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

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

Le Mans

Le Mans is a small, historic, and quaint town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife and museums.

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.

Le Mans and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Le Mans or Barcelona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Barcelona than Le Mans, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Barcelona is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Le Mans is known for its small town charm. Barcelona is more touristy than Le Mans 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. Le Mans is popular for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

How is Le Mans different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Le Mans or Barcelona?

Barcelona is great for its historical sights. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Le Mans offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.

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

Barcelona is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Barcelona. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Le Mans or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Le Mans. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Is Le Mans or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for live music. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is not a live music destination.

Is Le Mans or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is very good for its beaches. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is not a beach destination.

Is Le Mans or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is great for its historic old town. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Le Mans or Barcelona?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Barcelona. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Le Mans or Barcelona Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Le Mans or Barcelona.

Le Mans offers lots of family activities. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

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 Le Mans or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Both Le Mans and Barcelona are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Le Mans is a nice destination for couples. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

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 Le Mans or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Le Mans. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

Is Le Mans or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Le Mans is not popular with students.

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.

Le Mans is not popular with students.

Is Le Mans 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, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

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.

Le Mans has a few public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).

Is Le Mans or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Le Mans is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Le Mans is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are walkable.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable 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 Le Mans Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Le Mans?

How long in Le Mans or Barcelona?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Barcelona than Le Mans. 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 Le Mans 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 Le Mans or Barcelona?

You'll find nightlife and museums around the town of Le Mans. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Le Mans 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 Le Mans or Barcelona?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Le Mans. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town 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 Le Mans or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the quaint town of Le Mans. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Le Mans or Barcelona?

Le Mans 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 Adventure Tours to France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Le Mans or Barcelona?

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

Both Barcelona and Le Mans during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Le Mans for the small town charm 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.

Le Mans is cooler than Barcelona in the summer. The daily temperature in Le Mans averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Le Mans. In the summer, Le Mans often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Le Mans gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

Le Mans usually gets more rain in July than Barcelona. Le Mans gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Le Mans or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Le Mans and Barcelona. Many visitors come to Le Mans in the autumn for the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, 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 the autumn, Le Mans is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Le Mans in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Barcelona averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Le Mans usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Le Mans gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Le Mans usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Le Mans 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 Le Mans or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Le Mans as well as Barcelona. Most visitors come to Le Mans for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Le Mans can be very cold during winter. In January, Le Mans is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Le Mans average around 5°C (40°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Le Mans often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Le Mans gets 54 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.

Le Mans usually gets more rain in January than Barcelona. Le Mans gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Le Mans or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Le Mans are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the small town charm. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

Le Mans is cooler than Barcelona in the spring. The daily temperature in Le Mans averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. Le Mans usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Le Mans gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Le Mans usually receives around the same amount of rain as Barcelona. Le Mans gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Le Mans