Hola! My boyfriend and I are going to visit Barcelona next month for about four days. What are the must sees? After Barcelona, we have three days to travel by train to Madrid for our flight home. Is there a recommended route and/or stops we should make along the way? Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Any good guide book will adequately cover your "must see items." Try the R Steves Spain guidebook. I would take the train directly to Madrid and maybe a day trip from Madrid to Toledo, Cordoba, etc.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
The high speed train between Barcelona and Madrid is about 3 hours, so I'd agree with Frank, just get to Madrid and spend your nights there (plenty to see and do). If you want, there are also plenty of day-trip options from Madrid. Yes, take a look at Rick Steves or any other guidebook for the standard recommendations for sight-seeing in both places, as well as recommended day-trips and the logistics of getting there and getting around. If you want information beyond the standard "must sees" you can get in any guidebook, post here about any special interests you have, so people can give proper advice. There's no point in recommending museums if you want information about nightclubs.
Posted by
OP
Washington, DC, USA
2 posts
Thanks to you both for responding! My boyfriend and I actually both studied abroad in Spain during 2004, me in Seville and he in Madrid. It's my first time to Barcelona but he has visited both. Due to our previous experiences and how long it' s been, we are looking for recommendations on local watering holes (cafes, bars, flamenco, etc.) and specific neighborhoods in Barcelona and Madrid that provide the "authentic" Spanish flavor. Same goes with any specific towns/day trips around these cities. We have both been to Toledo and Cordoba. Maybe the Basque country is worth our time? Thanks again!
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3 posts
You could stop in Zaragoza, a town half way between Madrid and Barcelona. The basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar (basilica de nuestra señora del Pilar) is beautiful, as well as the cathedral of La Seo. There are some Roman ruins to see too, and everything is located within walking distance. The are many good restaurants and tapas bars in the old town too. Ten minutes from the center is the palace of La Aljaferia, a must see 11th century moorish architecture palace. It's closed on Thursdays and Fridays though so if you decide to go plan accordingly. If you are taking the AVE or high speed train from Barcelona to Madrid, the train stops in Zaragoza.
Hope you decide to visit this lesser known town. Enjoy Spain!!! M.