Paris vs Barcelona

pbright

Hello,

This thread is for the lucky few who have been both to Paris and barcelona. I have never had the pleasure of going to take a friend next month to ...but i dont know where - i have chosen these cities because there seems alot to do there and ryanair flys to both cheapish.

What i want to know is what city you should think i should go to and why. The plan is to go there for a night, possibly two. We are young(early 20s), and want to do as much as possibile. Disneyland and Port Aventura are options and the plan is to do as much as possibile at night time so suggested party spots would be good. Also may be staying at either the Paris Hilton or Barcelona Hilton(Have tesco vouchers ) if anybody has any experiences or views on either.

Any help would be great, as i am clueless about both cities and having a fun, packed day/s is important.

so whats is it??

PARIS or BARCELONA....& Why

pbright

???????? No views

trigger_mike

I went to Barcelona a couple of years ago, only on a day trip but really enjoyed it, lots to see and do, the ramblas is great fun to walk down and the football stadium is great to look at, and i don't even like football, only thing is it's a bit pricey, i paid £3 for a can of coke so be careful.

balsingh

i've been to both ... I'd choose Barcelona.

Both cities have loads to see and do. Obviosuly, Barcelona doesnt have the famous sights like the Eiffel Tower etc but it has all the esxcellent Gaudi buildings.

Barcelona is also less crowded and the locals are much nicer. The weather in Barcelona is usually better too. Paris has better shopping but is pricier.

Given a choice, if I had to go again, I'd pick Barcelona. There isnt much in it because they are both nice but Barcelona has a certain relaxed element which makes it a bit more like a break!!!

elisebutt65

I've done both - think I replied to one of your earlier posts??

There's not a lot between them, I'm afraid - they are both wonderful cities. However - I think Barcelona is marginally stinkier - lol.

Last year we had an apartment in Barcelonetta - the beach end and it is so great down that end - loads of seaside restaurants and beachlife going on.
Ramblas is a bit scary - so much crime, pickpocketing etc, and very expensive in that area - try and stick to non-touristy areas or you will get ripped off on prices!!

Paris is equally gorgeous and there didn't seem to be as much crime going on. Prices are about the same - i.e. rip off in touristy areas and cheaper off the beaten track. St Germaine areas is great for nightlife. Seine boat trips are a must - lol

aramod

I was in Barcelona last month and Paris last year. No doubt in my mind that Paris has the edge by a fair bit-and even though I was there with a male work colleague (I'm male) so it must have been good;) For me it was more exciting, more beautiful, more to do, wonderful museums, beautiful boat trips, excellent food and etc-plenty to do in a few days and quite handy for disney. Though of course there has been some unrest quite recently but appears to have completely died down. Barcelona in places is quite breathtaking with a great seafront and port some gorgeous buildings but not as many as paris). I was not overly impressed with the ramblas-beautiful yes but very busy, hard to stroll at your own pace and some rather dubious things going on around you.Plenty to do though for a few days no doubt about that. I had my family with me this time and did feel a little uncomfortable. I would say the pickpocket/pettycrime reputation of Barcelona is probably overstated but you do need to be aware of the obvious and try not to stick out. everyone we met did have a few tales to tell of close calls and uncomfortable feelings which just spoils things a little. yet i walked through the streets of paris late at night and never felt uncomfortable at all and the receptionist though me a real wimp for even asking-boy did I feel a tough guy then!
My son did Port adventura on his own but it is a fair distance from Barcelona-allow at least two hours counting waiting times etc if going by train or probably an hour or so driving (all approximate of course). If just there a short time forget it and relax a little more in Barca would be my advice-there is a little funfair at the end of the funicular with one or two exciting-ish rides if you are desparate! Next trip to Paris will be with my wife and I think i will enjoy it even more so thats my vote-hope that helps

pbright

Thats funny, some very mixed views on what is the best city. Maybe this might help....we are in our early 20s, would be taking in Disneyland vs Port Aventura, and nightlife is very important....we want to have fun and take in as much as possibile. The reccommendations for both cities are great, thats what i want...the moe detailed the better


....its really appreciated.

Thanks

colmil

I have been to Paris twice and loved it-visited Barcelona on a cruise, just for the day and found it nowhere near as good as Paris.

However, it is unfair of me to judge on a fleeting visit, so, in the interest of all posters, I am willing to re-visit Barca, now then,........ funding?......

meerustar

I've been to both Paris and Barcelona and I would choose Barcelona.

I hated Paris. Went with hubby for the weekend and we were bored to death. Had the most fun in the airport waiting to come home (got there 5 hrs before flight we were that bored, couldn't wait to get home.)

Loved Barcelona, Las Ramblas is fantastic at night for a good drink and great atmosphere ... seen loads, Nou Camp was great, everything was great.

Sorry, but personally I wouldn't go to Paris again of you paid me!!!

pbright

So those who love paris...what do you love about it? What would there be for us to do? I am getting good ideas of what to do in Barca-but then i get somebody saying they prefer Paris and they loved it....its all very confusing

nelly_2

pbright wrote:

So those who love paris...what do you love about it? What would there be for us to do? I am getting good ideas of what to do in Barca-but then i get somebody saying they prefer Paris and they loved it....its all very confusing

You cant listen to anyone really cos every one has a different opinion.

You probably would have been better asking what did you do in paris/barcalona that you enjoyed?

Anyway Ive not been to barca but have done paris.

We did a dinner boat cruise up the seine 5 course 5* meal. Live band, and when I say band I dont mean a take that tribute band I mean violin, piano singer. Absolutely cracking night all the buildings are lit up as is the tower.

Fully glass walls and roof on the boat too. Its actually one of our best nights out ever, and it should be for the price it cost £250

Then the next night at the Lido on the champs elysee it was a dinner and show and truly amazing show too. once again heavy price tag but worth it.

Day time we went in notre damn and a place called the sacre cour which is mainly a cathedral and a sqaure where they have all these artist's painting which you can buy.