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

Should you visit Athens 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 Athens 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.

Athens

Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Athens is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Athens travel costs.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a friendly, industrial, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Bilbao travel costs.

Athens and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Bilbao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Bilbao, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao is known for its shopping. Athens is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is an amazing city 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 Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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 Athens or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Bilbao can be an enjoyable experience.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

For foodies, Bilbao is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 Athens or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Athens has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Many people head to Bilbao for the nightlife scene. 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 Athens or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

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

Athens offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

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 Athens or Bilbao?

Bilbao is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Bilbao More Beautiful?

Athens is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Bilbao is not a destination known for its beauty.

Athens is a beautiful place to visit, too. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.

Bilbao is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Athens or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Athens is a very kid-friendly city. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

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 Athens or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Athens and Bilbao both good destinations for a couple.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

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 Athens or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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 Athens or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

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

Athens and Bilbao both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit in Bilbao is fairly effecient and thorough. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Is Athens or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Athens 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.

Athens is a very walkable city. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Athens?

How long in Athens or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Bilbao. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Bilbao?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife 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 Athens or Bilbao?

Athens is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bilbao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.

Five days in Athens or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Athens or Bilbao?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic 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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Bilbao?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Bilbao?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Athens or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Bilbao. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Bilbao. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.

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

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Athens