Where and what in Spain?

Question

I am going to Europe over the summer with my family and I think I've decided to go to Spain, because I've taken two years of Spanish and think it'd be fun to attempt the language in a spanish-speaking country. If I do go to Spain, should I go to Barcelona or Madrid, or somewhere else entirely? Also, what should I see?

Answer 1

The Spanish that is spoken in Barcelona is very different from the Spanish that you've probably been learning. Even the signs are harder to understand because they've got a little French mixed in with them. However, Barcelona is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. The architecture there is so unique and strange, even if you don't normally pay attention to buildings you will notice the fascinating cathedrals and old houses. The street performers are always interesting, too, but they don't let you take pictures of them unless you pay them. As always...beware of pickpockets!

Answer 2

If you want to try using your Spanish, Madrid is a better bet. There is plenty to do around Madrid including day trip to Toledo but if you have time I would spend a few days in Madrid and then head south to Seville, Cordoba and Granada (they are all relatively close together) You can take the high speed train to Cordoba and Seville and that's a prety cool ride the train goes almost 200 miles per hour.

Barcelona is in Catalonia and they are a proud about their hertitage and speak Catalan as well as Spanish. That's not to say I didn't meet some really nice people in Barcelona but would say Madrid is much more open and freindly to visitors and is the place to go on your first trip to Spain. Also, the Madrid and the south really personify "Spain" more so than Barcelona.

In Madrid would can enjoy just walking around the old center around the Puerta Del Sol and Plaza Mayor, visit the Palace and if you are into art the Prado, Reina Sofia. They also are supposed to have a good natural history Musuem with lots of Central and South American stuff haven't had a chance to get there yet. The last time in went to Spain I rented a car drove around the provinces boardering Mardid visiting Roman Ruins, Castles some cool nature type places, the city of Cuenca, went back to Toledo, folllowed the Don Quixote Trail with the WIndmills etc. which was very cool also.

Ps Yeah, Seville is very hot in the summer it's the hottest city in Europe -- were taking 100 degrees. But Granada is MUCH cooler because it's up near the mountians.

Answer 3

What should you see in Spain? That is impossible to answer, but here are some suggestions. The best way to see the most on your own pace is to rent a car. Start in Barcelona is the best since it is the most beautiful city in Europe.Buildings that Antonio Gaudy built, from apartment buildings to cathedral Sagrada Familia are so different that you won't see anything like it anywhere in the world. While you're there you should go to little town Figueras which is home of great painter Salvador Dali and visit his museum there, which is also unlike any other museum you'll ever see. Then from Barcelona go west through Zaragoza to Burgoss and south to Madrid and Toledo. I hope you have at least two weeks, and you'll have a lot of fun!!!

Answer 4

There is 4 places that you must consider: Barcelona , big city great night life , good food , museums but don't go if your holidays are on July or August too many tourist and you will not enjoy the real Barcelona , great months are May , September, October
Gijon, a small city in North Spain, GREAT FOOD cheap prices on Hotels and food wonderful landscapes, it's located beside the Ocean and surrounded by mountains
Sevilla, it have everything but don't go on summer it's too hot and be careful with your wallet
San Sebastian beautiful city in North Spain expensive but great food the french border is just 20 miles away and you can divide the visit between San Sebastian and Biarritz or Bayonne great cities in South France
Have a great trip

Answer 5

id definitely go to barcelona. i went there a few summers ago for 2 weeks and stayed 3 days in barcelona and it wasnt enough. i stayed in a hostel off las ramblas. do worry about understanding the language the people there are super helpful. definitely go to la sagrada familia and everything else to do with gaudi. make sure you go down to the costline where the port of barcelona is. the shoreline is gorgeous and if u like seeing the boats in the water its also great to see that. spend some time going down las ramblas b/c there are a lot of little shops. try to get any food off the sidestreets of las ramblas b/c it will be cheaper. stick with the metro in and around the city. honestly sometimes its fun to wonder around and get to know the city! enjoy!!!!!

Answer 6

Barcelona - explore the city's sights by day including Gaudi's masterpiece, the unfinished Sagrada Família Cathedral, and Parc Güell in the north. Or maybe visit the 98,000 seater Nou Camp stadium the home of Barcelona football club. See http://www.spain4uk.co.uk/places/barcelona.htm for more details

Answer 7

VIGO its beatiful but you might want to see barcelona and madrid to...you could stay in madrid and visit vigo on a train trip one day and then barcelona...make sure to visit el escorial