Barcelona and Valencia are comparable destinations in Spain so it is no surprise that travelers wonder which destination comes out on top in a Barcelona vs Valencia face-off. The port cities are two of Spain’s most metropolitan areas. Valencia is located on the eastern coast of Spain while Barcelona is farther north. The destinations are technically a little over 200 miles away from each other. Tourists can travel between the two via car, bus, plane or train. The quickest commutes are by plane or train ride. While they are not very close to each other, travelers often seek to explore both locations during one trip.
Some travelers may even need to choose between the two if the journey is not plausible. Instead of travelers commuting between Barcelona and Valencia, it may be wiser for them to select which destination is a better fit for their itinerary. But some travelers may have extended trips and therefore are able to visit both destinations. If that is the case, this assessment of both destinations in Spain will provide guidance on their popularity and local offerings.
Tourism and Attractions
These activities are the top options for travelers in these two cities of Spain. Tourists will find that both areas offer distinct experiences and attractions. Barcelona and Valencia have plenty for tourists to do while they are in town. Learn more about the tourism industry in both cities and the popular stops for visitors who are considering traveling to Barcelona vs Valencia.
Tourism in Barcelona
This city is popular for its vibrant nightlife and thriving modern culture. Barcelona may be a better tourist destination for younger and more active travelers since the city is faster-paced and tourist-friendly. But this also means that this destination may have more crowds. The beaches of Barcelona are not as pristine, seemingly due to their popularity, so this city may not be the best place for beachgoers. On the other hand, Barcelona is popular for its food and shopping scene. It is a world-class shopping destination with many shopping districts. Travelers surely will not go hungry since Barcelona is filled with taverns and gourmet spots that offer fresh plates of Spanish dishes.
Things to Do in Barcelona
Barcelona has many popular tourist attractions that travelers should not miss. At the top of that list are Sagrada Familia, La Rambla, the Picasso Museum, La Boqueria Market, Barceloneta and Casa Milà. Sagrada Familia is soon to be the world’s tallest church. The church has been worked on for 130 years and is set to be completed in 2026. The grand church is a huge architectural feat and attracts millions of tourists per year. Travelers can book a tour to get the full experience. La Rambla is the iconic street that locals and tourists love. The street is filled with shops, art and markets, so tourists in need of any necessities can rely on this central area.
The art scene of Barcelona is thriving, which is clear because so many of its popular attractions are works of art. The Picasso Museum and Casa Milà are testaments to that legacy. The museum holds nearly 4,000 works in its collection and is quite popular. Travelers should book their tickets for admission ahead of time to avoid lines or extended waits.
Casa Milà, on the other hand, is enjoyed by tourists from outside of the building. The building is an architectural gem and has even gained recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its innovative stone construction. La Boqueria Market and Barceloneta are both charming areas for recreational activities. Barceloneta lines the marinas and has seafood restaurants that serve fresh catches. The market is another place that travelers can taste local delicacies since there are usually over 300 stalls to explore.
Tourism in Valencia
Much of Valencia’s appeal is due to its historic importance. Valencia is technically one of the oldest cities in Spain. It was founded in the Roman period, around 138 BC. Valencia is also an aesthetically pleasing destination but it offers a more classic beauty for travelers to admire. It is a good walkable city with plenty of accommodation options that fit an array of budgets. Valencia is also a popular option for hikers. If tourists venture out of the central areas they will find that the countryside has nice walking trails. They can explore orange groves, vineyards and even pine forests while on foot.
Things to Do in Valencia
Valencia has plenty of popular tourist attractions to offer visitors. The Mercado Central, Oceanografic Valencia, Bioparc Valencia, Valencia Cathedral, Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas (the Ceramics Museum) and Plaza del Ayuntamiento are the top tourist spots in Valencia. The Plaza del Ayuntamiento and Mercado Central are the best spots for shopping and cultural immersion. The Plaza del Ayuntamiento encompasses the town hall and square. It is a great area for first time tourists of Valencia since the tourism office is located there and there are seasonal community festivals.
Mercado Central is a central shopping area that even locals love. It is one of the oldest food markets in Europe and has over 1,200 trusted local vendors. The building that the market is held in spans 86,000 feet and has been standing since 1928, so it is historically significant. Oceanografic Valencia and Bioparc Valencia are exciting attractions that are good options for families. The former is the largest aquarium in Europe and boasts unique architecture. It has the longest underwater tunnel on the continent. Travelers that have a soft spot for aquatic animals will appreciate this attraction.
Bioparc Valencia also offers travelers unique experiences. It is a 25 acre immersive zoo. The immersive element of the zoo comes from its organization of animals and displays. The complementary animal species reside together. The barricades between humans and the animals are not easily visible, which provides the illusion that visitors are out in the wild.
The Valencia Cathedral and Ceramics Museum are also significant cultural centers. The cathedral dates back to 1262 and has diverse architectural influences. Once travelers obtain admission tickets, they get an audio guide that provides information about the historical context of the site. The museum building was rebuilt by the order of Brother Andreu d’Albalat during the 15th century. It officially houses the largest collection of ceramics in the country and even has work by Pablo Picasso.
Safety: Barcelona vs Valencia
Overall, both Barcelona and Valencia are safe areas for travelers. But the level of crime is technically lower in Valencia. Locals and tourists generally feel safer in the destination too. Neither city is considered dangerous, but travelers may notice they feel a different safety level in each location. Barcelona is a bit more of an urban city, so that may make a difference to some travelers concerning where they should stay. Travelers should really only be concerned by local petty crimes. Barcelona does have a higher rate of pickpocketing, so travelers should secure their belongings in public areas.
Affordability: Barcelona vs Valencia
The cost of living in these cities in Spain differ pretty noticeably. The cost of living in Barcelona is certainly more expensive. It is actually one of the pricier areas of Spain. Many locals say that the cost of living is comparable to Madrid, the metropolitan capital of Spain. Things like groceries, transportation and restaurants are higher priced in Barcelona. Since Valencia is more affordable in comparison travelers may find it to be a more appropriate option for lodging and recreational spending. Travelers that are on a budget are commonly partial to Valencia.