Lisbon Vs Barcelona: Should You Visit Barcelona or Lisbon?
Lisbon vs Barcelona – which one should you visit for your next vacation?
If you are dreaming of a European escape, you might be wondering whether to choose between Barcelona or Lisbon as your destination.
Both cities tick all the boxes for charm, history, and interesting things to do, but they also have their own unique personalities.
I’ve spent a decent amount of time in each city, so I’ve written this Barcelona vs Lisbon guide to help you decide which city is best for you. I’ve compared ten both on all the important factors, including food, activities, budget, and more.
No matter what kind of traveller you are, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed whether you opt for Lisbon or Barcelona. Let’s dive in and see how these two cities stack up against each other!
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Lisbon vs Barcelona: Which Is the Better City to Visit?
So, if you’re looking for a fun and vibrant city break, you can’t go wrong with either Barcelona or Lisbon.
Both Lisbon and Barcelona have amazing cultures, cuisine, nightlife and architecture to explore.
If you have time, you could even plan a trip to both Spain and Portugal!
Introduction to Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal. It’s a coastal city packed with interesting heritage, vibrant culture, and picturesque landscapes.
The city sits on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and has a delightful fusion of history, art, and coastal charm.
But, why visit Lisbon? Let me tell you. It’s packed with charming neighbourhoods, stunning historical monuments like the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and renowned museums like the Gulbenkian Museum.
📍 How Big Is Lisbon, Portugal? Lisbon spans an area of about 100 square kilometres, making Lisbon a compact yet vibrant city that is easy to explore on a short trip.
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Introduction to Barcelona
Barcelona is the vibrant capital of Catalonia in Spain. The city is famous for its gorgeous architecture, beach vibes and lively cultural scene.
Known for its unique Gaudí landmarks such as the magnificent Sagrada Família and Park Güell, Barcelona is a paradise for architecture aficionados.
The city has plenty of charming neighbourhoods and lively markets like La Boqueria. Barcelona also boasts beautiful beaches along its Mediterranean coastline making it a great choice for an urban beach getaway.
📍 How Big Is Barcelona, Spain to Lisbon? Barcelona is much bigger than Lisbon. With a population of around 1.6 million, Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city. It offers endless opportunities for exploration, from its world-class museums to its delicious food. Even with several days in Barcelona, you’d still find plenty to do.
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Is Lisbon or Barcelona Better? [Infographic]
Should You Visit Barcelona or Lisbon?
Below, I give you the details of 10 important factors to consider if you’re torn between a visit to Barcelona and Lisbon.
1. Weather
Probably the most important thing you’ll want to know about when you’re travelling somewhere is the weather – thankfully, both cities have pleasant climates, but they do have some differences.
Lisbon Weather
Lisbon is best visited in the spring (March-May) and autumn (mid-September to mid-November).
Visiting Lisbon in May is one of the best months – the weather is mild with average highs of around 22°C (72°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F). This is a good temperature to get out and explore the city’s charming neighbourhoods and outdoor attractions, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of longer days with plenty of outdoor activities happening.
If you plan on visiting Lisbon in January, expect cool and damp weather. Although temperatures are relatively mild, with highs of about 15°C (59°F) and lows around 8°C (46°F), there’s a fairly high chance of rain.
👉 Insider Tip: Don’t be put off, by the weather in Lisbon during the winter. There are plenty of things to do in Lisbon in the rain ranging from indoor attractions, museums, and delicious cuisine that the city has to offer.
Barcelona Weather
Barcelona’s summers are hot and sunny, with average highs around 28°C (82°F) or more. The peak temperatures are from June to August which is also the busiest time to visit the city.
Barcelona’s winters, from November to February, are cool and mild, with average highs of about 14°C (57°F) and lows of around 6°C (43°F)
Even though there are plenty of sunny days in the winter you probably won’t want to go to the beach – there are plenty of other great things to do in Barcelona to keep you busy for days.
📍 Overall Verdict – Lisbon Vs Barcelona Weather
Barcelona stands out as the best city in terms of weather.
