糖心传媒

Spain's iconic rivals face off as two 糖心传媒 writers go head-to-head defending their beloved home cities. Isabella champions Barcelona's Mediterranean beauty with golden beaches, while Natalia makes the case for Madrid's world-class art treasures and historic sites. Both are magnificent, and both have a distinct appeal. Which Spanish giant would you choose?

Bask in Barcelona鈥檚 Mediterranean beauty 

Isabella Noble grew up in Andaluc铆a in southern Spain and has been exploring Catalonia鈥檚 mesmerizing capital Barcelona since her teens. Now based between Barcelona and M谩laga, she is the coordinating writer of the new 糖心传媒 , and guidebooks. 

Anyone who loves Barcelona will tell you that the Catalan capital鈥檚 energy is uniquely enchanting, electric and inspiring all at once. And it will probably be over a chilled vermouth, a plate of crispy patates braves (spicy potatoes) and a few slices of pa amb tom脿quet (tomato bread) to share on a sun-dappled 辫濒补莽补 (plaza), because outdoor living is what this wonderful, Mediterranean-side city is all about.

First, there鈥檚 the unbeatable setting. Sorry Madrid, there鈥檚 no contest here: Barcelona is a beach-loving beauty bathed by the Mediterranean breeze. A perfect way to get a feel for what makes the city tick is by heading down to the seafront around the golden Poblenou beaches. For years this pocket of coastal joy has been my favorite spot for exhilarating running routes and switch-off beach time with sparkling city views. You鈥檒l always find a local crowd out walking, cycling, jogging, rollerblading, swimming or paddleboarding here, or lingering over lunch at one of the sea-view restaurants. 

There鈥檚 no tiptoeing around Barcelona鈥檚 other headlining stars, of course. Its stash of Modernista architecture is genuinely unmatched, and there鈥檚 much more to discover beyond the most famous wonders created by the great Antoni Gaud铆. You should absolutely experience top-tier Gaud铆 sights like Casa Batll贸, with its shimmering tile-studded walls that feel almost like rolling waves; La Pedrera, whose spectacular rooftop bursts with chimney pots designed to look like medieval knights; and La Sagrada Fam铆lia, a seriously breathtaking living monument that might finally be completed in 2026. Meanwhile, Barcelona鈥檚 old historic center 鈥� the Barri G貌tic 鈥� is a medieval fantasy with still-visible Roman roots, hushed shady squares and an unmissable spire-topped cathedral.  

Whenever you鈥檙e here, don鈥檛 miss the lesser-known Modernista jewels, like Gaud铆鈥檚 Casa Vicens (a marigold-tiled masterpiece hidden away on a Gr脿cia backstreet), the (a garden-style hospital created by Llu铆s Dom猫nech i Montaner) or the Pavellons G眉ell, where a wrought-iron Gaud铆-designed dragon roars from a monumental gateway in the quiet Pedralbes district. Better yet, uncover Barcelona鈥檚 Modernisme scene on an expert-guided, off-the-beaten-track tour with or . 

Spain鈥檚 capital is rightly respected for its many superb galleries (who doesn鈥檛 love the Prado?), but Barcelona has a long history of creativity and easily holds its own among Europe鈥檚 great art cities. Start with the exquisite , whose sharp design plays with flowing city panoramas and floods of Mediterranean light. Then pop next-door to the to wander past vivid Romanesque frescoes rescued from remote-Catalonia churches, or take in the curious collection of the , housed across several sensitively restored medieval mansions in El Born. Save time too for smaller, more offbeat galleries such as the , devoted to contemporary Catalan art over in the cool Poblenou neighbourhood. The city鈥檚 thriving crafts scene also goes back centuries and today lives on in small-scale shops and artisan studios specializing in everything from ceramics to basketry, especially around El Born, Barri G貌tic and Gr脿cia. 

Indeed, much of Barcelona鈥檚 entrancing personality lies in its rich and distinctive cultural heritage, arguably best discovered by catching one of its many fabulous festivals. During events like the winter-time Festes de Santa Eul脿lia or in September, streets and squares all over the city morph into open-air stages where colorful gegants (papier-mache giants) dance, castellers scramble to create astonishing human towers and correfocs (fire-runs) light up the night with fireworks. 

Barcelona鈥檚 wondrous food scene needs no introduction 鈥� it鈥檚 undoubtedly one of Europe鈥檚 finest. A strong Catalan culinary heritage shines everywhere from relaxed corner spots serving classic dishes such as escalivada (smoky grilled vegetables), to intensely creative, art-worthy cuisine at the likes of triple-Michelin-starred . Terrific markets dotted all over the city play a key role. Each barri (neighbourhood) has at least one market crammed with local olive oil, cheeses, fresh veg and other goodies; I often pop into Gr脿cia鈥檚 Mercat de la Llibertat (another Modernista delight) to pick up ingredients. Then there鈥檚 the thriving international-food scene 鈥� thanks to its multicultural community, Barcelona also has some of Spain鈥檚 most exciting global kitchens, from innovative sushi counters to tip-top taco bars. And I haven鈥檛 even mentioned the city鈥檚 prize-winning cocktail bars yet.

