A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bilbao vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bilbao or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii. 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.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a iconic, one-of-a-kind, and ancient archeological site. And you can't forget about the museums.

Bilbao and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao. Although Bilbao and Pompeii are both popular with visitors, Bilbao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bilbao is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Pompeii is known for its museums and food. Pompeii is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also home to The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Bilbao different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site 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 Pompeii are among the most recognizable in the world. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pompeii is not so good for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Most people don't head to Pompeii for a culinary experience, but it does have restaurants to choose from. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

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 Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Bilbao has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Bilbao or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii 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.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Pompeii?

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Bilbao or Pompeii Better for Families?

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

Pompeii is a very kid-friendly archeological site. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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 Pompeii Better for Couples?

Bilbao and Pompeii both good 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.

Pompeii is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Bilbao or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao and Pompeii are good 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 Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Bilbao or Pompeii Better for Students?

Bilbao and Pompeii 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 Pompeii. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

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

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Bilbao offers a very effecient public transportation network. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

You'll find some public transit in Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Bilbao or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site 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 Pompeii on foot is easy. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Pompeii?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bilbao than Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

In Bilbao, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bilbao or Pompeii?

In Bilbao, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bilbao has to offer.

Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

Bilbao is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pompeii. 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 Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bilbao. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the iconic destination of Pompeii. This archeological site 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

When is the best time to visit Bilbao or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Pompeii. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Pompeii in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. In the summer, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun.

Bilbao usually gets more rain in July than Pompeii. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during autumn. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In October, Bilbao usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bilbao or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Bilbao during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the museums.

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

In the winter, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in January than Pompeii. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Pompeii. The spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.

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

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during spring. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 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 Pompeii. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Bilbao