Although both Barcelona and Lisbon have pleasant Mediterranean climates, Barcelona is the better of the two thanks to its consistently warm summers, mild winters, and a high number of sunny days. Barcelona offers an ideal climate for outdoor activities, beach visits, and exploring the city’s vibrant streets throughout the year.
2. Ideal Time to Spend in Each City
Both cities are popular destinations for short city breaks in Europe. But what’s the ideal time to spend when it comes to a Lisbon vs Barcelona city break?
Lisbon
The ideal time for a Lisbon city break would be for two to three days. This allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s atmosphere, explore several of the neighbourhoods, and visit most of its iconic landmarks.
You can dedicate a day to discovering the historic district of Alfama, another to explore the vibrant streets of Baixa and Chiado, and perhaps even venture to the nearby coastal town of Cascais.
Additionally, with a few extra days, you can take day trips to enchanting places like Sintra.
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Barcelona
I suggest the very minimum of a long weekend in Barcelona – it will give you a good introduction to his vibrant city.
This gives you time to explore Barcelona’s iconic landmarks such as the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, wander along the bustling pedestrian street of La Rambla, and immerse yourself in the Gothic Quarter’s narrow streets as well as relaxation time on the city beaches.
Additionally, there are plenty of nearby attractions to visit on an easy day trip from the city to give you a packed itinerary.
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📍 Overall Verdict – Ideal Time to Spend in the City
I recommend spending around 3 or 4 days in Barcelona. In Lisbon, you can see the main city highlights in 2 days.
Although both cities have plenty of attractions to see, Barcelona is a much larger city so takes longer just to see the highlights.
3. Sights and Activities
You’ll never run out of amazing things to see and do in Barcelona or Lisboa. Both cities are full of great attractions ranging from beautiful buildings to historic sites and lively districts!
Lisbon
Lisbon is a fantastic destination for all kinds of travellers.
Some of the best things to see in Lisbon include the stunning Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, that showcase the city’s glorious past. Get lost in the charming Alfama district as you wander through its winding alleys and discover its colourful houses – don’t miss listening to the soulful Fado music here.
The lively Bairro Alto neighbourhood is the place to be for a fun night out.
Don’t forget to check out the Mercado da Ribeira, where you can taste delicious Portuguese dishes. For jaw-dropping views, head to São Jorge Castle or hop on a tram to the viewpoints of Graça and Senhora do Monte.
Barcelona
Barcelona is an amazing city with so much to see and do.
One of the must-dos on your Barcelona bucket list is to visit the stunning works of Antoni Gaudí. These include the famous Sagrada Família and Park Güell, which showcase his artistic genius and creativity. You can also wander through the old Gothic Quarter and discover its hidden gems and majestic Barcelona Cathedral.
I also recommend climbing up to Montjuïc Hill (or taking the cable car) where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the city and visit attractions like the Magic Fountain and Montjuïc Castle. You can also join the fun at La Rambla, where you can watch street performers, shop for souvenirs, and soak up the energy.
Lastly, you can relax at the gorgeous beaches, try some water sports or simply stroll along the promenade.
📍 Overall Verdict – Sights and Activities
Lisbon and Barcelona come in at a draw here.
Both Barcelona and Lisbon offer loads of sights and activities. Both have tons of history, charming neighbourhoods, and a vibrant cultural experience.
4. Culture & History
Both Barcelona and Lisbon offer a wealth of cultural and historical experiences. Both cities are filled with historical landmarks, vibrant cultural scenes, and opportunities for traditional experiences.
Lisbon
You can soak up the culture and history in Lisbon. During your city break in Lisbon, it’s worth taking the metro out to visit the impressive Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.
Allow plenty of time to explore the historical Alfama district and stop at one of the intimate bars to listen to the soulful Fado music. As you wander around the photogenic neighbourhoods, you’ll see colourful tiles, cute shops, and lively markets.
There are also excellent museums, like the Gulbenkian Museum, that show you Portugal’s art and history.
