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

Should you visit Beijing or Barcelona?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Barcelona 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.

Beijing

Beijing is a historic, massive, and jam-packed city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a historic, cultural, and friendly 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. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Beijing and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Barcelona?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Barcelona than Beijing. While Beijing is larger than Barcelona, Barcelona has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Barcelona is better known for its nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Beijing is more popular for its museums and food. Beijing is well known for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Barcelona is well known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. Also, Barcelona is famous for Basilica Sagrada Familia.

How is Beijing different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Beijing is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Beijing that are not to be missed. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Beijing or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing 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 Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

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 Beijing or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Is Beijing or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Beijing is not a live music destination.

In Barcelona you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Beijing is not a live music destination.

Is Beijing or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a city with good options for the beach. However, Beijing is not a beach destination.

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.

Beijing is not a beach destination.

Is Beijing or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing 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.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Barcelona?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Barcelona is a world class destination for shoppers. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Beijing or Barcelona Better for Families?

Both Beijing and Barcelona are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Barcelona offers lots of family activities. 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 Beijing or Barcelona Better for Couples?

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

Beijing is a good city for couples to visit. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

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.

Is Beijing or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Barcelona is a very popular city to visit 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.

Beijing is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Is Beijing or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Many students visit Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Beijing and Barcelona.

Beijing offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Barcelona. 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 Beijing or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Beijing and Barcelona both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Beijing is generally not very walkable. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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 Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Barcelona?

Both Beijing and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Barcelona has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Barcelona than Beijing. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Barcelona than Beijing. 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 Beijing 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 Beijing or Barcelona?

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Barcelona, you'll find shopping and museums. 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.

A weekend in Beijing or Barcelona?

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Barcelona, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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.

Five days in Beijing or Barcelona?

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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.

A week in Beijing or Barcelona?

Beijing is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beijing, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. In Barcelona, you'll find live music and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia and Barcelona is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Barcelona?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Barcelona. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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 Beijing 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 Beijing or Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Barcelona. The summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In the summer, Beijing is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beijing in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

Beijing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beijing or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Barcelona. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Also, 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.

In October, Beijing is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (56°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the autumn, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. Beijing is much colder than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around -4°C (26°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beijing or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Beijing during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Beijing is around the same temperature as Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beijing in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the spring, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Barcelona. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Beijing