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

Should you visit Cologne or Barcelona?

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

Should I visit Cologne 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.

Cologne

Cologne is a vibrant, colorful, and fun city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. 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.

Cologne and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Barcelona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Barcelona than Cologne. Barcelona is bigger than Cologne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Barcelona is better known for its food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cologne is more popular for its christmas markets. Barcelona is more touristy than Cologne 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. Cologne is well known for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River.

How is Cologne different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Cologne or Barcelona.

Cologne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

Many visitors head to Barcelona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Cologne or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Barcelona is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Cologne 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 Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Is Cologne or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Cologne 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.

Many people head to Cologne for the nightlife scene. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Is Cologne or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Cologne 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.

Cologne is not a live music destination.

Is Cologne or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a popular place for the beach. However, Cologne is not a beach destination.

Barcelona is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Cologne or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is well known for its historic old town charm. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Cologne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Barcelona?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Cologne 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 Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Is Cologne or Barcelona Better for Christmas?

Cologne is renowned for its Christmas activities. However, Barcelona does not offer Christmas activities.

Cologne is a world class destination during the Christmas season. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Barcelona does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Barcelona Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is renowned for its Christmas markets. However, Barcelona does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel to Cologne specifically to enjoy its famous Christmas markets. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Barcelona does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Barcelona Better for Families?

Cologne 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.

Cologne is a very family-friendly place to visit. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

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 Cologne or Barcelona Better for Couples?

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

Cologne is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

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 Cologne or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Cologne 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.

Cologne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Is Cologne or Barcelona Better for Students?

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

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.

Cologne is very popular with students. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

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

Cologne is renowned for its public transit. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Cologne has a great public transit system. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

The public transit in Barcelona can get you around 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 Cologne or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Cologne is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Cologne is very walkable. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily 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 Cologne Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Barcelona?

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

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

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

People visit Cologne because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cologne has to offer. 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 Cologne or Barcelona?

People visit Cologne because there is so much to do. 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.

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 Cologne or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun city of Cologne. 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 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 Cologne or Barcelona?

Cologne 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.

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 Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Cologne and Barcelona, we can see that Cologne 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 Cologne Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Cologne. When comparing the sizes of Cologne 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 Cologne 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 Cologne or Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Barcelona. Many visitors come to Cologne in the summer for 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, Cologne is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cologne in July average around 19°C (66°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. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cologne usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cologne or Barcelona in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cologne because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, 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 Cologne can be very cold. Cologne is much colder than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cologne usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cologne or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Cologne during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cologne 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, Cologne is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cologne in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Barcelona. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Cologne