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

Should you visit Barcelona or Kotor?

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 Kotor 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 laid-back, historic, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Kotor

Kotor is a scenic, beautiful, and charming coastal town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Barcelona and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Barcelona or Kotor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona. Although Barcelona and Kotor are both popular with visitors, Barcelona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Barcelona is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Kotor is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Barcelona is more touristy than Kotor and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also home to Basilica Sagrada Familia. Kotor is popular for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Barcelona different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kotor 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 Kotor?

Barcelona is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor 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 Kotor have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Barcelona or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

People head to Barcelona just to party. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Barcelona or Kotor Better for Music?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for live music. However, Kotor is not a live music destination.

Barcelona is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Kotor is not a live music destination.

Is Barcelona or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a moderate coastal town for its resorts. However, Barcelona is not a resort destination.

Kotor has a few resort options worth checking out. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Barcelona is not a resort destination.

Is Barcelona or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a coastal town 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 Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Barcelona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Barcelona or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Both Barcelona and Kotor are considered to be good beach destinations.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Barcelona. 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.

Kotor offers a nice beach destination. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is Barcelona or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor 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 Kotor is one of the most recognized in the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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 Barcelona or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Around Kotor visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Barcelona or Kotor?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Barcelona or Kotor Better for Families?

Both Barcelona and Kotor are good to visit with kids.

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.

Kotor is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Barcelona or Kotor Better for Couples?

Kotor 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.

Kotor is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

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 Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Many backpackers visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Is Barcelona or Kotor Better for Students?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for students. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Barcelona is well known for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Barcelona can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Barcelona or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is renowned for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Barcelona?

How long in Barcelona or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Barcelona or Kotor. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

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

Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Kotor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

A weekend in Barcelona or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Barcelona or Kotor?

Barcelona is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Barcelona or Kotor?

Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Kotor is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Barcelona or Kotor?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Barcelona and Kotor. Many visitors come to Barcelona in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Barcelona is cooler than Kotor in the summer. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Barcelona usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Barcelona gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Kotor. Barcelona gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Barcelona or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Barcelona as well as Kotor. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kotor because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Barcelona is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Barcelona in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Kotor averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In the autumn, Barcelona often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Barcelona gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Barcelona usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Barcelona gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Barcelona or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Barcelona are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In January, Barcelona is generally much warmer than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 9°C (48°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Barcelona usually receives more sunshine than Kotor during winter. Barcelona gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In January, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Kotor. Barcelona gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Barcelona or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Barcelona during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Barcelona is cooler than Kotor in the spring. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. In the spring, Barcelona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Barcelona gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Barcelona usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Barcelona gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Barcelona