Where to Live: Madrid or Barcelona
Madrid or Barcelona. It’s an endless debate, whether it comes to sports, deciding where to live, renting an accommodation, politics and everything in between. While the costs of living are not that much different, there is a significant contrast when it comes to the community, culture, attractions and even language. The battle between these two certainly goes far deeper than just on the football field. Don’t believe us? Just ask in one of the local pubs (preferably while wearing a helmet).
Food
Madrid: Meat lover’s paradise, with a surprisingly large selection of hidden meat-free restaurants (although you cannot and shouldn’t miss the Museo del Jamón). The cuisine in Madrid varies, however, you will be able to find a fantastic variety of (more or less) authentic Spanish dishes in almost every restaurant, and, of course, let’s not forget about the delicious tapas!
Madrid’s most famous dish: Cocido Madrileño
Cocido Madrileño, Photo Source: Flickr – Salvatore G2
Barcelona: With its modernista vibe, Barcelona tends to be experimental when it comes to food. Mixed plates of fish and meat are becoming largely popular, as well as Fideuà, Catalan’s version of paella, made with noodles, fish and shellfish instead of regular rice. If you’re looking for an ‘authentic with a twist’ food experience, Barcelona is the place to be!
Barcelona’s most famous dish: Paella / Fideuà
Fideuà Photo source: Marcela Escandell
Travel
Madrid: Madrid is centrally located – you can reach plenty of cities in just a few hours, perfect for those who are looking for a short weekend getaway. In terms of public transportation, many places in Madrid are reachable by foot, while you can also easily hop on a city bike, metro, bus or take a train to travel long distances.
Madrid’s main train station: Atocha Train Station
Barcelona: Barcelona’s public transportation includes buses, metros, trains, cable cars, light rail and many more – the options are absolutely endless. Tired of Barcelona beach? You can easily travel to Valencia or stop nearby several hidden beaches along the way.
Barcelona’s main train station: Barcelona Sants Train Station
Landmarks
Madrid: The beauty of Madrid is that you can find art absolutely everywhere, but the best of the best lies in the most famous museum, Museo del Prado. There is no shortage of landmarks in this city – from the buzzing Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Palacio Real, Retiro Park, many museums, galleries and more, this city is full of history, culture and breathtaking buildings you just absolutely have to visit.
Madrid’s famous attractions: Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza de Cibeles
Royal Palace of Madrid. Photo source: Flickr – serzhile
Barcelona: Ah, the city of Gaudi. One of the most iconic buildings with rich history is, of course, Sagrada Familia, however, you shouldn’t forget about visiting picturesque parks such as Park Güell or explore the beautiful streets like La Rambla. And when you’re done, you can enjoy a cocktail and an ice cream on the friendly La Barceloneta beach, something Madrid is lacking.
Barcelona’s famous attractions: Park Güell, La Rambla, Sagrada Familia, Camp Nou
Sagrada Familia
Student atmosphere
Madrid: Madrid boasts with several fantastic universities as well as (some might say) ideal student nightlife – from partying on the streets, plazas, happy hours, club hopping, tapas hopping, fancy rooftop bars and everything in between, this city never sleeps and when it does, it’s after an intense study session in the National Library.
Top Madrid universities: Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
Barcelona: Most universities in Barcelona are taught in Catalan, however, you should take advantage of many free Catalan classes to make the most out of your studies. Barcelona’s universities, nightlife, many festivals, delicious inexpensive street food, and, of course, the beach, are what makes this city a fantastic choice for students.
Top Barcelona universities: University of Barcelona, Polytechnic University of Catalonia
So which one will it be? Madrid or Barcelona? At the end of the day, no matter which you choose, make the most of the cities, their culture and don’t forget to have fun!
…and if you liked this article, here are some others that you might fancy…
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