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

Should you visit Bilbao or Bergen?

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 Bergen. 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 industrial, authentic, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. 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 and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Bergen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bilbao than Bergen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bilbao is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Bergen is known for its food and small town charm. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also home to The Guggenheim Museum. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Bilbao different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bilbao is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Bergen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

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

Bergen is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

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 Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Bilbao has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Bilbao or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the good old town areas in both Bilbao and Bergen.

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

Bergen has an old town worth visiting. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Bergen?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bergen and Bilbao.

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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bergen. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

Is Bilbao or Bergen Better for Families?

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

Bergen is a very kid-friendly city. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

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 Bergen Better for Couples?

Bergen is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Bergen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

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 Bilbao or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao and Bergen are good places to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bergen. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Bilbao or Bergen Better for Students?

Bilbao and Bergen are good places to visit for students.

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

It's common for students to visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bilbao and Bergen.

Public transit in Bilbao can get you to some places easily. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bergen. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

Is Bilbao or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bergen 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.

Bergen is a very walkable city. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

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 Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Bergen?

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

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

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

One day in Bilbao or Bergen?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bergen. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bilbao or Bergen?

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.

Bergen 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 Bergen?

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.

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

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 shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Bergen. 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bilbao and Bergen, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Bergen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bergen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bergen 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 Bergen.

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Bergen?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Bergen, 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 Bergen?

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 Bergen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Bergen. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bilbao is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bilbao in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Bilbao usually receives less rain than Bergen. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bilbao or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Bergen. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

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

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bilbao usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bergen can be very cold during winter. Bilbao is much warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In January, Bilbao usually receives less rain than Bergen. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bilbao or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Bilbao during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Bilbao is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bilbao in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in April than Bergen. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Bilbao