Barcelona vs Lisbon
Barcelona and Lisbon are 1,006 km apart.
Key differences
Barcelona runs warmer: 25°C in August against 24°C in Lisbon's August.
Barcelona is drier, with 554 mm of rain a year to Lisbon's 758 mm.
Both are at their most comfortable from May to October, so the timing decision is the same either way.
Lisbon has the bigger choice of stays: 41 hotels on trip1 to Barcelona's 31.
We have written more about Lisbon: 4 travel guides against 3 for Barcelona.
Barcelona and Lisbon at a glance
| Fact | Barcelona | Lisbon |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Spain (Catalonia, northeastern Spain) | Portugal |
| Time Zone | CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2) in summer | WET (UTC+0) / WEST (UTC+1) in summer |
| Currency | Euro (€) | Cards widely accepted | Euro (EUR). Cards widely accepted; some traditional tascas prefer cash |
| Nearest Airport | Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) | Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) - 7 km north of city centre |
| Airport to City Centre | ~35–45 min by Aerobus; ~30 min by metro (L9 Sud); ~20 min by taxi (€35–45) | ~20 min by Metro Red Line (~EUR1.65 with Viva Viagem card); ~15-20 min by taxi (~EUR15-20) |
| Typical Cost Level | Mid-range to High (€€–€€€). Budget: €60–90/day; Mid: €120–200/day | Mid-range. Budget: EUR60-90/day; Mid-range: EUR120-200/day |
| Hotels on trip1 | 31 | 41 |
| Travel guides | 3 | 4 |
| Warmest month | August, 25°C | August, 24°C |
| Coolest month | January, 10°C | January, 12°C |
| Rain per year | 554 mm | 758 mm |
| Best time to visit | May to October | May to October |
Weather side by side
Average temperature and rainfall by month, 1991–2020. Each month links to its weather page.
Barcelona
Lisbon
Where to stay
About Barcelona
Barcelona blends Gothic alleyways, Gaudí's modernist landmarks, and a Mediterranean coastline into one of Europe's most visited cities. From the narrow streets of the Barri Gòtic to the buzzing food markets and beachfront promenades, there's something for every kind of traveler. Whether you're exploring La Sagrada Família, catching sunset from Bunkers del Carmel, or eating your way through El Born - Barcelona delivers year-round.
About Lisbon
Lisbon is Portugal's sun-soaked capital, a city of seven hills where pastel-coloured buildings cascade down to the Tagus River. With over 3,000 years of history, Lisbon blends Moorish heritage, Age of Discovery grandeur, and a thriving modern food and arts scene. Iconic trams rattle through cobblestone lanes, fado music drifts from candlelit taverns, and golden-crusted pasteis de nata await at every corner - making Lisbon one of Europe's most rewarding and affordable capital cities.
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Barcelona vs Lisbon FAQs
Answered from the numbers on this page.
Barcelona and Lisbon are about 1,006 km apart in a straight line.
Barcelona is warmer at its peak: 25°C on average in its warmest month, against 24°C for Lisbon. These are 1991–2020 climate normals.
The most comfortable stretch for both is May to October, on average temperature and rainfall.
Lisbon lists more: 41 hotels on trip1 against 31.
