A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Barcelona for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Athens 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 Athens 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.

Athens

Athens is a historic, ancient, and vibrant city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Athens is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Athens travel costs.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a historic, cultural, and friendly 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.

Athens and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Barcelona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Barcelona than Athens. Barcelona is bigger than Athens, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Barcelona is better known for its music, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Athens is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and historical sights. Barcelona is more touristy than Athens and is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. Also, Barcelona is famous for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Athens is well known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy.

How is Athens different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Athens that are not to be missed. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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.

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

Athens 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 Athens have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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 Athens or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is fantastic in both Athens and Barcelona.

The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

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.

Is Athens or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Athens is not a live music destination.

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

Athens is not a live music destination.

Is Athens or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a good destination for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

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.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Athens is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The old town of Athens is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

There are many historical things to see 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 the Shopping Better in Athens or Barcelona?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Barcelona specifically to go shopping. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Barcelona More Beautiful?

Barcelona is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Barcelona attracts visitors from all around. The city offers many nice viewpoints that look down on the skyline from the surrounding hills. There are also nice parks and interesting architecture.

Athens is a gorgeous place to visit. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.

Is Athens or Barcelona Better for Families?

Athens 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.

Athens is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Barcelona is a family-friendly city. 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 Athens or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Athens and Barcelona both notable destinations for a couple.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Barcelona is a nice destination for couples. 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 Athens or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Athens and Barcelona are fantastic places to visit.

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Barcelona is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Is Athens or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Athens is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

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

Athens and Barcelona both offer very good public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit in Barcelona is fairly effecient and thorough. 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 Athens or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Athens is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Athens is very walkable. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Athens?

How long in Athens or Barcelona?

Both Athens and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Athens or Barcelona?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Barcelona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Barcelona?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Barcelona is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Barcelona?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Barcelona?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the laid-back big city of Barcelona. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, 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 Athens and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Athens would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Athens 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 Athens.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Barcelona?

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

Both Barcelona and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, 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, Athens is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Barcelona. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Barcelona. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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, Athens is generally a little warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Barcelona. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Athens is a little warmer than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Barcelona. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Athens is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Athens