A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aix-en-Provence vs. Bilbao for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a laid-back, relaxing, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

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.

Aix-en-Provence and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bilbao than Aix-en-Provence, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bilbao is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Aix-en-Provence is known for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Aix-en-Provence is popular for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square. 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 Aix-en-Provence different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao?

Bilbao is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bilbao can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Is the Food Better in Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is an amazing town to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eat your way through Aix-en-Provence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

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 Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is well known for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Bilbao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence 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.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao?

Aix-en-Provence is an amazing town to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Aix-en-Provence make it a world-class shopping destination. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao Better for Families?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bilbao. 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.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Aix-en-Provence is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Aix-en-Provence frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Bilbao is a good town for couples to visit. 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 Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aix-en-Provence and Bilbao are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Aix-en-Provence. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Bilbao is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is well known for students. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Aix-en-Provence. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

It's common for students to visit Bilbao. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bilbao is well known for its public transit. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Bilbao can get you to most places easily. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

While Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Aix-en-Provence is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable town. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Aix-en-Provence?

How long in Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aix-en-Provence and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Aix-en-Provence than in Bilbao. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Aix-en-Provence, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

One day in Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao?

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

The friendly destination of Bilbao offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao?

Aix-en-Provence 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.

The city of Bilbao offers museums and nightlife. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aix-en-Provence. 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.

Bilbao is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid-back destination of Aix-en-Provence. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Bilbao. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When comparing the travel costs between Aix-en-Provence and Bilbao, we can see that Aix-en-Provence is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Aix-en-Provence are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Aix-en-Provence is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Aix-en-Provence average around 24°C (75°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. Aix-en-Provence usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Aix-en-Provence gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aix-en-Provence usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Aix-en-Provence gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Aix-en-Provence during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Aix-en-Provence is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aix-en-Provence averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. In the autumn, Aix-en-Provence often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Aix-en-Provence gets 205 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. Aix-en-Provence usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Aix-en-Provence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aix-en-Provence and Bilbao. Most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene.

In the winter, Aix-en-Provence is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aix-en-Provence in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Aix-en-Provence usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Aix-en-Provence gets 150 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, Aix-en-Provence usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Aix-en-Provence gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aix-en-Provence as well as Bilbao. The spring months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In April, Aix-en-Provence is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Aix-en-Provence average around 13°C (56°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. In the spring, Aix-en-Provence often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Aix-en-Provence gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Aix-en-Provence usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Aix-en-Provence gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Aix-en-Provence