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

Should you visit Belfast or Bilbao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast 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.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and shopping.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Belfast and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Bilbao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao than Belfast. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bilbao is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Belfast attracts visitors for its food. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Bilbao is famous for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also well known for The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Belfast different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Belfast is a city with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

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 Belfast or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Bilbao offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Belfast or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

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

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Bilbao?

Bilbao is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Bilbao is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Belfast or Bilbao Better for Families?

Belfast and Bilbao are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Bilbao is a family-friendly city. 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 Belfast or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Bilbao Better for Students?

Belfast and Bilbao are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Belfast is a good city to visit for students. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Is Belfast 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. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bilbao. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Belfast and Bilbao both are nice when exploring on foot.

Belfast is somewhat walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Bilbao?

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

Families should spend more time in Bilbao than Belfast. 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 Belfast. 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Bilbao?

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

Belfast 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 Belfast or Bilbao?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the affordable destination of Belfast. This city 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When comparing the travel costs between Belfast and Bilbao, we can see that Belfast 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Bilbao in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Belfast is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Bilbao. Many visitors come to Belfast in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Belfast is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Belfast usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Belfast for 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.

Belfast can be very cold during winter. Belfast is much colder than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Belfast gets 50 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, Belfast usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Bilbao in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Belfast is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Belfast often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Belfast 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. Belfast usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Belfast gets 50 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 Belfast