A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Belfast vs. Barcelona for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Belfast or Barcelona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast 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.

Belfast

Belfast is a affordable, under-rated, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and shopping. See Belfast travel costs.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a historic, cultural, and friendly city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Barcelona is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Barcelona travel costs.

Belfast and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Barcelona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Barcelona than Belfast, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Barcelona is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also home to Basilica Sagrada Familia. Belfast is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Barcelona is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Barcelona is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Barcelona is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Belfast or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Belfast is not a live music destination.

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

Belfast is not a live music destination.

Is Belfast or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Belfast 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.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is Belfast or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Belfast 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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Barcelona?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Belfast or Barcelona More Beautiful?

Barcelona is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Belfast is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Belfast is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Belfast or Barcelona Better for Families?

Belfast and Barcelona are both good destinations for the whole family.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

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 Belfast or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Barcelona is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Barcelona is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Barcelona is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Barcelona is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Barcelona. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Barcelona a more walkable city?

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

Belfast is somewhat walkable.

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 Belfast Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Barcelona?

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

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

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Belfast. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Belfast 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 Belfast or Barcelona?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the authentic destination of Belfast. 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.

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 Belfast or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Belfast. 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 Belfast or Barcelona?

Belfast 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Barcelona in the Summer?

Both Barcelona and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Belfast is much colder than Barcelona in the summer. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Belfast during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, 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 the autumn, Belfast is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Belfast in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Barcelona averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Barcelona. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Barcelona. Many visitors come to Belfast in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Belfast can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Belfast is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 4°C (39°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Barcelona. Most visitors come to Belfast for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Belfast is much colder than Barcelona in the spring. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. In the spring, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Barcelona. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Belfast