A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Barcelona vs. Sestri Levante for Backpackers, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Barcelona or Sestri Levante?

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 Sestri Levante 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 high energy, youthful, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a relaxing, quiet, and scenic seaside town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food and beaches.

Barcelona and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Barcelona or Sestri Levante?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Barcelona than Sestri Levante, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Barcelona is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Sestri Levante is more popular for its resorts, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Barcelona is more touristy than Sestri Levante and is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. Also, Barcelona is famous for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Sestri Levante is well known for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Barcelona different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Barcelona is great for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Barcelona and Sestri Levante.

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.

Sestri Levante has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many restaurants along the central road in the old town, Via XXV Aprile. Seafood is popular, as are many other Italian favorites. If you're visiting during the summer months then it's best to make reservations as wait times can be long.

Is Barcelona or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Sestri Levante for the nightlife. There are a few places to grab a drink, but if you're looking for nightlife, you'll really need to head out of town.

Is Barcelona or Sestri Levante Better for Music?

Barcelona is renowned for its music scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a live music destination.

Barcelona has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Sestri Levante is not a live music destination.

Is Barcelona or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Sestri Levante is a seaside town with good options for its resorts. However, Barcelona is not a resort destination.

Sestri Levante has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels in the old town or by the beach. You'll also find a decent selection of vacation rentals. During peak season you'll want to make your reservations early.

Barcelona is not a resort destination.

Is Barcelona or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Both Barcelona and Sestri Levante are considered to be notable 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.

Sestri Levante offers a nice beach destination. Home to two beaches, this makes a nice holiday spot if you're hoping to relax by the water. The beaches can get crowded with Italians during the summer months, but it still offers a charming seaside spot. Many people head to the beach by the the Bay of Silence in part because it's free. Make sure you arrive early. By the Bay of Fairytales you can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a little more space.

Is Barcelona or Sestri Levante Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is great for its historic old town charm. However, Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Barcelona is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Barcelona or Sestri Levante?

Barcelona is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Barcelona specifically to go shopping. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Barcelona or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Both Barcelona and Sestri Levante are notable 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.

Sestri Levante is a family-friendly city. This is a great spot for families that want a relaxing holiday with a small town vibe. The picturesque setting is said to have inspired fairytales, and today kids will enjoy playing on the playgrounds or exploring at the adventure park. There are also hikes, activities, and restaurants that are great for kids and adults alike.

Is Barcelona or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Both Barcelona and Sestri Levante are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Barcelona is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Sestri Levante makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This scenic setting offers a relaxing holiday for couples who want to enjoy quiet time together. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a cultural town with a lot of beauty to explore. It's one of the lesser known destinations in the area, so you will have a peaceful small town vibe that's great for a romantic getaway.

Is Barcelona or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Barcelona, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Sestri Levante is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some dorm rooms in town, but most backpackers head to one of the more well known destinations in the area. The atmosphere and history makes for a unique experience for those who do make the trip.

Is Barcelona or Sestri Levante Better for Students?

Barcelona is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

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.

Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

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

Barcelona is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its public transit.

The public transit in Barcelona can get you to most 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.

Sestri Levante has a few public transit options. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Is Barcelona or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante is renowned for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Sestri Levante on foot. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best 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 Sestri Levante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Barcelona?

How long in Barcelona or Sestri Levante?

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

Couples should spend more time in Barcelona than Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante?

Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Even though Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Barcelona or Sestri Levante?

Barcelona is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Sestri Levante is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside town has to offer. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Barcelona or Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante?

Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Sestri Levante 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Barcelona and Sestri Levante, 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 Sestri Levante Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Barcelona or Sestri Levante?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona and Sestri Levante, 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.