A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Barcelona vs. New York City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Barcelona or New York City?

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 New York City 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 cultural, friendly, and high energy 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

New York City

New York City is a cosmopolitan, one-of-a-kind, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Barcelona and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Barcelona or New York City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New York City than Barcelona, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. New York City is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, and christmas markets, while Barcelona is known for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Barcelona is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. New York City is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty.

How is Barcelona different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

New York City 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 New York City that are not to be missed. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

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 Barcelona or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is renowned for theatre. However, Barcelona is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in New York City that are not to be missed. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Barcelona is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Barcelona or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City 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 New York City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 New York City Better for Nightlife?

Both Barcelona and New York City are fantastic 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.

New York City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Is Barcelona or New York City Better for Music?

Both Barcelona and New York City offer fantastic live music venues.

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

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in New York City. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Is Barcelona or New York City Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a good destination for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

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.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is Barcelona or New York City Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, New York City does not have a historic old town.

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.

New York City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Barcelona or New York City?

Both Barcelona and New York City are fantastic shopping destinations.

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.

Known for shopping, New York City draws large crowds to its stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Is Barcelona or New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is renowned for its Christmas activities. However, Barcelona does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City is a world class destination during the Christmas season. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Barcelona does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Barcelona or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a well-known place for its Christmas markets. However, Barcelona does not offer Christmas markets.

New York City has a lively atmosphere around its Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Barcelona does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Barcelona or New York City Better for Families?

New York City 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.

New York City is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

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 New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is renowned for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

New York City is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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 New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

New York City is a great city to visit for backpackers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Is Barcelona or New York City Better for Students?

Barcelona and New York City are both fantastic destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

New York City is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

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

New York City is renowned for its public transit. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

New York City has a great public transit system. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

The public transit in Barcelona can get you around 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.

Is Barcelona or New York City a more walkable city?

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

It is easy to get around New York City on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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 New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Barcelona?

How long in Barcelona or New York City?

Both Barcelona and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, New York City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in New York City than Barcelona. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Barcelona than New York City 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 New York City?

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums and theater around the city of New York City. 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 New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find theater and nightlife around the cosmopolitan big city of New York City. 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.

Five days in Barcelona or New York City?

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the energetic city of New York City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Barcelona or New York City?

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Visiting the old town is also a must. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New York City, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Barcelona and New York City, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Barcelona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Barcelona is in Europe and New York City is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City 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 New York City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Barcelona or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Barcelona. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona and New York City, 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 New York City?

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 Barcelona or New York City in the Summer?

Both New York City and Barcelona during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Barcelona is around the same temperature as New York City in the summer. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

New York City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Barcelona usually gets less rain in July than New York City. Barcelona gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Barcelona or New York City in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Barcelona and New York City. Many travelers come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to New York City in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Barcelona is a little warmer than New York City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Barcelona in October average around 17°C (63°F), and New York City averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In October, Barcelona usually receives more rain than New York City. Barcelona gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Barcelona or New York City in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Barcelona as well as New York City. Many visitors come to Barcelona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to New York City for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

New York City can be very cold during winter. In January, Barcelona is generally much warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 9°C (48°F), and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

Barcelona usually gets less rain in January than New York City. Barcelona gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Barcelona or New York City in the Spring?

Both New York City and Barcelona are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to New York City because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Barcelona is a little warmer than New York City in the spring. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In April, Barcelona usually receives less rain than New York City. Barcelona gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New York City and Barcelona