A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Cordoba vs. Barcelona for Attractions, Nightlife, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cordoba 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 Cordoba 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.

Cordoba

Cordoba is a historical, beautiful, and colorful town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Cordoba and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cordoba or Barcelona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Barcelona than Cordoba. Barcelona is bigger than Cordoba, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Barcelona is better known for its nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Cordoba is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Cordoba is well known for its mix of Roman, Islamic, and Spanish architecture, its whitewashed buildings and streets filled with flowers, and its handcrafted leatherwork. 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 Cordoba different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cordoba 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 Cordoba that are not to be missed. The city is filled with monuments that reflect its past. The Great Mosque (La Mezquita) is one of the most iconic sights. You can also visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, Palacio de Viana, and Puente Romano.

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 Cordoba or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Cordoba and Barcelona offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Dining out in Cordoba is an experience not to be missed. Like much of Spain, international travelers will have to adjust to the shifted meal schedule which means most meals are served are later than they are in other parts of Europe. The ingredients are fresh and popular dishes include Salmorejo (a tomato based soup), Rabo De Toro (stewed oxtail), and Flamenquín (deep-fried pork roll).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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 Cordoba or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Cordoba has a large number of nightlife venues. There are cocktail bars, Flamenco shows, tapas tours, and local pubs that make for a great night out. The city offers something for everyone, whatever your style.

Is Cordoba or Barcelona Better for Music?

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

Cordoba is not a live music destination.

Is Cordoba or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a city with good options for the beach. However, Cordoba 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.

Cordoba is not a beach destination.

Is Cordoba or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Cordoba is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The old town of Cordoba is one of the most recognized in the world. It's old town is one of the most enchanting in Andalusia. There are whitewashed houses that line flower-filled streets and its compact enough to take a leisurely stroll.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Cordoba or Barcelona?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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 Cordoba. You'll find souvenir shops selling local pottery, traditional jewelry, and handcrafted leatherwork, so this is a nice place to pick up something to remember your trip.

Is Cordoba or Barcelona Better for Families?

Both Cordoba and Barcelona are notable to visit with kids.

Cordoba is a family-friendly place to visit. Horse-drawn carriage rides and then a visit to the Royal Stables of Cordoba is a great option for horse-lovers. The city also has a zoo and an impressive park - Ciudad de Los Niños. If you're willing to head out of town, about 10 kilometers away you'll find Aquasierra Waterpark.

Barcelona is a family-friendly town. 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 Cordoba or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Cordoba is a well-known place for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Cordoba is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautifully lit up at night, this is a truly romantic city. There are horse-drawn carriage rides, nice parks, and an impressive botanical garden. There are also many great restaurants that couples can explore.

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 Cordoba or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Cordoba is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's well-established on the backpacker circuit, so you'll find plenty of hostels around town and many opportunities to meet up with other travelers.

Is Cordoba or Barcelona Better for Students?

Cordoba and Barcelona are both world-class destinations for students and younger travelers.

Cordoba is a very popular town for students. It's a top study abroad destination for international students. The university is excellent and the city is easy to navigate. It's a cultural city with a great student-friendly atmosphere.

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.

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

Barcelona is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Cordoba has some public transit options. There are 15 bus lines that are operated by Aucorsa.

Is Cordoba or Barcelona a more walkable city?

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

Cordoba is very walkable. It's small and compact enough 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 Cordoba Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Cordoba?

How long in Cordoba or Barcelona?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Cordoba than Barcelona. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cordoba that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Barcelona than Cordoba 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 Cordoba or Barcelona?

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

Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Cordoba or Barcelona?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the flower-filled destination of Cordoba. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Cordoba or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful town of Cordoba. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. 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 Cordoba or Barcelona?

Cordoba is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cordoba or Barcelona?

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

Both Barcelona and Cordoba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cordoba because of 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, Cordoba is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cordoba in July average around 27°C (81°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 Cordoba. Cordoba usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Cordoba gets 358 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cordoba usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Cordoba gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cordoba or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Cordoba during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cordoba 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, Cordoba is generally around the same temperature as Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 19°C (66°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Cordoba. In the autumn, Cordoba often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Cordoba gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Cordoba usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Cordoba gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cordoba or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cordoba and Barcelona. Many travelers come to Cordoba 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.

Cordoba is a little warmer than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Cordoba averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Cordoba usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Cordoba gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cordoba usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Cordoba gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cordoba or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cordoba as well as Barcelona. Many visitors come to Cordoba in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Cordoba is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cordoba in April average around 16°C (60°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 Cordoba this time of the year. In the spring, Cordoba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona. Cordoba gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Cordoba usually gets more rain in April than Barcelona. Cordoba gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Cordoba