A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Palma de Mallorca vs. Barcelona for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Beaches

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Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a beautiful, stunning, and cultural island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a friendly, colorful, and laid-back city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona better for Food?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona offer a number of unique restaurants to choose from.

The food selection is excellent in Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Many restaurants in Barcelona have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and Jamon Iberico.


Is Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona better for Nightlife?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona have similar vibes after the sun sets.

Palma de Mallorca is a world class party destination. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

Barcelona is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Palma de Mallorca has diverse options. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

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

Is Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona better for Beaches?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona have beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Palma de Mallorca are among the best in the world. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Barcelona is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona better for its Old Town?

The old town area in Barcelona has more to offer.

The rich history of Barcelona can be explored in its historical center. 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 visitors go to Palma de Mallorca to see the historical old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.


Is Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona better for Shopping?

Barcelona usually beats out Palma de Mallorca for shopping.

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.

Palma de Mallorca is a great destination for shopping. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona are both fun destinations for the whole family.

Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Barcelona is a very family-friendly place to visit. Check out the Magic Fountains Show near Plaça d’Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum. There are also many great parks and playgrounds around town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona are both good destinations for backpackers.

Palma de Mallorca is a great island to visit for backpackers. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona better for Public Transit?

Barcelona generally offers a better public transit system than Palma de Mallorca.

Barcelona has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city.

Palma de Mallorca has a few public transit options. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.


Is Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona are similar when it comes to walkability.

Palma de Mallorca is somewhat walkable. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

Barcelona is very walkable. The city is more spread out than some other major European cities, but there are many plazas and outdoor areas that are fun to explore on foot. 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.

Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Palma de Mallorca
Pros
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
Barcelona
Pros
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona?

Both Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Palma de Mallorca is 3-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Barcelona is 3-7 days.


  • How many days in Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Palma de Mallorca 3-5 
    Barcelona 3-7

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the island of Palma de Mallorca. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

When visiting Barcelona, people usually allow for lots of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona?

You'll find live music and food around the beautiful destination of Palma de Mallorca. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

When visiting Barcelona, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the stunning island of Palma de Mallorca. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

When visiting Barcelona, people usually allow for lots of time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.


A week in Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. Most people come for the beaches. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Which city is cheaper, Barcelona or Palma de Mallorca?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Palma de Mallorca is €111, while the average daily cost in Barcelona is €123. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Palma de Mallorca €56
    Barcelona €75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Palma de Mallorca €112
    Barcelona €150

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Palma de Mallorca €20
    Barcelona €15
Typical Local Transportation prices in Palma de Mallorca

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Palma de Mallorca are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    €6.80
  • Bus Ride
    €1.25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palma de Mallorca

Also for Palma de Mallorca, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Airport Transfer: Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) to Palma de Mallorca: $24
  • Palma de Mallorca Half Day Sightseeing Tour with Transfers: $26
  • Private Transfer: Palma to Palma de Mallorca International Airport (PMI): $48
  • Private Transfer: Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) to Palma: $48
  • Palma: Private Transfer to/from Mallorca Airport (PMI): $48
  • Mallorca: Private Transfer To/From Palma de Mallorca Airport: $49
  • Private Departure Transfer from Palma de Mallorca to Palma de Mallorca Terminal: $50
  • Arrival Transfer from Palma de Mallorca Airport PMI to Palma in Private Car: $69
  • Arrival Private Transfer Palma de Mallorca Airport PMI to Palma by Business Car: $73
  • Arrival Transfer from Palma de Mallorca Airport PMI to Palma in Private Van: $73
  • Transfer from Palma Airport (Majorca) to Magaluf (Any Hotel): $83
  • Arrival Private Transfers : Mallorca Airport PMI to Palma in Business Car: $84

Typical Local Transportation prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:


  • 10 Trip Metro Ticket
    €7.80
  • Airport Bus
    €5.00
  • Metro
    €2.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:

  • Ultra - Barcelona Private Transfer from City Centre to Barcelona Cruise Port: $9.41
  • Ultra - Barcelona Private Transfer from Barcelona Cruise Port to City Centre: $9.41
  • Ultra - Barcelona Private Airport Transfer city centre to El Prat Airport BCN: $9.41
  • Transfers From Cruise Port to Barcelona Main Train Station( Sants Train Station): $30
  • Transfer to Montserrat Monastery from Barcelona: $33
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Barcelona City: $39
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Barcelona City to Barcelona El Prat Airport: $39
  • Transfer in private minivan from Barcelona City to Barcelona el Prat Airport: $55
  • Transfer from Barcelona to Valencia or viceversa: $498
  • Transfer from Barcelona to Port Aventura Park: $435
  • Transfer from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona CITY - ROUND TRIP: $124
  • Transfer from Barcelona (any hotel or address) to Barcelona Airport (BCN): $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona?

