Since returning from Lisbon, one frequent question continues to be by friends and acquaintances. Which city should I travel to, Barcelona or Lisbon?  To some people it feels as though they have no other options than either Barcelona or Lisbon. Trying to decide between the two is like trying to pick between a hundred-dollar bill and two fifties. I had an amazing time in each city, and it is difficult to find fault with either region. In the Barcelona vs. Lisbon smackdown, it is easy to say go to both, but I don’t agree with that logic for one trip. There is just so much to do and see in each city, that I preferred to concentrate on one at a time. Both cities are special, with a unique feel to each location. They have similarities yes, for example both can help you add about 10lbs. Both cities are beautiful, fun, and have plenty to keep you entertained.  Even with the similarities, I found two distinct experiences on each trip. As I usually do, let me breakdown the criteria for each city.

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Round One Barcelona vs. Lisbon: The Food

I always start with what is closest to my heart, or in this case what is closest to stopping my heart. The food in both countries was outstanding.  In my experience, only Greece can compare with these two in terms of freshness and quality. Having said this, my future still holds a lot of gluttonous adventures so that could change. Dissecting the food, I keep going back and forth between which city I loved more…

The Arguments for Barcelona

Barcelona has the best food market I have visited. La Boqueria was just old school enough to offer fresh seafood and meat handled out in the open, and prepared in front of you. The Time Out market in Lisbon on the other hand was too commercialized for my taste. Besides the tasty Pastel place, nothing really intrigued me.  On the other hand, we were regular visitors to the market in Barcelona.  This place had everything we wanted, with fresh fish, juice, and a great mojito stand.

Barcelona also has tapas, which afforded me the opportunity to stuff my face with as many things as possible. Add to this great sangria, wonderful empanadas, jamon iberico, and of course churros with some of the best chocolate I have ever tasted. It was also in Barcelona that I had one of the best meals of my life at Spoonik, a crazy multi-course (18!) restaurant which surprises you at every course. The fresh seafood, the tapas, the experience, it is easy to see why Barcelona wins this…on the other hand.

The Arguments for Lisbon

First, I will say I had the BEST meal of my life at the restaurant Alma in Lisbon. It was also a multi-course meal, everything was superb and was like eating art. The fresh seafood I received in Lisbon was equally on par with that of Barcelona (I wonder why). Where Barcelona had great razor clams and anchovies, Lisbon was all about the octopus and shrimp. Although to be fair I had a variety of seafood in both areas. Both cities are seafood heavy, although Lisbon was more so in my experience.

To add to the gluttony, Lisbon has Ramiro, another shrimp lover’s paradise. It also had one of the top chocolate cakes you will find, and much beloved cheap pork sandwiches called Bifana.

The cities alcohol is also more unique. First, you have Port, which was flowing from my veins by the time I left. In addition, the Ginjia stands are an awesome way to spend a Euro and 20 minutes at 9:30 in the morning. Ginja is a small shot of cherry liquor, with a cherry at the bottom, that gets you a lot more fd-up the you would think. It is no wonder that my bathroom scale broke upon my return. So, which has the better food Barcelona or Lisbon?

Category 1, Barcelona vs. Lisbon: Food Winner – TIE

Well that is a great way to start…I can’t decide, neither city left me disappointed at meal time. If you want an education on how seafood is done visit either area.

Round Two Barcelona vs. Lisbon: Things to Do

This one is slightly easier for me to decide, although once again both cities were packed with things to do. Barcelona has a lot, you could  probably hit a Gaudi exhibit every day for the entire week. There are a number of exceptional museums in the area, such as the Picasso museum. The Gothic Quarter is also a great place to spend your afternoons walking around, while killing times between meals…

Lisbon just felt like it had a greater amount of attractions than Barcelona. I wasn’t stressed for activities in Barcelona, but I did visit a few multiple times. Lisbon on the other hand felt as if there was more than I could see in the week (plus) that I was there. First you have the Castel Jorge, we stayed in a hotel that shared its walls. It was incredible to walk around and stay within a piece of history, with some of the best views in the city. Take a ride to Belem and visit the Belem tower, Jerónimos Monastery, or one of the many museums in the area.  There is also the option to spend the day getting lost (literally) in the Alfama neighborhood. There were so many beautiful statues and pieces of history scattered throughout the city, it was just a more grandiose experience. If your deciding between Barcelona or Lisbon on activities I give the nod to Lisbon.

