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

Should you visit Auxerre or Barcelona?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auxerre and Barcelona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a authentic, under-rated, and undiscovered town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for food and museums.

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, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Auxerre and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auxerre or Barcelona?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Barcelona than Auxerre, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Barcelona is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre is more popular for its small town charm. Barcelona is more touristy than Auxerre 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. Auxerre is well known for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Auxerre different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Barcelona is great for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

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

Barcelona is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Barcelona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Auxerre offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Auxerre or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination 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.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Auxerre or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Auxerre 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.

Auxerre is not a live music destination.

Is Auxerre or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Barcelona to enjoy the beach. 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.

Auxerre is not a beach destination.

Is Auxerre or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is great for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

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.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Auxerre or Barcelona?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Auxerre or Barcelona Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Auxerre or Barcelona.

Auxerre offers lots of family activities. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Barcelona is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Auxerre or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Both Auxerre and Barcelona are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Auxerre is a good town for couples to visit. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

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 Auxerre or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination 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.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.

Is Auxerre or Barcelona Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Auxerre is not popular with students.

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

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

The public transit in Barcelona can get you to most places easily. 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.

Auxerre has a few public transit options. There are buses around town.

Is Auxerre or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Auxerre is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable town. 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 Auxerre Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Auxerre?

How long in Auxerre or Barcelona?

Both Auxerre 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 Auxerre. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Auxerre, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

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

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

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

You'll find food and museums around the town of Auxerre. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Auxerre 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 Auxerre or Barcelona?

You'll find museums and food around the under-rated destination of Auxerre. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town 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 Auxerre or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the undiscovered town of Auxerre. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Auxerre or Barcelona?

Auxerre is a popular choice for travelers. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Auxerre or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Auxerre 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 Auxerre 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 Auxerre or Barcelona in the Summer?

Both Barcelona and Auxerre during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Auxerre for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Barcelona in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Auxerre is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Auxerre in July average around 19°C (66°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 Auxerre. In the summer, Auxerre often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Auxerre gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

Auxerre usually gets more rain in July than Barcelona. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auxerre or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Auxerre and Barcelona. Many visitors come to Auxerre in the autumn for the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, most visitors come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Auxerre is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Auxerre average around 13°C (55°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Auxerre usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Auxerre gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Auxerre usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Auxerre or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Auxerre as well as Barcelona. Most visitors come to Auxerre for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Auxerre can be very cold during winter. Auxerre is much colder than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Auxerre averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Auxerre often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Auxerre gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.

Auxerre usually gets more rain in January than Barcelona. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auxerre or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Auxerre are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town charm. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In the spring, Auxerre is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Auxerre in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. Auxerre usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Auxerre gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Auxerre usually receives around the same amount of rain as Barcelona. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Auxerre