My husband and I have an upcoming transatlantic cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona. We will be spending a week in Barcelona. We have one more week. Do we do Madrid or Lisbon. We have never been to Spain or Portugal. We are senior citizens.
Thank you for your assistance.
I think it would really depend on your tastes and interests. I'd suggest reading about the two cities and maybe watching some videos on them, to see which piques your interest more.
One definite advantage to Madrid is that you'd take a train comfortably from Barcelona. Lisbon will require a flight.
Thank you!
The two are quite different. Lisbon is smaller, on the coast, is "prettier" in my opinion, good food, and a range of nice, but not "must see or do" activities and museums. In a way, it is more similar to Barcelona than Madrid...but not really a good comparison.
Madrid is a larger metropolitan city, a nice older center, several world class art museums, a Palace well worth a visit, and great food.
One thing to consider, Lisbon is quite a distance from Barcelona, you are likely looking at flying there as there is no great train connection. Madrid is a quick 3 hours by train from Barcelona.
You may also consider using Madrid to hit up some smaller towns, like Toledo or Segovia, which would be a nice change from the cities.
Thank you.
I have never been to Madrid, but loved our stay in Lisbon. It is a relatively small city on the water with hills similar to San Francisco. Lots of history and interesting sites, foods and markets. Did a walking tour with a local guide recommended by RS. Rode the trolley around town for short trips and subway for longer distances. Day trip to Porto is easy and fun.
What time of year will this be?
Although I prefer Lisbon to Madrid as a city (setting aside the art museums, which I do like very much), I think the geography is a very good argument for Madrid. When you've seen all you want of Madrid, there's a very long list of really fabulous side-trip possibilities--perhaps more really top-flight options than you'd have from any other city in Europe: Toledo, Segovia, Salamanca, Cuenca (rail fare pricey if tickets not purchased in advance) and Alcala de Henares for starters. Every one of those has enough to see that one could justify spending at least one night, but they're close enough to be manageable as day trips if you don't want to change hotels.
Another interesting option is the city of Zaragoza, which is a stop for the fast trains running from Barcelona to Madrid.
Both are great, but I recommend staying in Spain for this trip.
Take the high speed train to Madrid. Be sure to take day trips to Toledo and Segovia. Also, don't miss the Prado Museum.
If you had more time, you could visit Seville and Granada.
Thanks to all of you for these thoughtful posts. We will be in Barcelona 5/6 to 5/13. Some where else until the 20th.
It really depends on your interests. I agree with the previous poster who recommends researching both cities and looking at photos and watching videos.
I love both Madrid and Lisbon. If you don't think you will visit Portugal at a later date, then perhaps Lisbon would be a good choice. Lisbon is very different from Madrid visually and architecturally. It is smaller than Madrid so easier to get around. It's very different from the larger European capitals. It is a hilly city with beautiful tile work and wave-patterned cobblestone side walks and squares. There are quite a few miradouros (viewpoints) where you can sit, order drinks, and enjoy the scenery. There are some important and very lovely sites, such as the Gulbenkian Museum, Tile Museum, and Coach Museum, and more. Belem on the river is very interesting with the gorgeous Jeronimos Monastery, The Discovery Monument and Belem Tower. The Alfama district is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon because it wasn't destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. It's so interesting to wander around the Alfama where people live and you see children riding bikes on the few flat areas and clothes hanging from balconies.
If you are art lovers, Madrid has many outstanding art museums. We loved wandering through Retiro Park, stopping for Sangria, and visiting the Royal Palace. Madrid is larger than Lisbon and more majestic looking.
You can take a short train ride from Barcelona to Madrid. You would have to fly from Barcelona to Lisbon. Not sure if that makes a difference to you. If you choose Lisbon, make sure you have very good walking shoes with good soles for the hills. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive if you get tired of the hills in Lisbon. I was able to manage despite having arthritis in my hip. Had hip replacement surgery a year later.
". . . We will be in Barcelona 5/6 to 5/13. Some where else until the 20th".
Do you have a compelling desire/need to visit Barcelona for 7 days [and 7 nights?]. Consider cutting a day or two from Barcelona and adding this time to a high speed train journey to Madrid for several days with, as noted above, a day trip to Toledo; then travel by train to either Seville or Granada, spending several days at either, Then take the train back to Barcelona, assuming you are flying home from there.
Lisbon is a wonderful place to visit but as others have said there are really great places to visit in Spain and trains are readily available to link the various destinations.
I really like both Madrid and Lisbon. Madrid is culturally Spanish while Barcelona is heavily Catalan, an interesting contrast.
Travel to Lisbon from Barcelona will take longer so save it for a trip when you can see more of Portugal. This trip, visit Madrid which I prefer to Barcelona.
Thanks to everyone who responded. Fantastic information.
