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

Should you visit Hamburg 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 Hamburg and Barcelona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a energetic, cultural, and vibrant port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a high energy, youthful, and colorful 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.

Hamburg and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hamburg or Barcelona?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Barcelona than Hamburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Barcelona is more touristy than Hamburg 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. Hamburg is well known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space.

How is Hamburg different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Hamburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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 Hamburg or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Barcelona is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg 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 Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Hamburg or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Barcelona is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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 Hamburg for the nightlife scene. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Is Hamburg or Barcelona Better for Music?

Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Hamburg or Barcelona.

In Hamburg you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Barcelona is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Is Hamburg or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is very good for the beach. However, Hamburg is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Barcelona to enjoy the beach. 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.

Hamburg is not a beach destination.

Is Hamburg or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg 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.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Barcelona?

Barcelona is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Hamburg 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 Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Is Hamburg or Barcelona Better for Families?

Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

Barcelona is a family-friendly port 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 Hamburg or Barcelona Better for Couples?

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

Hamburg is a good port city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

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 Hamburg or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is renowned for backpackers. Also, Hamburg 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Hamburg or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is renowned for students. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Hamburg and Barcelona.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Hamburg. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

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.

Is Hamburg or Barcelona a more walkable city?

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

Hamburg is very walkable. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable port 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 Hamburg Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Hamburg?

How long in Hamburg or Barcelona?

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

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

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

You'll find nightlife and live music around the port city of Hamburg. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Barcelona?

You'll find live music and food around the historic destination of Hamburg. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city 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 Hamburg or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant port city of Hamburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. 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 Hamburg or Barcelona?

Hamburg 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. 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 Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Barcelona?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Barcelona. When comparing the sizes of Hamburg 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hamburg and Barcelona. Many travelers come to Hamburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Barcelona in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hamburg is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hamburg in July average around 17°C (62°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. In Hamburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Hamburg gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hamburg usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Hamburg gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hamburg or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hamburg as well as Barcelona. Many visitors come to Hamburg in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, 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, Hamburg is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 10°C (50°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Hamburg gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Hamburg usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Hamburg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hamburg or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Hamburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hamburg can be very cold during winter. Hamburg is much colder than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 0°C (33°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Hamburg gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hamburg usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Hamburg during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the natural beauty. 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, Hamburg is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hamburg in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Hamburg gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Hamburg