A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Almeria vs. Barcelona for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Backpackers

Should you visit Almeria or Barcelona?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Almeria and Barcelona. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Almeria

Almeria is a pristine, cultural, and historic region. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a cultural, friendly, and high energy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Almeria and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Almeria or Barcelona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Barcelona than Almeria. Barcelona is bigger than Almeria, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Barcelona is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Almeria is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Barcelona is more touristy than Almeria and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. Also, Barcelona is famous for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Almeria is well known for its stunning beaches that feel pristine despite their popularity.

How is Almeria different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Barcelona and Almeria. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Almeria or Barcelona?

Barcelona is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Barcelona. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Almeria or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Almeria is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Almeria have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is focused on local, fresh ingredients with many traditional recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Popular dishes change with the seasons because they rely so heavily on local produce. Particularly during the winter months you'll find hearty stews like patatas en ajopollo and gurullos con conejo, which is prepared with rabbit. Sardines are also popular year round.

Barcelona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

Is Almeria or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Barcelona is a world class party destination. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

If you're looking for night time activities Almeria has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife vibe is about enjoying a cold beer on a terrace with friends. The city has a laid back Mediterranean atmosphere and plenty of terraced bars along the main streets, particularly in old town. With mild temperatures year around, you'll find yourself spending time outside most evenings while you enjoy tapas and drinks with friends. Flamenco and bullfighting are also popular in the evenings.

Is Almeria or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Almeria is not a live music destination.

In Barcelona you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Almeria is not a live music destination.

Is Almeria or Barcelona Better for Resorts?

Almeria is renowned for its resorts. However, Barcelona is not a resort destination.

Almeria is a world class resort vacation destination. Stretched along the coastline you'll find many high end resorts with pools and nice atmospheres. There are all inclusive resorts as well as family-friendly and romantic options to choose from.

Barcelona is not a resort destination.

Is Almeria or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Almeria is renowned for its beaches. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beache.

Almeria is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Outside of town you'll find kilometers of stunning coastline and beaches. There are pristine natural beaches that still feel undiscovered with beautiful long stretches of sand. One of the biggest resort areas is Roquetas de Mar.

Barcelona offers a nice beach destination. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Is Almeria or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Almeria and Barcelona.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Almeria. The old town is at the cultural heart of the city. It has the most energy during the evenings, as well as many museums and sights worth visiting.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Is Almeria or Barcelona Better for Hiking?

Almeria is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Almeria is a popular spot for hiking. The area has stunning hikes that run along the coastline or into the beautiful interior countryside. For some of the area's best hikes head into Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.

Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Almeria or Barcelona?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. However, Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Barcelona is a world class destination for shoppers. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Almeria or Barcelona Better for Families?

Almeria is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Almeria is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has many beautiful beaches as well as waterparks, amusement parks, and fun activities like sailing and water sports. There's also a very impressive fort that the kids will enjoy exploring.

Barcelona is a family-friendly region. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Almeria or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Almeria is a well-known place for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Almeria is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nature lovers and beach enthusiasts will find this to be the perfect romantic getaway. There are many outdoor activities and places to immerse yourself in nature. A highlight of a trip is a visit to Crystal Cave.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Almeria or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Barcelona is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

Almeria is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's plenty of affordable accommodation to choose from as well as all kinds of activities that backpackers will enjoy. If you like nature and enjoy spending time outside, then this is your place.

Is Almeria or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for students. However, Almeria is not popular with students.

Barcelona is a very popular place to visit for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Almeria is not popular with students.

Is Almeria or Barcelona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Barcelona is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Barcelona. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

While Almeria offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are a number of bus lines that run through Almeria city and to Cabo de Gata.

Is Almeria or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Almeria and Barcelona both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Almeria is generally not very walkable. While there are many beautiful walks in the area, if you want to truly explore, you'll likely want to have access to a car.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable region. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

For even more information, also check out Is Almeria Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Almeria?

How long in Almeria or Barcelona?

Both Almeria and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Almeria. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Almeria, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

Families should spend more time in Almeria than Barcelona. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Almeria, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Almeria than Barcelona. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Almeria that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Barcelona than Almeria if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Barcelona.

One day in Almeria or Barcelona?

You'll find nightlife and food around the region of Almeria. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Almeria has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Almeria or Barcelona?

You'll find food and nightlife around the breathtaking destination of Almeria. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Almeria or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the breathtaking region of Almeria. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Barcelona is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Barcelona has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Almeria or Barcelona?

Almeria is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Almeria and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. And not only is Almeria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Almeria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Almeria and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona than you might in Almeria.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Almeria Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Almeria or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Almeria. When comparing the sizes of Almeria and Barcelona, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Almeria or Barcelona?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Almeria or Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Almeria and Barcelona. Most visitors come to Almeria for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Almeria is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Almeria in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In Almeria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Almeria usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Almeria gets 343 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Almeria usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Almeria gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Almeria or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Almeria as well as Barcelona. The autumn months attract visitors to Almeria because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In October, Almeria is generally a little warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Almeria average around 20°C (68°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Almeria this time of the year. In the autumn, Almeria often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Almeria gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Almeria usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Almeria gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Almeria or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Almeria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The cuisine are the main draw to Almeria this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Almeria is a little warmer than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Almeria averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Almeria usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Almeria gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Almeria usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Almeria gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Almeria or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Almeria during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Almeria for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Barcelona in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Almeria is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Almeria in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Almeria. In the spring, Almeria often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Almeria gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Almeria usually gets less rain in April than Barcelona. Almeria gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Almeria