I only have about 3 days to spend in Spain and I want to know if I would be better off exploring Madrid or Barcelona. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which destination is better? Also, any suggestions on places to stay would be greatly appreciated.

Barcelona would be my choice. It is perfect for a 3 day visit. Stay in the center of the city if possible so you'll be closer to the sights.

Haven't been to Madrid, but loved Barcelona.

Barcelona!
Great sights, great people, great food.
Definitely check out some Gaudi sights.
The Sagrada Familia is a MUST.
Las Ramblas is a great people-watching spot.
The Gothic Quarter is also special.

I have been to both, and I would say that for 3 days Barcelona would be my choice, although I loved Madrid. The Gothic quarter in Barcelona is worth the visit and very unlike Madrid. The food is great in both cities.

Have been to both several times and prefer Barcelona despite the fact that something bad always seems to occur each time I vist Barcelona.

Spent over a month in Madrid many years ago and really enjoyed it. But I loved my side trip to Barcelona. With only 3 days, Barcelona is my choice too.

These are two completely different cities, so it would come down to what you want to see and do.

Madrid is more traditional with great museums, hotels, and outstanding restaurants and tapas bars. It’s also well known for its nightlife. Barcelona is very cosmopolitan with enough to see and do to last well into a week. It also has some outstanding restaurants and sit-down type tapas bars, but not the tapas tradition found in Madrid

It really does depend on what your looking for. Madrid has some great sights and the Prado was phenomenal but very little can compare with Barcelona. Stay in the newer area but visit the beach at Barceloneta, the magic fountain at night (sunset), La Sagrada Familia, and the Gothic Quarter (but don't stay there). Park Guell is very original and Las Ramblas is unlike anything else but watch your valuables. Baldworth

ttt

I spotted a comment from Baldworth not to stay in the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona. I've been looking at some apartments there for my wife and 2 grandkids for 3 days. I've never been to Spain before. Can anyone clue me in on problems with Gothic quarter? Unsafe?

BronxGuy,
You may want to post this question as a new topic for a better response.

I've stayed in the Gothic Quarter but found it not to be as centrally-located as I would have liked so i stayed elsewhere on my more recent visit.

We never felt unsafe in the part of the Gothic Quarter where our hotel was located (near the cathedral itself).

Believe me, there is plenty of great nightlife in Barcelona, too. But, it does depend on your interests as these two cities obviously have different things to offer. I'm sorry you do not have enough time to see both as they are both very much worth it IMO.