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

Should you visit Barcelona or Hvar?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Barcelona and Hvar can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a high energy, youthful, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hvar

Hvar is a vibrant, energetic, and party-oriented island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Barcelona and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Barcelona or Hvar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Barcelona. Although Barcelona and Hvar are popular destinations, Barcelona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Barcelona is very popular for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Hvar attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Barcelona is famous for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also well known for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Hvar is famous for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine.

How is Barcelona different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Barcelona is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Barcelona and Hvar.

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.

Hvar has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Barcelona or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Both Barcelona and Hvar are world-class when it comes to partying.

Barcelona is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Hvar has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

Is Barcelona or Hvar Better for Music?

Barcelona is renowned for its live music scene. However, Hvar is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Barcelona Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Hvar is not a live music destination.

Is Barcelona or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a island 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 Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Barcelona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Barcelona or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beache.

The beaches at Hvar attract visitors from all over. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

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 Barcelona or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is notable for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Barcelona is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Barcelona or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a island with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Hvar. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Barcelona or Hvar?

Barcelona is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Barcelona make it a world-class shopping destination. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Barcelona or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar 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.

Hvar is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a 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 Barcelona or Hvar Better for Couples?

Hvar 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.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

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 Barcelona or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Barcelona and Hvar are world-class destinations for backpackers.

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.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Hvar is extremely popular for backpackers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

Is Barcelona or Hvar Better for Students?

Barcelona is renowned for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

Barcelona is a very popular city 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.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Barcelona is notable for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Barcelona can get you to some 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.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Barcelona or Hvar a more walkable city?

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

Hvar is somewhat walkable. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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 Barcelona Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Barcelona?

How long in Barcelona or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Barcelona or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Barcelona due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Barcelona, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

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

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

Barcelona is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Hvar. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A weekend in Barcelona or Hvar?

Barcelona is a fun place to experience. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the energetic destination of Hvar. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Barcelona or Hvar?

Barcelona is a historic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the party-oriented island of Hvar. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Barcelona or Hvar?

Barcelona is a cultural city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Hvar is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Barcelona or Hvar?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 430 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona and Hvar, 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 Barcelona or Hvar?

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 Barcelona or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Barcelona are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In the summer, Barcelona is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Barcelona in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Hvar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. Barcelona usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Barcelona gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Hvar. Barcelona gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Barcelona or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Barcelona during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Barcelona is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 17°C (63°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Barcelona often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Barcelona gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Barcelona usually gets more rain in October than Hvar. Barcelona gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Barcelona or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Barcelona and Hvar. Many travelers come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hvar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Barcelona is around the same temperature as Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Barcelona usually receives more sunshine than Hvar during winter. Barcelona gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Hvar. Barcelona gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Barcelona or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Barcelona as well as Hvar. Many visitors come to Barcelona in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Barcelona is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Barcelona in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Hvar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In the spring, Barcelona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Barcelona gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Barcelona usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Barcelona gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Barcelona