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

Should you visit Barcelona or La Spezia?

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 La Spezia 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 colorful, laid-back, and historic 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. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

La Spezia

La Spezia is a convenient, cultural, and lively town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Barcelona and La Spezia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Basilica Sagrada Familia
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Barcelona or La Spezia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona than La Spezia. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Barcelona is more touristy than La Spezia and is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also well known for Basilica Sagrada Familia. La Spezia is famous for being the gateway to Cinque Terre.

How is Barcelona different from La Spezia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Barcelona
La Spezia

Barcelona is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, La Spezia is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

La Spezia offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The highlight of the area is the surrounding natural beauty, but in town you can visit the Maritime Museum, The castle of San Giorgio, and The Amedeo Lia Art Museum.


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

Barcelona
La Spezia

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Barcelona and La Spezia.

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.

La Spezia has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town has many local flavors that incorporate seafood and other local ingredients. Focaccia is popular, as is Farinata, which is a chickpea flour pancake. Anchovies and mussels are also common ingredients.

Is Barcelona or La Spezia Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona
La Spezia

Barcelona is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Barcelona is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

La Spezia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find more bars and clubs around town than you do in the smaller nearby towns. Some people head into La Spezia for the evening to grab a drink and socialize.

Is Barcelona or La Spezia Better for Music?

Barcelona
La Spezia

Barcelona is very popular for its live music scene. However, La Spezia is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Barcelona. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

La Spezia is not a live music destination.


Is Barcelona or La Spezia Better for Beaches?

Barcelona
La Spezia

Both Barcelona and La Spezia are considered to be nice 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.

La Spezia offers a nice beach destination. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.

Is Barcelona or La Spezia Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona
La Spezia

Barcelona is a very popular place for its old town. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

La Spezia offers a nice historic old town area. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.

Is the Shopping Better in Barcelona or La Spezia?

Barcelona
La Spezia

Barcelona is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Barcelona draws large crowds to its stores. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Many visitors go to La Spezia to go shopping. There's a morning market at Piazza del Mercato as well as many clothing and souvenir shops around town.


Is Barcelona or La Spezia Better for Families?

Barcelona
La Spezia

Both Barcelona and La Spezia are nice 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.

La Spezia is a family-friendly city. Visitors often use La Spezia as a base for visiting nearby Cinque Terre. The surrounding region has many kid-friendly activities like hiking, swimming, and beaches.

Is Barcelona or La Spezia Better for Couples?

Barcelona
La Spezia

La Spezia 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.

La Spezia is a very popular place to visit for couples. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.

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 La Spezia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona
La Spezia

Barcelona is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Barcelona is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

La Spezia is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than the nearby towns in Cinque Terre, but they're still easily accessible from town.


Is Barcelona or La Spezia Better for Students?

Barcelona
La Spezia

Barcelona is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, La Spezia is not popular with 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.

La Spezia is not popular with students.

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

Barcelona
La Spezia

Barcelona is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Barcelona has some very good public transit options. 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.

You'll find some public transit in La Spezia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.

Is Barcelona or La Spezia a more walkable city?

Barcelona
La Spezia

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

La Spezia is very walkable. The town is easy to walk around and you'll find a pedestrian-only area downhill from the train station.

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 La Spezia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Spezia or Barcelona?

How long in Barcelona or La Spezia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Barcelona and La Spezia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in La Spezia. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Barcelona, and 2-3 days is enough time in La Spezia.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Barcelona than La Spezia 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.


  • How many days in Barcelona or La Spezia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Barcelona 3-7 
    La Spezia 2-3

One day in Barcelona or La Spezia?

People visit Barcelona 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of La Spezia. 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 La Spezia?

People visit Barcelona 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the lively destination of La Spezia. 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.

Five days in Barcelona or La Spezia?

People visit Barcelona 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the convenient town of La Spezia. 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.


A week in Barcelona or La Spezia?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

La Spezia 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, La Spezia or Barcelona?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Barcelona is €156, while the average daily cost in La Spezia is €198. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Barcelona and La Spezia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Barcelona 96
    La Spezia 113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Barcelona 192
    La Spezia 226
Compare Hotels in Barcelona and La Spezia

Looking for a hotel in Barcelona or La Spezia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Barcelona


Hotels in La Spezia


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Barcelona Hotel Prices and La Spezia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Barcelona 19
    La Spezia 41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:


  • 10 Trip Metro Ticket
    7.80
  • Airport Bus
    5.00
  • Metro
    2.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:

  • transfer with wheelchair Accessible from Bcn airport/ port/city: $288
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Barcelona APT-HTL (BCN): $55
  • Transfers from the Airport to the hotel in Barcelona: $54
  • Transfers From Cruise Port to Barcelona Airport: $35
  • Transfers From Cruise Port to Barcelona Airport: $37
  • Transfers From Barcelona Sants Train Station to Hotel bcn: $31
  • Transfers From Barcelona Cruise Port to Barcelona Airport: $36
  • Transfer to Montserrat Monastery from Barcelona: $27
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Barcelona Airport (BCN) - Barcelona City: $33
  • Transfer in private minivan from Barcelona City - Barcelona Airport (BCN): $49
  • Transfer in private minivan from Barcelona Airport (BCN) - Barcelona City: $44
  • Transfer from cruise port to barcelona sants station : $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Spezia

Also for La Spezia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Hotels to La Spezia Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Port to La Spezia Hotels: $22
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Transfer La Spezia Cruise Port or Train Station to city: $51
  • Private Transfer Porto Venere or Lerici to La Spezia by car / van: $91
  • Arrival Private Transfer from La Spezia to Porto Venere or Lerici: $91
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Pisa Intl Airport (PSA) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $131
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence Hotels: $131
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia to Cinque Terre by car or van: $141
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia to Florence : $245

Is it cheaper to fly into Barcelona or La Spezia?

