A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers The Hague vs. Barcelona for Nightlife, Music, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit The Hague 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 The Hague and Barcelona can help you decide which place is right for you.

The Hague

The Hague is a global, international, and bustling city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Barcelona

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

The Hague and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in The Hague or Barcelona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Barcelona than The Hague, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Barcelona is more touristy than The Hague 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. The Hague is popular for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy.

How is The Hague different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in The Hague or Barcelona?

Barcelona is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Barcelona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in The Hague. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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 The Hague or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

The people in The Hague know how to have a good time. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

Is The Hague or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for live music. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its live music scene.

Barcelona is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

The Hague has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Is The Hague or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is very good for its beaches. However, The Hague 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.

The Hague is not a beach destination.

Is The Hague or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, The Hague does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

The Hague does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hague or Barcelona?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, The Hague 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.

The Hague is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

Is The Hague or Barcelona Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either The Hague or Barcelona.

The Hague is a family-friendly city. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

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 The Hague or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Both The Hague and Barcelona are good destinations to visit as a couple.

The Hague is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

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 The Hague or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

It's common for backpackers to visit The Hague. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

Is The Hague or Barcelona Better for Students?

Both The Hague and Barcelona are amazing destinations for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit The Hague. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

Barcelona is a great destination 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 The Hague or Barcelona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find superb public transit in both The Hague and Barcelona.

Public transit in The Hague is fairly effecient and thorough. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

Barcelona has some very good public transit options. 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 The Hague or Barcelona a more walkable city?

The Hague is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

The Hague is somewhat walkable. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

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 The Hague Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or The Hague?

How long in The Hague or Barcelona?

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

Families should spend more time in Barcelona than The Hague. 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 The Hague. 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 The Hague 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 The Hague or Barcelona?

People visit The Hague because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that The Hague has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Barcelona. 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.

A weekend in The Hague or Barcelona?

People visit The Hague because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find live music and food around the high energy big city of Barcelona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Five days in The Hague or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the global city of The Hague. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the youthful city of Barcelona. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in The Hague or Barcelona?

The Hague 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 popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Barcelona, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Netherlands, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between The Hague and Barcelona, we can see that The Hague 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 The Hague Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, The Hague or Barcelona?

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

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

The Hague is cooler than Barcelona in the summer. The daily temperature in The Hague averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in The Hague this time of the year. In the summer, The Hague often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. The Hague gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

The Hague usually gets more rain in July than Barcelona. The Hague gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit The Hague or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and The Hague are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to The Hague in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music 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 the autumn, The Hague is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in The Hague in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Barcelona averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The Hague usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. The Hague gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, The Hague usually receives less rain than Barcelona. The Hague gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit The Hague or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and The Hague during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to The Hague for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The Hague can be very cold during winter. In January, The Hague is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in The Hague average around 2°C (36°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, The Hague often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. The Hague gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.

The Hague usually gets more rain in January than Barcelona. The Hague gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit The Hague or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hague and Barcelona. The spring months attract visitors to The Hague because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

The Hague is much colder than Barcelona in the spring. The daily temperature in The Hague averages around 8°C (46°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. The Hague usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during spring. The Hague gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, The Hague usually receives around the same amount of rain as Barcelona. The Hague gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and The Hague