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

Should you visit Auckland 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 Auckland and Bilbao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

Auckland is a thrill-seeking, cosmopolitan , and adventurous city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a authentic, colorful, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Auckland and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Bilbao?

You'll generally find more things to do in Auckland than Bilbao. Auckland is bigger than Bilbao, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Auckland is better known for its food, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Bilbao is more popular for its historical sights. Auckland is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. Also, Auckland is famous for the Sky Tower. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Auckland different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Auckland and Bilbao.

Many visitors head to Auckland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

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.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Auckland. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

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 Auckland or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Both Auckland and Bilbao have high quality vibes after the sun sets.

Auckland has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

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.

Is Auckland or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

Auckland is well known for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Auckland for it's beautiful beaches. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Auckland or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is very good for its old town. However, Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bilbao. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Is Auckland or Bilbao Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Auckland offers some nice hiking trails. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or Bilbao?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Auckland and Bilbao.

Auckland is well-known for its shopping. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

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.

Is Auckland or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Auckland is a very kid-friendly city. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

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 Auckland or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Auckland frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Bilbao is a good city 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 Auckland or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Auckland is a great city to visit for backpackers. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

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 Auckland or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Auckland. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international 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 Auckland or Bilbao Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

Is Auckland or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Bilbao is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

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

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Auckland or Bilbao?

Auckland is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Bilbao offers nightlife and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Auckland or Bilbao?

Auckland 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bilbao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Auckland or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cosmopolitan big city of Auckland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bilbao is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When comparing the travel costs between Auckland 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. Even though Auckland is in Pacific and Bilbao is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Bilbao?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Auckland 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 Auckland or Bilbao?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Bilbao has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Auckland or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Auckland during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Auckland in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Auckland is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Auckland. In the summer, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Bilbaoin July. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in January than Bilbaoin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Bilbao. Most visitors come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Auckland is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Auckland in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F)in October.

Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Auckland usually receives less rain than Bilbaoin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Auckland or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Bilbao. The winter months attract visitors to Auckland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In July, Auckland is generally a little warmer than Bilbaoin January. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 11°C (52°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Bilbaoin January. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. Auckland usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bilbaoin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.

Auckland is a little warmer than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 14°C (58°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in April.

Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In October, Auckland usually receives less rain than Bilbaoin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Auckland