Which place is cheaper, Barcelona or Braga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Braga or Barcelona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Braga or Barcelona? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Braga or Barcelona?
Braga
Located in the Cavado Valley of Northern Portugal, Braga is a medium sized city with both historical and modern characteristics. There is a university in town, known as Universidade do Minho, which gives the city a young feel with a lot of life. There are also many bars, clubs, and activities around to keep you entertained.
Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Porto, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBraga €112Barcelona €156
The average daily cost (per person) in Braga is €112, while the average daily cost in Barcelona is €156. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Braga and Barcelona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBraga €54Barcelona €96
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBraga €108Barcelona €192
Compare Hotels in Braga and Barcelona
Looking for a hotel in Braga or Barcelona? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Braga Hotel Prices and Barcelona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Braga €20Barcelona €19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:
- Braga Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $102
- Traditional Vinho Verde Tour in Bowl with Private Transfer (Porto and Braga): $131
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:
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10 Trip Metro Ticket€7.80
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Airport Bus€5.00
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Metro€2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:
- One-Way Shared Transfer to/from Airport and City: $9.84
- Roca Village Shopping Mall Transfers: $13
- Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Center Port : $17
- Transfer departure Shuttle Barcelona City to Barcelona Port: $18
- Barcelona Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) Private Transfer: $25
- Transfer arrival Shuttle Barcelona Airport to La Pineda: $27
- Transfer to Montserrat Monastery from Barcelona: $27
- Taxi - Cab - Private transfer from Barcelona City Centre to Barcelona airport: $28
- Barcelona Private Airport Arrival Transfer to City Cente: $29
- Private Transfer: El-Prat Airport (BCN) to Barcelona City Center: $31
- Book Barcelona City to Cruise Port Private Transfer: $31
- Barcelona Airport Departure Transfers: $31
Is it cheaper to fly into Braga or Barcelona?
Prices for flights to both Barcelona and Braga change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBraga €40Barcelona €33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Braga.
- Small-Group Braga Food Tour With A Local Guide: $84
Typical Food Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:
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Hot Cocoa & Churro€4.15
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Sandwich€1.70
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Baguette & Horchata€3.80
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Tapas on the beach€8.28
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Gelatto€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.
- Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $21
- Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $21
- Flamenco at El Patio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $27
- Walking Tour + Flamenco + Tapas Dinner (choose options): $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
- La Barceloneta: Tapas Food Tour: $37
- Barcelona La Barceloneta Tapas Food Tour: $38
- Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $43
- Boqueria Market & Barrio Gotico Street Food Tour: $56
- Wine Tasting and Tapas 5-Course Pairing Dinner: $59
- Paella Cooking Experience & Wine: $59
- Paella Cooking Experience and Wine in Barcelona: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Braga €16Barcelona €33
Tours and Activities in Braga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Braga are as follows:
- Casa dos Coimbras ( Chapel and Tower ) ticket & drink: $5.35
- Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
- Braga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tourer Hunt: $7.82
- Tuk Tuk City Tour: $16
- Bravaes Kayak Park Private Adventure: $38
- Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $42
- Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $43
- Guimarães Old Town Private Walking Tour: $54
- KAYAK TOUR I Descent of the River Lima in Kayak: $55
- Stand Up Paddle Tour: $55
- Lagoons and Waterfalls Tour - Serra do Soajo: $60
- Tour Soajo - Peneda-Gerês National Park: $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:
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Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass€42
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Souvenir Gaudi Book€8.55
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Admission to Museo Picasso€6.00
Tours and Activities in Barcelona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:
- Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $2.14
- History & Legends Comedy Tour: Barcelona Gothic Quarter: $2.94
- Gaudí Free Tour in English: $3.21
- Barcelona Free Tour: Gaudi Highlights and La Sagrada Famila: $3.21
- Alternative Free Tour of the Raval: $3.21
- Gothic Quarter Free Walking Tour in English: $3.21
- Gaudí Walking Tour: $3.21
- Sagrada Familia Comedy Tour: $3.26
- Barcelona Gothic Quarter: History&Legends Comedy Tour: $3.26
- Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $3.26
- Barcelona Gaudi and Sagrada Familia Tour: $3.27
- Sagrada Familia Exterior Free Tour: Stories, Secrets & Symbolism: $3.27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBraga €21Barcelona €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Braga
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Braga:
- Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $50
- Green Wine Region-Small Group Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings, from Porto city: $142
- Douro Valley Private Tour from Lunch & Wine Tour: $288
- Vinho Verde Private Wine Tour: $535
Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by King - Bar & Nightclub Hopping Tour: $14
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Nightlife Party Experience: $16
- Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $16
- Night Pub Crawl Tour in Barcelona: $16
- Barcelona Bar Crawl: 4+ Venues, Free shots, Free Club Entry: $19
- Estrella Damm Old Brewery Tour with Tasting: $21
- Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $22
- Nightlife Tour - Barcelona Bar Crawl with Flamingos: $23
- Barcelona Bar Crawl: $26
- Barcelona Weekend Pub Crawl with 1.5 hour open bar@Hostel: $27
- Catalan Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour & VIP Club Entry: $29
- Barcelona Art & Wine Tour: $31
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Braga and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. And not only is Braga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Braga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Braga 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 Braga.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Braga Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Braga or Barcelona?
Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Braga. When comparing the sizes of Braga 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 Braga 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 Braga or Barcelona in the Summer?
Both Barcelona and Braga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Braga is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Braga in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Barcelona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Braga. Braga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona during summer. Braga gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Braga usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Braga gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBraga 21°C (69°F)Barcelona 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Braga or Barcelona in the Autumn?
Both Barcelona and Braga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Braga is generally around the same temperature as Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 17°C (62°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In the autumn, Braga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona. Braga gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Braga. Braga usually gets more rain in October than Barcelona. Braga gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBraga 17°C (62°F)Barcelona 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Braga or Barcelona in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Braga and Barcelona. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.
Braga is a little warmer than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Braga averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Braga usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Braga gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.
Braga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Braga usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Braga gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBraga 10°C (50°F)Barcelona 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Braga or Barcelona in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Braga as well as Barcelona. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Braga is around the same temperature as Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Braga in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Braga this time of the year. In the spring, Braga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona. Braga gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.
Braga receives a lot of rain in the spring. Braga usually gets more rain in April than Barcelona. Braga gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBraga 14°C (56°F)Barcelona 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Barcelona and Braga
| Braga | Barcelona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (56°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (69°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (67°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (51°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.