Blacknight

I'm several months out from vaction and really want to take a relaxing trip to Europe (my boss is a troll). I've been to Italy, England, Scotland and France, but all were sightseeing trips. This time out, I just want to chill for about a week, people watch, drink wine and enjoy the food and nightlife, with a bit of touring thrown in. Anyone have a favorite spot for just this kind of trip? Thanks in advance.

IMDonehere

With those qualifications I would recommend Barcelona.

Nikki

I believe all three cities would be great for what you describe. Lisbon is less expensive than Barcelona and Madrid and has wonderful seafood and other delicious food, lots of nightlife, fado, interesting local sights.

Madrid has a wonderful atmosphere with people out enjoying the plazas in the evenings, tapas, flamenco, great museums.

Barcelona has unique moderniste architecture, terrific food, beaches, interesting neighborhoods.

No wrong decision here.

RainyDay09

I haven't been to Portugal or to Madrid, but we really enjoyed Barcelona, Sitges, Vilanova i la Geltru, Costa Brava (too many wonderful locations to list with a base in Lloret de mar and day trips to Girona, Figueres, and Empuries roman ruins. It ticked all the boxes you listed above, for me.

cruiseluv

I've visited the three cities and my personal favorite is Madrid. If you get "bored" with staying in the city the whole week, it has several close by options for day trips.

Bedar

All three are great, and my personal favorite is Madrid, too, BUT if you'd like less hustle and bustle, I'd choose Lisbon.

kimhe

All are great cities for this kind of trip. I've got the most up to date tips about Barcelona, and these links about fabulous wine/food/nightlife options might make you decide for the Catalan capital.

Xemei: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lvcjtoh0tU
Cañete: http://www.yelp.com/biz/ca%C3%B1ete-barcelona-2
Barceloneta: http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...taurants-spain
El Born: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/Engl...H5U3pOQA8s_yYa
Poble Sec: http://www.timeout.com/barcelona/things-to-do/montjuic
Carrer Aribau: http://suitelife.com/2011/02/28/arib...treet-profile/

BigRuss

Barca.

But if you are thinking of puttering around on day trips, Madrid may be better.

danon

Like all three, but
for chilling out, people watching, beach time, nightlife:
Barcelona

Blacknight

Wow! That's a lot to consider! Thanks for the input all!!

Revulgo

My vote for Madrid.
Exhibitions:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?m...4.k9VTb-rt3sD8

Tapas:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?m...4.kgbtqEvGaY_4

Nightlife
http://www.esmadrid.com/en/madrid-nightlife/

emily71

Madrid-

Wonderful art, dozens of daytrip via trains and loads of people watching. Plus having some of the best food and nightlife in Spain. I always like to go the Retiro Park on the weekends to see the families out with their children and Spaniards relaxing.

Christina

I haven't been to Portugal, but I'd regard Barcelona as more fun than Madrid, easier to get into.