Amsterdam, Madrid or Barcelona in February
 

I know this is a wide question, but we are deciding which city to spend a week in in February. We know it will be cold, but wonder how raw/unpleasant. Has anyone been in one of these in February? Has anyone rented an apartment in any of these cities? Any thoughts appreciated.
I am having a problem with the site - I can't do searches- so if you ahve a thread for me, that would be great!
Thanks all.

Easy...Barcelona, my favorite European city no matter the time of year. It is far, far better than Amsterdam and far, far, far better than Madrid!

I am sorry but I totally disagree with the generalization above that Barcelona is "far far better" and I've been to all three of these cities several times.

The reason I say this: we do NOT know anything about what you want to see or do other than go to the place and spend a week. IF you are into great museums, then Madrid and Amsterdam are "far far better" than Barcelona will probably ever be. If milder weather is important then Barcelona and Madrid are probably "far far better." If you are into Gaudi, then Barcelona is BEST! and so on.

More information about specific interests might help here.

I'd pick Barcelona--and I've been to all 3 as well and like all 3 very much, but of the 3, that would be my pick.

Sorry, I wasn't clear. We have been to all 3 cities and enjoyed them all, but never for a week. We have rented in Paris and london a few times for a week, and think it time for something different. We love museums, Gaudi, eating and walking. So, how do you help? I am not sure. Probably for weather we should go to Spain, but we have enjoyed London in the winter.
Have any of you actually spent time in any of these cities in February? have you rented any apartments in any? We have only stayed in hotels.
Another question.Barcelona was fascinating, but I found the people unhelpful. I taught myself enough Spanish to communicate some in the rest of Spain, but in Barcelona people wouldn't try to help. I know that Catalonian is their language, but I have to believe they know Spanish It was a bit like speaking English in the French area of Canada. Our trip there was 14 years ago. For those who have visited more recently, did you find people interested in helping tourists?

Yes, I ahve been there during that time of year...it will be damp as it always is in Barcelona. I have never had any problems with people being not helpful.

I do think you'll haqve milder weather in Spain than in Amsterdam; it will certainly be somewhat less humid/drier in Madrid than the other two cities.

I have also enjoyed London in the Winter months..didn't find it particularly raw or bitter.

Guess it all depends on what is most important to you.

Thanks for clarifying that you been to some of these places before..that really helps people who decide to respond.

I have a similar question about Spain and weather in February. Personally I'm into museums and sightseeing generally. I don't mind cold but would prefer not frigid. The trip I'm looking at specifically is Gate1 Madrid/Cordoba/Seville. Any thoughts?

Hi epi,

Ray and I spent a full week in Barcelona last February and were there for the festival of Santa Eulalia and for Carnival. Since you are having problems with searches, here is the trip report we wrote: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34483366

On the searches, are you keying words into the little "search this forum" box and then clicking "Find"? You can also limit the country you search for by clicking on the country's name in the topic box.

-Sharon