Conscious Cuban

When I travel, food is usually at the top of my list, but Spain has so much more to offer beyond its culinary delights! While summer is often seen as the best time to visit Europe, I was pleasantly surprised by how vibrant Spain felt during the winter months.

In 2022, I spent a week in Spain to celebrate my 28th birthday, which meant exploring Madrid and Barcelona in February. Fortunately, the weather was much milder compared to Denver, where I was living at the time. Temperatures ranged from the high 50s to 60s during the day, with a mix of sunshine and overcast skies, making the entire trip even more enjoyable.

I thought I’d share a quick rundown of things I did during my trip to Spain. Whether you’re planning a visit to Madrid or Barcelona, this guide will give you a glimpse of what to do, where to go, and a few helpful tips along the way.

What you’ll find ahead…

• Madrid vs Barcelona
• How much Spanish do you need?
• Must-try Spanish Dishes
• Getting around
• Top Things to do in Madrid
• Top Things to do in Barcelona
• Safety Tips

Madrid vs. Barcelona: Two Must-See Cities

On my trip to Spain, I decided to visit both Madrid and Barcelona. If you’re traveling all that way, why not explore two incredible cities? They’re so different, and I’m glad I got to experience both.

• Madrid feels a lot like New York City, but with friendlier locals and cleaner public transport. It’s the heart of culture and nightlife.
• Barcelona, on the other hand, has a laid-back, youthful vibe with a dash of rebellion— it doesn’t care what you think, and that’s what makes it cool.

Both cities have their unique charm, and they complement each other perfectly! We book rountrip train tickets from Madrid and it was an easy and effortless journey.

Do You Need to Speak Spanish?

I used this trip to brush up on my Spanish (it’s my native language after all!) but if you don’t speak the language, no worries! There’s no need to download Duolingo just for this trip although knowing the basics shows appreciation for the locals.

You’ll find that most menus and signs include English translations, and many locals—especially in tourist areas—know enough English to help. However, always remember to be polite and respectful. Not everyone is obligated to speak English, and a little kindness goes a long way.

Spanish Food: Is It Really Boring?

I’ve seen some discourse online about Spanish food being bland, but I totally disagree! Maybe I’m biased because Cuban cuisine has strong Spanish influences, but I savored every bite. Admittedly, Spain’s food isn’t as spicy or seasoned as Latin American or Asian cuisines, but dishes like croquetas, patatas bravas, and tortillas are still delicious.

Tip: Avoid touristy areas like La Gran Via in Madrid and Las Ramblas in Barcelona when choosing where to eat. The food there can be hit or miss. Also, if you’re craving spice, don’t expect to find it easily—Spain isn’t known for spicy food.

Check out my Vegan Food in Spain guide under the Food tab for all the plant-based recommendations!

Getting Around: Metro, Taxis, and Trains

If you’re on a budget, I highly recommend using the metro system. It’s clean, safe, and easy to navigate once you get the hang of buying a ticket. While we mostly walked, both Madrid and Barcelona have excellent public transportation and we had no issues using the metro.

Taxis are also a great option and much more affordable than in the U.S. The FreeNow app is super convenient—it’s like the European version of Uber or Lyft. For traveling between Madrid and Barcelona, we chose the AVE high-speed train, which took just two hours. If you book in advance, you can snag a good deal on tickets.

Top Things to Do in Madrid

If you want to see more from my trip, check out my Spain vlogs here. Now, let’s dive into the highlights!

• Temple of Debod: This ancient Egyptian temple was relocated to Madrid and sits in the beautiful Parque de La Montaña. Even though the line was too long for us to go inside, the views from the park were stunning.
• Reina Sofia Museum: A must for art lovers, this contemporary museum offers free admission on Sundays!
• Rooftop Bar Tour: This Airbnb experience was a blast! We visited several rooftop bars, enjoyed great drinks, and met other travelers. Our guide, Joseph, was fantastic—definitely recommend this for a fun night out.
• Paseo del Prado: Stroll along this main boulevard to admire the architecture, browse shops, and maybe pick up a souvenir.
• El Rastro: A massive open-air vintage market in La Latina. I found amazing vintage jewelry here, and it’s the perfect spot for unique gifts.
• Parque del Retiro: One of Madrid’s most popular parks, even in winter, it was beautiful. Wear comfortable shoes—it’s huge! Don’t miss the iconic Puerta de Alcalá at the entrance.
• Palacio de Cristal: This gorgeous glass structure inside Retiro Park is free to enter and features rotating exhibitions throughout the year. The exhibit we saw was breathtaking!

Must-See Spots in Barcelona

Barcelona is bursting with charm, history, and stunning views. Here are my top recommendations:

• Basilica Santa Maria del Mar: For incredible rooftop views, this church is a must-visit. We paid just €15 for access to the rooftop and the entire basilica—totally worth it!
• Park Güell: Yes, it’s touristy, but don’t skip this iconic park. Pro tip: buy your tickets online to avoid long lines, and visit early before it gets too crowded and hot. It was hot in February, it was amazing!
• Montjuïc Castle: This hilltop fortress offers breathtaking views of the city. It’s a bit of a trek to get there, but it’s well worth it. Shoutout to the local waiter who recommended it!
• Barceloneta Beach: Even though it was winter, we had a blast walking along the beach and grabbing a bite to eat. It’s also a great spot for photos.
• Gothic Quarter: My favorite part of Barcelona! The architecture reminded me of Havana but in much better condition. It was peaceful and quiet when we visited—an absolute gem.
• Arc de Triomf: History buffs will love this monument, and it’s a great photo op too. It’s also close to Parc de la Ciutadella, which we missed because we were too hungry—don’t make the same mistake!
• Sagrada Familia: I didn’t go inside, but just seeing this architectural marvel from the outside was enough. For the best view and photo op, head to the park right across the street—it’s quieter and less crowded.

Safety tips – be a smart tourist!

Just like any other city that attracks a lot of tourist, pickpocketing is alive and well especially in Barcelona. We were lucky enough to NOT encounter any issues but we stay vigilant with our belongings!

Don’t put anything valuable in your pockets while walking or using public transportation

Don’t leave your phone and bags unattended at restaurants

Do trust your gut, if something is too good to be true or someone is being too nice and it doesn’t feel right, make up an excuse and leave.

Final Thoughts: Spain, I’ll Be Back!

These are just a few of my highlights from Madrid and Barcelona, but there’s so much more to see and do. I definitely want to visit again, maybe different cities this time. Let me know if I missed anything—I’d love more reasons to return to this incredible country!