Paris vs Barcelona

McAzrael

I've been to both and loved them both. Paris is filthy, but get over that and its a lot of fun. Barcelona is spotless, but be careful of the pickpockets (not scared, just careful).

You don't say where you are travelling from, but be aware that Ryanair uses airports miles away in both cases. With such a short time there it might be worth your while (if necessary) springing the extra few quid to fly to the proper airports. Easyjet fly to both, as do Thomsonfly. Obviously there is also BA, Air France, Iberia, etc. If you are in the south of England then the Eurostar services to Paris from Waterloo and Ashford are spot on and as quick as flying once you take into account they drop you right in the city centre.

Hotels are cheap and plentiful in Paris, but not so much so in Barcelona.

Paris gets very humid in the summer heat, jut like London. Barcelona at least has the cooling influence of the sea.

If you are flexible with your dates then on the last Sunday in July Paris puts on (what I think is) the greatest show on earth, and it's free. No Lance Armstrong this year though.

f3lix

I've not read the rest of the replys, but I would definately recommend
Barcelona. It's got it all, Beaches , Nightlife , culture and more......
Also checkout this thread
Barcelona

and this site on Barcelona

And 'No' I don't work for Barcelona tourism, but my mum lives there!

pbright

Gracias f3lix

Ems!

I've been to both and would say Barcelona definately! I did really enjoy Paris but Barca nightlife was definately livelier if thats what you are after. I seem to recall the bars / clubs etc were down near the harbour/beach, but all over really. Paris seemed to be more restaurants and quiet bars ( or maybe we just didn't find the action!) Port Aventura was good too - but if I was only there for 1 or 2 nights would probably spend my time sightseeing - neu camp definately worth seeing, and I could spend ages wandering round la ramblas.

Em.

PS > Totally forgot about tour de france - and that was why we went last year - to see Lance! That does totally change my view , if you can be there for the last day in Paris then that is fantastic and I'd go for that!( and I 'm not into cycling - oh is!)

ArsenalFC

I have been to both too. Paris was about 12-13 years ago when I went there with family, I was a wee teenager then. It was nice with museums, restaurants, went up the eiffel tower but I didn't do much because I was young then.

I was in barcelona in 1999 with my college, on european business project trip (I wasn't there to study for sure!). I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Spent 3 days there and went clubbing, tour the barca stadium and visited a sparkling wine factory - cordonuir (sp), a cheaper version to champagne. Olympic village was nice, the 1992 olympic event tranformed the city. Beautiful palm trees and a nice beach too. I had great fun there.

I cant tell you where to go because everyone have a different opinion. I had a great time in barca because I was older, I like the palm trees and beach settings.

You have to decide what sort of settings you want. No matter where you go if you have good company then u will enjoy anywhere. I assumed u are male and the friend u are taking is female?

Find out what she like doing most, then decide on where you would go on that basis from the info on here. Have fun wherever you decide to go.

996ducati

I have also been to both & it has to be Barcelona by a mile.

There are issues with pickpockets near The Ramblas but to be honest can you name a big city anywhere in the world which doesnt have petty crime?

As mentioned above, its not something to get hung up about. Just be aware of it & dont walk round with a bulging wallet hanging from your back pocket.

pbright

Thanks for the advice all. The consensus seems to be swayed towards Barcelona. I to would like the climate, and pam trees...its a big push. What is the weather like in Paris at the end of June though? I am literally only going for 2nights or even possibly just one night and i would be styaing at the barcelona hilton which is apparently quite out which may bump up costs/time when doing things where as the paris hilton where i would be staying is in a better location. Also the Paris Hilton looks much nicer for the same price....but then again,the push is towards Barcelona, & the nightlie has been reccommended so im torn.

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raymond

Paris nightlife is very discreet, so if you want to find it do your homework before you go as you will walk past the best clubs and not even notice.

pbright

Thanks Raymond...ill do my homework for sure on where to go in Paris as long as nightlife through the week(Wednesday, Thursdsday, Friday night) exists unlike cities such as Budapest who dont have a great night life through the week. But if it exists(its the end of june we would be going...whats the weather like in Paris then) then ill find it. I have heard alot about Barcelona nightlife and areas to go, but not much about Paris.
Any one here had the pleasure of sampling the Paris nightlife??????

Merci/Gracias....see what i did there

raymond

I shall be there in June, I go two or three times a year for work and June and September are my favourite months, not too hot but very pleasant.

It depends on what type of club you are interested in, but a few years ago I was in a brilliant salsa club on Champs Elysee. American Dream is a great caberet which is free but drinks are expensive.

Most clubs require smart clothes and some will not let you in if you dont really dress up.

Bercy usually hosts some interesting events.

As far as caberet goes, Paradis Latin and Brazil Tropical are cheaper than Lido and forget Moulin Rouge.

There is always Pigalle

If and when you arrive, get a copy of Pariscope as it has all the latest events.