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

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

Auxerre

Auxerre is a under-rated, undiscovered, and authentic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

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 shopping.

Auxerre and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auxerre or Bilbao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao. Although Auxerre and Bilbao are both popular with visitors, Bilbao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bilbao is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Auxerre is known for its food and small town charm. Bilbao is more touristy than Auxerre and is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also home to The Guggenheim Museum. Auxerre is popular for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Auxerre different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bilbao is great for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Bilbao specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

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

Auxerre is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Auxerre. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

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 Auxerre or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is great for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Auxerre or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Auxerre or Bilbao?

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

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.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Auxerre or Bilbao Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Auxerre or Bilbao.

Auxerre offers lots of family activities. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Bilbao is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Auxerre or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Both Auxerre and Bilbao are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Auxerre is a good town for couples to visit. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

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 Auxerre or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.

Is Auxerre or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Auxerre is not popular with 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.

Auxerre is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

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.

Auxerre has a few public transit options. There are buses around town.

Is Auxerre or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Auxerre and Bilbao are good when it comes to walkability.

Auxerre is a somewhat walkable town. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Auxerre?

How long in Auxerre or Bilbao?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Auxerre. 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 Auxerre or Bilbao?

Auxerre 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 Auxerre or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auxerre. 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 Auxerre or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Auxerre. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Auxerre or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Auxerre 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 Auxerre 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 Auxerre or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Auxerre as well as Bilbao. Many visitors come to Auxerre in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Auxerre is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Auxerre average around 19°C (66°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auxerre this time of the year. In the summer, Auxerre often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Auxerre gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Auxerre usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bilbao. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auxerre or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Auxerre are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Auxerre for the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Auxerre is cooler than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auxerre averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Auxerre usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during autumn. Auxerre gets 126 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, Auxerre usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Auxerre or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Auxerre during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

The weather in Auxerre can be very cold. In the winter, Auxerre is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auxerre in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Auxerre often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Auxerre gets 53 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. Auxerre usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auxerre or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Auxerre and Bilbao. The small town charm are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.

In April, Auxerre is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Auxerre average around 10°C (50°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Auxerre usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Auxerre gets 167 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, Auxerre usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Auxerre