I'd like some input on which city to visit during the first week of January--Madrid or Spain. Don't worry about logistics, like how I'm getting there. I'd just like to know where you'd rather spend two days (without a car) doing some sightseeing and relaxing.

Actually, I always thought Madrid was IN Spain! (is this a trick question?) Hmmmmm...

You're kidding, right?? <BR> <BR>Ok, I'll fall for it and try to help out a fellow traveller . . . Madrid is in Spain, like the capitol of it to be exact!

Okay, I'm a moron--I've had a long day. I apologize. Big fat brain fart. <BR> <BR>I meant Madrid or Barcelona. <BR> <BR>Please don't kick me off the forum.

I'd probably voted for Barcelona is you are staying put for the whole week. Barcelona is way up in the corner of Spain and not as accessible to other locations. So you won't have some of the options for day trips that you would have in Madrid. But it's a wonderful city with great nightlife, museums, etc. Madrid is fairly close to El Escorial, Toledo and other great locations. And Madrid is a great city in its own right. In fact, if you stripped all the museums and attractions out of every city in the world, it might be my favorite place of all. It has the energy of New York, the ease of Paris on a warm afternoon, great architecture, etc. Wow. Don't think I was much help because now I am as conflicted as you are.

Meave, <BR> <BR>I just spent 2 days Barcelona and 5 days in Madrid (and the surrounding area) in May. I would chose Barcelona for a 2 day trip, hopefully you can go back to Madrid when you have more time to visit the Telodo, Segovia, ElEscorial which are each day trips. <BR> <BR>Barcelona is a very unique city. It has a varity of architechture from modern (Gaudi) to gothic. You also have parks, the pier and waterfront, the olympic sites, good shopping and great food. <BR> <BR>Good Luck! <BR>Aileen

Barcelona it is! I'm about to book my tickets. Thanks for your help, those of you who didn't condemn me for my slip earlier! Boy, did I look like a dumb American. This is why I'm getting out of journalism.

Awwwww... <BR>It happens to the best of us...Have a good trip! (personally, I would have gone to Spain, but Barcelona sounds good too! ar ar ar...)

Go to Madrid, then you'll hit both. <BR>

lol...

Maeve, just in case you forgot...... <BR>remember to go to Fodors.com main page and do a 'create your own mini-guide.' <BR>Just follow the easy instructions you will end up being to choose Barcelona. Then you can choose to learn about sites, restaurants, hotels, etc. <BR>Also, heretic that I am, may I suggest you pay a visit to Frommers at: <BR>http://www.frommers.com <BR>Look there for Barcelona info as well. <BR>Good luck and hope you have a great time in Barcelona. <BR>P.S. Got a chuckle out of your original post and those that followed.

Is Barcelona in Madrid?

So, Maeve? How was wherever you ended up?

up for judy