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

Should you visit Barcelona or Ravenna?

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 Ravenna 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. 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.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a historic, off-the-beaten-path, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Barcelona and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Barcelona or Ravenna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona than Ravenna. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Barcelona is very popular for its nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ravenna attracts visitors for its small town charm. Barcelona is more touristy than Ravenna 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. Ravenna is famous for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Barcelona different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Barcelona and Ravenna have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Ravenna. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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

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

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.

Ravenna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Barcelona or Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Barcelona is a world class party destination. 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.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Barcelona or Ravenna Better for Music?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not a live music destination.

Is Barcelona or Ravenna Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a good destination for the beache. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Is Barcelona or Ravenna Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is a very popular place for its old town. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Barcelona or Ravenna?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna 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 Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Barcelona or Ravenna Better for Families?

Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is a very family-friendly place to visit. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

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 Ravenna Better for Couples?

Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is a very popular place to visit for couples. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

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 Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ravenna 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Is Barcelona or Ravenna Better for Students?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not popular with students.

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

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

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.

You'll find some public transit in Ravenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Barcelona or Ravenna a more walkable city?

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

Ravenna is very walkable. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be 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 Ravenna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Barcelona?

How long in Barcelona or Ravenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Barcelona or Ravenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Barcelona than Ravenna 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 Ravenna.

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

Couples should spend more time in Barcelona than Ravenna. 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 Ravenna 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 Ravenna?

Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Ravenna is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ravenna has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Barcelona or Ravenna?

Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Ravenna is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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 Ravenna?

Barcelona is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Barcelona has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Ravenna 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. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Barcelona or Ravenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Ravenna 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Barcelona or Ravenna?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ravenna. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona and Ravenna, 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna in the Summer?

Both Ravenna 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. Also, many travelers come to Ravenna for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Barcelona is around the same temperature as Ravenna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Barcelona in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Ravenna averages at about 22°C (72°F).

Barcelona usually gets less rain in July than Ravenna. Barcelona gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Barcelona or Ravenna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Barcelona and Ravenna. 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. Also, many visitors come to Ravenna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Barcelona is generally a little warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 17°C (63°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In October, Barcelona usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Barcelona gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Barcelona or Ravenna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Barcelona as well as Ravenna. Many visitors come to Barcelona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Ravenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ravenna can be very cold during winter. Barcelona is much warmer than Ravenna in the winter. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Ravenna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Barcelona usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Ravenna. Barcelona gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Barcelona or Ravenna in the Spring?

Both Ravenna 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 Ravenna because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Barcelona is a little warmer than Ravenna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Barcelona in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Ravenna averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In April, Barcelona usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ravenna. Barcelona gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Barcelona