We've never been to Spain but will be going there during New Years. We will be arriving in Barcelona on Dec. 26 and leaving Madrid on Jan 5 -- so basically 9 full days total. If we divide our time equally between the two cities, we would travel between them either on New Years Eve or New Years day. What do you think? Which city would be the best to spend New Years Eve? Or does it matter? Maybe more importantly, should we budget equal time in each city? This is a shorter trip than our typical European travels in the past so want to take maximum advantage of the time we have including perhaps a day for an interesting side trip. We also are concerned about the time of year (winter). In the past, we've always taken summer trips. Even though we obviously don't have a daily itinerary planned, I want to start reserving our hotels ( apartments or b&b's) soon , so need to decide on the days in each city now.
Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Posted by
11169 posts
I prefer Madrid but Barcelona has so much to see! So stay in Barcelona 5 nights and Madrid 4 nights. No clue about NYE.
Posted by
Barcelona ☀️ Sweden ❄️
3907 posts
Know that Madrid and its Puerta del Sol are the epicenter of the NYE festivities in Spain, a bit like New York city is for Americans. May be good to plan to be there for NYE.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15591 posts
Madrid is nice; Barcelona is terrific. The main draws in Madrid are the 3 art museums (great if you love European painting) and the palace. The best day trip is to Toledo. Barcelona has too many sights to list and a more interesting and diverse history. There are several good day trips as well. I would figure out the minimum time needed to see what you want in Madrid and spend the bulk of the time in Barcelona.
Posted by
7683 posts
Both are great places to visit, but I would spend 5 nights in Madrid. Madrid has the Prado, which I prefer to any museum in Barcelona. Also, Toledo and Segovia are great day trips from Madrid. Monserrat is a great day trip from Barcelona.
Posted by
Washington DC
27166 posts
If you check weather stats I think you'll find the average winter temperature is a good bit higher in Barcelona than in Madrid. That would matter to me (especially when the days are so short), perhaps not to you. Keep in mind, though, that dinner time in Spain is very late. If you eat out at night you'll probably be returning to your hotel after 11 PM.
Art museums aside, I much prefer Barcelona to Madrid, and Barcelona has a lot of tourist sights that are open 7 days a week and rarely close for holidays. If you plan a sightsering-heavy trip, I highly recommend that you visit the websites of places you want to go to check on their holidsy schedules