Barcelona is much more beautiful. It's much older (founded by the Romans) and has impressive architecture from all ages, especially Roma, Gothic and Art Nouveau, even if Madrid has better museus, more and larger parks, better night life and is not unbearably full of tourists like Barcelona.

Barcelona is the best looking city. It has the sea, the hills and the medieval buildings which Madrid does not.

Just Google them and compare the pretty pictures.

The area around Madrid is much more interesting than the area around Barcelona. Both suffer from ugly urban sprawl.

They are both beautiful...depends what YOU like.

Madrid is very 18th century...when it was in its building heyday. Barcelona is very much early 20th.

Barcelona has long been a mecca for artists, and there is more (modern) art in the city. Barcelona also hosted an Olympics not too long ago, and has art/remnants from that, and there's a beach. If you're interested in a beach, that's probably going to attract you more. If you're not as interested in beach, then Madrid is probably your thing.

Really depends what YOU are into.

Barcelona is prettier, both its setting by the bay and its architecture. Madrid's setting is nothing special, and most of Madrid's architecture is unattractive modern buildings with a few old buildings here and there. Seville is more beautiful than either.

I would say Barcelona, based on architecture and art. Barcelona is also on the cost, so there are many beaches. It is a much older city, and you can see architecture and art from the Roman Empire to Modern Times.

I love the fortified encampment of Avila which take about an hour from Madrid by road or rail.

you tell me :D