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

Should you visit Bilbao or Florence?

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 Florence. 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Florence

Florence is a artistic, iconic, and alluring city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Florence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence. Although Bilbao and Florence are roughly the same size, Florence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Florence is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Also, Florence is famous for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Bilbao different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Florence are among the most recognizable in the world. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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.

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

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

Eat your way through Florence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Bilbao has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Bilbao or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Florence offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

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 Florence?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Florence 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 Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Bilbao or Florence Better for Families?

Both Bilbao and Florence are notable 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.

Florence offers lots of family activities. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Bilbao or Florence Better for Couples?

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

Florence is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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 Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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 Florence Better for Students?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Florence is a very popular place to visit for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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 Florence 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, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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.

Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Bilbao or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Florence on foot is easy. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Florence?

Both Bilbao and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Bilbao. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bilbao, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

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

One day in Bilbao or Florence?

The city of Bilbao offers nightlife and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Florence. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bilbao or Florence?

Bilbao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bilbao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Florence 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 Florence?

Bilbao is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Bilbao or Florence?

Bilbao is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Florence. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Bilbao and Florence, we can see that Florence 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Bilbao during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bilbao is cooler than Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Florence. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Bilbao usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Florence. 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 Florence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bilbao is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bilbao in October average around 16°C (62°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 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 Florence. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bilbao or Florence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Florence. The winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In January, Bilbao is generally a little warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 9°C (48°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Florence. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bilbao usually gets more rain in January than Florence. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the natural beauty.

Bilbao is cooler than Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In April, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Florence. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Bilbao