Planning our next trip, May 2020. Want to see France, first time. Thinking of flying into CDG, and out of Barcelona or Lisbon, haven't been to either. We usually spend our time in Italy, time to branch out!
Not too interested in art or big cities, more laid back, outdoors, food and wine, relaxing. We are young 60's. Would love input.
My two favourite cities in Southern Europe, both wonderful. Barcelona has the big sights - all the Gaudi, for example - but is very busy and crowded.
Lisbon is a city of more subtle pleasures and still has (although it’s getting way more popular) a feeling that you’ve just discovered it.
Lisbon (and a trip to the nearby resort of Cascais) is my tip for laidback and relaxing - more so than Barcelona. Excellent food too - the Time Out market is a wonderful thing.
Tough choice, both great cities. Barcelona would be more convenient with the high speed rail from Paris to Barcelona.
If you go to Lisbon at some point, plan on doing two weeks in Portugal. Include Porto, Sintra, Cascais, Navarre, Evora, Obidos and Bathala Cathedral.
I agree with the earlier responses, and I think how much time you have available is a factor. Even four full days in Barcelona can feel rushed if you want to see a bunch of the modernista sights. Nine days wasn't quite long enough for me. Lisbon is more practical if your time is limited, but on the other hand, going only to Lisbon is a shame.
I have to repeat what the other posters have said and say that it's hard to pick between two of my favorite cities in all of Europe. Barcelona does take more time to see, since there's so much to do. Lisbon is a little more laid back feeling, but just as charming and beautiful as Barcelona. I'd flip a coin and know that you can always come back to the city you didn't see this time on your next trip.
P.S. I was born in Ft. Lauderdale!!
I also agree with previous comments. I think the above point of where you are coming from is helpful - there are places in France where you can get to Barcelona relatively easily by railway, whereas for Lisbon I think you will need to fly and endure the misery of airports. I think Lisbon is the more relaxing of the two, perhaps because of its geography which splits the city. Also, since you say that you're not so keen on "big cities", remember that both are big. Not on the scale of Paris, admittedly, but neither are quiet, small places. Especially Barcelona with its bigger local population and massive numbers of tourists. Both are important national (Lisbon) or regional (Barcelona) government and commercial centres, not sleepy towns; but Lisbon seemed the more laid-back to us.
Hello, if you are not too interested in art or big cities, and want a laid back out-doors experience, Barcelona may not be for you, it is the largest city on the Mediterranean, with vibrant energy of it's diverse population, and unique art and architecture.
Consider some of our smaller regional towns around Barcelona, like Girona, Cadaqués, Tarragona, Besalú, or Tossa de Mar for a more laid back experience.
As others have said they are both great cities and you can't go wrong. So I'd base the decision on logistics - which one is easier to get to from Paris and are you planning to fly home from whichever one you choose -and if so which has the best flight options to your home airport.
I usually decide where to go by looking at photos - here are my galleries of each of those cities.
Barcelona - https://andiamo.zenfolio.com/p307332452
Lisbon - https://andiamo.zenfolio.com/p980488540
Thank you all for your ideas!
While Barcelona is one of my favorite cities, I think you may enjoy Lisbon more. Barcelona is very large and crowded, with the usual hustle of a big city. There is lots to see and do there, and lots of smaller places nearby to visit, but Lisbon is a more laid back city and not nearly as large or crowded with tourists. And nearby Sintra would be a good day trip. Not that in high season there aren't tourists, the tram to Belen can be a nightmare. But overall, I think you might enjoy it more.
