Which place is cheaper, Barcelona or Paris?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Should I visit Paris or Barcelona? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Paris is a bustling, energetic, and beautiful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty in Paris as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Paris travel costs.
Barcelona is a friendly, high energy, and youthful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Barcelona is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Barcelona travel costs.
Both Barcelona and Paris have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Paris is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, and impressive beauty, while Barcelona is known for its beaches and historical sights. Paris is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Barcelona is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Barcelona and Paris. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Paris is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Paris that are not to be missed. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.
Paris is renowned for theatre. However, Barcelona is not a theatre destination.
Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Paris that are not to be missed. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.
Barcelona is not a theatre destination.
Paris is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.
Many restaurants in Paris have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.
Barcelona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.
The vibe at night is terrific in both Paris and Barcelona.
Paris is a must-see party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.
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.
Paris and Barcelona are both destinations where visitors can find terrific live music.
Paris is known as a music capital around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Barcelona Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.
Barcelona is a popular place for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.
Barcelona is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.
Paris is not a beach destination.
Barcelona is great for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.
Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.
Paris does not have a historic old town.
If you're looking to go shopping, Paris and Barcelona both offer plenty of terrific spots.
People travel from around the world to go shopping in Paris. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.
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.
Paris is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.
You'll find world class beauty in Paris as well. It is famous for it's beautiful buildings, grand avenues, and impressive gardens. Many consider it among the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world.
The beauty of Barcelona is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city offers many nice viewpoints that look down on the skyline from the surrounding hills. There are also nice parks and interesting architecture.
Paris is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.
Paris is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.
Barcelona is a family-friendly 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.
Paris is renowned for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.
Paris is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a 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.
For backpackers, both Paris and Barcelona are terrific places to visit.
Many backpackers frequent Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.
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.
For students, both Paris and Barcelona are terrific places to visit.
Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad 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.
Paris is renowned for its public transit. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.
Paris has a great public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.
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.
Paris is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.
Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.
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 Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.
Both Paris and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Paris has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Paris than Barcelona. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Paris than Barcelona. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Paris, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Paris than Barcelona. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Paris that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Barcelona 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 Paris.
People visit Paris because there is so much to do. 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.
In Barcelona, many people enjoy the live music and food that this youthful big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
People visit Paris because there is so much to do. 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
People visit Paris 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. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
Barcelona is a fun place to experience. In Barcelona, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Paris is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paris, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
In Barcelona, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this cultural big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Paris is €263, while the average daily cost in Barcelona is €183. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Paris and Barcelona in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Paris or Barcelona? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:
Also for Paris, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:
Prices for flights to both Barcelona and Paris 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:
For Paris, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.
For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paris and Barcelona, we can see that Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.
Paris has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Barcelona. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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.
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.
Both Barcelona and Paris during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Paris in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Paris is cooler than Barcelona in the summer. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paris. In the summer, Paris often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.
Paris usually gets more rain in July than Barcelona. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Barcelona. Most visitors come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Paris is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Paris in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Barcelona averages at about 17°C (63°F).
Paris usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Paris usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Paris as well as Barcelona. The winter months attract visitors to Paris because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.
The weather in Paris can be very cold. In January, Paris is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 5°C (40°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Paris often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.
Paris usually gets more rain in January than Barcelona. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Barcelona and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Paris is cooler than Barcelona in the spring. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Barcelona. Paris usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Paris usually receives around the same amount of rain as Barcelona. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Paris | Barcelona | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 5°C (40°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (1.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
May | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
Aug | 20°C (67°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
Nov | 8°C (47°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
Dec | 5°C (42°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |