A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Bilbao for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Aegina or Bilbao?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Aegina or Bilbao? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aegina

Aegina is a fun, active, and relaxing island. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a colorful, friendly, and industrial city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Aegina and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aegina or Bilbao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao. Although Aegina and Bilbao are both popular with visitors, Bilbao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bilbao is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Aegina is known for its food, beaches, and small town charm. Aegina is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also home to The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Aegina different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bilbao and Aegina. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aegina or Bilbao?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Aegina or Bilbao.

Aegina offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

Many visitors head to Bilbao specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

Is the Food Better in Aegina or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aegina is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Aegina. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

Is Aegina or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Aegina or Bilbao has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Aegina know how to have a good time. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

The nightlife in Bilbao has something for everybody. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.

Is Aegina or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

Aegina is a good destination for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Aegina offers a nice beach destination. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Aegina or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Bilbao offers a nice historic old town area. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Bilbao?

Bilbao is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Aegina. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Is Aegina or Bilbao Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aegina or Bilbao.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aegina. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.

Bilbao offers lots of family activities. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

Is Aegina or Bilbao Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Aegina and Bilbao make for a good place to visit.

Aegina is a good island for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Bilbao is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Is Aegina or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina and Bilbao are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aegina. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.

Bilbao is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Is Aegina or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a popular place for students. However, Aegina is not popular with students.

Bilbao is popular with students. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

Aegina is not popular with students.

Is Aegina or Bilbao Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bilbao is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Bilbao offers a very effecient public transportation network. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

While Aegina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

Is Aegina or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Aegina and Bilbao both are good when exploring on foot.

Aegina is a somewhat walkable island. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.

Bilbao is somewhat walkable. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Aegina Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aegina and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bilbao than in Aegina. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Aegina, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

Families should spend more time in Aegina than Bilbao. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aegina, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bilbao than Aegina. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bilbao that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bilbao than Aegina if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bilbao.

One day in Aegina or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Aegina. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Bilbao. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Aegina or Bilbao?

Aegina is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bilbao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Aegina or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aegina. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Aegina or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Aegina. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of Bilbao. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aegina and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Aegina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aegina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aegina and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao than you might in Aegina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aegina Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aegina or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Bilbao, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Aegina or Bilbao?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aegina or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Aegina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 27°C (81°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aegina usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aegina or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Aegina during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Aegina because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

Aegina is a little warmer than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Aegina. In the autumn, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aegina usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aegina or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Bilbao. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Aegina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene.

In the winter, Aegina is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aegina in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Aegina usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aegina or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Bilbao. Many travelers come to Aegina for the beaches and the small town charm. Additionally, many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 16°C (60°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. In the spring, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Aegina usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Aegina