A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bilbao vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bilbao or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel. 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. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a religious, historic, and breathtaking island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Bilbao and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bilbao than Mont-Saint-Michel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bilbao is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel is more popular for its museums, food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Also, Bilbao is famous for The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Bilbao different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is an amazing island 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 Mont-Saint-Michel are among the most recognizable in the world. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

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 the Food Better in Bilbao or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Bilbao know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Bilbao or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is very good for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is Bilbao or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel offers some nice hiking trails. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Bilbao is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bilbao or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Bilbao is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Bilbao or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Mont-Saint-Michel is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao and Mont-Saint-Michel are notable 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Bilbao or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Bilbao is very good for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Is Bilbao or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bilbao is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Bilbao has some very good public transit options. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

While Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Bilbao or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable island. There are many stunning walks in the area.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bilbao or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bilbao than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bilbao than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Bilbao, there's plenty to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bilbao or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the colorful city of Bilbao, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the authentic destination of Bilbao. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Bilbao is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the religious destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Bilbao and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 4390 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Bilbao is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Mont-Saint-Michel. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bilbao or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Bilbao is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bilbao in October average around 16°C (62°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Bilbao often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Bilbao is generally much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 9°C (48°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Bilbao usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bilbao or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. The spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

Bilbao is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bilbao usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Bilbao