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

Should you visit Barcelona or Trento?

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 Trento 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 friendly, high energy, and youthful 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.

Trento

Trento is a dynamic, youthful, and high energy city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Barcelona and Trento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Barcelona or Trento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Barcelona than Trento, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Barcelona is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Trento is known for its hiking. Barcelona is more touristy than Trento and is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also home to Basilica Sagrada Familia. Trento is popular for its beautiful mountain scenery and its historical buildings.

How is Barcelona different from Trento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Barcelona is great for its historical sights. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Barcelona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Trento offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Perhaps one of the most popular sights is Castello del Buonconsiglio. The Museum of Science is also fun for kids and adults alike and the Duomo is beautiful.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Barcelona and Trento.

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.

Trento has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food in the region is influenced by nearby countries such as Austria. Carne salada, which is like corned beef, has a long history in the area. Schüttelbrot is a local flatbread and meraner wurst is a bit like a hot dog. You'll also find salamis and various cheeses.

Is Barcelona or Trento Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is terrific for nightlife. However, Trento is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Barcelona is a must-see 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.

Most people don't head to Trento specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Despite the large student population, there aren't a lot of bars and clubs around town. Most parties are held in private residences, so visitors may find the nightlife scene a bit slow.

Is Barcelona or Trento Better for Music?

Barcelona is terrific for live music. However, Trento is not a live music destination.

Barcelona is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Trento is not a live music destination.

Is Barcelona or Trento Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is very good for its beaches. However, Trento 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.

Trento is not a beach destination.

Is Barcelona or Trento Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is great for its historic old town. However, Trento 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.

Trento does not have a historic old town.

Is Barcelona or Trento Better for Hiking?

Trento is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Trento is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside has many beautiful hikes and stunning viewpoints that make for a great outing outside of town.

Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Barcelona or Trento?

Barcelona is terrific for shopping. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Barcelona. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Trento offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the main shopping street, Via Balenzani for boutique shopping. You'll also find artisan shops and other unique vendors around town.

Is Barcelona or Trento Better for Families?

Both Barcelona and Trento are good 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.

Trento is a family-friendly city. Outside of town you'll find plenty of outdoor adventures that the kids will enjoy. In town, there's history and fun kid-friendly museums.

Is Barcelona or Trento Better for Couples?

Both Barcelona and Trento are good 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.

Trento makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town mixes old and new in a beautiful setting that makes for a great romantic getaway. Nearby there are outdoor adventures and in town there's a beautiful atmosphere and great restaurants.

Is Barcelona or Trento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Trento. There aren't many hostels in town, but there are some fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Barcelona or Trento Better for Students?

Barcelona and Trento are both amazing 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.

Trento is a very popular place to visit for students. It's a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of interesting places to explore in the area.

Is Barcelona or Trento 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, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Barcelona is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

Trento has a few public transit options. The city has a number of bus lines through town.

Is Barcelona or Trento a more walkable city?

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

Trento is very walkable. Much of the city can 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 Trento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trento or Barcelona?

How long in Barcelona or Trento?

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

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

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Trento. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Trento has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Barcelona or Trento?

Barcelona is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the youthful destination of Trento. 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 Trento?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the dynamic city of Trento. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Barcelona or Trento?

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Trento is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Barcelona or Trento?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Trento. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona and Trento, 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 Trento?

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 Trento in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Barcelona as well as Trento. Many visitors come to Barcelona in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Trento for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Barcelona is around the same temperature as Trento in the summer. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Trento fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Trento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In the summer, Barcelona often gets more sunshine than Trento. Barcelona gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trento receives 286 hours of full sun.

Barcelona usually gets less rain in July than Trento. Barcelona gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Trento receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Barcelona or Trento in the Autumn?

Both Trento and Barcelona are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Trento because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Barcelona usually receives more sunshine than Trento during autumn. Barcelona gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Trento receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Barcelona usually receives more rain than Trento. Barcelona gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Trento receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Barcelona or Trento in the Winter?

Both Trento and Barcelona during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Trento this time of year.

It's quite cold in Trento in the winter. In January, Barcelona is generally much warmer than Trento. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 9°C (48°F), and Trento fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Barcelona often gets more sunshine than Trento. Barcelona gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trento receives 98 hours of full sun.

Barcelona usually gets less rain in January than Trento. Barcelona gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Trento receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Barcelona or Trento in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Barcelona and Trento. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Trento for the natural beauty.

Barcelona is around the same temperature as Trento in the spring. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Trento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Barcelona usually receives more sunshine than Trento during spring. Barcelona gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Trento receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Trento. Barcelona gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Trento receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trento and Barcelona