Both Lisbon and Barcelona are very attractive destinations for city breaks, with each having its own strengths and tourist interests. Therefore, it is difficult to be sure you have made the right choice. Fortunately, you can take into account other criteria, which will allow you to better choose your destination, which is the object of this destination match!
Lisbon or Barcelona: which one to choose?
To decide between Lisbon and Barcelona, you just have to find the one that best suits your expectations through its tourist assets, of course, but also through other comparison criteria: the weather, the budget of the trip, the various activities or even the quality of the stay...
Don Pedro IV Square, Lisbon
Remember that Lisbon is the capital and the largest city in Portugal. It is noted for its cultural attractions and architectural heritage, such as the imposing Castle of St. George (Castelo de São Jorge). This city is also favored by the proximity of the surrounding hills, the sea and the presence of the Tagus.
As for Barcelona, capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia, it is a welcoming city that takes advantage of its openness to the Mediterranean. Festive, attractive, cosmopolitan and multicultural, Barcelona is famous for its architectural and historical heritage. So that visitors could combine cultural visits and relaxation.
Which city to choose according to climate and weather?
The most weather-friendly city is one that has weather conditions pleasant enough for bright, sunny days to follow one after the other.
Best weather: Lisbon and Barcelona
When it comes to weather, Lisbon has nothing to envy Barcelona. And rightly so, these two cities, characterized respectively by a temperate oceanic climate and a Mediterranean-type climate, benefit from excellent weather conditions practically all year round. In fact, they enjoy a pleasantly mild atmosphere in winter and are adorned with magnificent sunshine from March to November. From a climatic point of view, Lisbon and Barcelona are suitable for outdoor activities and are therefore in a tie.
Which city to choose according to the price of airline tickets?
The cheapest airline ticket prices during the high and low tourist season are used as a point of comparison to find the preferred destination.
Cheapest average round-trip airfare: Barcelona
Favored by its proximity to the south of France, Barcelona is a relatively inexpensive destination, price of return airline tickets question. On the prices of flights from Paris to Lisbon and Paris to Barcelona, we can point out a price difference of about sixty euros, to the benefit of Barcelona. With the passage of the seasons, the prize for the cheapest plane ticket goes to Barcelona.
Barcelona
The destination to choose according to your budget
Taking into account the costs of living during the stay, it is possible to determine which city is the most affordable with a reasonable travel budget.
Cheapest city: Lisbon
Based on the cheapest cost of living, the Portuguese capital proves to be the most attractive destination. Adding up all the expenses related to accommodation, catering, transportation, souvenir shopping and various activities: a stay in Lisbon requires less budget than a stay in the Catalan capital . It is above all the price of accommodation in Barcelona that quickly pushes up the budget.
Quality of life: health, safety, pollution
Which city is better for wellness: Lisbon or Barcelona? To get the answer, all you have to do is analyze the health and safety issues.
It's good to live in Lisbon
Both the Portuguese capital and the Catalan capital are among the cities where life is good in Europe. Both benefit from a fairly elaborate care system, with satisfactory and reassuring services. Only, the level of security in the Portuguese capital is more reassuring. Also, the air we breathe there is relatively less polluted than that which characterizes the city of Barcelona.
Rossio Square, Lisbon
.which destination to choose for a weekend or a week: Lisbon or Barcelona?
Which destination to choose depending on the time you have available: Lisbon or Barcelona? To answer, you just need to find out what activities to do during that time.
For a romantic weekend, choose Lisbon.
Lisbon is a destination that lends itself particularly well to romantic weekend getaways. And for good reason, the city favors a cultural stopover, through site-seeing aboard the ancient streetcars that wind through its alleyways. Lovers can take in the breathtaking views of the scenic Tagus river mouth, or even enjoy an evening in trendy bars, where we sing fado while tasting the wines and gastronomic delights for which the country is famous.
Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon
For one week, choose Barcelona
The Catalan capital is the perfect destination for a stay of a week or more, with family or friends. Barcelona is a festive and multicultural city that will appeal to young and old alike. It is full of must-see sights and historical monuments, including the famous Las Ramblas avenue, the famous Camp Nou soccer stadium. Tourists can take advantage of the small restaurants along the beach and enjoy a hearty breakfast in front of the sunrise over the sea. In short, young people will not have time to get bored between the days of discovery and the festive atmosphere. in cocktail bars or whisky bars.
Which city to choose, according to the places of interest to visit?
The success of a stay depends on the quality of accommodation but also on the diversity of activities to do. So, which city is more attractive, in terms of cultural discovery, Lisbon or Barcelona?
The city with more sites on UNESCO's list: Barcelona
Barcelona's cultural wealth is undeniable. The city is home to the works of Antoni Gaudí, including Park Güell, Palazzo Güell, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, Casa Vicens, the Crypt and Façade of the Birth of the Sagrada Familia and the Crypt of the Colonia Güell in Barcelona. It is also in Barcelona where you can discover the Palace of Catalan Music and the Hospital de Sant Pau.
Note, however, that Lisbon is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Jerónimos Monastery (Jerónimos Monastery), the Belém Tower and Lisbon Baixa or Pombaline historic district (inscribed on the Tentative List).
Church of San Francisco de Sales, Barcelona
The most cultural destination: Lisbon and Barcelona
Thanks to their respective cultural riches, the cities of Lisbon and Barcelona are among the most popular destinations for lovers of cultural discovery. If the capital of Catalonia, with its Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, offers the promise of a visit that is at once architectural, historical and authentic, the City of 7 Hills can compete in interest, thanks to its numerous museums, districts and historical monuments. It is in Lisbon that you can discover the majestic castle of Saint-Georges.
Which city to choose according to travelers' opinions: Lisbon or Barcelona?
If you still have trouble deciding, you can also rely on the opinions of travelers who have had a successful stay in Barcelona or Lisbon.
Travelers prefer: Lisbon and Barcelona
Travelers are divided when it comes to choosing the most welcoming city, between the Catalan capital and the city of the 7 hills of Portugal. Lovers of authenticity and architectural heritage defend Lisbon, for its monuments with incredible architecture. The same goes for those who like the festive atmosphere, unusual places impregnated with modernity and originality.
As for Barcelona, it undoubtedly attracts soccer fans who can admire the FC Barcelona team, but also those who want to discover the Sagrada Familia Basilica, the most representative of the city's modernist architecture. The city is also appreciated for the proximity of its beaches where it is possible to enjoy the sun and the sea.
So, what is your choice: Lisbon or Barcelona?
Now that you know the other factors that can influence the success of your stay, you just have to choose the winner of this match of destinations. An unmissable destination for those passionate about cultural discovery and romantic getaways, Lisbon will dazzle you for a weekend. On the other hand, to diversify your pleasures and combine cultural visits and relaxation with leisure by the sea, the best destination is undoubtedly Barcelona. Let us know what you think in the comments!
