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

Should you visit Bilbao or Imperia?

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 Imperia. 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Imperia

Imperia is a charming, undiscovered, and authentic town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Imperia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao. Although Bilbao and Imperia are both popular with visitors, Bilbao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bilbao is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Imperia is known for its food and impressive beauty. Bilbao is more touristy than Imperia and is known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also home to The Guggenheim Museum. Imperia is popular for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Bilbao different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Imperia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

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

Imperia is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

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 Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Bilbao has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Bilbao or Imperia Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Bilbao offers a nice historic old town area. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Imperia?

Bilbao is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Bilbao or Imperia Better for Families?

Both Bilbao and Imperia are good 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.

Imperia offers lots of family activities. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is Bilbao or Imperia Better for Couples?

Bilbao and Imperia both good destinations for a couple.

Bilbao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Imperia is a good city for couples to visit. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Bilbao or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao and Imperia are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Imperia. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

Is Bilbao or Imperia Better for Students?

Bilbao is a popular place for students. However, Imperia 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.

Imperia is not popular with students.

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

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

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

Imperia has some public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Bilbao or Imperia a more walkable city?

Bilbao and Imperia both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Imperia is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bilbao or Imperia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bilbao than Imperia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bilbao, and 1-2 days is enough time in Imperia.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bilbao than Imperia 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 Imperia?

In Bilbao, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Imperia. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bilbao or Imperia?

In Bilbao, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bilbao has to offer.

Imperia 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 Imperia?

Bilbao is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bilbao. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Imperia. This town 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 Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Imperia?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Imperia, 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Imperia. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Imperia for the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Imperia this time of the year. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Imperia during summer. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Imperia. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bilbao or Imperia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Imperia. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Imperia in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Imperia. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bilbao usually gets more rain in October than Imperia. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Imperia in the Winter?

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

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

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Imperia during winter. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In January, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Imperia. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bilbao or Imperia in the Spring?

Both Imperia and Bilbao during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Imperia because of the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Imperia. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in April than Imperia. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Imperia and Bilbao