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

Should you visit Dubai or Barcelona?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Barcelona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a laid-back, historic, and cultural 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Dubai and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Barcelona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Barcelona than Dubai. Barcelona is bigger than Dubai, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Barcelona is better known for its historical sights, while Dubai is more popular for its skiing, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Barcelona is more touristy than Dubai and is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. Also, Barcelona is famous for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Dubai is well known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style.

How is Dubai different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Barcelona Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Barcelona is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Barcelona is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Barcelona and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Barcelona can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Dubai or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Dubai and Barcelona both to be superb destinations.

Dubai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Barcelona makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Dubai or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find amazing options in both Dubai and Barcelona.

People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

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.

Is Dubai or Barcelona Better for Music?

Dubai and Barcelona are both destinations where visitors can find amazing live music.

Dubai has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Barcelona is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Is Dubai or Barcelona Better for Resorts?

Dubai is renowned for its resorts. However, Barcelona is not a resort destination.

Dubai is a world class resort vacation destination. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Barcelona is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Barcelona Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Barcelona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Barcelona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Dubai and Barcelona are notable choices for a beach vacation.

Many people head to Dubai to enjoy the beach. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Barcelona has a beach worth visiting. 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 Dubai or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Barcelona?

If you're looking to go shopping, Dubai and Barcelona both offer plenty of amazing spots.

Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Barcelona is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Is Dubai or Barcelona Better for Families?

Dubai 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.

Dubai is a very family-friendly place to visit. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

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 Dubai or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and Barcelona are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

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 Dubai or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Barcelona, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Barcelona Better for Students?

For students, both Dubai and Barcelona are amazing places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Barcelona is a great destination 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 Dubai or Barcelona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Barcelona is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Barcelona offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Dubai or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Dubai and Barcelona are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Dubai is generally not a very walkable city. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

Barcelona is generally not very walkable. 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 Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Barcelona?

Both Dubai and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Dubai has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Dubai than Barcelona. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Barcelona, many people enjoy the live music and food that this historic big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Barcelona?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Barcelona?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Barcelona is a fun place to experience. In Barcelona, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or Barcelona?

Dubai is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubai, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Barcelona, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this cultural big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Barcelona, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Barcelona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Barcelona is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Barcelona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Barcelona 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Barcelona.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Barcelona in the Summer?

Both Barcelona and Dubai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is much warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Barcelona. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Barcelona. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Dubai is generally much warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dubai or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Barcelona. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dubai is much warmer than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Barcelona. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. January to March in Dubai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Dubai or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In the spring, Dubai is much warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Dubai