Madrid vs Barcelona City Guides

Madrid or Barcelona? When planning a trip to Spain, these two cities are often top-choice for travellers, but it can be hard to know which one to visit with your hard-earned annual leave.

Panic not, fellow paella-lover! We’re here to help - below we’ve outlined some of the top reasons to book a visit to both cities so that you can see which attractions pique your interest more.

And, if you really can’t decide, the new low-cost, speedy train service from AVLO can get you between Barcelona and Madrid from just €5 a ticket, so why not see both cities in one trip?! You’re welcome 😊

Barcelona is a city you can’t visit without hearing or seeing the name Antoni Gaudi; the Spanish architect responsible for most of the amazing buildings you’ll see around the city! Characterised by whimsical motifs and otherworldly designs, his style continues to dominate Spanish architecture even after his death.

While you’re in Barcelona, make sure you see Gaudi’s work in all its glory at Park Guell (get your fast track tickets before you go), Casa Batllo (our skip-the-line ticket includes free audio guide), and the incredible La Sagrada Familia (get the lowest price skip-the-line access here).

On the other hand, Madrid doesn’t have one architect in particular associated with the city, but this means its more varied looks preserve the look and feel of many of its different historic neighbourhoods and streets, and therefore Madrid’s architecture reflects the style of many distinct styles from various historical periods.

Key architectural sights include the Plaza Mayor, an expansive open space which has over time played host to football games, public executions, markets, and bullfights (quite varied events then...); the stunning Royal Palace of Madrid - official residence of the Spanish royal family (even though they aren’t often actually there - see it for yourself with fast-track entry); and Prado Museum, an amazing looking building which also houses a fine collection of European art, and is one of the largest museums in the world (get your guided tour fast track access here so you can make the most of your time there!).

While not Spanish in its design, the Temple of Debod is another must-see in the centre of Madrid. This Egyptian structure was moved there brick-by-brick in order to save it from flooding in Egypt and has remained in the heart of the city ever since. Klook tip: we’d definitely recommend visiting at sunset, as the temple’s position on top of a hill in the centre of Madrid means you’ll get stunning views across the whole city at the most beautiful time of day.

Camp Nou is the homeground of the F.C. Barcelona football team and Spain’s largest stadium, and it’s well worth a visit to re-live the team’s finest victories by seeing the trophies and histories of your favourite players in the museum before heading out onto the pitch where legends stood - even if you’re not a big fan of football this is an impressive sight! Check out all the different ticket options for the best ways to see the stadium for yourself, whether this is a guided tour, through a VR experience, or to see a match against one of their rival teams.

The rivalry between F.C. Barcelona and Real Madrid has been fierce ever since their first match in 1902, so why not see the other side of this for yourself with a trip to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium - the second largest stadium in Spain. Check out the match day tickets and stadium /  museum tour options here in order to select the way to view it which suits you best.

The famous La Rambla street in Barcelona is often one of the first few landmarks that tourists identify with the city. Grab a bite at the La Boqueria market, where you can find anything from freshly cut fruit to grilled seafood, and wander through the stalls to soak up the buzzing atmosphere around this main street - just be a bit careful of your bags while you do, as pickpockets are known to operate in the area. Also, if you’re visiting in the summer, you wouldn’t want to miss laying on the sands of the Barceloneta Beach. Located in the traditional fishing district, we’d recommend packing a picnic basket of fresh seafood and tapas and just spending the day relaxing.

In Madrid, while you won't have the fun of a beach to relax on, the Parque del Buen Retiro (translation: ‘Park of Pleasant Retreat’) is a great spot for a picnic and chilling out in the sun too. The park previously belonged to the Spanish monarchy, which explains its grand design and gorgeous landscaping. Considered by locals as the lungs of the city, the wide gardens of Parque del Retiro are comprised of lakes, thousands of trees, and lush greenery. In the summertime, keep an eye out for free concerts which are often organised for everyone's enjoyment too!

For the shopping aficionados, Gran Via is the most famous commercial area in Madrid, with lots of bars and restaurants for rejuvenating after a long day on your feet. Gran Via also happens to be Madrid’s version of Broadway, so catch a musical or two if that takes your fancy, or for a more authentic Spanish experience we’d recommend watching a Flamenco show!

Weighing everything up we're sure you agree there's no way to pick a favourite without going to both cities, what a hardship eh! Guess we'll just have to visit both to choose our favourites, and don't forget to book with Klook for the best prices & most convenient ticket options!