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

Should you visit Barcelona or La Spezia?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Barcelona and La Spezia can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a colorful, laid-back, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Barcelona is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches. See Barcelona travel costs.

La Spezia

La Spezia is a convenient, cultural, and lively town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See La Spezia travel costs.

Barcelona and La Spezia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Barcelona or La Spezia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona than La Spezia. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Barcelona is more touristy than La Spezia and is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also well known for Basilica Sagrada Familia. La Spezia is famous for being the gateway to Cinque Terre.

How is Barcelona different from La Spezia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Barcelona or La Spezia?

Barcelona is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, La Spezia is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

La Spezia offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The highlight of the area is the surrounding natural beauty, but in town you can visit the Maritime Museum, The castle of San Giorgio, and The Amedeo Lia Art Museum.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Barcelona and La Spezia.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Barcelona makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

La Spezia has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town has many local flavors that incorporate seafood and other local ingredients. Focaccia is popular, as is Farinata, which is a chickpea flour pancake. Anchovies and mussels are also common ingredients.

Is Barcelona or La Spezia Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Barcelona is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

La Spezia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find more bars and clubs around town than you do in the smaller nearby towns. Some people head into La Spezia for the evening to grab a drink and socialize.

Is Barcelona or La Spezia Better for Music?

Barcelona is very popular for its live music scene. However, La Spezia is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Barcelona. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

La Spezia is not a live music destination.

Is Barcelona or La Spezia Better for Beaches?

Both Barcelona and La Spezia are considered to be nice beach destinations.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Barcelona. 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.

La Spezia offers a nice beach destination. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.

Is Barcelona or La Spezia Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is a very popular place for its old town. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see 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.

La Spezia offers a nice historic old town area. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.

Is the Shopping Better in Barcelona or La Spezia?

Barcelona is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Barcelona draws large crowds to its stores. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Many visitors go to La Spezia to go shopping. There's a morning market at Piazza del Mercato as well as many clothing and souvenir shops around town.

Is Barcelona or La Spezia More Beautiful?

Barcelona is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, La Spezia is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Barcelona is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city offers many nice viewpoints that look down on the skyline from the surrounding hills. There are also nice parks and interesting architecture.

La Spezia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Barcelona or La Spezia Better for Families?

Both Barcelona and La Spezia are nice to visit with kids.

Barcelona is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

La Spezia is a family-friendly city. Visitors often use La Spezia as a base for visiting nearby Cinque Terre. The surrounding region has many kid-friendly activities like hiking, swimming, and beaches.

Is Barcelona or La Spezia Better for Couples?

La Spezia 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.

La Spezia is a very popular place to visit for couples. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.

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 Barcelona or La Spezia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Barcelona is extremely popular 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.

La Spezia is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than the nearby towns in Cinque Terre, but they're still easily accessible from town.

Is Barcelona or La Spezia Better for Students?

Barcelona is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, La Spezia is not popular with students.

Barcelona is a very popular place to visit 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.

La Spezia is not popular with students.

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

Barcelona is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in La Spezia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.

Is Barcelona or La Spezia a more walkable city?

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

La Spezia is very walkable. The town is easy to walk around and you'll find a pedestrian-only area downhill from the train station.

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 Barcelona Worth Visiting? and Is La Spezia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Spezia or Barcelona?

How long in Barcelona or La Spezia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Barcelona and La Spezia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in La Spezia. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Barcelona, and 2-3 days is enough time in La Spezia.

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

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

People visit Barcelona because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of La Spezia. 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 Barcelona or La Spezia?

People visit Barcelona because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the lively destination of La Spezia. 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.

Five days in Barcelona or La Spezia?

People visit Barcelona 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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively town of La Spezia. 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.

A week in Barcelona or La Spezia?

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.

La Spezia 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Barcelona and La Spezia, we can see that La Spezia is more expensive. And not only is Barcelona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 La Spezia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Spezia 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 Barcelona Expensive? and Is La Spezia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Barcelona or La Spezia?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of La Spezia. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona and La Spezia, 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.