Prices for flights to both La Spezia and Barcelona change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Barcelona 33
    La Spezia 56
Typical Food Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Hot Cocoa & Churro
    4.15
  • Sandwich
    1.70
  • Baguette & Horchata
    3.80
  • Tapas on the beach
    8.28
  • Gelatto
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.

  • Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $21
  • Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $21
  • Walking Tour + Flamenco + Tapas Dinner (choose options): $27
  • Flamenco at El Patio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Tasty Barcelona Street Food Tour With Local Market Visit : $32
  • La Barceloneta: Tapas Food Tour: $38
  • Barcelona La Barceloneta Tapas Food Tour: $39
  • Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $43
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas 5-Course Pairing Dinner: $60
  • Wine Tasting & Tapas Pairing Dinner: $61
  • Paella Cooking Experience and Wine in Barcelona: $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Spezia

For La Spezia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour: $92
  • Small-Group Street Food Tour: $97
  • Portovenere: Sunset Cruise with Aperitif and Dinner: $98
  • Small-group Street food tour in La Spezia: $98
  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour: $124
  • Porto Venere & Islands Sunset Boat Tour w/ Dinner: $140
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $151
  • Private Cooking Class in an Italian Home: $157
  • Market Visit and Seafood Cooking Class with Lunch: $159
  • Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in La Spezia: $160
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in La Spezia: $160
  • Cinque Terre Cooking Lesson in La Spezia: $161

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Barcelona 33
    La Spezia 37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass
    42
  • Souvenir Gaudi Book
    8.55
  • Admission to Museo Picasso
    6.00

Tours and Activities in Barcelona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:

  • Barcelona Sunset Sailing Experience : $131
  • Cruise into Barcelona? Get the Most out of Your Visit!: $55
  • Dali Museum, Besalu & Girona Tour from Barcelona by Fast Train : $121
  • Montserrat Mountains Half - Day Private Tour - From Barcelona : $264
  • Private Guides Barcelona Tour with Skip The Line in Cathedral: $220
  • Private Mountain Bike Tour in Barcelona: $33
  • Sagrada Familia Bike Tour in Small Group: $87
  • Sagrada Familia Comedy Tour: $3.29
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Legends of the Gothic Quarter: $10
  • Skip The Line - Early Picasso Museum and Born Neighborhood: $56
  • Ticket to Sant Pau Art Nouveau Barcelona: $31
  •  Big Fun Museum Ticket: $28

Tours and Activities in La Spezia

For La Spezia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus City Tour Ticket: $18
  • La Spezia Walking Tour: $35
  • From Round-Trip to Pisa Cruise Shore Excursion: $42
  • A sightseeing tour with Italian-inspired music: $43
  • From La Spezia to Pisa with optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $50
  • Private trip La Spezia to La Spezia Cruise Port or Train Station: $50
  • 4-Hour E-Bike Private Guided Tour of the Tellaro and Montemarcello Villages: $55
  • From Florence & Pisa Cruise Shore Excursion: $59
  • From Cinque Terre Tour with Limoncino: $65
  • Cinque Terre tour with limoncino tasting from La Spezia Train Station: $66
  • Cinque Terre tour with limoncino tasting from La Spezia Port: $66
  • Boat Tour of the 3 Islands & Portovenere: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Barcelona 17
    La Spezia 35

Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:

  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Nightlife Party Experience: $16
  • Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $16
  • Pub Crawl with VIP Venue Access and Welcome Shots: $16
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by King - Free shot with VIP Entry: $16
  • Night Pub Crawl Tour in Barcelona: $17
  • Estrella Damm Brewery in El Prat de Llobregat tour with Tasting: $17
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Tour with Tasting: $22
  • Pub Crawl Barcelona by EVOLVE The BEST night experience: $22
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $22
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Free shot and VIP Entry: $22
  • Go out like a local, pub Crawl / Tour in Raval - Barcelona: $24
  • Barcelona Bar Crawl: $26

Sample the Local Flavors in La Spezia

Also in La Spezia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Food and wine tour in the Gulf of Poets with local products: $143
  • boat tour with seafood and wine tasting: $217


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Barcelona and La Spezia, we can see that La Spezia is more expensive. And not only is Barcelona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Barcelona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Barcelona 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 La Spezia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Spezia than you might in Barcelona.

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


Which is Bigger, Barcelona or La Spezia?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of La Spezia. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona and La Spezia, 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.