Should we go and visit Spain or Germany?

[Veritass]

On separate occasions, my wife and I have taken two-week vacations to England, France, and Italy. I know this is not enough time to see a country, and we only really saw the north of France and the north of Italy.

Anyway, for our next trip, we would like to either go to Spain (and Portugal?) or to Germany, but we don't know what to see in either place.

We went to Barcelona as part of a Mediterranean cruise once, and enjoyed that city. The problem is that I don't know enough about what I should go see in either country. Yes, I will go and get the Frommer's or Fodor's guides for these places and look through them, but I wanted to get other travelers' (or natives') opinions.

If you have traveled to either country, what did you most enjoy? What is overrated and can be avoided?

If you have lived in either country, what should I make sure I don't miss out seeing? What should I pass on?

I know that your first thought is to ask me what we like to do. We enjoy an eclectic mix, and we enjoy museums, historical sites, architecture, art, good food, theater, and music. We are less inclined to visit nature sites: for instance, we were mainly bored on the Alaska cruise.

Thanks in advance for any tips.

 

[GinandTonic]

Iberia. Better food. North or south depending on the season.

 

[Shekwan]

I would pick Spain, but avoid overly touristy areas often populated by lager louts and largley devoid of Spanish culture.

However apart from those areas Spain is a really nice country. The most impressive thing I saw whilst there was the Alhambra Moorish fortress in Granada. Amazing architectural and historical heritage.

I also find Spanish culture very appealing. Its an easy going and laid back atmosphere in most places (comapred to here anyways) and most restaurants and bars stay open really late, which I like as I'm more of a night person.

Dunno about Germany really. The only thing I've heard about the place consistently is that everywhere but Berlin seems somewhat old fashioned/slightly behind in pop culture. This is probably wrong though.

 

[alcal]

Ibiza! It's a must!

Everything else is just lame.

 

[Bill3000]

Choose the inherently superior country. Germany.

 

[Munch]

I've never been to Germany but have been to Spain many times. Stay away from tourist areas, perhaps Madrid is a good place to go if you want something more authentic. There's still plenty to see there. Also, get yourself some Jamon Iberico and some Chorizo (can't remember the best kinds but it's hard to go wrong) to take home if possible. If you're vegetarian you might not have a good time but I think that holds for Germany too!

Ibiza! It's a must!

Everything else is just lame.

Isn't that comment inconsistent with your signature?

 

[warpus]

I lived in Friesland for 3 years, and it was aight. Nothing too exciting to see there, though.

 

[Mirc]

We enjoy an eclectic mix

Both offer quite a lot of that!!

and we enjoy museums

Here, I'd say that Germany wins - although Spain clearly has its share of world-famous ones.

historical sites, architecture

Hmm... I'm not so sure here.

Spain has an uncountable medieval castles, antique ruins, grand 19th century buildings in bigger cities, mixes of European and Muslim architecture, and I could go on so much...

Spain has got places that will literally make me have a hard time breathing... until I get used to the awesomeness. Some places are breathtaking in so many ways.

However, I'm quite amazed by the old centers of German cities. I don't know about you, but for me there's something about them that makes them seem like a corner of urban paradise... See this for a small town example, I don't think a small town can get any closer to perfection. Also, since I mentioned it above, it would be a terrible mistake to believe that Germany doesn't have castles (for example, Neuschwanstein is pretty much the prototype of a "fairy-tale castle"). In the same time, German churches seem to be for me some of the most inspiring pieces of architecture I've ever seen (for example, I find this irreplaceable).

To be fair, Spain, France, Germany, Italy are the uncontested leaders of European historical architecture. So it's virtually impossible to compare them. It just... depends on what you want. Get to know the feel of both, and decide which one you like better. Search the Internet for pics, and follow your instinct.

art

Heh. I won't get into that, because if I do I'll keep trying to finish this post until tomorrow morning, when I'd still not be done with it.

Let's just say that right now I consider Spanish and German art the two most amazing kinds one can get, and there's no point in even trying to say which one is better.

good food

Spain probably wins here.

theater

I have no idea since I've never been to a theater in either Germany or Spain, but... is there any point to go to the theater in a country where you don't understand the language? There are all kinds of non-verbal theaters though, so I suppose that could work too. I'll just say I don't know because I've never experienced it.

music.

