The war of two cities: Better to visit Amsterdam or visit Barcelona?

Visit Amsterdam or visit Barcelona? We have prepared a useful and efficient guide for both cities, so you know which one is for you!

Barcelona, the city of sangria and tapas, full of clubs as much as with the spirit of Gaudi, Amsterdam, the city of bikes and Anne Frank, the beating heart of the art of Van Gogh (even if Cannabis brings the youth to the city).

Two different cities, each with so much to offer, and both so famous across the world that they compete (today, more than ever) to be the Top Destination for Young People. At the start of the summer holidays, young and even younger people pour out onto the cities streets, transforming them into a swarm of fancy parties, discos and people.

Image by @pol.albarran and @islandmanny

We have prepared a useful and efficient guide for both cities: everything you need to know about what to see, where to stay, how to have fun... visit Barcelona or visit Amsterdam? Which city is it for you?

What to see in Amsterdam and what to see in Barcelona: the war of the Arts

Barcellona means Gaudi. The city is a real life mirror of his artistic soul: from the inimitable Sagrada Familia, the most monumental cathedral in the world, to Casa Batllò and the Parc Guell, Gaudì overturns every aesthetic parameter and fills all empty spaces with colours and shapes. If the exterior of the Sagrada Familia already seems pretty crazy, wait until you see the interior, with the light of the sun bouncing and reflecting across the multicoloured windows. The same goes for Casa Battlò: a roof with dragon scales, columns in the shape of human bones, masked terraces ... every corner is a surprise!

[Don't forget about the Museo MACBA, which focuses on Modern and Contemporary Art, and the Museo di Picasso].

Image by @dani_hm_bcn

Slightly more disciplined, but nevertheless just as iconic, is the Dutch Van Gogh. The Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam is definitely one of the most visited sites whole city. Mutilated at the ear and with serious mental problems but famous for his violent brushstrokes of color, Van Gogh left us some of the most beautiful canvases of the impressionistic era, from the wonderful Sunflowers to Starry Night, without forgetting the endless still lifes, the landscapes and cypress trees, for a total of more than 1,900 works of art!

[You can also consider the Nemo, the largest Science museum in the country and the Rijksmuseum, exhibitor of Flemish art]

Image from @vivi city

The centre of Barcelona? Las Ramblas, of course! It is the longest avenue in the city, an entireì 1.4km, which connects Plaça de Catalunya with the area of the ancient port. Here that you will find the beating heart of the city's nightlife, as well as an astonishing number of restaurants, clubs, pubs and bars.

La Boqueria, the city market, is a true paradise of food. Exotic fruits, multi-coloured spices, meat and fish, fresh vegetables and a variety of cheeses and local dishes: scents of the real Barcelona. Finally, the view from the ancient port (known as "Port Vell") is a must. This area is very tourist-friendly, with water that encircles small local bars and restaurants and which reflects the enormous profile of the aquarium.

The more modern side of Barcelona - Image by @harryschuler

As for beauty, even the historic centre of Amsterdam is not far behind. Iconic, and amazing points for the best selfies, are the numerous bridges that cross the dense network of canals for which the capital has become so famous. The city is to visit by bike, in itself a symbol of the city, around the centre and the much-discussed area of the Red Light District (which is also the oldest part of the city) to the enormous Piazza Dam, an urban heart full of street markets and street artists.

From the house of Anne Frank, an incredible testimony to the Second World War, up to the tulip market, Amsterdam remains faithful to its physiognomy: narrow coloured houses lined up one after the other, all facing and mirroring the water.

Image by @l__ia

Amsterdam Hostels and Barcelona Hostels: the best in the city (with a pinch of craziness)

If there are two cities in which hostels are not lacking, its Barcelona and Amsterdam. Here are those (in our opinion) that distinguish themselves from the rest.

• Best Hostels Amsterdam: The Bulldog
  

Without a doubt the most famous hostel in Amsterdam, the Bulldog has earned its fame with its originality and design choices, which are pretty courageous, to say the least (and the proximity to the Red Light District doesn't hurt). The atmosphere? Definitely relaxed, thanks also to the busiest lounge bar in the city.

• Hostels Amsterdam : Stayok Amsterdam Vondlepark

In keeping with the ecological label of the Stayok chain, the Vondelpark welcomes its guests in a common area surrounded by windows and greenery, an outdoor living room (yes, it is a real roofless skylight) flanked by an always lively bar. With the live music, beer pong, karaoke and quiz evenings, you're guaranteed to have fun.

• Cheap Hostels in Amsterdam: Train Lodge
  

A hostel on a train. Yes, you understood correctly. If you are tired of the usual hostels, why not try the experience of sleeping in a real train? The cars of the disused night-time route between Rome and Zurich have been converted into chic dormitories for the most enterprising of tourists.

• Best Hostels Barcelona: Urbany BCN GO!

We don't even want to waste time telling you about the clean and tidy rooms of this hostel because the quality of luxury services are incredible. First of all, the hot tub (yes, a hot tub in a hostel ... have we convinced you to leave the hotels forever?), free use of the computers in the lobby and ... a golf driving range located on the rooftop terrace!

• Hostels Barcelona: Primavera Hostel

Because Barcelona is not just about parties and Rock and Roll! Here is a hostel for the most delicate souls, with romantic pastel colours and an enviable design! Light-wood furniture and private bathrooms are within this hostel in the heart of Barcelona, just a few meters from the Sagrada Familia.

• Cheap Barcelona Hostels: Pars Teatro Hostel

This hostel has a decidedly eccentric and extremely fascinating style. The theme? Theater! The inspiration comes directly from the nearby Poble Sec district, with everything dedicated to the art of the stage.

Cover image by @pol.albarran e @islandmanny