A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montpellier vs. Barcelona for Nightlife, Old Town, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a historic, vibrant, and bustling city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

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. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Montpellier and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Barcelona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Barcelona than Montpellier. Barcelona is bigger than Montpellier, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Barcelona is better known for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Montpellier is more popular for its beaches and historical sights. Barcelona is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. Also, Barcelona is famous for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Montpellier different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Montpellier or Barcelona.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Barcelona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Montpellier or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Barcelona is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Barcelona is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Montpellier or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Montpellier or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Montpellier is not a live music destination.

In Barcelona you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Montpellier is not a live music destination.

Is Montpellier or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beache.

The beaches at Montpellier attract visitors from all over. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

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.

Is Montpellier or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier 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 Montpellier is one of the most recognized in the world. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

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 Montpellier or Barcelona?

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

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Montpellier or Barcelona Better for Families?

Both Montpellier and Barcelona are notable family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Montpellier. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Barcelona offers lots of family activities. 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 Montpellier or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for couples. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

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 Montpellier or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Barcelona is a very popular city to visit 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.

Montpellier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Is Montpellier or Barcelona Better for Students?

Montpellier and Barcelona are fantastic places to visit for students.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Montpellier and Barcelona.

The public transit in Montpellier can get you to most places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Visitors to Barcelona can move around easily with public transportation. 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 Montpellier or Barcelona a more walkable city?

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

Montpellier is very walkable. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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 Montpellier Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Barcelona?

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

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

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Montpellier. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montpellier has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Barcelona is a cultural 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 Montpellier or Barcelona?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Montpellier. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Barcelona is a friendly 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 Montpellier or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Montpellier. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Barcelona is a friendly 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 Montpellier or Barcelona?

Montpellier is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 in France, The Best 2-Week 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 Montpellier and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. And not only is Montpellier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montpellier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montpellier 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 Montpellier.

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

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier or Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Barcelona. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Montpellier is around the same temperature as Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montpellier in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Montpellier or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Barcelona. The autumn months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. 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 October, Montpellier is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 15°C (60°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Montpellier often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Montpellier receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montpellier usually gets more rain in October than Barcelona. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Montpellier is cooler than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona during winter. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montpellier usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Montpellier or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Montpellier during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Barcelona in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Montpellier is around the same temperature as Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montpellier in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montpellier. In the spring, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets more rain in April than Barcelona. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Montpellier