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

Should you visit Bilbao or Austin?

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 Bilbao and Austin. 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.

Bilbao

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

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping. See Austin travel costs.

Bilbao and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin than Bilbao. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Austin is very popular for its nightlife, music, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao attracts visitors for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Bilbao is famous for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Austin is famous for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also well known for The Texas Capital.

How is Bilbao different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Austin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Bilbao and Austin can be difficult as they are each world-class in their own way.

Eat your way through Bilbao, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

For foodies, Austin is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Is Bilbao or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin 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.

Austin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

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 Bilbao or Austin Better for Music?

Austin 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 Austin Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Bilbao or Austin Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Austin 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.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Bilbao or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Austin?

Bilbao is a great destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Bilbao or Austin More Beautiful?

Austin is a city with a few options for its scenery and beauty. However, Bilbao is not a destination known for its beauty.

Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Bilbao is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bilbao or Austin Better for Families?

Both Bilbao and Austin are nice family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bilbao. 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.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Bilbao or Austin Better for Couples?

Bilbao and Austin both nice destinations for a couple.

Bilbao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Austin is a good city for couples to visit. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Bilbao or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is well known for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Austin is a great city to visit for backpackers. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

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 Bilbao or Austin Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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

Bilbao is a great destination for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Bilbao is fairly effecient and thorough. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Bilbao or Austin a more walkable city?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bilbao and Austin. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Austin than Bilbao. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Bilbao or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bilbao. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Austin. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bilbao or Austin?

Bilbao 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.

Austin 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 Bilbao or Austin?

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

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the lively destination of Austin. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Bilbao and Austin, 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. Even though Bilbao is in Europe and Austin is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Austin, 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 Bilbao or Austin?

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 Bilbao or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Bilbao is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 20°C (68°F), and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bilbao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Austin. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bilbao or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Bilbao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Bilbao is cooler than Austin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 16°C (62°F) in October, and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Austin. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in October than Austin. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Austin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Austin. The winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the winter, Bilbao is cooler than Austin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bilbao in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Austin averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Austin during winter. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Austin. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bilbao or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Austin. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Bilbao is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 12°C (54°F), and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. In the spring, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Austin. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bilbao usually gets more rain in April than Austin. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Austin and Bilbao