Lisbon and Barcelona both offer unique and enticing experiences, but which one should you choose for your city break or holiday?

We recognise the difficulty in making this decision. While there is abundant information available on both destinations, clear guidance on which city better aligns with your travel preferences is often hard to find.
This article aims to provide an impartial comparison,and hopefully help you to choose the best city to visit.

The article is structured into several sections, each of which can be directly accessed through the following links:
• Introduction to the cities
• Scores and ratings
• Which one should I, friends, or family visit?
• When to visit and weather
• Who is the city suited for?
• The perfect 48hours (with map)
• Tourism details (where to stay? airport details?)

Barcelona, the pulsating core of Catalonia, exudes a robust and confident identity that's uniquely its own. As a city that's simultaneously youthful, chic, and forward-thinking, it captures the imagination with awe-inspiring landmarks and vibrant culture.

Nestled between the sparkling sea and towering mountains, Barcelona's dynamic and vivacious character thrives. Yet, the ease with which one can retreat to sun-kissed beaches or the rejuvenating mountain landscapes ensures the city never feels confining.

While Barcelona stands as a premier European destination, it's not without its challenges, such as the impact of heavy tourism and sometimes indifferent service. However, for those willing to navigate these aspects, the city's allure is undeniable, offering a blend of cultural richness and natural beauty that continues to enchant visitors from around the world

Lisbon is a progressive and liberal city, which still retains its rich seafaring history and distinctive Portuguese heritage. The city effortlessly blends history, vibrant culture and exciting nightlife into one charismatic tourist destination.

Lisbon is a city of compact variety; you can get lost in the maze of narrow streets in the Alfama district, be wowed by the grandeur of the plazas in Baixa or join the hipsters and fashionistas in the Principe Real. Close to the city are glorious sandy beaches, and Lisbon boasts one of the finest climates in Europe. This is an amazing city, which you must visit.

The number 28 tram passing the Se cathedral in Lisbon

The Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) is one of the most atmospheric areas of Barcelona

Do you agree with us? Why not provide your own scores for Lisbon here

Summary
Where would I journey for a personal escape?
Lisbon
Where would I send my parents for a memorable visit?
Lisbon
Where's the ideal destination for my adventurous 19-year-old cousin?
Both amazing for him, but Barcelona
Where should my food-obsessed friend indulge their culinary passions?
Lisbon
Note: The above comparisons are weather-independent and are based on travel during the most opportune times of the year. Details about the ideal travel seasons are elaborated upon later in this article.

In the sections that follow, you'll find a comprehensive comparison between these two fascinating cities. This includes recommendations on the duration of stay, the best times to visit, and tailored 48-hour itineraries for each city.
The final segment delves into practicalities for your travels, such as the best airport to fly into, the optimal districts for your accommodation, and insider tips, for when you come to explore the city.

We hope that you find all of this information useful, in planning your next exciting trip!

Lisbon is a diverse and exciting city that you’ll need at least three days to fully see.
Many visitors also include Sintra as part of their stay, but at a minimum, but we recommend spending at least two full days in Lisbon itself.

If you are fortunate enough to have a longer stay, there are many enjoyable day trips, including the palaces of Sintra, the beach resorts of Cascais or the historic towns of Obidos and Evora.

In the summer, you could also visit the beautiful beaches along the Cascais or Costa Caparica coastlines. Best of all, these day trips can all be reached via the inexpensive public transportation.
Related articles: 3 days in Lisbon – 48 hours in Lisbon

Barcelona can be fully seen with two intense days of sightseeing, but if you include the beaches, the mountain viewpoints and a more leisurely pace, this leads to the conventional four-day visit.

A trip could be extended by visiting the picturesque Montserrat Monastery and mountains or the attractive coastal town of Sitges. Barcelona is much more suited for a short city break than a longer holiday, and does lack the diversity of day trips as with other destinations.

A tourist cruise boat passing beneath the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge in Lisbon

The flamboyant Park Guell, colourful mosaics and whimsical buildings all designed by Barcelona great designer Antoni Gaudí

Barcelona is almost a year-round destination, and the best time of year to visit is either early spring or later autumn as this is outside of the peak season, but the weather is still pleasant.

The peak tourist season is July and August, and we suggest Barcelona is best avoided, as it is just too hectic and crowded. The weather is suitable for spending time on the beaches from May until October. The winter months are cooler and possibly wet but there is a less hectic pace around the city.

The recommended time to visit Lisbon is in the late spring and early autumn, when the city is sunny and warm, but without the summertime crowds.

Lisbon is subject to the pressures of over-tourism at times, most notably being incredibly crowded during the summer months in the popular tourist areas, such as the Belem district and Sintra.

Due to the increased popularity of Lisbon, it is becoming a year-round destination, however, be warned that the winter months can be wet and cool.

Our favourite time of year to visit Lisbon is during the first two weeks of June, when the whole city celebrates the Santos Populares festivals with street parties and traditional dances.

Lisbon has a wide appeal; there are cultural sights, a buzzing nightlife and a blossoming artisan scene. The city will appeal to young or old, either for a cultural trip or as a fun weekend away.

In the summer (May-Sep) the beaches make for a really good extension to your trip and are easily accessible from the city. There is little to fault Lisbon and most visitors leave with fond memories of the city.

Barcelona is flashy, energetic and modern. The city has vibrant tourist attractions, without the stuffy atmosphere of many other historic destinations. It generally appeals more to the younger visitor with its heady mix of nightlife, beaches and Instagram ready tourist attractions.

It should be noted that Barcelona is not a cheap city, being the most expensive city in Spain. Barcelona is great for a short stay or a one-day visit, such as from a cruise ship.

