Spain’s two biggest cities have long had a friendly rivalry, far beyond football. The capital, Madrid, is more or less geographically at the centre of the country as well as being the centre politically, economically and culturally and, of course, it’s the home of the Spanish monarchy.
However, Barcelona is a capital city too, of the autonomous area of Catalonia, in Spain’s far northeast. Being on the coast, it has a more Mediterranean feel to it, and this gives it both a more laid back character as well as higher numbers of tourists.
Culture
Madrid has several of the country’s – if not the continent’s – leading art museums. The Prado is the country’s national art museum and home to a collection of European art from the twelfth to the nineteenth century.
The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza has nearly a thousand works of art on display including an American art collection and the Reina Sofía has the country’s national collection of twentieth century art, including Picasso’s famous Guernica. Few cities can boast quite as much historic art as Madrid.
Then again, Barcelona has Gaudí. This Catalan architect certainly made his mark on the city and there are beautiful examples of his work all over Barcelona, from the still unfinished modernist masterpiece that is the Sagrada Familia basilica to the magical, sculpture-filled Parc Güell.
There’s plenty more modern art here too, at the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of European Modern Art and the Picasso and Miró Museums.
Food
Being inland, Madrid’s traditional dishes tend towards the heartier – there’s plenty of stew. Two typical meals are the cocido Madrileño, a chickpea-based stew, and the callos a la Madrileña, a stew made with tripe and black pudding. Bocata de calamares is a traditional fried squid sandwich – try one at the Mercado de San Miguel.
Madrid also has plenty of restaurants serving other regional Spanish cuisines such as Andalucían and Galician, as well as international cuisine of every flavour – there’s plenty of choice here.
Barcelona is a more touristed city and so food tends to be more expensive. Eating is taken very seriously by the Barcelonians, though, and if you know where to go you’ll eat very well here.
La Boqueria on Las Ramblas is one of Europe’s best food markets, and Catalonia has a reputation for creative cuisine, thanks to famous chef Ferran Adrià, who was born in Barcelona. Most meals are anchored by pa amb tomàquet, toasted bread topped with a delicious mix of tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and salt, and you’ll find plenty of Catalonian cheese, mushrooms and jamón too.
One of the main differences in the food culture of the two cities is that it is far more common in Madrid to be given a free tapas dish with your drink in a bar – in Barcelona this is very rare indeed.
Shopping
Madrid has a huge range of shops, from department stores (mostly around the Gran Vía) to the designer boutiques of the Barrio de Salamanca. Head to Fuencarral for alternative fashions. The Sunday flea market El Rastro is great for antiques and quirky clothing.
Barcelona is, however, generally considered Spain’s fashion capital, with lots of new, chic designers alongside the vintage clothing shops. The best boutiques are to be found in the Born district but Sant Antoni has plenty of vintage options.
Nightlife
It is said that Madrid has more bars per capita than any other city in the EU. Many streets in the city centre are lined with cafés and bars. You certainly won’t go thirsty here, though you might get tired, as things start very late indeed; no resident of Madrid would even consider hitting the dancefloor before 2am. Head to Lavapiés for grungy bars, Barrio de Salamanca for something sleeker and Chueca for the city’s best selection of gay bars and clubs.
Barcelona has plenty of party spirit too, but is generally more laidback. For upscale clubs head to Port Olímpic, or get off the beaten track among the cool bars of the Gothic Quarter. Things start late here, and although not quite as late as in Madrid, a siesta the next day is a must.
Day trips
Madrid’s location means it’s easy to get to many of the day trip options. Toledo is just half an hour south by train and a real heavyweight when it comes to history – don’t miss the cathedral or the Alcázar. Slightly less crowded is Segovia, a two-hour train ride north of Madrid, where you’ll find a magnificent Roman aqueduct, a Gothic cathedral and a fairytale-esque Alcázar.
Barcelona has the beach near to hand - La Barceloneta is just minutes from the city centre and home to sandy beaches and seafood restaurants. Just one hour by train along the coast is Tarragona, with its Roman forum and city walls, while even closer is Sitges, with its fabulous beachfront promenade and lively beach bars.
Which to choose?
If you’re after culture, it has to be Madrid, with its classy museums and easy trips to historic cities. If you want a more laid back, beachy break then it has to be Barcelona.
Both cities are fun, with great nightlife, food and shopping, so you can always visit your second choice next time!
Title Image Credit: Kristoffer Trolle (Image Cropped)