A weekend away is calling your name. But where to go? If unique character, captivating culture and delicious cuisine are on your wish list, either Rome or Barcelona could be the one. So, will you be adventuring around the ancient sites with a belly full of pasta? Or gallivanting with Gaudí from tapas bar to beach? Let’s see who takes the crown in this contest of Continental favourites.
Character
The centre of the Roman Empire and the capital of modern-day Italy, Rome is a captivating clash of the classical and the contemporary. Sun-dappled cobbles lead to ancient ruins and awe-inspiring churches. Bars buzz with the early-morning espresso crowd, through the after-work aperitivo hour and beyond. And flagship designer stores sit alongside eclectic boutiques and flea markets full of vintage finds. Whether strolling, sipping, shopping or simply embracing la dolce vita (the sweet life), Rome is a centuries-old, sensory delight. Barcelona, meanwhile, is a living gallery of Gaudí architecture and Catalan culture – a colourful coastal city where beach or bar are always within easy reach. Sit in shaded plaças (plazas) with locals, plan a pitstop for tapas or head to a hotel terrace for a dip in a rooftop pool. The wide, tree-lined avenues are pleasantly walkable too, while the blissful Mediterranean climate makes for mild winters (a little milder than Rome) and sultry summers.
We love Rome’s ancient heritage and Barcelona’s vibrant soul. But the Italian icon just pips the Spanish star in this first round, earning a point for quite simply being like nowhere else on Earth. Rome 1, Barcelona 0.
Culture
It would take a lifetime of city breaks to see all the best bits of Rome. From museums and monuments to archaeological marvels, the city overflows with history and culture. Travel back in time along the well-worn cobbles of the Appian Way (one of the oldest roads in Rome) or tour the movie-set-like ruins of the Roman Forum. Make a pilgrimage to the Vatican City for the showpiece of St Peter's Basilica, before admiring masterpiece after masterpiece in the Vatican Museums (including the spectacular Sistine Chapel). There aren’t many cities where you can visit an ancient arena for bloodthirsty gladiators (the Colosseum) and a 2000-year-old, marble-clad temple (the Pantheon) in one morning. But in Rome you can. As for Barcelona, one man’s unique artistry defines the cultural landscape. A pioneer of the Art Nouveau movement in Spain, architect and designer Antoni Gaudí was responsible for some of the city’s best-loved landmarks. His creative use of colour and texture is synonymous with Barcelona – and his most famous work isn’t even finished yet. The Sagrada Familia is one of the most-visited monuments in Spain. But this overwhelmingly ornate and intricately-designed icon isn’t due to be complete until 2026. Along with the Sagrada Familia, six more of Gaudí’s modernist landmarks are UNESCO-listed. One of those is Park Güell, where a colourful mosaic balcony serves up postcard-perfect views of the city and the sea beyond. Speaking of the sea, the Mediterranean blesses Barcelona with its weather and its way of life. More than 300 days of sunshine a year and a string of urban beaches make Barcelona a dreamy destination for a city-meets-beach break. So, don’t forget to pack your swimwear.
This round is a close one, with Rome’s seemingly-endless array of ancient gems almost pipping the Catalan capital to another point. However, Barcelona’s blend of Gaudí architecture, beach life and Spanish sunshine makes for a particularly colourful and cosmopolitan weekend away. So, the scores are tied – Rome 1, Barcelona 1.
Cuisine
Whether dining in Rome or Barcelona, the keen foodie won’t be disappointed. Italian food needs no introduction. For the full epicurean experience, you’ll want to book at one of the city’s best spots (something our Concierges are expert in) to sample its traditional multi-course fare. The number of courses can vary, but most begin with an aperitivo (pre-drink) and antipasto (starter), followed by the primo and secondo (first and second courses) of pasta and meat. Contorni (a side) and insalata (salad) complement the main plates, before the meal ends on a sweet note with a dolce (dessert). Over on the Spanish coast, Barcelona boasts its own equally impressive culinary scene. Catalonia found its calling as a foodie destination in the early 2000s, when chef Ferran Adrià opened the doors to the legendary El Bulli on the Costa Brava. Once called “the most imaginative generator of haute cuisine on the planet”, the restaurant ended up closing its doors in 2011. But its legacy lives on, having firmly placed Catalonia on the gastronomic map. Today, Barcelona continues to attract up-and-coming chefs from around the globe to the region, who ply their trade in humble tapas bars and fine dining eateries alike. And being by the sea means there’s fabulous seafood to be tasted too.
This round is almost impossible to call – a fight between two famous foodies. But our pizza, pasta, prosciutto and parmesan-loving side says the point goes to Rome. Making it 2-1 to the Italian capital.
Image by Lavinia Cernau
Live Like a Local
Like all busy cities, Rome can be crowded and chaotic, particularly during the peak summer season. For a moment of peace, make your way to the Villa Borghese gardens; almost 200 acres of manicured beds, grassy banks and foliage-covered fountains. Beloved by locals, joggers and hand-in-hand lovers, it’s an oasis of greenery amid the ancient streets. As for Barcelona, a trip wouldn’t be complete without a lap of La Boqueria, the city’s oldest market. More than 200 stands stuffed with regional and Spanish specialities make up this culinary cathedral, with plenty of spots where you can pull up a stool and enjoy a sample or two as locals shop for their groceries around you.
Rome or Barcelona – both are places where we love to live like a local. But we’re going to award our final point to Barcelona for its authentic and always-vibrant market. That means our friendly contest is a draw at 2-2. Perhaps the fairest outcome for two of Europe’s favourite cities.