Hello GalwayGal,

Both these cities offer excellent shopping oportunities. I would look into the flight details and select the one which gets you there with the least amount of hassels.

ENJOY!

Good thought JohnnyB.

Make getting to the shopping as easy as possible. As far as getting around in the city once you are there, I think it's a toss-up. Madrid has an upscale area that I never shop, but it's a hike from the other shopping.

The Passeig de Gracia in Barcelona is full of the same kind of upscale shopping and isn't that far from more everyday shopping. Correct me if I am wrong, Lynda.

Also, JohnnyB, TA wants Robert to be Local Expert for Madrid, but they can't reach him by email. Are you any help on that?

Thanks everyone, I'll check out the flights and see which is more convenient

Thanks everyone. I have checked flight details and it seems that flights are cheaper into Madrid but I dont mind paying the extra if Barcelona is better for what we are looking for.

My ex-wife (not her again!) is one of two people I know who have visited both cities relatively recently. Both of them say they preferred Barcelona but Simon wouldn't know Cacharel from M&S. My ex, however, knows a label when she sees one, and she reckons she enjoyed shopping in Barca more.

For my part, I think Barcelona is wonderful. If Europe ever needs a capital city, my vote will go to Catalunya.