A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Barcelona vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel 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. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a iconic, religious, and historic island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Barcelona and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Barcelona. Although Barcelona and Mont-Saint-Michel are popular destinations, Barcelona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Barcelona is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel attracts visitors for its museums & sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. 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. Mont-Saint-Michel is famous for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base.

How is Barcelona different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel that are not to be missed. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

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 Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Barcelona is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Barcelona. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Music?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a live music destination.

Is Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is very good for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Is Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is a great destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mont-Saint-Michel. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Barcelona is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Barcelona. 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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is renowned for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Barcelona. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Is Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Barcelona is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

While Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is very walkable. There are many stunning walks in the area.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Barcelona?

How long in Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Barcelona than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Barcelona, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

Families should spend more time in Barcelona than Mont-Saint-Michel. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Barcelona than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

When visiting Barcelona, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and museums around the island of Mont-Saint-Michel. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mont-Saint-Michel has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel?

When visiting Barcelona, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find museums and food around the religious destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

When visiting Barcelona, people usually allow for lots of time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the breathtaking island of Mont-Saint-Michel. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Barcelona is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Mont-Saint-Michel 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Barcelona and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 19770 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Barcelona and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Barcelona in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Barcelona is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Barcelona in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mont-Saint-Michel this time of the year. In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Barcelona usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Barcelona gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Barcelona gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Barcelona as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. 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. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Barcelona is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 17°C (63°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Barcelona often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Barcelona gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

Barcelona usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Barcelona gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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 museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

Barcelona is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Barcelona usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Barcelona gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Barcelona gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Barcelona or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Barcelona is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Barcelona in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. In the spring, Barcelona often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Barcelona gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Barcelona usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Barcelona gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Barcelona