Unbelievably, you seem to be into exactly the same things as me.
I mean... Come on. I'm a musician who ultimately had to choose EXACTLY between Spain and Germany (going to study next year in a university abroad).

I... really don't know what to say here. I went with Germany, but really I could say so much about this topic that I'd have to give up sleep for a week just to finish writing this post. Do you prefer flamenco, or symphonic music? Obviously, I'm going for two extremes, and obviously those represent only a tiny part of the musical scene that is to be found in those two countries. But I... really don't know how to formulate this question without writing a 10-page introduction to what I'm actually trying to say.


I'm sorry that I sound exaggeratedly "in awe" of both those countries, but right now, they are both in my top 3 favorite countries I've ever been to. And it's just too amazing that I've had to make exactly this choice (only for a much longer time than you).


My opinion, in conclusion, is that there's only one way to settle this - go with your first impulse now, and come back some time later to visit the other one! There's really no way for me to pick one over the other. I'll just say one more thing - Germany is HUGELY underrated. I would really not know which one to pick if I had to visit only one. Therefore, the only solution is to visit them both.

 

[Riffraff]

Go to Spain.

Salamanca is the nicest town I've ever been to, Valencia is very awesome. The area around Sevilla is supposed to great aswell.

 

[BirraImperial]

Of the two countries, I've been mostly in Germany, so I might be a bit biased here. I love the old architecture, so I like old German towns and city centers.You can see a lot of castles along the Rhine and other rivers as well. I like cities such as Munich, Berlin, and Cologne, and small towns such as Monshau. I would stay out of tourist traps and such. If you like beer / wine, this would be a nice place to visit.
I don't know much about Spain, other than hanging around Barcelona and the Costa Brava with my drunken German colleagues. I would say stay out of tourist traps. I'm sure it's beautiful as well, I would love to visit Madrid.
Anyway, have a nice trip!

 

[suiraclaw]

To be fair, Spain, France, Germany, Italy are the uncontested leaders of European historical architecture.

Lies. Everybody knows there are tons of amazing architectural masterpieces in Belgium in a very small area (Bruges and area mainly, Ghent secondary)! Proof: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruges

/cough. Let's just say that any statement about architecture in Europe is highly personal and subjective.

 

[Mirc]

Lies. Everybody knows there are tons of amazing architectural masterpieces in Belgium in a very small area (Bruges and area mainly, Ghent secondary)! Proof: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruges

/cough. Let's just say that any statement about architecture in Europe is highly personal and subjective.

You are right. They are obviously subjective. Everything in my post has to be seen through a "IMO" filter! Including that bit that you quoted. Sorry for any confusion created by my wording.

 

[Supr49er]

Well I never been to Spain, But I kinda like the music.

They say Spain is pretty though Ive never been
Well Daniel says its the best place that hes ever seen

 

[jessiecat]

Nothing against Germany but it's Spain for me. I've going there for nearly 30 years and I haven't seen half of what I want to see. As mentioned before, you have to experience the Alhambra in Granada, La Mezquita in Cordoba, the Alcazar and Giralda Tower in Seville and the bridge and gorge at Ronda. Concentrate on the south if you've only got 2 weeks unless it's in August. (40-45C in Seville!). For me Spain is tops, for history, culture, art, food, wine, and people. (Ah, the women).

 

[Whomp]

I much preferred Spain over Germany for the reasons Jessiecat suggested. Alhambra and Ronda were amazing. Another benefit is you don't need to leave the PST zone. They like to go late so no need for jet lag.

Not to do: We rented a house for part of the time on the Costa del Sol which for a Californian is no big deal and definitely not up to California standards. Gilbraltar was a bit of a waste and the monkeys are annoying. Also, the Spaniards make it difficult to get back in the country.


Germany would be behind quite a few other European countries tbh...

 

[amadeus]

Ibiza! It's a must!

They want to see Spain, not drunken Britons.

 

[Formaldehyde]

OK. That was funny.

 

[Perfection]

No, you shouldn't.