Madrid and Barcelona are two wonderful Spanish cities popular amongst tourists and business travellers alike. The rivalry between the two cities stems from Madrid being the home of the Spanish Royal Family, with Barcelona (and Catalonia) being a region with its own culture, identity, and traditions. Both Madrid and Barcelona are amazing cities to visit, but which is ultimately the best city in Spain?
Business/Economy
Being the capital of Spain, the Madrid economy is the largest in the country with a GDP of €133 billion. The economy in the Spanish capital is largely service based, accounting for 85.9% of value added, with the industrial and construction sectors in Madrid contributing to 7.9% and 6.1% respectively. Madrid is the financial capital of Spain and one of the leading financial centres in Western Europe. The city has an innovative technology industry and is home to 30 research centres and 17 universities. Madrid is also home to several multi-national organisations including Iberia and Telefonica. Barcelona has the second largest economy in Spain, with the Catalonian capital having a GDP of €110 billion. Tourism is vital to the economy, with Barcelona receiving over 19 million visitors annually. Consequently, the service industry in the form of hotels, bars and restaurants contributes significantly. The Port of Barcelona is a principal European trading port and is also the busiest passenger port in Europe. Barcelona has a diversified industry which accounts for 19.3% of value added.
Ultimately, although both cities are favoured destinations for business travellers, Madrid has a higher GDP!
Verdict: Madrid
Sights
With there being so much to see in both Madrid and Barcelona this is a very difficult category to conclude. Madrid is home to the impressive Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of the Royal Family. The Spanish capital is famed for its elegant boulevards and the Plaza Major at the heart of Madrid. Museo Nacional del Prado displays work by Goya, Velázquez, and other renowned Spanish artists, whilst the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, is a must for football lovers. Puerta de Alcalá, a neoclassical gateway on the Plaza Independencia leads to the picturesque Buen Retiro Park. Barcelona is famed for unique art and modernist architecture, with many iconic sights designed by Antoni Gaudi. La Sagrada Familia basilica is a Gaudi masterpiece, with Casa Milà, Casa Batlló and the sculptural buildings in Park Güell other impressive sights in Barcelona crafted by the Spanish architect. The charming Gothic Quarter and bustling La Rambla street are popular amongst visitors, as is the famous Camp Nou stadium.
Although Madrid is a great city with many impressive sights, the combination of extraordinary Gaudi architecture and beautiful coastline in Barcelona is unbeatable.
Verdict: Barcelona
Culture
Being the capital of Spain, Madrid is rich in Spanish culture and traditions. The city is renowned for its historical buildings, renaissance, and contemporary art museums, and is home to the Spanish Royal Family. Many buildings in the capital represent Spanish culture and reflect the history of the country. The Museo Nacional del Prado is also regarded as having one of the finest displays of European art, whilst Madrid showcases the very best of Spanish culture from tapas bars to flamenco dancing. Barcelona has a proud Catalan heritage, with the cultural roots of the city dating back over 2,000 years. During the Franco dictatorship from 1939 to 1975, Catalan culture was very much repressed in the region. However, following the transition to democracy, Barcelona has seen a revival of Catalan tradition, with the Catalan language widely spoken in the city and several past works restored. The Modernisme architecture by Antoni Gaudi is one of the most famed parts of local heritage. Barcelona has embraced both Catalan and Spanish culture, with both languages widely spoken.
Ultimately, the stunning Gaudi architecture and multi-culturalism in Barcelona is enough for victory.
Verdict: Barcelona
Football
Real Madrid and Barcelona are two of the most successful teams in world football. The match between them, El Clásico as it is dubbed in Spain, is amongst one of the most famous derbies in the world. The rivalry between the two sides is so intense that in 2002, Luis Figo, a Barcelona fan favourite who left to join Real Madrid two years earlier, was pelted by a pig’s head on his return to Camp Nou! When it comes to separating the two sides it is very difficult. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have seen periods of domination, with the best players to have played the game having represented either club. Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Alfredo di Stéfano are amongst the most famous players to have represented Real Madrid, whilst Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Johan Cruyff all starred for Barcelona.
Ultimately, despite Barcelona having won 31 Copa Del Rey titles, 12 more than rivals Real Madrid, it must be declared that the side from the Spanish capital are the most successful club. Los Blancos have collected 34 La Liga titles and have won the European Cup a record 13 times.
Verdict: Madrid
Food/Dining
Spanish cuisine is world famous, and what better place to experience these culinary delights than the capital? Madrid has an abundance of restaurants serving Spanish cuisine alongside local favorites including Cocido Madrileño, a chickpea-based stew, Callos a la Madrileña, lamb tripe, and even grilled pig's ear! Madrid is home to several tapas bars and restaurants which serve the national dish, paella. Business travellers should head to the neighbourhoods of Malasana and Chueca when visiting Madrid. Barcelona has its own unique Catalan cuisine, with dishes including Escalivada, Escudella amb Carn D’olla, a traditional Catalan strew, and Bocadillo popular in the region. Business travellers should try Fideua, a Catalan take on the traditional Spanish paella which contains noodles instead of rice. No meal in Barcelona is complete without tasting the famous dessert of the region, Crema Catalana. The Gothic Quarter’s medieval streets are packed with tapas bars and traditional restaurants. Ultimately, this category is arguably the most difficult to reach a conclusion.
Both Madrid and Barcelona have a splendid food scene, with both offering many wonderful dishes and top-quality restaurants. However, Barcelona gets the nod due to its Catalan cuisine that is unique to the region.
Verdict: Barcelona
When it comes to deciding whether Madrid or Barcelona is the best city in Spain it is a really tough decision. Our categories determine Barcelona as the overall winner, but Madrid is equally as amazing. Relaxing with a Mahou in Madrid, or an Estrella Damm in Barcelona offers the perfect end to a working day. Ahead of visiting Spain, be sure to check our range of serviced apartments in Madrid and Barcelona.
