Should I Visit Alicante or Barcelona? Which is Better for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive? | Budget Your Trip (2024)

Should you visit Alicante or Barcelona?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Barcelona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

Alicante is a vibrant, cultural, and colorful city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a friendly, high energy, and youthful 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.

Alicante and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Barcelona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona than Alicante. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Barcelona is more touristy than Alicante 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. Alicante is famous for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Alicante different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Alicante and Barcelona.

Many visitors head to Alicante specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

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.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Alicante and Barcelona.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Alicante. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

Barcelona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Alicante or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Alicante has a few options to choose from. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

Is Alicante or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is terrific for its live music scene. However, Alicante 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.

Alicante is not a live music destination.

Is Alicante or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Alicante and Barcelona are nice choices for a beach vacation.

Many people head to Alicante to enjoy the beach. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

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.

Is Alicante or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

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

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Alicante has an old town worth visiting. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Barcelona?

Barcelona is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Alicante has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Is Alicante or Barcelona Better for Families?

Alicante is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Alicante is a very family-friendly place to visit. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

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 Alicante or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Alicante 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.

Alicante is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

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 Alicante or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is terrific for backpackers. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Alicante. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

Is Alicante or Barcelona Better for Students?

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

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.

It's common for students to visit Alicante. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

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

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

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.

While Alicante offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

Is Alicante or Barcelona a more walkable city?

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

Alicante is somewhat walkable. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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 Alicante Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Barcelona?

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

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Alicante. 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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Alicante or Barcelona?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Alicante. 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.

Barcelona is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful city of Alicante. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Barcelona, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Alicante or Barcelona?

Alicante 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Barcelona has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alicante and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. And not only is Alicante much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alicante would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alicante 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona than you might in Alicante.

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Barcelona?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Barcelona. Many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Barcelona in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Alicante is generally around the same temperature as Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 25°C (77°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alicante or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Barcelona. Many visitors come to Alicante in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Alicante is a little warmer than Barcelona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In the autumn, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Alicante is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alicante in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Barcelona averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Alicante usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alicante or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Alicante during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In April, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 16°C (60°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the spring, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Barcelona. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Alicante