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Rome or Barcelona in early summer

Posted by (Baltimore) on

I’m going to be spending late May to the middle of June in Europe getting my TEFL certification. The two locations I’m considering are Rome and Barcelona. Both look amazing. Yet Barcelona is the cheaper and seems the less explored, which is sparks my adventurous side. Rome seems to speak to my historic side with the Ancient Rome and Vatican City. Ultimately, I’m looking for a place that I can experience the local culture and am able to take short weekend or day trips without breaking the bank.

Social interaction with locals is the key element to experiencing a different culture. I want to be in a place that has a lot of locals. But interacting with tourists is not a deal-breaker. I know Europe is full of tourists during summer.

Overall, I’m looking for the best place to have fun, explore, interact with locals, the warmest weather, and take trips to neighboring communities. I’ve never been to Europe, so any feedback, I’d greatly appreciate it.

Thanks for your help.

Posted by
23624 posts

Flip a coin. It doesn't make any difference. Rome probably will be a little hotter since it is further from the ocean.

Posted by
269 posts

It's hard to make a recommendation since these are two of my favorite cities. Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong. Both are lively cities with lots of options for travel outside their borders. However, Barcelona is definitely cheaper overall (at least, in my experience).

Posted by
1589 posts

Ditto, Ashley. There is not a bad choice here. Have a great trip!

Posted by
990 posts

For me the tie-breaker might be your last criterion--to take trips to neighboring communities. I think there are better day trips out of Rome than Barcelona. (Of course, now that the high speed train line between Barcelona and Madrid has opened, Madrid opens up as a day trip/weekend opportunity.)

OK, so I'm back to square one. I agree with the others--you don't have a bad option out of the two. I still think there is more variety in the neighborhoods of Rome, though. I think you will have explored most of what you want to see in Barcelona within a week, whereas Rome could keep you enthralled forever.

Posted by
964 posts

I too love both cities but think I'd say Rome as well. It's really a case of 'six of one and half a dozen of the other'.

Posted by
2297 posts

If interaction with locals is important to you also think about which lanugage you speak. Do you speak any Spanish or Italian? Are you willing to learn? Which one interest you more?

Posted by
28 posts

Thanks for the advice, guys!

I think I'm going to go for Barcelona.

You make a good point, ashley. Being on a budget, this is a positive.

Beatrix, I'm most familiar with Spanish. But I'm willing to learn either one. I like both languages.

Frank, you're right. Being near the ocean probably does make Barcelona cooler. Not to mention, just walking down the street and I'm there!

Posted by
269 posts

You won't regret it ... It's an amazing city. Enjoy!

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