One of my highlights from Lisbon was the ruins of the Carmo Convent – one of the prettiest places in the city. Today it stands as an open-topped shell of a once beautiful convent which was destroyed in the 1755 Great Earthquake of Lisbon.
Barcelona
If you were asked to name one reason that Barcelona is known for, I bet you would say Gaudi. Barcelona is famous for its architectural wonders, particularly the works of the renowned architect.
Gaudí’s distinctive creations, such as the iconic Sagrada Família and Park Güell, have become synonymous with the city’s identity and draw millions of visitors each year. These beautiful monuments showcase Gaudí’s unique style, characterized by colourful mosaic tiles, organic shapes, and imaginative designs.
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is also worth exploring with the narrow alleyways opening up into shady courtyards.
📍 Overall Verdict – Culture and History
Barcelona stands out as the best city in terms of its culture and history.
Both Barcelona and Lisbon have plenty of cultural and historical offerings. Barcelona only just creeps in as the winner thanks to the iconic architectural works of Antoni Gaudí.
5. Cuisine
Barcelona and Lisbon are both amazing destinations for food lovers. You’ll be glad to hear that both of the cities offer plenty of tasty cuisine.
Lisbon
The cuisine in Lisbon has a delicious mix of old and new flavours to tempt your taste buds.
I’m a vegetarian, so a lot of the regional food was off-limits for me, that said – I did find outstanding vegetarian alternatives.
If you’re a fan of seafood, then Lisbon is where you need to be! Dishes like the bacalhau (salted cod), grilled sardines, and caldeirada (fish stew) are all regional choices. And my personal favourite, don’t forget to try the pastel de nata (custard tart), Lisbon’s signature pastry.
You’ll find plenty of fresh food at the markets, like Mercado da Ribeira, where you can find cheese, cured meats, and fruits. Each neighbourhood has its speciality, like the bifanas (pork sandwiches) in Bairro Alto or the petiscos (Portuguese tapas) in Alfama.
Barcelona
Barcelona’s cuisine draws from Catalan traditions, using fresh Mediterranean ingredients and bold flavours. You can enjoy tasty tapas, like patatas bravas and pan con tomate, at traditional tavernas. Barcelona also excels in seafood dishes like paella and suquet de peix (fish stew).
Visiting lively markets like La Boqueria lets you sample a range of local produce and artisanal products. Barcelona’s creative chefs have also made the city a hotspot for avant-garde dining, with several Michelin-starred restaurants breaking culinary rules.
📍 Overall Verdict – Lisbon Vs Barcelona Cuisine
Both Barcelona and Lisbon offer equally fantastic cuisine.
However, Lisbon is best if you’re a fan of seafood – it’s some of the best in Europe! As a vegetarian traveller, I found there was much more choice in Barcelona.
6. Suitable for Solo Travel
If you love travelling on your own, both cities are friendly and safe for solo travellers. You can enjoy their city, walk around alone and experience the best the cities have to offer without any worries.
Lisbon
If you’re asking is Lisbon safe for solo female travellers, I’d say overall, yes! I stayed centrally and had no issues as a female solo traveller backpacking in Lisbon.
I felt safe and comfortable walking around on my own – even at night. It’s still important to use your common sense and stay alert. Pickpockets are the biggest issue, especially in crowded places like the popular E28 Tram.
Lisbon has so many solo accommodation options, from laid-back hostels to affordable guesthouses, making it easy to meet other solo travellers.
Also, you’ll never get bored in Lisbon, there’s an abundance of stuff to do. A city walking tour is a great way to see the city and meet people at the same time.
Barcelona
Despite seeing plenty of graffiti saying “tourists go home!” I found Barcelona to be a friendly city.
I had no issues walking around the city. Overall it felt safe, even on the Metro – which I highly recommend using to get between attractions as the city is very spread out.
The biggest issue is pickpockets – although I didn’t have any issues. Most instances occur on the Metro, as well as around La Rambas – basically, the areas where there are a lot of people. Leave valuables back at your accommodation and be vigilant.
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📍 Overall Verdict – Lisbon Vs Barcelona for Solo Travel
Lisbon stands out as the best city for solo travel.
