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

Should you visit Bilbao or Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles. 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 authentic, colorful, and friendly 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.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a dynamic, glamourous, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Bilbao and Los Angeles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Los Angeles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Los Angeles than Bilbao, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Los Angeles is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Bilbao is known for its historical sights. Los Angeles is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. It is also home to Hollywood. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Bilbao different from Los Angeles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

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 Bilbao or Los Angeles Better for Theater?

Los Angeles is well known for its theatre productions. However, Bilbao is not a theatre destination.

Los Angeles offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

Bilbao is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Eat your way through Los Angeles, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

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 Los Angeles Better for Nightlife?

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

Los Angeles has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

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 Los Angeles Better for Music?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Los Angeles Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Bilbao or Los Angeles Better for Resorts?

Los Angeles is well known for its resorts. However, Bilbao is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Los Angeles to choose from. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Is Bilbao or Los Angeles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bilbao or Los Angeles Better for Beaches?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Los Angeles offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Bilbao or Los Angeles Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Los Angeles does not have a historic old town.

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.

Los Angeles does not have a historic old town.

Is Bilbao or Los Angeles Better for Hiking?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Los Angeles is well-known for its hiking and trekking. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Los Angeles make it a world-class shopping destination. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

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.

Is Bilbao or Los Angeles Better for Families?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Los Angeles is very family-friendly. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

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 Los Angeles Better for Couples?

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

Los Angeles is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.

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 Los Angeles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Los Angeles is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

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 Los Angeles Better for Students?

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

Los Angeles is a very popular place to visit for students. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

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 Los Angeles Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bilbao is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bilbao. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

You'll find some public transit in Los Angeles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

Is Bilbao or Los Angeles a more walkable city?

Bilbao and Los Angeles both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Los Angeles is a somewhat walkable city. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

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

Should I spend more time in Los Angeles or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Los Angeles?

Both Bilbao and Los Angeles have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Los Angeles than in Bilbao. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bilbao, and 5-7 days is enough time in Los Angeles.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles.

One day in Bilbao or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Bilbao. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Los Angeles is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of Bilbao. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?

The friendly city of Bilbao offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Los Angeles. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Los Angeles?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Bilbao. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Los Angeles is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bilbao and Los Angeles, we can see that Los Angeles is more expensive. And not only is Bilbao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bilbao is in Europe and Los Angeles is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bilbao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bilbao 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 Los Angeles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Los Angeles than you might in Bilbao.

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Los Angeles. The summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year.

In the summer, Bilbao is around the same temperature as Los Angeles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bilbao in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 72°F (22°C).

Bilbao usually gets more rain in July than Los Angeles. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Los Angeles in the Autumn?

Both Los Angeles and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Los Angeles for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Bilbao is generally around the same temperature as Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 16°C (62°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In October, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bilbao or Los Angeles in the Winter?

Both Los Angeles and Bilbao during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Bilbao is cooler than Los Angeles in the winter. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in January than Los Angeles. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Los Angeles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Los Angeles. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Los Angeles for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Bilbao is cooler than Los Angeles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bilbao in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 61°F (16°C).

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Los Angeles and Bilbao