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

Should you visit Barcelona or Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo 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 historic, cultural, and friendly 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.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a historical, cultural, and beautiful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Barcelona and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Barcelona or Sarajevo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona than Sarajevo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Barcelona is very popular for its nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Sarajevo attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and hiking. Barcelona is more touristy than Sarajevo 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. Sarajevo is famous for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food.

How is Barcelona different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Barcelona and Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Barcelona is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Sarajevo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Barcelona or Sarajevo Better for Music?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not a live music destination.

Is Barcelona or Sarajevo Better for Beaches?

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

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Is Barcelona or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

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 Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

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

Around Sarajevo visitors will find world-class hiking trails. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Barcelona or Sarajevo?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sarajevo 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Sarajevo. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

Is Barcelona or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Barcelona is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Barcelona or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Barcelona is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Barcelona or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

Is Barcelona or Sarajevo Better for Students?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Both Barcelona and Sarajevo offer very good public transit options.

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.

The public transit in Sarajevo can get you around easily. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

Is Barcelona or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Sarajevo is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Sarajevo is somewhat walkable. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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 Sarajevo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Barcelona?

How long in Barcelona or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Barcelona and Sarajevo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Sarajevo. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Barcelona, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sarajevo.

Families should spend more time in Barcelona than Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo?

Barcelona is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Sarajevo. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sarajevo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Barcelona or Sarajevo?

Barcelona is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the overlooked destination of Sarajevo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Barcelona or Sarajevo?

Barcelona is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Barcelona, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful city of Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo?

Barcelona is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Barcelona has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Sarajevo 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Barcelona or Sarajevo?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Sarajevo. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Barcelona is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Barcelona in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 26°C (78°F).

In Sarajevo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Barcelona. In the summer, Barcelona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo. Barcelona gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

Barcelona usually gets less rain in July than Sarajevo. Barcelona gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Barcelona or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Barcelona and Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Barcelona is generally around the same temperature as Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 17°C (63°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Barcelona usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during autumn. Barcelona gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Barcelona gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Barcelona or Sarajevo in the Winter?

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

Barcelona is much warmer than Sarajevo in the winter. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Barcelona often gets more sunshine than Sarajevo. Barcelona gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Barcelona usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Barcelona gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Barcelona or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Barcelona is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Barcelona in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. Barcelona usually receives more sunshine than Sarajevo during spring. Barcelona gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In April, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Barcelona gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Barcelona