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

Should you visit Liverpool or Barcelona?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Liverpool and Barcelona can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a historic, fun-filled, and diverse port city. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a historic, cultural, and friendly 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Liverpool and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Liverpool or Barcelona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona than Liverpool. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Barcelona is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Liverpool attracts visitors for its theatre productions. Barcelona is more touristy than Liverpool and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also well known for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Liverpool is famous for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles."

How is Liverpool different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Barcelona is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Liverpool. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.

Is Liverpool or Barcelona Better for Theater?

Liverpool is a well-known place for theatre. However, Barcelona is not a theatre destination.

Liverpool attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Barcelona is not a theatre destination.

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

Barcelona is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Is Liverpool or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Barcelona is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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 Liverpool for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.

Is Liverpool or Barcelona Better for Music?

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

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Liverpool Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Barcelona has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Is Liverpool or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a city with good options for the beache. However, Liverpool is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Barcelona. 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.

Liverpool is not a beach destination.

Is Liverpool or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is well known for its old town. However, Liverpool does not have a historic old town.

Barcelona is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Liverpool does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Liverpool or Barcelona?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Liverpool. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

Is Liverpool or Barcelona Better for Families?

Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is a very family-friendly place to visit. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

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 Liverpool or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Both Liverpool and Barcelona are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Liverpool makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

Barcelona is a good port city for couples to visit. 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 Liverpool or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Liverpool. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.

Is Liverpool or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Barcelona is a very popular city for students. 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.

Many students visit Liverpool. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

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

Barcelona is well known for its public transit. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

While Liverpool offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

Is Liverpool or Barcelona a more walkable city?

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

Liverpool is very walkable.

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 Liverpool Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Liverpool?

How long in Liverpool or Barcelona?

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

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

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

You'll find nightlife and live music around the port city of Liverpool. 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.

People visit Barcelona 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.

A weekend in Liverpool or Barcelona?

You'll find live music and shopping around the fun-filled destination of Liverpool. 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.

People visit Barcelona 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.

Five days in Liverpool or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse port city of Liverpool. 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.

People visit Barcelona 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.

A week in Liverpool or Barcelona?

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Liverpool and Barcelona, we can see that Liverpool is more expensive. And not only is Barcelona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Barcelona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Barcelona 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 Liverpool would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liverpool than you might in Barcelona.

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

Which is Bigger, Liverpool or Barcelona?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Liverpool and Barcelona. The summer months attract visitors to Liverpool because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In July, Liverpool is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 15°C (60°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Liverpool gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Liverpool usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Liverpool gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Liverpool or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Liverpool as well as Barcelona. The shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Liverpool this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Liverpool is cooler than Barcelona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Liverpool gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Liverpool gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Liverpool or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Liverpool are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Liverpool for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Liverpool is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Liverpool in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Barcelona averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Liverpool gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Liverpool usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Liverpool gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Liverpool or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Liverpool during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Liverpool is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 8°C (47°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Liverpool gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Barcelona. Liverpool 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 Liverpool