When thinking of Spain, there are typically two cities springing in mind – Madrid and Barcelona; moreover, Barcelona is often mistakenly mentioned as the capital city. While both are iconic places to visit, they have different characters and appearances. Thus, instead of vacillating between two options, enjoy both.
Let’s see what Barcelona and Madrid offer to our world.
Barcelona
Barcelona sets the proper mood right from the airport, especially when you have an early landing.
The atmosphere of lightness is felt everywhere, the houses are slowly lit by sunshine, the streets are mainly empty and the local artisan cafes are just starting their way into the day. At this precise moment, you see the true face of Barcelona – relaxed, and full of life.
According to Travel WiseWay, the main Barcelona experiences are the following:
- Gaudi creations – Gaudi is a famous architect, the creator of Sagrada de Familia, Park Guell, Casa Mila, Casa Batlló, etc. His unique vision is part of an Art Nouveau style, which impresses with the absence of straight lines, ceramic tiles, and a blend of neo classical and oriental approaches. Gaudi impersonates the Spanish style of thinking and vision of the world – unconventional, limitless, and bold.
- La Rambla – the central street of Barcelona, a bustling street with merchants from both sides selling snacks and souvenirs. If you are tired of moving with the crowd, just take a few steps right or left, and you will be welcomed by the cozy neighborhoods of Barcelona.
- Gothic Quarter – another gem of the city with iconic medieval landmarks inspired by the greatness of the Cathedral of Barcelona.
- The Sea – Barcelona is a seaside city, which invites you to have a look at the Spanish side of the Mediterranean Sea.
Barcelona is just an endless list of sights surrounding you anywhere you go, and people, enjoying the moment.
Madrid
Madrid is a completely different story.
You can take a night bus from Barcelona and arrive early in the morning to see how contrasting Madrid is to Barcelona. When the first rays of sunshine touch the buildings, there are already lots of people going running or jogging, dashing to the cafe to grab a cup of coffee to get ready for work. The active life starts early in the morning and continues up till night hours.
Considering the advice of Iryna Bolshakova, a travel expert and a blog-writer, Madrid’s main treasures are:
- Plaza Mayor – the heartbeat of Madrid, once the center of Old Madrid, features the Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree (El Oso y el Madroño), numerous cafes, bookstores, etc.
- Royal Palace – the impressive greatness of the palace will leave even the pickiest tourist in awe. It is the largest palace in Western Europe and one of the largest in the world. While it is considered a residence of the royal family, it is mainly used for ceremonial events.
- Park Retiro – one of the largest parks in Spain offers a vast territory for exploration – walking, boating, reading, horse riding – there is no lack of activities, but there can be a shortage of time for catching up with all the sights.
- Cibeles Fountain – the monumental neoclassical fountain that depicts the goddess Cybele on a chariot pulled by 2 lions.
- Museo del Prado, Porta Del Sol, .., the list can go on and on.
Madrid offers a lot for the visitors, it combines a rich cultural heritage and the activeness of a business center. Its never-ending energy spreads its vibe among all the visitors.
Barcelona or Madrid? When in doubt, choose both, as it’s impossible to compare their outstanding beauty and charm. Most importantly – have fun and enjoy your time.
