London or Barcelona: which destination should you choose for your trip in 2026?

Are you looking for the best travel idea for 2026 and are you hesitating between London 🇬🇧 and Barcelona 🇪🇸?
These two European metropolises attract millions of visitors every year, but they offer very different experiences:

• London is a dynamic, cosmopolitan world capital.
• Barcelona, the Mediterranean city, sunny and festive.

So where should you choose for your next trip? London or Barcelona?
In this article, we’ll compare the atmosphere, budget, climate, monuments, gastronomy, nightlife and, above all, travel formalities (including thecompulsory ETA for the UK 👉 eta-uk-apply.com) in detail.

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🌆 1. The general atmosphere

• London: constant effervescence. The city mixes history, modernity and cultural diversity. Each district has its own identity: Camden and its alternative side, Soho and its theatres, Notting Hill and its colourful houses, or the City with its skyscrapers.
• Barcelona: Mediterranean charm. Here, the rhythm is one of terraces, tapas, strolls along the beach and festive evenings. The city exudes conviviality and the Spanish art of living.

👉 Verdict: London for energy, Barcelona for relaxation.

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🏛️ 2. Must-see sights and attractions

London 🇬🇧

• Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster
• Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard
• The Tower of London and Tower Bridge
• The British Museum (free!)
• London Eye for a view of the whole city

Barcelona 🇪🇸

• La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s masterpiece
• Parc Güell and its colourful mosaics
• La Rambla and its lively streets
• The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)
• Camp Nou for football fans

👉 The verdict: London appeals to culture and history buffs, while Barcelona enchants with its modernist architecture and artistic flair.

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💸 3. Budget and cost of living

• London: one of the most expensive cities in Europe. Decent hotels start at £150-200/night, a meal in a simple restaurant costs £20-30, and transport is relatively expensive.
• Barcelona: much more affordable. You can easily find a hotel room for €100/night, tapas mean you can eat for €10-15, and public transport is economical.

👉 Verdict: Barcelona wins hands down for budget.

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☀️ 4. Climate and best time of year

• London: oceanic climate. The weather is variable, with frequent showers. Spring and autumn are the best times to enjoy the city.
• Barcelona: sunny Mediterranean climate. Warm summers, mild winters. Spring and September-October offer ideal conditions for enjoying the beach and the city.

👉 Verdict: Barcelona, especially if you’re looking for sun.

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🍴 5. Gastronomy and local specialities

• London: beyond fish & chips, the British capital is a world reference when it comes to multicultural cuisine (Indian, Asian, fusion). Traditional pubs complete the experience.
• Barcelona: capital of tapas and paella, here you can enjoy Iberian ham, seafood and sangria in a friendly atmosphere.

👉 Verdict: Barcelona for conviviality, London for diversity.

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🎉 6. Nightlife and entertainment

• London: the pubs close early, but the clubs, rooftop bars and musicals of the West End keep the night going.
• Barcelona: the party never stops. Clubs open until dawn, beach parties, music festivals… the city is a night owl’s paradise.

👉 Verdict: London for the culture, Barcelona for the party.

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🚆 7. Accessibility and transport

• London: served by 6 international airports, linked to Paris in 2h20 thanks to the Eurostar. The underground (« Tube ») is fast but expensive.
• Barcelona: a major international airport, well connected to European cities. Affordable metro, bus and tram services.

👉 Verdict: London is closer by train from France, Barcelona cheaper once there.

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📑 8. Travel formalities

This is one of the most important points to check.

• London / United Kingdom: since Brexit, travellers from eligible countries must present an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter the country. The application is quick and completed online. 👉 official form on eta-uk-apply.com.
• Barcelona / Spain: as an EU member, a simple identity card or passport is all you need. No additional formalities.

👉 Verdict: Barcelona is simpler on the paperwork side, but London is still very accessible thanks to the online ETA procedure.

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📊 9. Comparison table London vs Barcelona

Criterion	🇬🇧 London	🇪🇸 Barcelona
🌍 Atmosphere	Dynamic, cosmopolitan	Mediterranean, relaxed
🏛️ Monuments	Big Ben, Buckingham, free museums	Sagrada Família, Parc Güell, Rambla
💸 Budget	Very high 💷	Affordable ✅
☀️ Climate	Variable, often rainy	Sunny, mild most of the year
🍴 Gastronomy	Traditional international pubs	Tapas, paella, Iberian ham
🎉 Nightlife	Musicals, rooftop bars	Beach clubs, festivals
🚆 Transport	Eurostar, expensive metro	Budget metro, convenient airport
📑 Formalities	ETA required 👉 eta-uk-apply.com	Identity card (EU) ✅

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🏆 Conclusion: London or Barcelona?

The choice really depends on what you want:

• London 🇬🇧: ideal if you’re looking for a cultural, historical and cosmopolitan trip.
• Barcelona 🇪🇸: perfect for a sunny, festive and more affordable break.

👉 Remember: if you opt for London, remember to apply for your ETA today on eta-uk-apply.com