A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Edinburgh vs. Barcelona for Attractions, Nightlife, Music, and Old Town

Should you visit Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a ancient, charming, and character-filled city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a friendly, high energy, and youthful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

Edinburgh and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Barcelona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona than Edinburgh. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Barcelona is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Edinburgh attracts visitors for its museums, theatre productions, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. Edinburgh is famous for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. Barcelona is famous for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also well known for Basilica Sagrada Familia.

How is Edinburgh different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh that are not to be missed. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

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 Edinburgh or Barcelona Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a well-known place for theatre. However, Barcelona is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Barcelona is not a theatre destination.

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

Barcelona is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Barcelona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Edinburgh or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Barcelona is a must-see 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.

Edinburgh is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

Is Edinburgh or Barcelona Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Edinburgh and Barcelona.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Edinburgh. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

In Barcelona you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Is Edinburgh or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a city with good options for the beache. However, Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Edinburgh or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

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 Edinburgh or Barcelona?

Barcelona is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Barcelona draws large crowds to its stores. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Edinburgh. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

Is Edinburgh or Barcelona Better for Families?

Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

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 Edinburgh or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

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 Edinburgh or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh and Barcelona are both world-class destinations for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Edinburgh is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

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.

Is Edinburgh or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Barcelona is a very popular city 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.

Many students visit Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Is Edinburgh 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, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Barcelona can get you to some places 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.

You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Edinburgh or Barcelona a more walkable city?

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

It is easy to get around Edinburgh on foot. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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 Edinburgh Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Barcelona?

Both Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

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

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

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

You'll find nightlife and live music around the quaint city of Edinburgh. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

People visit Barcelona because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Barcelona?

You'll find live music and shopping around the vibrant destination of Edinburgh. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

People visit Barcelona because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Five days in Edinburgh or Barcelona?

You'll find shopping and museums around the vibrant city of Edinburgh. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

People visit Barcelona 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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Edinburgh or Barcelona?

Edinburgh 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.

Barcelona is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Barcelona, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh or Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Barcelona. The summer months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In July, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. In the summer, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in July than Barcelona. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh is much colder than Barcelona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Edinburgh during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Edinburgh. In the winter, Edinburgh is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Barcelona averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in January than Barcelona. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Barcelona. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the spring for the activities around the city and 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 April, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Edinburgh