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

Should you visit Beaune 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 Beaune 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.

Beaune

Beaune is a culinary, quaint, and vineyard-filled town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a colorful, friendly, and industrial 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.

Beaune and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beaune or Bilbao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bilbao than Beaune, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bilbao is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Beaune is more popular for its food, historical sights, and small town charm. Beaune is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines. 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 Beaune different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Beaune and Bilbao.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Beaune. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.

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 Beaune or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eat your way through Beaune, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

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 Beaune or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Beaune has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

Is Beaune or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

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

Beaune offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

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 Beaune or Bilbao?

Bilbao is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Bilbao is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Beaune has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

Is Beaune or Bilbao Better for Families?

Both Beaune and Bilbao are notable family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beaune. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.

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 Beaune or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Beaune is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

Bilbao is a good town 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 Beaune or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is a good destination for backpackers. However, Beaune is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Beaune is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a charming town, but it's not on many backpacker's itineraries. There are also a limited number of hostels to choose from.

Is Beaune or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a good destination for students. However, Beaune is not popular with students.

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

Beaune is not popular with students.

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

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

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

While Beaune offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

Is Beaune or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Beaune is an amazing town 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 Beaune on foot is easy. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Beaune?

How long in Beaune or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Beaune and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaune than in Bilbao. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Beaune, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Beaune. 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 shopping and museums 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 Beaune or Bilbao?

Beaune 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.

Bilbao 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.

Five days in Beaune or Bilbao?

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

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vineyard-filled destination of Beaune. This town 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary 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 Beaune and Bilbao, we can see that Beaune 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 Beaune would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaune 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 Beaune Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Beaune or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Beaune. When comparing the sizes of Beaune 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 Beaune 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 Beaune or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Beaune are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Beaune because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaune. Beaune usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Beaune gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Beaune usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bilbao. Beaune gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beaune or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Beaune during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Beaune this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Beaune is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beaune in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Beaune often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao. Beaune gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beaune usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Beaune gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaune or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaune and Bilbao. Many travelers come to Beaune for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Beaune. In January, Beaune is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Beaune average around 3°C (38°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Beaune usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Beaune gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Beaune usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Beaune gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beaune or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Beaune as well as Bilbao. Many visitors come to Beaune in the spring for the small town charm. Additionally, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.

Beaune is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Beaune averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Beaune often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Beaune gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Beaune usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Beaune gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Beaune