There’s no doubt that both Madrid and Barcelona are world-class destinations, offering a heady mix of activities, sights, shopping and lively nightlife.
Will you plump for the quintessentially Spanish experience of the former, or the off-the-wall Catalonian charm of the latter? Read on and decide for yourself
Madrid
Spain’s sprawling capital is slap bang in the centre of the country, and at nearly 650 metres above sea level, it’s one of Europe’s highest cities.
Madrid’s collision of ancient and modern is fascinating. Its collection of classic arts is hard to surpass and contrasts sharply with the bustling modernity of its inhabitants’ lifestyles.
Must see: The Museo del Prado houses one of Europe’s finest art collections and Picasso’s infamous Guernica resides at the Reina Sofia gallery.
Trace the city’s history via its buildings – the Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace and triumphal arches, and the Teatro Real date from the 16th, 18th and 19th centuries respectively.
There’s also Spain’s first skyscraper, the art nouveau Telefónica building.
Must do: Madrid’s a great place to shop, from the boutiques of Chuecha to the designer names of Salamanca.
On Sunday mornings visit the El Rastro flea market. Fans of the beautiful game should try to get tickets to see Real Madrid at the Bernabéu.
Escape the hubbub in Retiro Park, or if you’re not squeamish, check out a bullfight.
Nightlife: The Madrileños’ reputation for partying is justified – you can find somewhere still going well into the small hours any night of the week.
As well as the club scene, you can bar hop on the Plaza Mayor or in the lively Castellana and Cava Baja areas.
There are lots of dining options – try Botin, the oldest restaurant in Europe.
Accommodation: With more than 50,000 beds on offer, you’re spoilt for choice. Openings this year include Hotel de las Letras, a 103-room heritage property. See hoteldelasletras.com
Why not: Get a real taste of Spanish culture by visiting in February during the Caja flamenco festival.
Sample package: Inghams Short Breaks offers six properties in Madrid, ranging from two to five-star. Stay two nights at the four-star Hotel El Coloso from £274 per person, with British Airways flights from Gatwick, until November 3.
Barcelona
The jewel in Catalonia’s crown is its enviable location between the mountains and the sea. It’s also a cultural capital, with arts and architecture aplenty.
Whether your penchant is Picasso or you go gaga for Gaudí, Barcelona will be your bag. There’s a real buzz to this city – it’s busy, cosmopolitan, friendly and idiosyncratic.
Grab a table in a square, test out the tapas menu and let the atmosphere wash over you.
Must see: Gaudí’s modernist architecture – check out his iconic and the vibrant Parc Güell.
For a potted history of Spanish architecture, visit the Poble Espanyol, an open-air museum with 117 buildings replicating different styles.
The MACBA museum of contemporary art and the Museu Picasso will delight art lovers, while sports fans will enjoy the Olympic Park on Montjuïc hill.
Must do: Shop in the huge covered market, thronging with city folk buying their groceries.
Head to the beach and lie in the sun before cooling off with a beer in a waterfront bar on the Passeig Maritim.
Spend a few hours wandering through the different areas of the city – compare the winding streets of the Barri Gòtic to the wide boulevards of the town-planned Eixample. Hire a scooter to speed things up.
Nightlife: Few cities can compete with Barcelona after dark. There’s a bar on every corner, restaurants for every budget and a wide range of clubs. Treat yourself to dinner at the Michelin-starred Alkimia, which produces Catalan cuisine with a twist.
Accommodation: There are more than 300 hotels to choose from. New openings in 2008 include the stylish and centrally located boutique Hotel Murmuri. See murmuri.com.
Why not: Visit in September for La Mercè, a festival for the city’s patron saint. There are fireworks and correfoc – fire-breathing dragons.
Sample package: Kirker Holidays offers three nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Gran Hotel Havana including flights from Gatwick and private transfers, from £508.
