A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. Barcelona for Nightlife, Music, Beaches, and Backpackers

Should you visit Antalya or Barcelona?

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

Should I visit Antalya or Barcelona? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Antalya

Antalya is a relaxing, luxurious, and historic vacation spot. Antalya is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Antalya travel costs.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a youthful, colorful, and laid-back city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Barcelona attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Barcelona travel costs.

Antalya and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Barcelona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Barcelona than Antalya. Barcelona is bigger than Antalya, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Barcelona is better known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Antalya is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Antalya is well known for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. Barcelona is well known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. Also, Barcelona is famous for Basilica Sagrada Familia.

How is Antalya different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Barcelona and Antalya.

Antalya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Many visitors head to Barcelona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Antalya and Barcelona can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Antalya has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Barcelona makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Antalya or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Barcelona has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Antalya is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

Is Antalya or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for live music.

Barcelona has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Is Antalya or Barcelona Better for Resorts?

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

Antalya is a world class resort vacation destination. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Barcelona is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Barcelona Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a vacation spot with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Barcelona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Barcelona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

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

Antalya is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

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 Antalya or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Antalya and Barcelona.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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 Antalya or Barcelona Better for Hiking?

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

Antalya is a popular spot for hiking. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Barcelona?

Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Antalya and Barcelona.

Many people travel to Antalya specifically to go shopping. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

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

Is Antalya or Barcelona More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of excellent scenery and beauty in both Antalya and Barcelona.

With stunning beauty, Antalya attracts visitors from all around. It is a beautiful city with historic buildings and stunning beaches.

Barcelona is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city offers many nice viewpoints that look down on the skyline from the surrounding hills. There are also nice parks and interesting architecture.

Is Antalya or Barcelona Better for Families?

Antalya 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.

Antalya is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Barcelona is a family-friendly vacation spot. 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 Antalya or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Antalya 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.

Antalya is a very popular place to visit for couples. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

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 Antalya or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Barcelona, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

Is Antalya or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Antalya is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Barcelona. 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.

Antalya is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Antalya and Barcelona.

Antalya offers a very effecient public transportation network. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation 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.

Is Antalya or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Antalya is a vacation spot with good options for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable vacation spot. 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 Antalya Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Barcelona?

Both Antalya 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 Antalya. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Barcelona than Antalya 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 Antalya or Barcelona?

You'll find shopping and museums around the vacation spot of Antalya. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. 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 Antalya or Barcelona?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Antalya. 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 vacation spot has to offer. This vacation spot 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 Antalya or Barcelona?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the high energy vacation spot of Antalya. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this vacation spot makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this vacation spot has to offer.

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 Antalya or Barcelona?

Antalya 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antalya and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. And not only is Antalya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Antalya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antalya 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 Antalya.

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

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Antalya. When comparing the sizes of Antalya 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 Antalya or Barcelona?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antalya or Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Barcelona. Many visitors come to Antalya in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Antalya is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Antalya in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the summer, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets less rain in July than Barcelona. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Antalya for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 21°C (69°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Antalya usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antalya or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Antalya during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Antalya because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

Antalya is a little warmer than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually gets more rain in January than Barcelona. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Barcelona. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Antalya is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antalya in April average around 16°C (62°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antalya usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Antalya