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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kuala Lumpur and Barcelona. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a welcoming, friendly, and diverse 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a laid-back, historic, and cultural 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Kuala Lumpur and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Barcelona. Although Kuala Lumpur and Barcelona are roughly the same size, Barcelona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Barcelona is more popular for its nightlife, music, beaches, and historical sights, while Kuala Lumpur is known for its museums and food. Barcelona is more touristy than Kuala Lumpur and is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also home to Basilica Sagrada Familia. Kuala Lumpur is popular for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants.

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona?

Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur that are not to be missed. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Kuala Lumpur have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Barcelona just to party. 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.

Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for live music. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

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

Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a good destination for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Barcelona offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

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.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona?

Shoppers can find a variety of fantastic stores in both Kuala Lumpur and Barcelona.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Kuala Lumpur. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

The abundance of shops in Barcelona make it a world-class shopping destination. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona Better for Families?

Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly place to visit. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place to visit for couples. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Barcelona. 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.

Kuala Lumpur is a great city to visit for backpackers. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona Better for Students?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Barcelona are fantastic destinations for students.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place to visit for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

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.

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

Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur has a great public transit system. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona a more walkable city?

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

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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 Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona?

Both Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

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

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

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

People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Barcelona, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this high energy city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona?

People visit Kuala Lumpur 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.

Barcelona is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona?

People visit Kuala Lumpur 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. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

In Barcelona, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this high energy big city offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona?

Kuala Lumpur 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.

Barcelona is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona?

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

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Barcelona. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Barcelona in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kuala Lumpur this time of the year. In the summer, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in July than Barcelona. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Barcelona averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Kuala Lumpur during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Barcelona. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Barcelona. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Barcelona in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Kuala Lumpur