Barcelona or Rome with young teens

[Bobbster]

I know this is quite a common question, but I keep going round and round in circles. Looking for a 3-night break for me, DH and DSs 11 and 14. I have been to both Rome and Barcelona and loved both, but I can't decide which the boys would enjoy more - they have never been on a city break before.

One loves football, the other doesn't. Both enjoy wandering around, soaking in different culture, trying local food. Which would you recommend, have either been a hit with your tweens/teens? I guess a pool would be a bonus. Going October half term, would it need to be heated?

Just been to Barcelona with DS14, he loved it. Did lots of Gaudi and culture, hop on bus, didn't have long enough really (just two days). Inside Sagrada Familia is a must! I've only been to Rome once and although a city break lover, I and DH did not enjoy it so I personally would recommend Barcelona as there's so much to do and see, whatever your interests or age.

I’d suggest Barcelona. The highlights for my dc were Park Guell, Camp Nou, Tibidabo amusement park, climbing La Sagrada, Casa Batllo, the musical fountain show, street entertainers on Las Ramblas, churros and biking along the waterfront.

I would say Barcelona too. I went on a girls' trip but remember thinking how much my teenage kids would have loved it, there just seemed to be so much to do.

DH and I took DGS to Barcelona when he was 14 and he loved it . Hop on/off bus is fantastic and we were able to go to the football stadium ( can’t remember name) plus he also loved the aquarium but mostly we enjoyed wandering around and trying new foods .
He also loved the double decker train .

Thank you, flights seem much cheaper to Barcelona than Rome so think we'll give it a whirl. Any airbnb or hotel recommendations?

I have lived in both.

For me, it is Rome, no question.

For tweens, Barcelona, no question! Plus about a million times cheaper.

Dd is in Barcelona with her friends at the mo. They have a limited budget but seem to be having a fab time. There's lots to look at that is free.