Conclusion: pick Barcelona for iconic sights and big-city energy; pick Valencia for a more local, affordable and relaxed pace. - Barcelona: Gaudí landmarks (Sagrada Familia from €26, Park Güell €18), beaches right in the city and walkable sights, but pricier (centre hotels €150–300+/night) with more pickpocketing (crime index 51.89). - Valencia: birthplace of paella, the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, Turia Park and the March Las Fallas festival; hotels €100–200+/night and safer (crime index 35.15), but the beach sits further from the old town. - Transport: Barcelona's 10-ride metro card costs €12.55; Valencia's airport has fewer international flights, so you often connect via Barcelona or Madrid by Renfe train.