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

Should you visit Bilbao or Naples?

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

Naples

Naples is a authentic, gritty, and colorful city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Naples?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples than Bilbao, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also home to Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Bilbao different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Bilbao and Naples.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Naples offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Bilbao and Naples can be difficult as they are each world-class in their own way.

Eat your way through Bilbao, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

For foodies, Naples is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

Is Bilbao or Naples Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Bilbao and Naples.

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.

Many people head to Naples for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Bilbao or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Naples is well known for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

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 the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Naples?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Naples and Bilbao.

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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Bilbao or Naples Better for Families?

Both Bilbao and Naples 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.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Bilbao or Naples Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

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 Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Naples is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

Bilbao and Naples are good places to visit for students.

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

It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bilbao and Naples.

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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

Is Bilbao or Naples a more walkable city?

Naples 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.

Naples is a very walkable city. The historic center is flat and easy to explore 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 Naples Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Naples or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bilbao and Naples. In our opinion, Naples has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Naples than Bilbao. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bilbao, and 1-3 days is enough time in Naples.

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

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

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

One day in Bilbao or Naples?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bilbao. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Naples is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bilbao or Naples?

Bilbao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.

Naples is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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 Naples?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. Don't miss the food, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Naples. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Naples?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the industrial destination of Bilbao. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Naples. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Bilbao and Naples, we can see that Bilbao 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 Naples Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bilbao is cooler than Naples. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bilbao in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Naples averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Naples. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Naples during summer. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Naples. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bilbao or Naples in the Autumn?

Both Naples and Bilbao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Naples because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Bilbao is generally around the same temperature as Naples. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 16°C (62°F), and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Naples. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Naples 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 Naples. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Naples in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Naples. The winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

Bilbao is a little warmer than Naples in the winter. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Naples during winter. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Naples receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Naples. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bilbao or Naples in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Naples. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Naples for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Bilbao is around the same temperature as Naples. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bilbao in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Naples averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Naples. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bilbao usually gets more rain in April than Naples. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Naples and Bilbao