The cathedral of Barcelona is dedicated to Saint Eulalia, and in the adjoining cloister are the 13 white geese commemorating her young martyr death at 13

There are beautiful beaches only a short train ride away from the centre of Lisbon

If you can find decent accommodation, then Barcelona is enjoyable for a city break. The main airport of Barcelona is 17km from the city centre and connected by train, but the low-cost airlines may use the very distant Barcelona-Reus (110km south) or Barcelona-Girona (90km north). Neither airport is good for a short city-break, as so much time will be waste travelling.

Accommodation for Barcelona is always in high demand, and you will typically end up paying much more than you originally planned before making any reservations. The summer months can be a real challenge to find good accommodation – book well in advance.

Once in Barcelona all of the main sights are close and can be easily walked. The standard of food and service at restaurants in the tourist areas varies dramatically, it’s always advisable to check reviews first.

The Sagrada Família is the standout attraction of Barcelona

Lisbon is cool and fashionable, and has suddenly exploded on to the travel industry/market. If your friends have recently been, they will be raving about, but if you’re the first to visit, you’ll soon be passionately encouraging them to go in the future.

Everyone knows of Barcelona and its iconic monument, the La Sagrada, is instantly recognisable, along with its football team. Your friends and family will be impressed that you’re heading there, but by an age, everyone has been to Barcelona so it’s hardly unique.

The nightlife of Lisbon is exciting, vibrant and with a pleasant mix of locals and foreigners. Lisbon specialises in stylish, intimate bars, which are found throughout the Alfama and Bairro Alto districts. At the weekend the revellers of Bairro Alto spill out on the streets, where at 2am everyone heads downhill to the nightclubs of Cais de Sodre and Pink Street, a recently transformed red light district. Lisbon nightlife has much more of a focus on socialising than drinking excessively, as the Portuguese tend not to be big drinkers but love to chat!

Barcelona nightlife is buzzing, lively and the whole city parties during the summer season. Being an international and tourist heavy city expect many of the most popular venues to be crammed with foreigners and tourists instead of locals. The nightlife of certain areas can be a touch tacky and excessive, that said it’s always fun! For funky bars head to the El Born district or alley of the Gothic Quarter. Barcelona is full of big night memories, but expect a significant chunk of your budget to blown, as it’s not a cheap city.

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) exhibits the finest pieces of Catalina art and history, and is housed in the beautiful Palau Nacional. Pablo Picasso has a close connection to Barcelona and the Museu Picasso, displays over 3,800 pieces of his earlier work. Barcelona has numerous museums and galleries but when compared to other European cultural cities the variety and depth are lacking.

Top 5 Barcelona, No.1:
The Sagrada Família

The standout museum of Lisbon is the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, with its vast, private collection of art and antiquaries. The Portuguese national gallery and museum is the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, and has an equally varied collection. Both museums are outstanding and are rarely busy, with peaceful ambience for enjoying the art and exhibits Lisbon also has some fascinating niche museums, such as the National Tile Museum (specialising is painted Azulejo tiles) and the Museu Nacional dos Coches, with the world’s largest collection of horse-drawn carriages.

Catalonian regional dishes are delicious and frequently based around seafood. Regional specialities include Esqueixada (shredded salt cod, tomatoes and onions) Mandonguilles amb sípia (Meatballs, cuttlefish in a rich source). Suquet de Peix (seafood stew with potato). Of course, there are Paellas, with the distinctive Arròs Negre Catalonia Paella dyes the rice black with squid ink. The food may be delicious but there can be sub-standard service in the tourist areas and some meals may be an outright rip-off. It’s frustrating having to constantly check restaurant reviews, when the food can be so good. The La Boqueria market may be a major tourist attraction but is still where many of Barcelonés do their daily food shopping.

Top 5 Lisbon, No.1:
The Alfama district, a delightful maze of medieval streets which climb from the Tejo Estuary up to the castle

The culinary experience of Lisbon is rapidly evolving and improving, gone are the days when a meal had to include bread, white rice and chips. Bacalhau (salted cold fish) is always a favourite of Lisbon, with its many different ways to serve; from Bacalhau Assado (lightly roasted) to the delicious Bacalhau à bras (potato crisps, scrambled eggs and Bacalhau). Lisbon is also famed for its café culture savouries, cakes and sweet pastries. Dinning in Lisbon is a mixed affair, there can be unexplained long waits or elusive serving staff, while other locations have attentive and enthusiastic staff. The evening meal is never rushed.

Barcelona is not an easy destination for a budget traveller, especially during the summer when hostels and inexpensive accommodation sells far in advance. If you are a savvy traveller it is possible to eek a decent stay in Barcelona, but lots of walking, eating at locals’ restaurants and limited nights out.
Barcelona 2/5

Lisbon always attracts a lot of solo travellers, as it is a comparatively safe destination with a lot of sights and activities. There is a large freelance and digital nomad working community, who will be seen frequently working in the cafes and bars. As there are so many transient workers and solo travellers, it is common and the norm to see people eating alone. The nightlife is very social, and the city is generally safe.

Barcelona is a worldly and forward-thinking city, which is a great destination if you are planning solo travel. The city attracts a diversity of nationalities and ages, and is well set up for soling. The city is safe for female solo travellers, but as with everywhere, common sense should be used. The only concern is the persistent nuisance of pickpockets and snatch thieves.

Barcelona is a great destination for children and a family trip. Hotels and restaurants will be very supportive of families, and there is a lot to see and do in the city, along with the beaches. The L'Aquàrium, with its 80m-long underwater tunnel, is an outstanding attraction, while children will love the Parc Guell and the Montjuïc cable car.
Score 4/5