A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Almeria vs. Bilbao for Nightlife, Old Town, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Almeria or Bilbao?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Almeria and Bilbao. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Almeria

Almeria is a cultural, historic, and natural region. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and nightlife.

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.

Almeria and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Almeria or Bilbao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bilbao than Almeria, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bilbao is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Almeria is known for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Almeria is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its stunning beaches that feel pristine despite their popularity. 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 Almeria different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bilbao is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bilbao. 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.

Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Almeria is an amazing region to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eat your way through Almeria, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is focused on local, fresh ingredients with many traditional recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Popular dishes change with the seasons because they rely so heavily on local produce. Particularly during the winter months you'll find hearty stews like patatas en ajopollo and gurullos con conejo, which is prepared with rabbit. Sardines are also popular year round.

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 Almeria or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Bilbao know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Almeria has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife vibe is about enjoying a cold beer on a terrace with friends. The city has a laid back Mediterranean atmosphere and plenty of terraced bars along the main streets, particularly in old town. With mild temperatures year around, you'll find yourself spending time outside most evenings while you enjoy tapas and drinks with friends. Flamenco and bullfighting are also popular in the evenings.

Is Almeria or Bilbao Better for Resorts?

Almeria is an amazing region to visit for its resorts. However, Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Almeria for its luxury resorts. Stretched along the coastline you'll find many high end resorts with pools and nice atmospheres. There are all inclusive resorts as well as family-friendly and romantic options to choose from.

Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Is Almeria or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

Almeria is an amazing region to visit for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Almeria offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Outside of town you'll find kilometers of stunning coastline and beaches. There are pristine natural beaches that still feel undiscovered with beautiful long stretches of sand. One of the biggest resort areas is Roquetas de Mar.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Almeria or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Almeria is well known for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Almeria. The old town is at the cultural heart of the city. It has the most energy during the evenings, as well as many museums and sights worth visiting.

Bilbao has an old town worth visiting. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Is Almeria or Bilbao Better for Hiking?

Almeria is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Almeria. The area has stunning hikes that run along the coastline or into the beautiful interior countryside. For some of the area's best hikes head into Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Almeria or Bilbao?

Bilbao is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Almeria or Bilbao Better for Families?

Almeria is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Almeria is a very kid-friendly region. The area has many beautiful beaches as well as waterparks, amusement parks, and fun activities like sailing and water sports. There's also a very impressive fort that the kids will enjoy exploring.

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 Almeria or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Almeria is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Almeria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nature lovers and beach enthusiasts will find this to be the perfect romantic getaway. There are many outdoor activities and places to immerse yourself in nature. A highlight of a trip is a visit to Crystal Cave.

Bilbao is a good region 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 Almeria or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Almeria is well known for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Almeria is a great region to visit for backpackers. There's plenty of affordable accommodation to choose from as well as all kinds of activities that backpackers will enjoy. If you like nature and enjoy spending time outside, then this is your place.

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

Is Almeria or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a good destination for students. However, Almeria 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.

Almeria is not popular with students.

Is Almeria 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, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bilbao. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

While Almeria offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are a number of bus lines that run through Almeria city and to Cabo de Gata.

Is Almeria or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Bilbao is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Almeria is a region with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Almeria is generally not a very walkable region. While there are many beautiful walks in the area, if you want to truly explore, you'll likely want to have access to a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Almeria?

How long in Almeria or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Almeria and Bilbao. In our opinion, Almeria has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Almeria than Bilbao. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Almeria, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Almeria than Bilbao 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 Almeria.

One day in Almeria or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Almeria. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Bilbao, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Almeria or Bilbao?

Almeria 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.

In Bilbao, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bilbao has to offer.

Five days in Almeria or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Almeria. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Almeria or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Almeria. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bilbao. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Almeria and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Almeria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Almeria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Almeria 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 Almeria.

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

Which is Bigger, Almeria or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Almeria. When comparing the sizes of Almeria 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 Almeria 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 Almeria or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Almeria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Almeria because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In July, Almeria is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Almeria average around 26°C (78°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Almeria. Almeria usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Almeria gets 343 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Almeria usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Almeria gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Almeria or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Almeria during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Almeria this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Almeria is a little warmer than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Almeria averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Almeria. In the autumn, Almeria often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Almeria gets 220 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. Almeria usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Almeria gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Almeria or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Almeria and Bilbao. Many travelers come to Almeria for the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.

In the winter, Almeria is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Almeria in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Almeria usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Almeria gets 186 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, Almeria usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Almeria gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Almeria or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Almeria as well as Bilbao. Many visitors come to Almeria in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Almeria is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Almeria average around 16°C (61°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Almeria this time of the year. In the spring, Almeria often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Almeria gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Almeria usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Almeria gets 26 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 Almeria