Madrid-lovers are also bound to rave about the deservedly beloved Parque del Buen Retiro, but Barcelona has its own on-the-doorstep green haven in the wilder Parc Natural de Collserola. This vast, protected expanse of pine-covered hills bursts with hiking trails and has rolling urban views to rival those of famous , all particularly magical around sunset. Back in the city center, lovely Parc de la Ciutadella is the place for leisurely strolls under rustling palms. 

So spend a few days getting to know Catalonia鈥檚 soul-stirring capital well beyond its most celebrated sights and it鈥檚 bound to pull you back for years, just like so many others. I鈥檒l see you on that sunny square sometime. 

Marvel at Madrid's historic and cultural sites

糖心传媒 writer Natalia Diaz is a co-author of the latest 糖心传媒 . Read her 糖心传媒 articles focused on food and practical travel tips around Spain here.

As someone with roots in Spain鈥檚 two famous rival cities (I have family in Barcelona but choose to live in Madrid), I am often asked the quintessential question: which city is better? To this, I always reply that Madrid and Barcelona are like two sisters with distinct personalities. One (Barcelona) is notably more popular, visually dramatic, and impossible to ignore, while the other (Madrid) is quietly consident with a classical style and an edgy old soul, and a social battery that can last past sunrise.

There鈥檚 a saying here, 鈥淒e Madrid al cielo, y en el cielo, un agujerito para verlo鈥� (From Madrid to heaven, and from heaven, a little hole to see it鈥�.) In Madrid, the cultural experiences seem limitless: historic landmarks, lively barrios (neighborhoods), culinary corners to explore, and an inexhaustible nightlife. 

While there are must-visit sights like the city鈥檚 grand town square, Plaza Mayor, and the Parque del Buen Retiro, the massive 292-acre park that was once the exclusive grounds of the Spanish aristocracy, there are head-scratching surprises like the Templo de Debod, an actual 2200 year old Egyptian temple sitting in central Madrid (and one of the best spots to watch the sunset).

For history buffs, Madrid was, in its previous reincarnation, the (Arabic for 鈥�plenty of waterways鈥�), founded  in the 9th century on the banks of the Manzanares River as a fortress to defend the former Islamic empire Al-Andalus from Christian armies. Today, the Royal Palace of Madrid and Almudena Cathedral stand on that strategic hilltop 鈥� this is a great place to embark on a relaxed walking tour. The adjacent Plaza de la Almudena across the cathedral offers sweeping panoramic views of the city. Explore the nearby neo-classical Sabatini Gardens, and walk along the Segovia Viaduct where, on a clear day, you can see the snow-capped Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range in the northwest. This leads you into the heart of Madrid鈥檚 historic neighbourhood La Latina, once Madrid鈥檚 moreria, or Moorish neighborhood that鈥檚 a photogenic maze of cobblestone streets, vibrant plazas, and host to a 500-year old flea market El Rastro.

Art lovers should pay homage to the Golden Triangle of Art, where you can spend days roaming the galleries of the iconic Museo del Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums. Spanish masterpieces from Vel谩zquez, Dali to Picasso as well as treasures from every movement are on display, offering an unparalleled journey through centuries of artistic history. 

Beyond these grand temples of art, there are a host of smaller, fascinating and to discover. Many of Madrid鈥檚 barrios exude an unquenchable creative spirit, such as 尝补惫补辫颈茅蝉, where urban street art adorns its narrow streets, and Carabanchel, which has emerged as a , as former industrial spaces have been transformed into creative hubs and artists鈥� workshops. 

Ah, and let鈥檚 dive into the food! Over the last decade, Madrid鈥檚 gastronomic scene has exploded into a Michelin-starred universe, influenced by an increasingly diverse population and creative Michelin-awarded chefs topping the World鈥檚 Best lists, embracing experimentation while still respecting the roots of Spanish cuisine. Try the two-star for a fusion of Spanish, Japanese and Mexican food cooked in full view of diners, or the one-star for what is considered by many to be the best sushi in the city.

Or cozy up in one of the city's centenarios, establishments over one hundred years old, like , recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest restaurant. It once counted Hemingway (who mentioned it in The Sun Also Rises) and Francisco Goya (who worked there as a dishwasher before his painting career) among its famous patrons.

Alternatively, you can find incredible local produce at Madrid's mercados (markets). Try Mercado de San Miguel to taste all sorts of delicious gourmet food with stalls specializing in seafood, cheese, charcuterie and lots more. Or head to La Latina for a tapas crawl of some of the city's best and most authentic bars.

The one thing Madrid famously does not have is a beach, unlike Barcelona. But you could argue that has helped the city maintain a more balanced tourism environment with fewer seasonal tourists, weekend city breakers, or cruise crowds, allowing visitors to experience a more authentic Spanish cultural immersion. We do have beautiful parks, though, and on a summer's day, before noon, there's no more relaxing experience than floating around Parque del Buen Retiro's lake on a rowboat.