A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bilbao vs. Kotor for Old Town, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bilbao or Kotor?

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 Kotor. 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 colorful, friendly, and industrial city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Kotor

Kotor is a beautiful, charming, and historic coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Bilbao and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bilbao. Although Bilbao and Kotor are popular destinations, Bilbao has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bilbao is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kotor attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bilbao is famous for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also well known for The Guggenheim Museum. Kotor is famous for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Bilbao different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bilbao is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Bilbao specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eat your way through Kotor, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is well known for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Bilbao or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a coastal town with a few options for its resorts. However, Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Is Bilbao or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor 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 Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bilbao or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is a good destination for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Kotor offers a nice beach destination. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Bilbao or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

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

Kotor offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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 Bilbao or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Kotor is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Kotor?

Bilbao is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Bilbao is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bilbao or Kotor Better for Families?

Both Bilbao and Kotor are nice 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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Bilbao or Kotor Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Kotor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

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 Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kotor is a great coastal town to visit for backpackers. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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 Kotor Better for Students?

Bilbao is very good for students. However, Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao is well known for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Bilbao can move around easily with public transportation. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Bilbao or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town 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 Kotor on foot is easy. The old town is best explored 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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Bilbao or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bilbao, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

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

One day in Bilbao or Kotor?

In Bilbao, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this colorful 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.

Kotor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bilbao or Kotor?

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.

Kotor is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Bilbao or Kotor?

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 Kotor. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Kotor?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the friendly 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.

Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Kotor?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bilbao is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 20°C (68°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Kotor. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bilbao or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Bilbao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bilbao is around the same temperature as Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 16°C (62°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Kotor. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kotor because of the cuisine.

In the winter, Bilbao is much warmer than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bilbao in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bilbao usually receives less rain than Kotor. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bilbao or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Kotor. The spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In April, Bilbao is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 12°C (54°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bilbao usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Bilbao