A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Newcastle upon Tyne vs. Barcelona for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Barcelona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a cultural, historical, and vibrant port city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Barcelona

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

Newcastle upon Tyne and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Barcelona than Newcastle upon Tyne. Barcelona is bigger than Newcastle upon Tyne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Barcelona is more touristy than Newcastle upon Tyne 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. Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona?

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Barcelona and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Many visitors head to Newcastle upon Tyne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Barcelona can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Newcastle upon Tyne and Barcelona can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Barcelona makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Barcelona has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Newcastle upon Tyne is not a live music destination.

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a live music destination.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is very good for the beach. However, Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a beach destination.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Barcelona are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Newcastle upon Tyne. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Many visitors go to Barcelona to see the historical old town. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Barcelona specifically to go shopping. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Newcastle upon Tyne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a family-friendly port city. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Barcelona. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Barcelona are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a good port city for couples to visit. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Barcelona is a nice destination for couples. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Barcelona, as it is a very popular city for 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Newcastle upon Tyne. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

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

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Barcelona.

Newcastle upon Tyne offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Barcelona. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona a more walkable city?

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

It is easy to get around Newcastle upon Tyne on foot. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona?

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

Couples should spend more time in Barcelona than Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona?

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the livable destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people visit Barcelona for a weekend. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural port city of Newcastle upon Tyne. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Barcelona, five days is sufficent for most.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. This city offers something for everyone. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Barcelona has to offer.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Newcastle upon Tyne and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Newcastle upon Tyne. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Barcelona. Many travelers come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Barcelona in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in July than Barcelona. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, 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 October, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 10°C (49°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle upon Tyne. In October, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Newcastle upon Tyne during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Newcastle upon Tyne can be very cold during winter. Newcastle upon Tyne is much colder than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in January than Barcelona. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Barcelona. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in April average around 7°C (45°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. Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Newcastle upon Tyne