beachlovinmom

We are going to Barcelona the first week in March and are interested in spending a few days in another city in Spain but can't decide which one. If you had to choose one - Malaga, Seville or Madrid - which one would it be? First time in Spain so would appreciate any info we can get. Thanks

alihutch

Seville...one of the most beautiful cities I've been to...

usernameistaken

I wouldn't bother with Malaga. I would choose Sevilla for a first-timer but Madrid has its charms as well.

danon

in March : Andalucia..
Vueling has cheap flights from Barcelona to Seville.

http://www.vueling.com/

yorkshire

If you are not interested in exploring the region surrounding BCN, then a train to Madrid would be a good option.

Robert2533

I agree with yorkshire, take the train to Madrid and enjoy the city. There is a lot going on, great food and enough to see to keep you busy for a few days without a problem.

http://www.esmadrid.com/en/portal.do

CathyM

How long is your trip in total? Are you originating from North America or elsewhere?

I'd likely choose Seville. This would make a large contrast from Barcelona and from many places in Europe. The weather should also be nice this time of year.

However, if you're only asking about 2 days out of a 1 week trip Madrid probably makes better sense logistically.

WTnow

Seville hands down! One of the most beautiful & charming cities in Europe & March is usually a great time to go.

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2007/0...blime-sev.html

Stay in the Santa Cruz section where you can walk to most things & have a real sense of the "real Spain" plus it has more of a charming, small town feeling to it. Watch flamenco, eat tapas, see a gigantic cathedral where Columbus is buried, Moorish castle & gardens etc etc.

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2007/03/tapas.html

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2007/03/alcazar.html

Happy travels! You really can't lose no matter what you choose.

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2007/0...co-in-sev.html

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2007/0...ral-colum.html


This is our 4th winter in Spain & since we're on an open ended family world tour, we have seen more of Spain & Europe than most ( 32 countries, 175,000 miles, most overland) and Seville still stands out as Sublime.

We love Barcelona & Madrid, but Seville should not be missed.

Also, while there, take a day trip to Cordoba via fast train & don't miss La Mezquita!!

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2007/03/la-mezquita.html

Jerez, Ronda etc could also be done as day trips.

rjsol

Have stayed all three, would absolutely choose Sevilla. Bit if your interests are museums, Madrid should be it.

Egbert

Can you switch and spend most of your time in
Seville and the last two nights in BCN? That's what I would do.

beachlovinmom

thank you all so much for your input. Sounds like we should spend some time in Seville. Any hotel recommendations in Seville and Barcelona.

WTnow how lucky are you to be able to see the world!

alihutch

pretty sure I stayed here

http://www.hotelamadeussevilla.com/menu-musica-en.htm

a few years ago...very pleasant...

kimhe

Banys Orientals could be a very nice option for Barcelona, excellent location. In the 2004 Condé Nast list of the "10 most recommended hotels in the Mediterranean".
http://www.hotelbanysorientals.com/en/index.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...Catalonia.html

As WTnow says, in Sevilla the Santa Cruz area is a good idea. I suggest you look at guest reviews etc on the excellent site booking.com. I've used it tens of times.

A couple of suggestions:
http://www.booking.com/hotels/hotel/...out=2010-03-05

http://www.booking.com/hotels/hotel/...out=2010-03-05

WTnow

Thanks beachlovinmom, we do feel blessed to live this life.

I think Egbert has a great idea! As much as I love Barcelona (we've been there 8 times on our world tour, often for a month at a time) Seville & environs gives more of a sense of Spain.

We took 3 generations of family to Seville & stayed here and everyone was very happy (diverse group in ages & needs):

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2008/0...o-amadeus.html

usernameistaken

I second the recommendation of Hotel Amadeus. Enchanting, affordable, and convenient. It books up fast though - last year, we booked in January for April travel.