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

Should you visit Lisbon or Barcelona?

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

Should I visit Lisbon 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.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a colorful, vibrant, and stunning city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a historic, cultural, and friendly 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Lisbon and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Barcelona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Barcelona than Lisbon. Barcelona is bigger than Lisbon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Barcelona is more touristy than Lisbon and is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. Also, Barcelona is famous for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Lisbon is well known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music.

How is Lisbon different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon 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 Lisbon that are not to be missed. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

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 Lisbon or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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 Lisbon or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

The terrific nightlife scene is relatively similar in Lisbon and Barcelona.

The nightlife in Lisbon is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

Barcelona is a world class 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.

Is Lisbon or Barcelona Better for Music?

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

Lisbon has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Barcelona is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Is Lisbon or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Lisbon and Barcelona are notable choices.

Lisbon is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

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 Lisbon or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon is one of the most recognized in the world. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Barcelona?

Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Lisbon and Barcelona.

Many people travel to Lisbon specifically to go shopping. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Barcelona is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Is Lisbon or Barcelona Better for Families?

Lisbon 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.

Lisbon is a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

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 Lisbon or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Lisbon 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.

Lisbon is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

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 Lisbon or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon and Barcelona are both terrific destinations for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Lisbon, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

Barcelona is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Lisbon or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Lisbon is very popular with students. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

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

Lisbon 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.

Lisbon has a great public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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 Lisbon or Barcelona a more walkable city?

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

It is easy to get around Lisbon on foot. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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 Lisbon Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Barcelona?

Both Lisbon and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Lisbon has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lisbon than Barcelona. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon than Barcelona 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 Lisbon.

One day in Lisbon or Barcelona?

People visit Lisbon 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Barcelona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lisbon or Barcelona?

People visit Lisbon 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.

Barcelona is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lisbon or Barcelona?

People visit Lisbon 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lisbon or Barcelona?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the friendly big city of Barcelona. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Barcelona. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Lisbon is around the same temperature as Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisbon in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Barcelona averages at about 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 Lisbon this time of the year. In the summer, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Barcelona. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, 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.

In October, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 19°C (66°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Lisbon during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

Lisbon is a little warmer than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona. Lisbon gets 144 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 Lisbon. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Barcelona. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Barcelona. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lisbon is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisbon in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Lisbon