A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Arles vs. Bilbao for Attractions, Old Town, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Arles or Bilbao?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Arles and Bilbao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Arles

Arles is a compact, quaint, 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 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.

Arles and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arles or Bilbao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bilbao than Arles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bilbao is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Arles is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. 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 Arles different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is an amazing town to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Arles are among the most recognizable in the world. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

Bilbao offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Arles or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arles is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Arles. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

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 Arles or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Arles or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Arles is an amazing town to visit for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Arles offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

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 the Shopping Better in Arles or Bilbao?

Bilbao is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Arles 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 Arles. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Arles or Bilbao Better for Families?

Bilbao is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles 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, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Arles or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Arles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this 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 Arles or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is very good for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

Is Arles or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is very good for students. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao is well known for its public transit. Also, Arles 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 Arles offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Arles or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Arles 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.

Arles is a very walkable town. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

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 Arles Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Arles?

How long in Arles or Bilbao?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bilbao than Arles 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 Arles or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Arles. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Bilbao, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this industrial destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Arles or Bilbao?

Arles is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Arles or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bilbao. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Arles or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Arles. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the colorful destination of Bilbao. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When comparing the travel costs between Arles and Bilbao, we can see that Arles 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 Arles Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Arles or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Arles 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 Arles 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 Arles or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Arles are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Arles in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Arles is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Arles 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 Arles. Arles usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Arles gets 354 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arles usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Arles gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Arles or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Arles during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

In the autumn, Arles often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Arles gets 178 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. Arles usually gets more rain in October than Bilbao. Arles gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Arles and Bilbao. The winter months attract visitors to Arles because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

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

Arles usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Arles gets 146 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, Arles usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Arles gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Arles or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Arles as well as Bilbao. The natural beauty are the main draw to Arles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. In the spring, Arles often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Arles gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Arles usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Arles gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Arles