Hi everyone,

We and another couple have narrowed our choices down to the following four European destinations for a short, five night getaway:

Barcelona (one stop there, direct back)
Madrid (one stop there, direct back)
Marseilles (direct flights both ways)
Rome (direct flights both ways)

We have been to Rome and Barcelona before (the other couple has not) but we would be happy to visit them again if that is what is decided upon.

If it were you, where would you choose?

Thanks!

Every one of your picks will provide wonderful food and places to sit and people watch. Since I don't know you, please do googles on 'What to do in.." each city if you haven't already and see what calls!

That being said, I vote Madrid. For the number of days, you can see Art, Churches, Palace at a nicer pace.

Second choice would be Rome. Antiquities, Vatican and Churches would more than take up your time.

Barcelona almost ties for second place with its Gaudi.

Marseille is last only because we spent the least amount of time there. Churches, Antiquities, Museums abound as well.

Please report back when you return!

Without any doubt Rome!!!

Your friends will want to visit the same places you already hit your first time in Barcelona and Rome. If you are ok with that, then it's hard to top either destination.

It depends on the time of year. Winter in Madrid can be coldddd

My preference sequence best at the top

Barcelona (one stop there, direct back), approachable first city, good transport links internally and externally, old town and modern town, seaside
Madrid (one stop there, direct back), more exotic, larger, well organised, world beating art
Rome (direct flights both ways), more disorganised, great antiquities and religious centres, the centre is easily walkable (up to a certain level of walk)
Marseilles (direct flights both ways), a second tier site, old centre,

With such a short trip, I wouldn't want to spend any more time than strictly necessary in transit. That gives you a choice between Marseille or Rome, which isn't really a choice. Rome wins hands down if you are happy to go there again and I'd guess that on your last trip you didn't see all you could have.

Second choice would be Madrid if you enjoy art and culture, good food and fewer pickpockets than Barcelona.