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

Should you visit Tokyo or Barcelona?

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

Should I visit Tokyo 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.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a cutting edge, high tech, and high energy 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 nightlife, live music, and food.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a high energy, youthful, and colorful 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Tokyo and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Barcelona?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Barcelona than Tokyo. While Tokyo is larger than Barcelona, Barcelona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Barcelona is better known for its beaches and historical sights, while Tokyo is more popular for its museums and food. Barcelona is more touristy than Tokyo and is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. Also, Barcelona is famous for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Tokyo is well known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks.

How is Tokyo different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tokyo 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 Tokyo that are not to be missed. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

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 Tokyo or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo have been singled out for their culinary prowess. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

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.

Is Tokyo or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is terrific in both Tokyo and Barcelona.

Tokyo is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

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.

Is Tokyo or Barcelona Better for Music?

Tokyo and Barcelona are both destinations where visitors can find terrific live music.

Tokyo has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

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

Is Tokyo or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a popular place for the beach. However, Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Is Tokyo or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is great for its historic old town charm. However, Tokyo 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.

Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Barcelona?

If you're looking to go shopping, Tokyo and Barcelona both offer plenty of terrific spots.

Many people travel to Tokyo specifically to go shopping. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

Barcelona is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Is Tokyo or Barcelona Better for Families?

Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is an extremely popular city to visit for families. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

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 Tokyo or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for couples. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

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 Tokyo or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Barcelona, as it is a very popular city for 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. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

Tokyo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Is Tokyo or Barcelona Better for Students?

For students, both Tokyo and Barcelona are terrific places to visit.

Many students frequent Tokyo. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

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.

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

Tokyo 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.

Tokyo has a great public transit system. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

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 Tokyo or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Tokyo is renowned for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Tokyo on foot. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

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 Tokyo Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Barcelona?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Barcelona than Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Barcelona?

People visit Tokyo 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 high energy 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.

A weekend in Tokyo or Barcelona?

People visit Tokyo 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.

Five days in Tokyo or Barcelona?

People visit Tokyo 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.

A week in Tokyo or Barcelona?

Tokyo is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tokyo, 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 high energy 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 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Tokyo 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. Even though Tokyo is in Asia and Barcelona is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tokyo Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Barcelona?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Barcelona. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Barcelona in the Summer?

Both Barcelona and Tokyo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tokyo 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.

In the summer, Tokyo is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tokyo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in July than Barcelona. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Barcelona. Most visitors come to Tokyo 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 October, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 18°C (64°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tokyo or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Barcelona. The winter months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

Tokyo is much colder than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Tokyo often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.

Tokyo usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Barcelona. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Tokyo 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 Tokyo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Tokyo is around the same temperature as Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tokyo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Tokyo