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

Should you visit Bilbao or Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia. 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a historic, cultural, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Bilbao and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Philadelphia?

You'll generally find more things to do in Philadelphia than Bilbao. Philadelphia is bigger than Bilbao, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Philadelphia is well known for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. Also, Philadelphia is famous for The Liberty Bell.

How is Bilbao different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American 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.

Is Bilbao or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

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

Philadelphia offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.

Bilbao is not a theatre destination.

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

Philadelphia is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Philadelphia. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.

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 Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Philadelphia for the nightlife scene. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.

Is Bilbao or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is well known for its live music scene. However, Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Philadelphia. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Bilbao or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the notable old town areas in both Bilbao and Philadelphia.

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.

Philadelphia has an old town worth visiting. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Philadelphia?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.

Is Bilbao or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is well known for its Christmas activities. However, Bilbao does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Philadelphia. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Bilbao does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Bilbao or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a good destination for its Christmas markets. However, Bilbao does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Philadelphia. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Bilbao does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Bilbao or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Philadelphia is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Philadelphia is a very kid-friendly city. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.

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 Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Bilbao and Philadelphia both notable 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.

Philadelphia is a good city for couples to visit. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.

Is Bilbao or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao and Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Is Bilbao or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Philadelphia is well known for students. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Philadelphia. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia.

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 Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Is Bilbao or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is an amazing city 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 Philadelphia on foot is easy. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

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 Philadelphia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Philadelphia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bilbao and Philadelphia. In our opinion, Philadelphia has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Philadelphia than Bilbao. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Bilbao or Philadelphia?

In Bilbao, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Philadelphia is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bilbao or Philadelphia?

Bilbao is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the industrial destination of Bilbao. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia?

Bilbao is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the diverse big city of Philadelphia. This city 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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bilbao and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Philadelphia. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bilbao is cooler than Philadelphia in the summer. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. In the summer, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. Bilbao usually gets less rain in July than Philadelphia. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

Both Philadelphia and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Philadelphia because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bilbao is a little warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bilbao in October average around 16°C (62°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during autumn. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In October, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bilbao or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia and Bilbao during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

It's quite cold in Philadelphia in the winter. In January, Bilbao is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 9°C (48°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in January than Philadelphia. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Philadelphia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Philadelphia. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Bilbao is around the same temperature as Philadelphia in the spring. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during spring. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Bilbao