partly because older generations of Spaniards used to learn French.

However, to be honest, if you speak English in Barcelona, you’ll generally be better received than if you speak Spanish, mainly due to the pro-independence views of many locals, who don’t consider Spanish their own language. After years of traveling across Catalonia, I still feel a bit confused every time locals insist on speaking Catalan to me, even though it’s clear I’m not from Catalonia.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with embracing your own language and origins, but why should I learn Catalan if I’m not living in Catalonia? It often feels like they switch to Spanish reluctantly, as though I’m personally standing in the way of their independence. I never felt this difference before learning Spanish because, if you only speak English, it’s kind of the same everywhere. However, if you’re learning Spanish and expect compliments on your language skills in Barcelona, just keep in mind that may not be the case.

Language: If you speak English, go to Barcelona; if you want to practice Spanish, go to Madrid.

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Ciutadella Park / Barcelona
Temple of Debod Madrid
Temple of Debod / Madrid

6. Safety

Pickpockets are a common issue in both Barcelona and Madrid. However, Barcelona is often dubbed the “City of Pickpockets.” During our last Mediterranean cruise, we spoke with a couple from Barcelona who complained about the city being one of the most criminal cities in Europe. Thanks to the city’s architectural beauty and its generally laid-back vibe, you don’t usually feel unsafe. Nevertheless, it’s important to take extra precautions and be mindful of when and where you go. Personally, I haven’t been robbed in Barcelona (knock on wood), but it seems like every third person I know has been a victim there. When so many people who had never experienced pickpocketing in Europe before visiting Barcelona, it just highlights how extensive the illegal activity is in the city.

Unfortunately, the Spanish legal system plays a role in this issue. If pickpockets are caught with less than 400 euros in stolen property, there are often no significant consequences for them. In contrast, in other countries, they may face considerable fines. While the robberies are typically non-violent, it’s still a troubling situation for cities that welcome millions of international visitors every year. While there are better and worse neighborhoods in both Barcelona and Madrid, generally, the situation in Barcelona is much worse, especially in the city center.

As a personal example, during my last four days in Barcelona, I visited the Barcelona History Museum. I had my camera hanging around my neck, and one of the workers approached me to warn me not to carry it this way around Barcelona, as someone might try to grab it. The museum workers probably know what they are talking about, having seen this happen many times before. I felt like a complete tourist in my own country. Although I wasn’t born in Spain, I have held Spanish nationality for many years and have visited every province and major city across the Iberian Peninsula. Yet, while I’ve been to Barcelona many times, it has been at least five years since I last walked through the city center with my camera. My personal conclusion is that the safety situation in the city may have worsened a lot since then.

Best Safety: Madrid

Cybele Palace Madrid
Cybele Palace – Madrid

7. Food

In general, I prefer the coastal cuisine of Mediterranean cities over the hearty meat-based dishes of central Spain. Some of the most traditional dishes in Madrid include cocido madrileño, while Barcelona focuses on the best dishes of coastal Spain. Historically, the traditional cuisines of Madrid and Barcelona differ significantly due to their geographical locations, but both cities, as major capitals, offer cafes and restaurants catering to all tastes and dietary restrictions.

Although I felt that Barcelona has more tourist traps, especially in the city center, it’s always important to check reviews. Many places serve Spanish food but don’t prepare it well, and many international travelers end up dining there anyway. I once had this experience when I had lunch with international friends near the Sagrada Familia. They served us a paella that my Valencian husband still has nightmares about.

However, as a port city, Barcelona offers a fantastic selection of international cuisine. On the other hand, as the country’s capital, Madrid offers a greater variety of dishes from different Spanish regions. The Basque Country is known for its delicious, hearty portions, Galicia dominates seafood with dishes like pulpo a la gallega, Valencia is the birthplace of paella, and Asturias is famous for fabada.

The good news is that even if you don’t have time for a foodie road trip across Spain, you can find all of these regional specialties in both Madrid and Barcelona. For example, try this Tapas Walking Tour with Food, Wine, and History in Barcelona, or this Wine and Tapas Walking Tour in Madrid.

Best Food: Both

My Amazing Spanish Cooking Class in Madrid spain
My recent Madrid Cooking Class with EatWith (read the full story)

8. Value for Money

Whether you choose Barcelona or Madrid, neither city is considered a budget destination in Spain, especially compared to places like Extremadura, for instance. However, I’ve found that the average daily cost of my trips to Madrid tends to be lower than that of Barcelona. This holds true for hotels, restaurants, and even tourist attractions.