Although Barcelona and Lisbon are both great for solo travellers, Lisbon wins this one thanks to its more compact compact size, and ease of navigation making it an ideal destination for solo exploration. Although pickpocketing happens in all cities – it’s a little less of a problem in Lisbon.
7. Ease of Getting To
Whether you choose Lisboa or Barcelona, you’ll find both are well-connected cities with international airports that receive flights from major cities around the world.
Lisbon
Lisbon has a well-connected international airport, Lisbon Portela Airport.
The city also has a great public transportation system, with metro, buses, and trams connecting each neighbourhood.
If you’re planning onward travel, Portugal’s size compared to Spain is relatively small, so it can be quicker to get between cities compared to Spain.
Barcelona
Barcelona’s international airport, Barcelona-El Prat Airport, is well connected.
The city also has an efficient public transportation system, which is fast, reliable, and affordable. You can take the metro, buses, or trains to explore Barcelona.
If you want to visit other European places, you can hop on a train or a short flight from Barcelona to explore more of Spain or further afield.
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📍 Overall Verdict – Ease Of Getting To Lisbon Or Barcelona
Barcelona has more options for travellers from around the world and better routes for onward travel around Europe.
8. Value for Money
If you’re after a budget city break, Lisbon or Barcelona can be affordable – although both are major cities, these two destinations can be good value for money.
Lisbon
You might be wondering is Lisbon expensive to visit. Well, compared to other capital cities, not really.
Lisbon is a great city for travellers who want to get the most out of their money. Unlike many other big European cities (London, Amsterdam and Paris…I’m looking at you!), Lisbon is usually cheaper for accommodation, food, and attractions.
Prices do vary depending on the time of year and type of accommodation, but in general, you can find affordable places to stay, like guesthouses and low-cost hotels, especially if you opt to stay outside the main city centre.
Plus, many of Lisbon’s attractions, like museums and historical places, are affordable or even free to visit, making it a wallet-friendly destination.
Barcelona
Barcelona is more expensive compared to Lisbon. However, you can find good deals on accommodation if you travel outside of the peak season. Food can be reasonably priced, as long as you avoid the tourist traps, and eat where the locals eat.
One thing I would say is that some of the attractions here are expensive – basically, anything by Gaudi comes with a premium price tag compared to other attractions in the city- so be sure to budget for these.
📍 Overall Verdict – Lisbon Vs Barcelona Value for Money
Lisbon is the best option if you want a better-value city break.
9. Easy Base for Onward Travel
Both Lisbon and Barcelona have good options for onward travel. These cities have well-connected transportation networks, including airports, trains, and buses, making it convenient to explore other destinations within the region or even go on cross-border journeys.
Lisbon
Lisbon is well connected to some great nearby destinations, Cascais, Porto and the town of Sintra are all easy to get to.
Other options include Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, that has impressive Roman ruins and medieval buildings.
Plus, Lisbon’s international airport and great train and bus connections make it easy to reach other European cities, or hire a car, cross the border and do a Portugal to Spain road trip.
Barcelona
From Barcelona, you can head to the gorgeous Costa Brava region, where you can relax on stunning beaches and explore some of the seaside towns. From the Costa Brava, continue south along the coast to do a road trip through Andalucia.
You could also stay in the region and visit the medieval city of Girona, which has a pretty old town and beautiful buildings. Barcelona is also your gateway to the wonderful region of Catalonia, where you can explore the Montserrat mountains or taste the wines of Penedès and Priorat.
Plus, Barcelona has great connections by air to other European cities, so you can easily continue your adventure from there.
📍 Overall Verdict – Lisbon Vs Barcelona and Ease of Onward Travel
Barcelona is the best city if ease of onward travel is important.
It has a larger airport, with more options for connections plus the city is in a more central location within Europe.
10. Shopping
Barcelona and Lisbon have a wide range of shops, from local boutiques and markets to international brands and department stores.
Lisbon
Lisbon has a decent mix of old-fashioned markets, independent boutiques, and trendy malls.
