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

Should you visit Calais or Barcelona?

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

Should I visit Calais 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.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a cultural, friendly, and high energy 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.

Calais and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Calais or Barcelona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Barcelona than Calais. Barcelona is bigger than Calais, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Barcelona is more touristy than Calais and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. Also, Barcelona is famous for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Calais different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Barcelona is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Barcelona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Barcelona is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Barcelona is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Calais or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Barcelona is a world class 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Calais or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Calais 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.

Calais is not a live music destination.

Is Calais or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Calais and Barcelona are notable choices.

Calais is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

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.

Is Calais or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Barcelona?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Calais 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Calais or Barcelona Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Calais or Barcelona.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Calais. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

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 Calais or Barcelona Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Calais and Barcelona make for a notable place to visit.

Calais is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

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 Calais or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Calais or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Barcelona. 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.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

Barcelona is well known for its public transit. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system 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.

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Calais or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Calais is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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 Calais Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Calais?

How long in Calais or Barcelona?

Both Calais 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 Calais. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Calais, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

Families should spend more time in Barcelona than Calais. 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 Calais. 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 Calais 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 Calais or Barcelona?

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

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.

A weekend in Calais or Barcelona?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Calais. 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.

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.

Five days in Calais or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the undiscovered city of Calais. 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.

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.

A week in Calais or Barcelona?

Calais 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Calais and Barcelona, 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 Calais Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Calais or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Calais 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 Calais 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 Calais or Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Barcelona. Many visitors come to Calais in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, 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, Calais is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Calais in July average around 17°C (63°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 Calais, it's very sunny this time of the year. Calais usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Calais usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Calais or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Calais as well as Barcelona. Most visitors come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, 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, Calais is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 12°C (54°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Calais often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Calais because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

The weather in Calais can be very cold. Calais is much colder than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Calais usually receives around the same amount of rain as Barcelona. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Calais or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Calais during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Calais this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Calais is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Calais in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Calais often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in April than Barcelona. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Calais