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

Should you visit Bilbao or Hvar?

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 Hvar. 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.

Hvar

Hvar is a energetic, party-oriented, and historic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bilbao and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hvar than Bilbao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hvar is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Hvar is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Also, Hvar is famous for Hvar Fort. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Bilbao different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hvar. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

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 Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is an amazing island to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Hvar has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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.

Is Bilbao or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bilbao or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is well known for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Hvar for it's beautiful beaches. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Bilbao or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a city with good options for its old town. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Bilbao or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Hvar offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Hvar?

Bilbao is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Bilbao or Hvar Better for Families?

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

Hvar is a very kid-friendly island. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Hvar Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Hvar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

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 Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is an amazing island 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 Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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 Hvar Better for Students?

Bilbao is a city with good options for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

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.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao is notable for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Bilbao or Hvar a more walkable city?

Bilbao and Hvar both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Hvar?

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

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

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

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

One day in Bilbao or Hvar?

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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Hvar. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bilbao or Hvar?

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.

Hvar is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. 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 Hvar?

You'll find shopping and museums around the friendly 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 Hvar. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Hvar?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the energetic destination of Hvar. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Hvar?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Hvar. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bilbao is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Hvar. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bilbao or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Hvar. The autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In the autumn, Bilbao is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bilbao in October average around 16°C (62°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the autumn, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bilbao usually gets more rain in October than Hvar. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Bilbao is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 9°C (48°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In January, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Hvar. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bilbao or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Bilbao during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hvar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Bilbao is cooler than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in April than Hvar. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Bilbao