A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aix-en-Provence vs. Barcelona for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aix-en-Provence 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.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a historic, vibrant, and laid-back town. Aix-en-Provence is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Aix-en-Provence travel costs.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a friendly, high energy, and youthful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Barcelona attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Barcelona travel costs.

Aix-en-Provence and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Barcelona than Aix-en-Provence. Barcelona is bigger than Aix-en-Provence, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Barcelona is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, and big city activities, while Aix-en-Provence is more popular for its food. Barcelona is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence 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. Aix-en-Provence is well known for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Aix-en-Provence different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona?

Barcelona is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Barcelona can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Is the Food Better in Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

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 Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Barcelona is a must-see 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.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is terrific for its music scene. However, Aix-en-Provence 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a live music destination.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Barcelona has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence 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.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Barcelona and Aix-en-Provence.

Aix-en-Provence is a world class destination for shoppers. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

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 Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of high quality scenery and beauty in both Aix-en-Provence and Barcelona.

With stunning beauty, Aix-en-Provence attracts visitors from all around. It's a beautiful town with nice architecture and a relaxed but active vibe.

Barcelona is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city offers many nice viewpoints that look down on the skyline from the surrounding hills. There are also nice parks and interesting architecture.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona Better for Families?

Barcelona is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Aix-en-Provence 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

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 Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is terrific for backpackers. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Barcelona is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is terrific for students. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Students come from all over to stay in Aix-en-Provence. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Barcelona is well known for its public transit. Also, Aix-en-Provence 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 to most places 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 Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona a more walkable city?

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

Aix-en-Provence is very walkable. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

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 Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Aix-en-Provence?

How long in Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona?

Both Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Aix-en-Provence, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

Families should spend more time in Barcelona than Aix-en-Provence. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Barcelona than Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Aix-en-Provence. 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.

Barcelona is a big city with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona?

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Aix-en-Provence. 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.

Barcelona is a big city with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant town of Aix-en-Provence. 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona?

Aix-en-Provence 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 big city with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Aix-en-Provence 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. 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 Aix-en-Provence Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aix-en-Provence and Barcelona. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence 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, Aix-en-Provence is around the same temperature as Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aix-en-Provence in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aix-en-Provence usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Aix-en-Provence gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aix-en-Provence usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Aix-en-Provence gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aix-en-Provence as well as Barcelona. Many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for 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 October, Aix-en-Provence is generally around the same temperature as Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Aix-en-Provence average around 16°C (61°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. In the autumn, Aix-en-Provence often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Aix-en-Provence gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Aix-en-Provence usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Aix-en-Provence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Aix-en-Provence are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence 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.

Aix-en-Provence is cooler than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Aix-en-Provence averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Aix-en-Provence usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona during winter. Aix-en-Provence gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aix-en-Provence usually receives around the same amount of rain as Barcelona. Aix-en-Provence gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Aix-en-Provence during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for 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, Aix-en-Provence is around the same temperature as Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aix-en-Provence in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. In the spring, Aix-en-Provence often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Aix-en-Provence gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Aix-en-Provence usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Barcelona. Aix-en-Provence gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Aix-en-Provence