Barcelona’s got it all—sunny beaches, wild architecture, tasty tapas, and a laid-back vibe that keeps travelers coming back. But if you’ve already ticked it off your list (or just want something slightly different with a similar flavor), you’re in luck. There are plenty of cities like Barcelona across Europe that offer their own unique twist on art, culture, food, and fun. Hear out from our experienced travelers about their take on these alternatives to Barcelona!
Cities like Barcelona – Summary
- Valencia, Spain
- Malaga, Spain
- San Sebastian, Spain
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Naples, Italy
- Milan, Italy
- Toulouse, France
- Zagreb, Croatia
- London, England
1. Valencia, Spain
Valencia is like Barcelona’s easygoing cousin. Centuries-old charms and today’s creativity blend seamlessly in the city. It is home to Valencia Cathedral, a 13th-century Baroque structure, a less intricate version of Sagrada Familia. While Barcelona boasts Gaudi’s quirky masterpieces, Valencia showcases architectural wonders that might belong to the future. One of the clear examples is City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic museum that takes you to a sci-fi movie at the first glance.
“Valencia is a beautiful and culturally-rich Spanish city you should not miss. It’s an easy alternative to Barcelona during high season,” said TripLeader Katharina, a trip designer from Austria who has spent 6 years of her life to travel around the world. Katharina took her group to Valencia in 2021 and enjoyed a journey filled with sunbathing and strolls. So, Valencia is a city that allows you to unwind, while also matching Barcelona’s artsy energy.
2. Malaga, Spain
Sitting on Costa de Sol, Malaga radiates a bright energy similar to its beaches and streets. The city witnessed the footsteps of Picasso, which makes it lined with an impressive number of museums. We recommend visiting Picasso’s Birthplace Museum, which is exclusive to Malaga and shows you the life of the maestro. Besides the art scene, Malaga is packed with historical buildings. Visit Alcazaba, an ancient fortress belonging to the once-reigning Islamic kingdom. Additionally, don’t miss seeing Malaga Cathedral, which is tucked in the heart of the city.
We have talked about how Malaga is artsy and energetic. Then, the festivals are the true representation of those traits. “You have to experience Malaga’s festivals, especially Feria de Malaga. It’s a fantastic night filled with Andalusian culture, drinks, and music!” said TripLeader Tajana, a local. So… famous artists, festivals, and beaches? Sounds like Barcelona, right?
3. San Sebastian, Spain
San Sebastian is where surf culture meets gourmet dining. Nestled in the Basque Country, it offers postcard-worthy beaches and arguably the best food scene in Spain. San Sebastian makes it way to the list of cities like Spain regardless of its limited trace of Baroque architecture and innovative art scene. The two cities share a lot in common, from the sunsoaked beaches to the touch of luxury.
Interestingly, the most-visited place in San Sebastian is the Old Town. You can find Basilica of Santa Maria and San Telmo Museum which showcase a distinctive 18th-century architecture. Moreover, the Old Town serves as the social spot of San Sebastian, lined with pinxtos bars and featuring a next-level sea view.
4. Lisbon, Portugal
Colorful, quirky, and full of charm, Lisbon is an unforgettable capital. It has a dynamic metropolitan area which rotates Portugal’s economy wheel. At the same time, Lisbon stays in the past with its collection of Baroque and Neoclassical buildings, antique trams, and museums. Strolling through the Alfama district takes you traveling through time, discovering a vibe you would find nowhere else.
Our community agrees that Lisbon is one of the cities like Barcelona. It has a pleasant climate with lots of sunny days, charming historical sites, and laidback city life. On the other hand, Lisbon is not bursting with crazy nightlife and fast-paced art scene, making the city less crowded than Barcelona.
5. Naples, Italy
Naples has raw, unfiltered energy that grabs your attention the minute you arrive. It’s loud, chaotic, and unapologetically real. Mount Vesuvius sits in the background and ancient history lies beyond the hustle and bustle. We can mention some of them – Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Napoli Historical Center. And yes, it’s the pizza capital of the world.
Like Barcelona, Naples is a packed seaside city. They both offer a beautiful scene overlooking the aquamarine sea while inviting you to dive in the vibrant crowds. Other than that, interestingly enough, both cities are crazy about football!
6. Milan, Italy
As the birthplace of high-end fashion brands and exquisite leather goods, Milan is a long-reigning legend. The city feels like fashion magazine, high-quality champagne, and museum-worthy fine arts. Well, Milan does go beyond fashion. The city’s sense of art is depicted through its iconic places, like Duomo di Milano and Gallerie Vittoria Emanuelle II. Those Gothic-styled buildings can rival Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia and Gaudian architecture.
Barcelona and Milan shares a similar level of artistry and luxury. Both cities have magnificent museums, fantastic nightlife, and choice of high-end attractions. We can say that Milan is an alternative to Barcelona for travelers looking for an upscaled experience and shopping sessions. But for football fans, these two cities are must-visit.
7. Toulouse, France
Toulouse—aka the “Pink City”—is warm and welcoming. Like its name suggests, Toulouse is colored in rosy hues from the buildings’ brick. Toulouse’s architecture style is nostalgic, mixing an Italian touch with southern France’s Gothic. You can explore its beautiful landmarks, such as Saint Sernin and Jacobins Covent. On the other hand, Toulouse has a youthful feel and trendy art scene. If you love the mix of tradition and trendiness in Barcelona, you’ll feel right at home here.
8. Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb is cozy and quirky, with a mix of Austro-Hungarian charm and youthful energy. Its old town is perfect for wandering, and the café culture is strong. It’s a great pick for travelers who want to go off the beaten path without missing out on culture.
9. London, England
Okay, it may not be Mediterranean, but London packs the same kind of punch. It’s multicultural, energetic, and full of distinct neighborhoods that feel like their own mini-cities. From West End shows to hidden street markets, it’s an adventure playground for the curious.
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