genio67

There is a possibility of a short trip to either Madrid or Barcelona in March 2015. Due to the short duration of the trip it is one or the other. I have been to both many years ago but looking forward to a return trip. While we could have a great time in either city, I am wondering given the time of year (early March) if weather should be a factor in choosing one city over the other. Also, our interest is the usual sightseeing (museums, architecture, people watching) and good food and some nightlife. I know either city is good for this, so I guess it's the weather that I am wondering about. Any thoughts, advice, experiences, etc is welcomed to help me decide which city to choose. I guess I could flip a coin??

danon

Both cities have what you enjoy....Madrid might be cooler in early March.
I would go with Barcelona..

dfourh

The weather will be forgettable in either city, so go with what you think will be memorable.

Nikki

I'd flip a coin. No wrong answer.

genio67

Thanks for your replies. I have done a little more reading and I was surprised by what I have read about Barcelona. I was last there is 1996 and I preferred it over Madrid. I am not sure why exactly but I just remember it being really fun as a 20 something looking to meet other travelers and staying up late to party. Yet, I do remember a distinct feeling about the city that felt different than other places I had visited.

Anyway, the more I read about Barcelona in 2014 it sounds like a place that is very "hip" and somewhat generic with expensive cocktails, fancy restaurants etc. That is not so appealing to me as I get plenty of that right here in NYC if I want it. So, now I am leaning toward Madrid for a more Spanish feel, good tapas and wine and of course the great art museums. Anyone agree or disagree with this thought?

Robert2533

Sounds good to me. Madrid tends to be a little more Spanish, somewhat less cosmopolitan and a little more comfortable. We prefer it over Barcelona, cost being one of the leading factors.

lincasanova

Depending on the dates you might want to come to valencia any day between the 15th and 9th to see some of the Fallas.. or even earlier to see them preparing the week before.

Nikki

I don't see Barcelona that way at all. It has a distinct Catalan culture rather than the Spanish culture of Madrid. Not generic at all, and it has a unique architectural style and plenty of fun attractions. I didn't have expensive cocktails and didn't go to fancy restaurants, but nobody would describe me as hip.

Not to dissuade you from Madrid, just saying I don't think Barcelona is as generic as you describe it.

danon

Agree with Nikki....nothing generic about Barcelona:
great food , unique architecture, Catalan but also cosmopolitan, easy to get around.
One of my favourite cities in Europe. ( 8 visits)
One visit was second week in March..the weather was pleasant and sunny for all five days.
I also love Madrid.

genio67

Well I am glad to hear that about Barcelona. However, now it's a tough decision once again but I think we might be leaning toward going there...or maybe we will go to Madrid. Maybe I just need to extend the trip to fit both in.

kimhe

Regarding nightlife in two fabulous and very different cities with tons of character.

Barcelona
Laid-back and bustling in El Born and more upscale and local in and around Carrer Aribau in Eixample. Great variety of bars and clubs in bort areas.
El Born: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html
Aribau: http://suitelife.com/2011/02/28/arib...treet-profile/

Madrid
Planty of excellent places around around Plaza Santa Ana, in the Huertas/Barrio de las Letras district. Some of my favourites are long into the night Cafe Central, the best live jazz venue in town, and the several flamenco inspired bars/clubs along C/Echegaray.
Cafe Central: http://www.cafecentralmadrid.com/
El Burladero is one of many places in Calle Echegaray: http://www.timeout.com/madrid/music-...e/el-burladero

One local food tip in each city:
The bacalao tapas at Revuleta in Madrid: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...ta-Madrid.html

Lunch in La Perla at the foot of Montjuic in Barcelona. As genuine and local atmosphere as it gets, fantastic stews, expensive and worth every cent: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Catalonia.html

lincasanova

in my post I meant to write the 15th and 19th.. not 9th.