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

Should you visit Bilbao or Dallas?

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 Dallas. 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dallas

Dallas is a upscale, chic, and active city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Dallas?

Both Dallas and Bilbao have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Bilbao is better known for its historical sights, while Dallas is more popular for its food. Bilbao is more touristy than Dallas and is known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Dallas is well known for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture.

How is Bilbao different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Bilbao and Dallas.

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.

Dallas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Dallas. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

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 Dallas Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Dallas for the nightlife scene. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Is Bilbao or Dallas Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is very good for its old town. However, Dallas does not have a historic old town.

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.

Dallas does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Dallas?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dallas 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 Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Is Bilbao or Dallas Better for Families?

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

Dallas is a very kid-friendly city. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

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 Dallas Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Dallas frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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 Dallas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is very good for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bilbao is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

Is Bilbao or Dallas Better for Students?

Bilbao is very good for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

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

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.

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

Bilbao is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Bilbao can get you around easily. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Dallas has some public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Is Bilbao or Dallas a more walkable city?

Bilbao is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Bilbao or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dallas 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 Dallas.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bilbao than Dallas 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 Bilbao.

One day in Bilbao or Dallas?

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 Dallas. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bilbao or Dallas?

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.

Dallas 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas. 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 Dallas?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful 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 active destination of Dallas. 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 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 Dallas, 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 Dallas 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 Dallas Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Dallas. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dallas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Bilbao is much colder than Dallas in the summer. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Dallas fluctuates around 88°F (31°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during summer. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bilbao usually receives less rain than Dallas. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bilbao or Dallas in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Dallas. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Bilbao is cooler than Dallas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bilbao in October average around 16°C (62°F), and Dallas averages at about 69°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. In the autumn, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bilbao usually gets more rain in October than Dallas. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Dallas in the Winter?

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

In January, Bilbao is generally a little warmer than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 9°C (48°F), and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during winter. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In January, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Dallas. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bilbao or Dallas in the Spring?

Both Dallas and Bilbao during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

Bilbao is much colder than Dallas in the spring. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Dallas fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in April than Dallas. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dallas and Bilbao