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

Should you visit Basel or Bilbao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Bilbao, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Basel

Basel is a museum-filled, easily accessible, and beautiful city. 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 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.

Basel and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Bilbao?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bilbao than Basel. Bilbao is bigger than Basel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bilbao is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Basel is more popular for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Also, Bilbao is famous for The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Basel different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Basel and Bilbao.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Basel can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bilbao. 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 Basel or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Basel 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 Basel. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

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 Basel or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Bilbao has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Basel or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Basel is well known for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Basel. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

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 Basel or Bilbao?

Both Basel and Bilbao are great shopping destinations.

Basel is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

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 Basel or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

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 Basel or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Basel and Bilbao are both notable to visit as a couple.

Basel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

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 Basel or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Bilbao are notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Basel. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Bilbao is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Is Basel or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Basel. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

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

Both Basel and Bilbao offer great public transit options.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

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.

Is Basel or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Basel is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Basel on foot is easy. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

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 Basel Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Basel?

How long in Basel or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Basel and Bilbao. In our opinion, Basel has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Basel than Bilbao. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

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

One day in Basel or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Basel. 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 colorful 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 Basel or Bilbao?

Basel 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.

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 Basel or Bilbao?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Basel. This city 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 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, 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 Basel and Bilbao, we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is Bilbao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bilbao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bilbao 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel than you might in Bilbao.

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Bilbao?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Bilbao. Many travelers come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Basel is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Basel, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basel usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Basel as well as Bilbao. Many visitors come to Basel in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Basel is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Basel usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene.

Basel can be very cold during winter. In January, Basel is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Basel gets 55 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, Basel usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Basel during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Basel because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

Basel is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Basel gets 150 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. Basel usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Basel