Round Two Barcelona vs. Lisbon, Things to do – Lisbon

Round Three Barcelona vs. Lisbon: Environment

Lisbon is a very walkable city, that is assuming you have calves the size of pineapples and train for triathlons. I might be exaggerating a bit, but not by much. The city is extremely hilly, there are stretches of flat sections, but not many, if you walk as much as I do it can wear on you. In addition, getting lost in Alfama can be a bit trying also. The area is beautiful, but the streets are like a maze and can be tricky to navigate. Don’t get me wrong, there are worse things in life than getting lost in Lisbon.

Barcelona on the other hand was flat, which made walking a hell of a lot easier. In some sense, it felt a bit more spread out, but it didn’t bother me. Everything felt like a straight shot, and it seemed much easier to navigate.

Lisbon also felt a bit more touristy than Barcelona as well. Neither were the train wreck that is Rome, but I saw a more significate amount of fanny packs in Lisbon than in Barcelona. It was complete with the millennial homeless people begging for money and performing cheap “entertainment’.

Lastly, there was a slight seedy element in Lisbon at times. Never did I feel unsafe, no matter where I walked (although always be careful). I was approached several times to buy cocaine and other drugs especially in Rossio Square. I was high on shrimp (and Ginja) so I declined. For all these reasons, I give the edge to Barcelona in terms of environment.

Round Three Barcelona or Lisbon, Environment: Barcelona.

Round Four Barcelona vs. Lisbon: Visual Appeal

Barcelona and Lisbon are both beautiful cities. Both have incredible architecture and are unique. Despite the mentioned seediness, I believe Lisbon is more distinct and easier on the eyes. Yes, Barcelona has Gaudi, and the ancient Gothic Quarter. The city is also clean, with beautiful streets.

Lisbon, had me turning my head just a bit more often. The first thing I noticed were the buildings covered with decorative tiles. This added an element to the atmosphere I haven’t experienced in other areas. Maybe it was just the places we visited, but Lisbon felt more classical European than Barcelona. Every time I turned the corner there was a giant statue or enormous square. The streets of Alfama, although annoying at times, were beautiful in a peaceful, rustic way.

As I mentioned Lisbon is hilly, one benefit of hills is that they create great views. You can be chugging up a road, only to discover one of the most spectacular heights in the city, and an extraordinary sunset. As much as I loved the look of Barcelona, in my opinion Lisbon was much more attractive.

Round Four Lisbon vs. Barcelona– Beauty: Lisbon.

Final Round Barcelona vs. Lisbon: Value

According to most of my research Lisbon is 18% cheaper than Barcelona, specifically to food and housing; my experience differed slightly for our meals. For us in terms of food and entertainment I found both locations to be similar. Maybe the average meal in Barcelona was a bit cheaper, but the main driver behind that were the cheap (but good) tapas. Plus, in Lisbon, we gorged on shrimp and octopus every meal so that added to the cost.

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The real cost difference was in the hotel expense. Each hotel on both trips was outstanding, but the hotels in Lisbon were about half the price. In Lisbon, the Villa Baxia was an apartment like hotel, the size of a suite, but for only $120/night. In Barcelona we stayed in the Hotel Majestic. This property was also beautiful, with an amazing bar and great service.  The hotel can also go for up to $300 a night, which is pricier than most places in Lisbon. All trips differ, you may have a different experience or find a better value.

ONCE AGAIN, THE LINK IS HERE FOR THE VILLA BAIXA IN LISBON

Overall, I felt like Lisbon was more reasonable so I have to give a slight edge to Portugal.

Final Round Winner Barcelona or Lisbon: Lisbon.

Barcelona or Lisbon?

Since you can do simple math you know I lean towards Lisbon if choosing between Barcelona or Lisbon. Let me make it clear, it is really a very slight lean. I loved both cities immensely, they are two of my favorites in the world. The food, the culture, and the people are amazing in each. Some might tell you to go to both Barcelona and Lisbon, again I disagree… Unless you have about two weeks, each city deserves its own trip. There is so much to do and see in both that you really can’t go wrong when deciding between Barcelona or Lisbon. For me the winner was somewhat clear.

Winner Barcelona vs. Lisbon: Lisbon..and really YOU are winning at life to get to either city…