First time to Spain
 

I know this isn't the right place to post this but I have a feeling many of you who are regulars here have been to Spain before. I also value your world traveler opinions so I thought I'd cover all my bases and post my qustion here in addition to the correct place.

So - I have about a week next month and a buddy and I are going to Spain. We're not intersted in a whirlwind extravaganza of Spain. So - should we see just Madrid or just Barcelona and their surroundings? Any tips or suggestions on lodging and siteS?

Thanks.

AZJ

I checked biddingfortravel.com, looks like folks are getting the Melia Barecelona for $80.oo usd through Priceline. This is a 4 star hotel. A 4 star in Madrid should be a lot less. I have used Priceline several times now sin Europe. Great bargains every time. Feel free to contact me off the board for bidding help or questions.

dfwbob
ex EV dfw/crp

I'd be happy to give you suggestions for Barcelona and Madrid. Feel free to e-mail me with general interests. I can suggest some hotels, sights, bars & restaurants, shopping, etc. for both cities.

That said, I'd rather spend a week in Barcelona and the beaches of the Costa Brava.

I'll be heading to Barcelona myself in July, as swimming's World Championships are there, and Natalie has already been selected for the U.S. team. Up in the air right now if I fly into Madrid on AA metal, or try to do either UA or AA partner travel right into Barcelona. One way or the other I'll get there.

Are you familiar with Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona? Are there hotels in that direction, or is it easily accessible from the city center? I wrote to the Spanish tourist office last week, but have not received a reply from them yet. We're just starting to plan.

(Expect this will be moved to another forum very shortly..so might look somewhere else for a reply.)

I agree 100%!

Go to Madrid. This is a beautiful city. Keep in mind that each city in Spain is full of it's own history: Dating back from the Romans to the Moors. Madrid had many parks and museums. IMO, it's better than Barcelona. The good thing, is that if you go to Madrid, you can venture out to some surrounding towns such as: Toledo (which is gorgeous), Avila, and Segovia. All are beautiful little towns. If you can, go to Seville, it's the best!

My dear fellow traveller,

as someone who is half-Spanish and has studied in Madrid for half a year, I can only recommend you to see MADRID! Hala Madrid, as the Spanish hail the city

It is a great town but at the same time, I hear wonderful things from Barcelona where I have never been myself yet except for at the airport.

Also, wonderful is the coast from Malaga to Cadiz! Take a rental car and drive down there. I think Marbella, Estepona, Tarifa, Puerto de Santa Maria near Cadiz are some beautiful places to go to. Same holds true with Sevilla.

One of my favorite places in Madrid to stay is the CROWNE PLAZA CITY CENTRE. It is about 140 euros per night and located right in the middle of town. You get everywhere from there!

Let me know if you need more suggestions...

Martin

PS: Also take the time to watch a soccer game either in the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid or in the Camp Nou in Barcelona

As a part time Madrid resident, I can only recommend that you go to Madrid. However, I do find that Barcelona is more turisty with the Ramblas, Olympic Park, and the numerous Gaudi sites. But if you know anything about Spain, I think you may appreciate Madrid more.

Not too sure of your time frame, but I would suggest a visit to the Costa del sol...fly into Malaga and perhaps stay in Marbella. The Melia Don Pepe is a great hotel for a reasonable price. In Madrid, there are many hotels for many budgets. You can often use coupons at the Hotel Intercontinental which is on the Paseo de la Castellana...a main thoroughfare and relatively central location.

Feel free to email me if you want more specific information. I enjoy living in the states, but always look forward to my time at home in Madrid!

OK, as a frequent visitor to the much-under-represented-here Barcelona, I feel that I must add my two cents.

There is a beach in Barcelona. There are beautiful coastal villages within a day trip. There is astounding architecture (not just Gaudi). There are wonderful hotels (my favorite is the Calderon). There is incredible food (did I mention two friends have restaurants there?). And much nightlife.

Next month, there won't be many tourists (though I will be there the 20th-27th).

Madrid is a wonderful city. I just happen to find Barcelona wonderfuller.

-alan in seattle

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif I couldn't agree with you more alanw! I've been to Madrid and Barcelona and find Barcelona to be more civilised, vibrant, stimulating and stylish.

Cuisine in Barcelona is much much better than in Madrid. My mouth waters when I think of the meals I have enjoyed at Principal, Botafumeiro, Senor Parellada, Tenorio, Ca l'Isidre, Cal Pep, Tragaluz, 7 Portes and Xampanyet....mmmmmmmm! The restaurant scene in Barcelona is booming with talent and creativity.

azj, choosing between Madrid and its environs and Barcelona and its surroundings really depends on what you and your buddy want to do for a week. Whatever city you pick, spend at least 4-5 days there so that you can fully appreciate the city life, sights, culture, flavors, and people.

And dom't forget Montserrat which is spectacular and an easy day trip from Barcelona.

Looks like we've decided on Madrid with 1 day in Paris on the return. The bull fighting, soccer, flamenco and such has swung us towards MAD. But this leaves an open door to return to Spain to go play in BCN. We're buying full fare tickets on Air France (i'm crying silently that I can't earn worldperk miles) which are just a bit more than our passes would cost on NW/KL. Of course we're flying in coach and the passes are in business class. However time is important I don't want the am I getting on the flight anxiety whilst on vacation.

THanks for the help... and look for a trip report in late October.


AZJ

[This message has been edited by azj (edited 09-25-2002).]

I did a trip to Spain & Portugual a few years back and stopped at both Madrid and Barcelona. Found both cities to be very enchanting but Madrid had a few drawbacks.

One was that English didn't seem to be widely spoken as in Barcelona - wasn't a real problem but noticeable. Second, found the cabbies to be less than honest - trying to double charge me from the airport, adding extra fees and using the language as an excuse. And thirdly, almost had my luggage stolen while arguing with a cabby in front of the hotel and a young kid starts pestering me to take my luggage into the hotel (mostly with sign language). Luckily I said no, because when I went into the hotel and asked about it, they said they had no luggage service!

Just a couple of points to be aware of - didn't lessen my enjoyment of the trip overall but it's those type of things that can make a big difference!

It is "very personal." Personally I find neither Madrid nor Barcelona attractive cities. However if you are in Madrid I would visit Toledo. Wonderful place full of history.

Also Seville, Grenada and Cordoba. Again similar to Toledo a must (in my humble opinion).

If you like resorts I enjoyed Marbella. 1 hour north of Marbella there is a wonderful old town and I forgot the name. It starts with an R I believe.

I just met someone who told me that his friends got attacked in Seville by a gang at 4 a.m. His friends face was smashed up. You have to be careful where you walk at night. Though I presume that is the same everywhere these days.

I'll make a strong recommendation for a visit to Cadiz and Puerto de Santa Maria. I was there for a wedding and while I didn't get to see as much as I wanted I would LOVE to go back. The weather, the beach, the people, the nightlife... all were just stunningly beautiful. Think California without the strangeness or the traffic. It's a bit difficult to get to (fly to Jerez de la Frontera, drive/cab from there), but it's worth it!