You can’t miss the historic Mercado da Ribeira, also known as Time Out Market where you can try local and gourmet foods or browse through various stalls and shops.
The Baixa and Chiado neighbourhoods offer more boutique and independent options for shopping with plenty of handmade and artisan pieces.
For upscale shopping, the Avenida da Liberdade is full of luxury stores and global brands. Plus, Lisbon’s flea markets, like Feira da Ladra, are great for finding vintage treasures and antiques.
Barcelona
If you love shopping, you’ll adore Barcelona!
The city has so many amazing places to shop, from glamorous designer stores on Passeig de Gràcia, to trendy international brands on Portal de l’Àngel. The Gothic Quarter is filled with charming boutiques and alternative, retro and independent shops.
Don’t miss the colourful Boqueria Market, where you can find fresh food, local treats, and handmade goods. For a more quirky shopping vibe, check out the El Raval area, where you can score some cool vintage and indie items.
📍 Overall Verdict – Lisbon Vs Barcelona Weather
Barcelona stands out as the better destination for shopping.
Although you won’t be disappointed with the options in Lisbon either.
Travelling From Barcelona to Lisbon
As you’ve seen, both Barcelona and Lisbon are highly recommended destinations worth visiting. It’s difficult to choose the best – honestly, I love both cities equally.
This section provides all the information about how to travel between Barcelona and Lisbon (and vice versa), with various options available to make your journey convenient and enjoyable.
🚗 Driving Distance From Lisbon to Barcelona
If you’re planning to drive between the two cities, it’s about 1,080 kilometres (670 miles) depending on the route you take.
To drive non-stop – which I don’t recommend doing – that equates to around 10 to 12 hours behind the wheel. Also, if you hire a car in one country, you’ll pay a premium to cross the border to another country with it.
✈️ From Lisbon to Barcelona by Plane
The main airports are Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) and Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). There are plenty of Lisbon to Barcelona flights (or vice versa) per day.
The flight takes around 2 to 2.5 hours with several airlines serving this route.
🚄 Train From Lisbon to Barcelona
If you don’t want to drive or travel by air, another option is to go by train. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that the average train from Barcelona to Lisbon takes 20h 13m.
If you’re planning to take the Barcelona to Lisbon train book your tickets well in advance to secure the best prices. Booking train travel at the last minute can be insanely expensive.
🚌 Barcelona to Lisbon by Bus
Travelling by bus from Barcelona to Lisbon is also possible. The main bus stations are Barcelona Nord and Barcelona Sants in Barcelona, and Sete Rios in Lisbon. The bus journey from Portugal to Barcelona takes approximately 16 to 18 hours, depending on the route and any stops.
Barcelona vs Lisbon: FAQs
Which Is Better, Lisbon vs Barcelona?
Choosing between Lisbon and Barcelona mostly depends on personal preferences. There are pros and cons of both. Each city has interesting history, plenty of attractions and are great for a short city break.
Is Lisboa and Lisbon the Same?
Yes, “Lisboa” and “Lisbon” refer to the same city. “Lisboa” is the Portuguese name for the capital city of Portugal, while “Lisbon” is the anglicized version of the name.
Is Lisbon Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Lisbon is generally considered safe for solo female travellers. Like any destination, it’s important to take common-sense precautions, such as staying aware of your surroundings and avoiding poorly lit or isolated areas at night.
Is Barcelona or Lisbon Better for a Weekend Trip?
Both Barcelona and Lisbon are excellent choices for a weekend trip, but the better option depends on personal preferences.
Is Lisbon Or Barcelona Better For Weather?
When it comes to weather, both Barcelona and Lisbon have pleasant climates. However, Barcelona generally has milder winters and slightly warmer temperatures throughout the year, while Lisbon has a slightly warmer summer.
So, which one would you choose? Lisbon or Barcelona? There is no right or wrong answer. I adore both cities and having visited both several times, it’s impossible to choose the best. Barcelona or Lisbon are both wonderful destinations for any traveller, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed with visiting either on a short break.
The best way to settle the Lisbon vs Barcelona debate is to visit both and find out for yourself.
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