In fact, many of Madrid’s museums offer free admission on Wednesdays and certain public holidays, such as May 18, October 12, and December 6, making it more affordable to explore the city’s cultural offerings on a budget. On the other hand, it’s generally easier to find affordable flight deals to airports in Catalonia – whether that’s Barcelona, Girona, or Reus – compared to flights into Madrid.

Best Value For Money: Madrid

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Ciutadella Park / Barcelona

9. Best Day Trips

Both Madrid and Barcelona are surrounded by interesting day trip options, but many of Spain’s most iconic landmarks and historical towns are closer to Madrid. From Barcelona, day trips typically include visits to the beautiful small towns of Costa Brava, the Dali landmarks, Montserrat Monastery, Sitges, Tarragona, and even Andorra (though it’s a bit far for a day trip, in my opinion). However, when focusing on weekend getaways rather than just day trips, the options from Barcelona become much more diverse and appealing.

In contrast, Madrid offers a variety of top destinations for day trips. You can easily reach historic cities like Toledo, Segovia, Ávila, and Salamanca. You can also visit the famous Don Quixote windmills, the charming square of Chinchón, the royal palace of Aranjuez, and the monumental El Escorial Monastery. For a longer journey, Valencia and Cuenca are also easily accessible by high-speed train. If you’re a history enthusiast seeking to immerse yourself in Spain’s cultural heritage, the list of day trips from Madrid is, in my opinion, much more enriching than those from Barcelona.

That being said, one notable exception is the Salvador Dalí landmarks, as the “Dali Triangle” (comprised of Figueres, Cadaqués, and Portlligat) is a unique artistic experience that stands out near Barcelona. Still, when it comes to historical landmarks, places like Toledo, Ávila, and Segovia offer a depth of cultural significance that most destinations around Barcelona can’t match.

Best Day Trips: Madrid

Montserrat Spain Barcelona
Montserrat
contemporary buildings in Madrid
Buildings in Madrid

Is it better to go to Barcelona or Madrid?

Sum up: To conclude, Madrid won this competition for me. But again, that´s only my personal preference.

Ideally, you should visit both Barcelona and Madrid, rather than choosing one over the other. But if you can’t, go through this post again and evaluate the aspects that are most important to you in Spain. If you want a laid-back vacation, great weather, or are drawn to Gaudí’s architecture, choose Barcelona. On the other hand, if you prioritize value for money, want to learn or practice Spanish, and aim to see epic landmarks of Spain, Madrid might be your answer.

In fact, while both Barcelona and Madrid are the first stops on any Spain bucket list, as I mention in my post about top Spanish landmarks, none of the Spanish national heroes or major historical events that shaped Spain as a nation are tied to Barcelona or Madrid. Spain’s spiritual heart is Santiago de Compostela, the literary hero Don Quixote is from Castile-La Mancha, and Spain as a unified kingdom began with the Catholic Monarchs’ union of Castile and Aragon. Columbus sailed from Southern Spain to the New World, the oldest city in Western Europe is Cadiz, and the first capital of Christian Spain was Cangas de Onís in Asturias (the birthplace of the famous Reconquista, when the Christians reconquered the country from the Moors).

If we consider some of the most famous Spaniards in history, Antonio Gaudí, whose fame is linked to Barcelona, was actually born in Reus; Salvador Dalí was from Costa Brava; Pablo Picasso was from Málaga; and Francisco Goya was from Zaragoza. Spain’s most famous dish, paella, which is popular throughout the country today, originates from Valencia. Even none of the most iconic Spanish festivals take place in Barcelona or Madrid. Yes, Madrid as the country’s capital, houses the greatest number of national treasures, but it’s important to understand that there are many more reasons to visit Spain than just Barcelona and Madrid.

Read more about Madrid and Barcelona:

  • 40+ Things to Do in Madrid: An Ultimate Guide to the Spanish Capital (read it)
  • Top Outdoor & Adventurous Activities in Madrid You Can Not Miss (read it)
  • Delicious Breakfast in Madrid: My Favorite Spots & Avocado Toasts (read it)
  • My Amazing Spanish Cooking Class in Madrid (read it)
  • Our Fun 7-day Madrid Road Trip Itinerary (read it)
  • Madrid to Barcelona Road Trip: Top Stops (read it)
  • 10+ Unforgettable Madrid Day Trips (read it)
  • Madrid to Valencia Road Trip: Top Stops (read it)
  • An Ultimate 4 days in Barcelona Itinerary (read it)
  • How to take a Sitges day trip from Barcelona (read it)
  • Top Hidden Gems near Barcelona (read it)
  • 3 days in Barcelona with Kids Itinerary (read it)
  • Best Weekend Trips from Barcelona (read it)
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For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

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