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

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

Bali

Bali is a lush, frequented, and spiritual island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bali and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Bilbao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bali. Although Bali and Bilbao are about the same size, Bali has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bali is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities. Bali is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Also, Bali is famous for Pura Lempuyang. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Bali different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bilbao is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eat your way through Bali, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

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 Bali or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

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

Bali has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

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 Bali or Bilbao Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Bali for its luxury resorts. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Bilbao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Bali. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

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

Bali offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Bali or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Bilbao to see the old town. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Bali does not have a historic old town.

Is Bali or Bilbao Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Bilbao?

Both Bali and Bilbao are high quality shopping destinations.

Bali is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

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.

Is Bali or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Bali is a very kid-friendly island. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

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 Bali or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Bali is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Bilbao is a good island 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 Bali or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is an amazing island 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 Bali. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

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 Bali or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is very good for students. However, Bali is not popular with students.

Bilbao is a good city to visit for students. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

Bali is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Bilbao can get you to some places easily. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Bali has some public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Is Bali or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Bilbao is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

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

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Bali?

How long in Bali or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bali and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bali than in Bilbao. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

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

One day in Bali or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bali. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bilbao. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bali or Bilbao?

Bali 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Bilbao?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the friendly destination of Bilbao. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bali or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the lush destination of Bali. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

The authentic city of Bilbao offers museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, 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 Bali and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bali is in Asia and Bilbao is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Bali.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Bilbao?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Bilbao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bali is a little warmer than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer. April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Should I visit Bali or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bali as well as Bilbao. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Bali is much warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the autumn, Bali often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Bali usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Bali is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bali or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In January, Bali is generally much warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bali usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In January, Bali usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Bali is October to March.

Should I visit Bali or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Bali during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.

Bali is much warmer than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Bali. In the spring, Bali often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bali usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year. April to September is the dry season in Bali.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Bali