Prices for flights to both Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Palma de Mallorca €36
    Barcelona €27
Typical Food prices in Palma de Mallorca

For Palma de Mallorca, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Soda
    €2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palma de Mallorca

For Palma de Mallorca, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Palma: Walking Food Tour: $97
  • Show Cooking Paella: $124

Typical Food prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Hot Cocoa & Churro
    €4.15
  • Sandwich
    €1.70
  • Baguette & Horchata
    €3.80
  • Tapas on the beach
    €8.28
  • Gelatto
    €2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.

  • Live from Potato Gnocchi Online Cooking Class: $23
  • Live from Barcelona to China: Potato Gnocchi Online Cooking Class: $23
  • Barcelona organic dinner in a beautiful rooftop garden: $35
  • Paella Cooking Experience + Boqueria Market Tour: $48
  • Interactive Spanish Cooking Experience in Barcelona: $49
  • Hands-on Brunch Cooking Class with Bottomless Mimosas!: $50
  • Born district food tour and tasting in Barcelona: $51
  • Street Food Tour & Gothic Quater Sightseeing with Local Expert: $52
  • Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $52
  • Tasty Barcelona Street Food Tour With Local Market Visit: $59
  • Skip the Line: Flamenco Show and Dinner Ticket: $62
  • 2-Hour Bites & Flavors Private Food Tour: $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Palma de Mallorca €27
    Barcelona €27

Tours and Activities in Palma de Mallorca

For Palma de Mallorca, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Alcudia Open Bus City Tour in Mallorca: $21
  • Palma de Mallorca Sightseeing Day Tour: $24
  • El Arenal, Mallorca: Bay of Palma Boat Tour: $27
  • Full-Day Tour with Departure Options: $29
  • Mallorca: Bike Tour Off-the-Beaten-Track: $43
  • Palma de Mallorca Segway Ninebot Tour: $56
  • Express Tour to Drach Caves and Portocristo: $60
  • Palma: 2-Hour Segway Tour: $63
  • From 5-Hour Catamaran Cruise: $64
  • Segway Old Town Tour in Alcudia: $77
  • Segway Lake Tour in Alcudia: $77
  • Mallorca Coasteering Adventure: $79

Typical Entertainment prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass
    €42
  • Souvenir Gaudi Book
    €8.55
  • Admission to Museo Picasso
    €6.00

Tours and Activities in Barcelona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:

  • #1dayBarcelona. 6-Hour Action Packed Private City Discovery Tour: $549
  • 'Game Of Thrones' Small Group Tour in Girona from Barcelona: $125
  • 1 hour private sailing tour: $158
  • 1,5 hour Vermut & Sailing Experience Barcelona with drinks and snacks!: $41
  • 1-hour Private Speedboat Cruise from Barcelona: $372
  • 1.5-Hour Sights of Barcelona E-Bike Tour Led by a Local Guide: $34
  • 2 Hours Private Sailing Tour for Family and Friends: $316
  • 2 Hours Running Tour in Barcelona with Local Guide: $35
  • 2 hour Private Sunset Sailing Cruise Barcelona: $372
  • 2 hour Sailing Cruise Barcelona: $47
  • 2 hour Sunset Sailing Cruise Barcelona: $47
  • 2 hours Exclusive Sunrise Sailing Experience from Port Vell: $335

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Palma de Mallorca €24
    Barcelona €14
Typical Alcohol prices in Palma de Mallorca

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Palma de Mallorca are as follows:


  • Coffee
    €3.10

Sample the Local Flavors in Palma de Mallorca

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Palma de Mallorca:

  • Wine Tasting Tour: $111

Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:

  • Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $9.08
  • Generation Pub Crawl in Barcelona: $19
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl: $20
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Barcelona: $22
  • Opera Samfaina: Food and Wine Tasting Interactive Experience in Barcelona: $26
  • Wine tasting & tapas: $39
  • Barcelona Guided Local Wine Tasting Tour: $44
  • Wine Tasting near Sagrada Familia: $47
  • Home Food and Wine Tasting with Wine Lover: $51
  • Fun Wine Tasting in Barcelona with a Sommelier!: $53
  • Spanish wine tasting in a historic building with a Sommelier: $54
  • Food Tasting Tapas and Wine Tour: $62

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Palma de Mallorca 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.

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Palma de Mallorca vs. Barcelona Travel Comparison

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