March trip to Barcelona or Madrid
#1
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March trip to Barcelona or Madrid
There is a possibility of a short trip to either Madrid or Barcelona in March 2015. Due to the short duration of the trip it is one or the other. I have been to both many years ago but looking forward to a return trip. While we could have a great time in either city, I am wondering given the time of year (early March) if weather should be a factor in choosing one city over the other. Also, our interest is the usual sightseeing (museums, architecture, people watching) and good food and some nightlife. I know either city is good for this, so I guess it's the weather that I am wondering about. Any thoughts, advice, experiences, etc is welcomed to help me decide which city to choose. I guess I could flip a coin??
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Thanks for your replies. I have done a little more reading and I was surprised by what I have read about Barcelona. I was last there is 1996 and I preferred it over Madrid. I am not sure why exactly but I just remember it being really fun as a 20 something looking to meet other travelers and staying up late to party. Yet, I do remember a distinct feeling about the city that felt different than other places I had visited.
Anyway, the more I read about Barcelona in 2014 it sounds like a place that is very "hip" and somewhat generic with expensive cocktails, fancy restaurants etc. That is not so appealing to me as I get plenty of that right here in NYC if I want it. So, now I am leaning toward Madrid for a more Spanish feel, good tapas and wine and of course the great art museums. Anyone agree or disagree with this thought?
Anyway, the more I read about Barcelona in 2014 it sounds like a place that is very "hip" and somewhat generic with expensive cocktails, fancy restaurants etc. That is not so appealing to me as I get plenty of that right here in NYC if I want it. So, now I am leaning toward Madrid for a more Spanish feel, good tapas and wine and of course the great art museums. Anyone agree or disagree with this thought?
#8
I don't see Barcelona that way at all. It has a distinct Catalan culture rather than the Spanish culture of Madrid. Not generic at all, and it has a unique architectural style and plenty of fun attractions. I didn't have expensive cocktails and didn't go to fancy restaurants, but nobody would describe me as hip.
Not to dissuade you from Madrid, just saying I don't think Barcelona is as generic as you describe it.
Not to dissuade you from Madrid, just saying I don't think Barcelona is as generic as you describe it.
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Agree with Nikki....nothing generic about Barcelona:
great food , unique architecture, Catalan but also cosmopolitan, easy to get around.
One of my favourite cities in Europe. ( 8 visits)
One visit was second week in March..the weather was pleasant and sunny for all five days.
I also love Madrid.
great food , unique architecture, Catalan but also cosmopolitan, easy to get around.
One of my favourite cities in Europe. ( 8 visits)
One visit was second week in March..the weather was pleasant and sunny for all five days.
I also love Madrid.
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Well I am glad to hear that about Barcelona. However, now it's a tough decision once again but I think we might be leaning toward going there...or maybe we will go to Madrid. Maybe I just need to extend the trip to fit both in.
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Regarding nightlife in two fabulous and very different cities with tons of character.
Barcelona
Laid-back and bustling in El Born and more upscale and local in and around Carrer Aribau in Eixample. Great variety of bars and clubs in bort areas.
El Born: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html
Aribau: http://suitelife.com/2011/02/28/arib...treet-profile/
Madrid
Planty of excellent places around around Plaza Santa Ana, in the Huertas/Barrio de las Letras district. Some of my favourites are long into the night Cafe Central, the best live jazz venue in town, and the several flamenco inspired bars/clubs along C/Echegaray.
Cafe Central: http://www.cafecentralmadrid.com/
El Burladero is one of many places in Calle Echegaray: http://www.timeout.com/madrid/music-...e/el-burladero
One local food tip in each city:
The bacalao tapas at Revuleta in Madrid: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...ta-Madrid.html
Lunch in La Perla at the foot of Montjuic in Barcelona. As genuine and local atmosphere as it gets, fantastic stews, expensive and worth every cent: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Catalonia.html
Barcelona
Laid-back and bustling in El Born and more upscale and local in and around Carrer Aribau in Eixample. Great variety of bars and clubs in bort areas.
El Born: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html
Aribau: http://suitelife.com/2011/02/28/arib...treet-profile/
Madrid
Planty of excellent places around around Plaza Santa Ana, in the Huertas/Barrio de las Letras district. Some of my favourites are long into the night Cafe Central, the best live jazz venue in town, and the several flamenco inspired bars/clubs along C/Echegaray.
Cafe Central: http://www.cafecentralmadrid.com/
El Burladero is one of many places in Calle Echegaray: http://www.timeout.com/madrid/music-...e/el-burladero
One local food tip in each city:
The bacalao tapas at Revuleta in Madrid: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...ta-Madrid.html
Lunch in La Perla at the foot of Montjuic in Barcelona. As genuine and local atmosphere as it gets, fantastic stews, expensive and worth every cent: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Catalonia.html
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Mar 26th, 2007 09:00 PM