A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Carcassonne vs. Barcelona for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Carcassonne or Barcelona?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Carcassonne and Barcelona. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a medieval, historical, and fairytale town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food and museums.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a colorful, laid-back, and historic 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.

Carcassonne and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Carcassonne or Barcelona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona. Although Carcassonne and Barcelona are both popular with visitors, Barcelona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Barcelona is more popular for its nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne is known for its small town charm. Barcelona is more touristy than Carcassonne 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. Carcassonne is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

How is Carcassonne different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Carcassonne or Barcelona.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Carcassonne. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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.

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

Both Carcassonne and Barcelona offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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.

Is Carcassonne or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is very popular for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Barcelona is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Carcassonne or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is very popular for live music. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a live music destination.

Is Carcassonne or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a good destination for its beaches. However, Carcassonne is not a beach destination.

Barcelona offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Carcassonne is not a beach destination.

Is Carcassonne or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is a very popular place for its historic old town. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Many people head to Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Is the Shopping Better in Carcassonne or Barcelona?

Barcelona is very popular for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Carcassonne or Barcelona Better for Families?

Both Carcassonne and Barcelona are good family-friendly destinations.

Carcassonne is a family-friendly town. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Barcelona. 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 Carcassonne or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Carcassonne and Barcelona both good destinations for a couple.

Carcassonne is a nice destination for couples. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Carcassonne or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Carcassonne is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Is Carcassonne or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne is not popular with students.

Barcelona is a very popular place to visit 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.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Barcelona is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Carcassonne or Barcelona a more walkable city?

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

It is easy to get around Carcassonne on foot. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable town. 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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Carcassonne?

How long in Carcassonne or Barcelona?

Both Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Carcassonne, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

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

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

Barcelona is a youthful city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Carcassonne or Barcelona?

You'll find museums and food around the medieval destination of Carcassonne. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Barcelona is a youthful big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Carcassonne or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the fairytale town of Carcassonne. 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.

Barcelona is a high energy city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Carcassonne or Barcelona?

Carcassonne 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 big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne or Barcelona?

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 Carcassonne or Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Barcelona. Most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Carcassonne this time of the year. In the summer, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in July than Barcelona. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In the autumn, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Barcelona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Carcassonne in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Barcelona averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Carcassonne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Barcelona. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Carcassonne during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Carcassonne is generally around the same temperature as Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 8°C (47°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets more rain in January than Barcelona. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Barcelona. Many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Barcelona in the spring. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Carcassonne usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Carcassonne