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

Should you visit Oxford or Barcelona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Barcelona, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a scholarly, collegiate, and beautiful college town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Barcelona

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

Oxford and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Barcelona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Barcelona than Oxford, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Barcelona is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Oxford is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Barcelona is more touristy than Oxford 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. Oxford is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Oxford or Barcelona.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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.

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

Barcelona is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is very popular for nightlife. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Barcelona is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Oxford is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Is Oxford or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is very popular for live music. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford is not a live music destination.

Is Oxford or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

Barcelona has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Oxford or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Barcelona?

Barcelona is very popular for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Barcelona Better for Families?

Oxford and Barcelona are both good destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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 Oxford or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Oxford 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.

Oxford is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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 Oxford or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options 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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Barcelona Better for Students?

Both Oxford and Barcelona are first-rate destinations for students.

Oxford is a great destination for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Barcelona is a very popular college town 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.

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

Barcelona is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Barcelona a more walkable city?

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

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable college 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 Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Barcelona?

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

Families should spend more time in Barcelona than Oxford. 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 Oxford. 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Barcelona?

Even though Oxford is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oxford has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Oxford or Barcelona?

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this college town has to offer. This college town 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 Oxford or Barcelona?

Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

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 Oxford or Barcelona?

Oxford 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 bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Oxford 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 Oxford Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Barcelona?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Barcelona. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Oxford is cooler than Barcelona in the summer. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. In the summer, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets more rain in July than Barcelona. Oxford 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 Oxford or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Oxford is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oxford in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Barcelona averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oxford usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oxford or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Oxford during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Oxford in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Oxford can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Oxford is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 3°C (38°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets more rain in January than Barcelona. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Barcelona. Most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Oxford is cooler than Barcelona in the spring. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Oxford