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

Should you visit Basel or Barcelona?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Barcelona, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Basel

Basel is a beautiful, vibrant, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a laid-back, historic, and cultural 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Basel and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Barcelona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona than Basel. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Barcelona is more touristy than Basel and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also well known for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Basel is famous for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Barcelona and Basel. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Basel or Barcelona?

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Basel and Barcelona.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Basel can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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.

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

Barcelona is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Barcelona. 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.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Basel or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Barcelona just to party. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Basel or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Basel is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Barcelona Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Basel is not a live music destination.

Is Basel or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Basel is not a beach destination.

Barcelona has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Basel or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Basel and Barcelona both have high quality historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Basel to see the historical old town. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Barcelona?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Barcelona make it a world-class shopping destination. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Basel. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Is Basel or Barcelona Better for Families?

Basel 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.

Basel is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

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 Basel or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Basel and Barcelona are both nice to visit as a couple.

Basel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Barcelona is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Basel or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Basel or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for students. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Barcelona is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Basel. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

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

Both Basel and Barcelona offer high quality public transit options.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

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.

Is Basel or Barcelona a more walkable city?

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

It is easy to get around Basel on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible 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 Basel Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Basel?

How long in Basel or Barcelona?

Both Basel and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Basel. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Barcelona than Basel 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 Basel or Barcelona?

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

Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Basel or Barcelona?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Basel or Barcelona?

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

Barcelona is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Basel or Barcelona?

Basel 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.

Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Basel and Barcelona, we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is Barcelona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Basel Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Basel or Barcelona?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Basel or Barcelona in the Summer?

Both Barcelona and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Basel is generally around the same temperature as Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 21°C (70°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. Basel usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Basel during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Barcelona in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Basel is cooler than Barcelona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Barcelona. Many visitors come to Basel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Basel can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Basel is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basel in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Barcelona averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Basel as well as Barcelona. Most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Basel is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 12°C (53°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. In the spring, Basel often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Barcelona. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Basel