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

Should you visit Bilbao or Bari?

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 Bari. 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 friendly, industrial, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Bari

Bari is a local, cultural, and authentic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Bilbao and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Bari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bari. Although Bilbao and Bari are both popular with visitors, Bari has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bari is more popular for its food, beaches, and historical sights, while Bilbao is known for its shopping. Bilbao is more touristy than Bari and is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Bari is popular for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also home to San Nicola.

How is Bilbao different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bari 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 Bari?

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

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.

Bari offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

Bari is an amazing port city to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eat your way through Bari, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Bilbao or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Bilbao and Bari.

Bilbao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Many people head to Bari for the nightlife scene. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Bilbao or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is a good destination for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Bari offers a nice beach destination. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Bilbao or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari 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 Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

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 Bilbao or Bari?

Bilbao is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

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.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Bilbao or Bari Better for Families?

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

Bari is a very kid-friendly port city. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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 Bilbao or Bari Better for Couples?

Bilbao and Bari both good 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.

Bari is a good city for couples to visit. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Bilbao or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bari is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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 Bari Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Bari. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

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 Bari Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bilbao is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

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

Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Bilbao or Bari a more walkable city?

Bari is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Bari is a very walkable port city. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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 Bilbao Worth Visiting? and Is Bari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bari or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Bari?

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

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

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

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

One day in Bilbao or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bilbao. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bilbao or Bari?

Bilbao is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bari 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.

Five days in Bilbao or Bari?

You'll find shopping and museums around the industrial destination of Bilbao. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. 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.

A week in Bilbao or Bari?

The friendly city of Bilbao offers museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Bari. This port 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bilbao and Bari, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Bari much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bari would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bari 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao than you might in Bari.

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Bari?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Bari. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Bilbao or Bari in the Summer?

Both Bari and Bilbao during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In the summer, Bilbao is cooler than Bari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bilbao in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Bari averages at about 25°C (76°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Bari. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Bilbao usually gets more rain in July than Bari. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Bari. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Bilbao is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 16°C (62°F), and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Bari during autumn. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Bari. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bilbao or Bari in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Bari. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Bari in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bilbao is around the same temperature as Bari in the winter. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Bari. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bilbao usually gets more rain in January than Bari. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Bari for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Bilbao is cooler than Bari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bilbao in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Bari averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Bari during spring. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In April, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Bari. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Bilbao