Is Lisbon or Barcelona a Better Vacation Spot?
Trying to plan your upcoming European adventure and not sure which new city to visit between Lisbon and Barcelona? Lisbon and Barcelona are well-loved cities in Europe, both offering vibrant cultures, stunning architecture, and a unique atmosphere, but they each have their own distinct charm. Let’s break them down and compare Lisbon and Barcelona when it comes to cuisine, sights, walkability and public transit, cultural scene, and affordability to see which destination is the best choice for you!
Check out our Lisbon and Barcelona travel guides to see what the day-to-day of a vacation looks like at these two popular European destinations!
- Exploring the Charm of Lisbon, Portugal in 2 Days!
- Barcelona, Spain – The Ultimate Spanish Vacation Spot in 2024
1. Cuisine
Lisbon
Lisbon is a culinary lover’s paradise, offering both a flavorful variety of traditional dishes as well as an elevated dining scene with artfully designed plates. Starting your morning with pastéis de nata (custard tarts) and ending the day with bacalhau (salted cod) will leave you wanting to try more. But for those of you who love an upscale dining experience, Lisbon will wow you, too! Boasting several Michelin-starred restaurants, Lisbon truly is a great place to be if you travel to taste!
Barcelona
Barcelona, on the other hand, has more of a tapas culture. Locals and tourists alike can be seen socializing at neighborhood tapas bars eating “meals” of bite-size courses paired with wine. Barcelona also has its fair share of Michelin-star restaurants, but personally I prefer the patatas bravas and croquettes, I can never get enough of them! Barcelona is also home to famous crema catalana, which is similar to creme brulee, and is the perfect way to end any night in the city.
Winner: Lisbon
While Barcelona tapas scene is unmatched, Lisbon truly offers the best of both worlds with a tasty native cuisine and an elevated dining experience.
2. Sights
Lisbon
Lisbon is full of history, charm, and some seriously amazing views. You can’t miss Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery—they look straight out of a storybook and give you a peek into Portugal’s past. Wander through the Alfama district to get lost in its cute, winding streets, and make your way up to São Jorge Castle for unreal city views. All the miradouros (viewpoints) offer the perfect golden hour moment.
Barcelona
Barcelona is the perfect mix of beachy vibes and stunning architecture. You can’t miss La Sagrada FamÃlia, the colorful mosaics of Park Güell, or the medieval charm of the narrow alleys of the Gothic Quarter. The city truly is beautifully designed and after a stroll down Las Ramblas and grabbing a snack at La Boqueria Market you’d understand why! Every corner feels like a masterpiece, blending history, creativity, and those perfect Mediterranean vibes.
Winner: Barcelona
Barcelona beats Lisbon when it comes to sights and views. The city itself is made of art from Park Guell to the stunning details of La Sagrada FamÃlia.
3. Walkability and Public Transport
Lisbon
Overall, Lisbon is super walkable, with most of its major sights located in areas like Alfama and Baixa. The city’s hills make for a bit of a workout, but the views are totally worth it! For longer distances, the tram is an iconic way to get around, offering a scenic ride through historic neighborhoods. Lisbon’s metro is efficient and affordable, connecting you to other parts of the city, while buses and ferries make exploring the outskirts and nearby islands a possibility too.
Barcelona
Barcelona is super easy to explore on foot, especially in areas like the Gothic Quarter and El Born, where you can wander through narrow, charming streets. The city also has a great public transit system with a fast metro, extensive bus network, and even trams to get you everywhere from the beach to the mountains. If you’re heading to further spots like Park Güell, the bus or metro is a quick option. Whether you’re strolling or hopping on a train, Barcelona is one of the easiest cities in Europe to navigate!
Winner: Barcelona
Barcelona comes out on top for both walkability and public transportation. The neighborhoods of Barcelona are so beautiful that I prefer to walk around and get lost, but the metro and bus system are perfect for getting to farther spots throughout the city.
4. Cultural Scene
Lisbon
Lisbon’s culture is deeply rooted in its maritime history, making it feel like a city with an old soul and a deep connection to the sea. The Fado music is a beautiful genre that evokes feelings of longing and melancholy and is the heart of Lisbon’s cultural identity, especially in the narrow streets of Alfama. The city also takes pride in its traditional festivals, such as Festa de Santo António, where locals celebrate with street parties, music, and food. Lisbon’s cultural vibe is more laid-back, where history and contemporary life effortlessly blend together. The Azulejos (decorative ceramic tiles) can be found all over the city, adding an artistic touch to its old-world charm.
Barcelona
Barcelona’s culture is vibrant, dynamic, and heavily influenced by its Catalan heritage. It’s a city that celebrates both its modernist architecture, epitomized by GaudÃ’s masterpieces like La Sagrada FamÃlia and Park Güell, and its independent spirit through the preservation of its Catalan traditions. The city’s cultural scene is eclectic, with a mix of contemporary art galleries, traditional flamenco performances, and lively street art. Catalan pride is evident in everything from the local language to the culinary scene. The energy is upbeat, with locals constantly embracing creativity, innovation, and a laid-back, yet passionate way of life. It’s a city where modernity and tradition coexist in perfect harmony, from the art on the streets to the culinary offerings.
Winner: Barcelona
Barcelona’s culture uniquely preserves the everyday Catalan influences and engulfs you in creativity through its artistically designed streets, parks, and churches.
5. Affordability
Lisbon
Lisbon is a unique city where budget-travelers can find affordable accommodations and food, while travelers willing to splurge can experience a finer dining experience and have access to upscale shopping.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a bit pricier than Lisbon, especially when it comes to accommodations in touristy, central neighborhoods. Barcelona’s tapas culture is quite affordable though and so is the public transit!
Winner: Lisbon
Lisbon can be extremely affordable for the budget traveler but watch out or the elevated dining scene and trendy shopping can put a dent in your travel budget.
Conclusion
Lisbon and Barcelona are two beautiful cities, both capturing the coastal, mediterranean city vibes and offering delicious food that will leave you wanting more. A trip to either would make for a great trip, but which one should you choose?
Our Recommendation
- Travel to Lisbon if you prefer a laid-back town with quaint viewpoints and endless dining options
- Vacation in Barcelona if you’re looking for an energetic culture with walkable neighborhoods and tapas bars
No matter which city you decide to visit, your European adventure will be one to remember! Still having trouble deciding, check out our detailed travel guides for each city to see which one resonates with you more!
