A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Windsor vs. Barcelona for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Windsor or Barcelona?

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

Should I visit Windsor 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a beautiful, royal, and traditional town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a laid-back, historic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Windsor and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Barcelona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Barcelona. Although Windsor and Barcelona are popular destinations, Barcelona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Barcelona is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Windsor attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Barcelona is more touristy than Windsor and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also well known for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Windsor is famous for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world.

How is Windsor different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Windsor and Barcelona.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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.

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

Barcelona is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Barcelona just to party. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Windsor or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Windsor is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Barcelona Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Windsor is not a live music destination.

Is Windsor or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a popular place for the beache. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a beach destination.

Is Windsor or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is well known for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Barcelona?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Barcelona Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Barcelona.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Barcelona offers lots of family activities. 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 Windsor or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Windsor 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.

Windsor is a very popular place to visit for couples. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

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 Windsor or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for students. However, Windsor is not popular with students.

Many students frequent 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.

Windsor is not popular with students.

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

Barcelona is well known for its public transit. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

While Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.

Is Windsor or Barcelona a more walkable city?

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

Windsor is very walkable. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable town. 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 Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Barcelona?

Both Windsor 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 Windsor. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Windsor, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

Families should spend more time in Barcelona than Windsor. 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 Windsor. 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Barcelona?

Even though Windsor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Windsor has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Windsor or Barcelona?

Windsor is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Windsor or Barcelona?

Windsor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

Barcelona is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Barcelona has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Barcelona?

Windsor 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor or Barcelona?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Windsor or Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Barcelona. Many visitors come to Windsor in the summer for the small town charm 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 July, Windsor is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 18°C (64°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Windsor usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Windsor or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Barcelona. Most visitors come to Windsor for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, 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.

Windsor is cooler than Barcelona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Windsor because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

The weather in Windsor can be very cold. In the winter, Windsor is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Windsor in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Barcelona averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Windsor usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Windsor or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Windsor during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Windsor is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 9°C (48°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in April than Barcelona. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Windsor