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

Should you visit Berlin or Bilbao?

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

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

Berlin

Berlin is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a friendly, industrial, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Berlin and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berlin or Bilbao?

You'll generally find more things to do in Berlin than Bilbao. Berlin is bigger than Bilbao, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Berlin is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Bilbao is more popular for its historical sights. Berlin is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. Also, Berlin is famous for the Brandenburg Gate. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Berlin different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Berlin is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Berlin are among the most recognizable in the world. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

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 Berlin or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Berlin is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Berlin. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

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 Berlin or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

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

Berlin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

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 Berlin or Bilbao Better for Music?

Berlin is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Berlin From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Berlin or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bilbao. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Berlin or Bilbao?

Berlin is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Berlin make it a world-class shopping destination. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

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 Berlin or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Berlin is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

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 Berlin or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Berlin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

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 Berlin or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin is an amazing city 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 Berlin. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

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 Berlin or Bilbao Better for Students?

Berlin is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Berlin is a very popular place to visit for students. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university 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.

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

Berlin is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Berlin is top-notch. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bilbao. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Is Berlin or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Berlin and Bilbao are notable when it comes to walkability.

Berlin is a somewhat walkable place. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

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 Berlin Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Berlin?

How long in Berlin or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Berlin or Bilbao?

Berlin is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Berlin or Bilbao?

Berlin 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.

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 Berlin or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berlin. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. 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 Berlin or Bilbao?

Berlin is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

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 Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Germany, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Berlin and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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 Berlin Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Berlin or Bilbao?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Berlin as well as Bilbao. Many travelers come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Berlin is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Berlin this time of the year. In the summer, Berlin often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Berlin gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Berlin or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Berlin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Berlin in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Berlin is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Berlin in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

Berlin usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Berlin gets 106 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, Berlin usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Berlin gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Berlin or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Berlin during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Berlin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene.

Berlin can be very cold during winter. In January, Berlin is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around -0°C (31°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Berlin gets 42 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. Berlin usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berlin or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Berlin and Bilbao. The spring months attract visitors to Berlin because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

Berlin is cooler than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Berlin usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Berlin gets 160 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, Berlin usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Berlin