A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Rochelle vs. Barcelona for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit La Rochelle or Barcelona?

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

Should I visit La Rochelle or Barcelona? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a peaceful, relaxing, and laid-back coastal town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a colorful, laid-back, and historic 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.

La Rochelle and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Rochelle or Barcelona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona than La Rochelle. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Barcelona is very popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while La Rochelle attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Barcelona is more touristy than La Rochelle and is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also well known for Basilica Sagrada Familia. La Rochelle is famous for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting.

How is La Rochelle different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Rochelle or Barcelona?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both La Rochelle and Barcelona.

La Rochelle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

Many visitors head to Barcelona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 La Rochelle or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

Barcelona is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is La Rochelle or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is very popular for its live music scene. However, La Rochelle is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Barcelona. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

La Rochelle is not a live music destination.

Is La Rochelle or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both La Rochelle and Barcelona are nice choices.

La Rochelle is a good option for a beach vacation. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

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.

Is La Rochelle or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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 La Rochelle or Barcelona Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or Barcelona?

Barcelona is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is La Rochelle or Barcelona Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either La Rochelle or Barcelona.

La Rochelle offers lots of family activities. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Barcelona is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 La Rochelle or Barcelona Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is renowned for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

La Rochelle is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 La Rochelle or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Barcelona is extremely popular 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.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is La Rochelle or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for 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.

La Rochelle is a good coastal town to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

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

Barcelona is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is La Rochelle or Barcelona a more walkable city?

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

La Rochelle is very walkable. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable coastal 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 La Rochelle Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or Barcelona?

Both La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Rochelle, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

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

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

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

Even though La Rochelle is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

Barcelona is a colorful city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in La Rochelle or Barcelona?

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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 coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Barcelona is a historic big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in La Rochelle or Barcelona?

La Rochelle is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Barcelona is a colorful city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in La Rochelle or Barcelona?

La Rochelle 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 big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Barcelona in the Summer?

Both Barcelona and La Rochelle during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to La Rochelle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, La Rochelle is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 20°C (67°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Rochelle. In the summer, La Rochelle often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. La Rochelle gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets more rain in July than Barcelona. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both La Rochelle and Barcelona. Most visitors come to La Rochelle for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

La Rochelle is cooler than Barcelona in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. La Rochelle gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Barcelona. La Rochelle gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as Barcelona. The winter months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In the winter, La Rochelle is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Rochelle in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Barcelona averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, La Rochelle often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. La Rochelle gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets more rain in January than Barcelona. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and La Rochelle are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, La Rochelle is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 11°C (52°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during spring. La Rochelle gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Barcelona. La Rochelle gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and La Rochelle