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

Should you visit Bilbao or Como?

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 Como. 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 authentic, colorful, and friendly 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.

Como

Como is a fun, vibrant, and scenic lake area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Bilbao and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Como?

Both Como and Bilbao have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Bilbao is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Como is known for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Bilbao different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its 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.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

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

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eat your way through Como, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

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 Como Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Bilbao has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Como has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Bilbao or Como Better for Beaches?

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

Como offers a nice beach destination. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Bilbao or Como Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Bilbao or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Como. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Como?

Como is an amazing lake area 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 Como make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

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 Bilbao or Como Better for Families?

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

Como is a very kid-friendly lake area. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

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 Como Better for Couples?

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Como is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

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 Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Como is a great lake area to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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 Como Better for Students?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Como is not popular with students.

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

Como is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Como, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Bilbao or Como a more walkable city?

Como 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.

Como is a very walkable lake area. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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 Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Bilbao or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Como due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bilbao, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

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

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

One day in Bilbao or Como?

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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bilbao or Como?

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.

Como 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 Como?

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 Como. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Como?

The colorful 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 food and shopping when visiting the fun destination of Como. This lake area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Como?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Como, 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 Como?

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 Como in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Como. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bilbao is cooler than Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bilbao in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Como. In the summer, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Como. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Bilbao usually gets less rain in July than Como. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Como because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bilbao is generally a little warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 16°C (62°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Como during autumn. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Como. It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In October, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Como. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bilbao or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Bilbao during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Como this time of year.

It's quite cold in Como in the winter. Bilbao is much warmer than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Como. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in January than Como. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Como in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Como. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bilbao is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bilbao in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Como during spring. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Como. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Bilbao