A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sydney vs. Barcelona for Attractions, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Sydney or Barcelona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney 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.

Sydney

Sydney is a diverse, energetic, and outdoorsy 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Sydney and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Barcelona?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Barcelona than Sydney. While Sydney is larger than Barcelona, Barcelona has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Barcelona is better known for its music and historical sights, while Sydney is more popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Barcelona is more touristy than Sydney 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. Sydney is well known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants.

How is Sydney different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sydney 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 Sydney that are not to be missed. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Sydney and Barcelona can be an enjoyable experience.

Dining out in Sydney is an experience not to be missed. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

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.

Is Sydney or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Sydney and Barcelona.

The nightlife in Sydney is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

Barcelona is a world class party destination. 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 Sydney or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Sydney 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.

Sydney is not a live music destination.

Is Sydney or Barcelona Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Barcelona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Barcelona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Sydney is renowned for its beaches. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beache.

Sydney is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

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 Sydney or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Sydney 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.

Sydney does not have a historic old town.

Is Sydney or Barcelona Better for Hiking?

Sydney is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Sydney is a popular spot for hiking. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Barcelona?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Barcelona and Sydney.

Sydney is a world class destination for shoppers. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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.

Is Sydney or Barcelona Better for Families?

Sydney 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.

Sydney is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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.

Is Sydney or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Sydney is renowned for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Sydney is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney and Barcelona are first-rate places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sydney is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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.

Is Sydney or Barcelona Better for Students?

Sydney and Barcelona are first-rate places to visit for students.

Sydney is a great destination for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Barcelona is a very popular city 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 Sydney or Barcelona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sydney 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.

Sydney has a great public transit system. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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.

Is Sydney or Barcelona a more walkable city?

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

Sydney is very walkable. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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 Sydney Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Barcelona?

Both Sydney and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Sydney has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Sydney than Barcelona. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney 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 Sydney.

One day in Sydney or Barcelona?

People visit Sydney because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Barcelona. 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 Sydney or Barcelona?

People visit Sydney because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

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 Sydney or Barcelona?

People visit Sydney 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. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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 Sydney or Barcelona?

Sydney is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sydney, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the laid-back big city of Barcelona. 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 Australia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sydney and Barcelona, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Barcelona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sydney is in Pacific and Barcelona is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Barcelona?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Barcelona. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Barcelona?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Barcelona has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sydney or Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Barcelona. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sydney usually receives more rain than Barcelonain July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sydney or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Barcelona. Many travelers come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, 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 April, Sydney is generally around the same temperature as Barcelonain October. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 19°C (65°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Sydney often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelonain October. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Sydney receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sydney usually gets more rain in April than Barcelonain October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sydney 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.

Sydney is a little warmer than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Sydney usually receives more rain than Barcelonain January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sydney or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Sydney during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, 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.

In the spring, Sydney is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sydney in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F)in April.

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the spring, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Barcelonain April. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets more rain in October than Barcelonain April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Sydney