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

Should you visit Bilbao or Genoa?

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 Genoa. 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.

Genoa

Genoa is a colorful, energetic, and historic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Genoa?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bilbao than Genoa. While Genoa is larger than Bilbao, Bilbao has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bilbao is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Genoa is known for its food, beaches, and impressive beauty. Genoa is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. 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.

How is Bilbao different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Bilbao and Genoa.

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.

Genoa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Genoa. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

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 Genoa Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Bilbao for the nightlife scene. 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 Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Bilbao or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Genoa is a port city with a few options for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Genoa. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Bilbao or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Genoa has an old town worth visiting. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Genoa?

Bilbao is great for its shopping areas. Also, Genoa 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.

Genoa is a great destination for shopping. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Is Bilbao or Genoa Better for Families?

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

Genoa is a very kid-friendly port city. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

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 Genoa Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Genoa frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

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 Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Genoa is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

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 Genoa Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Genoa. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

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 Genoa 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 Genoa.

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 Genoa. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

Is Bilbao or Genoa a more walkable city?

Genoa 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.

Genoa is a very walkable port city. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy 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 Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Genoa?

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

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

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

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

One day in Bilbao or Genoa?

In Bilbao, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this friendly destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Genoa. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bilbao or Genoa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Genoa 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 Genoa?

Bilbao is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bilbao. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the authentic destination of Bilbao. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Genoa. This port 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Bilbao and Genoa, we can see that Genoa 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 Genoa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Genoa, 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 Genoa?

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 Genoa in the Summer?

Both Genoa 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. Also, most visitors come to Genoa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In Genoa, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun.

Bilbao usually gets more rain in July than Genoa. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Genoa in the Autumn?

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

In October, Bilbao is generally cooler than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 16°C (62°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during autumn. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 183 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 Genoa. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bilbao or Genoa in the Winter?

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

Bilbao is cooler than Genoa in the winter. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bilbao usually gets more rain in January than Genoa. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Genoa in the Spring?

Both Genoa 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 Genoa for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bilbao is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bilbao in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Genoa averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during spring. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In April, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Genoa. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Bilbao