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

Should you visit Bilbao or Portland?

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 Portland. 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Bilbao and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Portland?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bilbao than Portland. While Portland is larger than Bilbao, Bilbao has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bilbao is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Portland attracts visitors for its food, music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Bilbao is famous for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also well known for The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Bilbao different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bilbao is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Portland is a city with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

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 Portland Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Bilbao has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Bilbao or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Bilbao is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Bilbao or Portland Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Portland does not have a historic old town.

Bilbao is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Bilbao or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Portland?

Bilbao is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Bilbao or Portland Better for Families?

Both Bilbao and Portland are nice 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.

Portland offers lots of family activities. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Bilbao or Portland Better for Couples?

Bilbao and Portland both nice 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.

Portland is a good city for couples to visit. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Bilbao or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Portland is a great city to visit for backpackers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland Better for Students?

Bilbao and Portland are nice 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 Portland. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Is Bilbao or Portland 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, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors to Bilbao can move around easily with public transportation. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Bilbao or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland 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.

Portland is a very walkable city. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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 Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bilbao and Portland. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Bilbao than Portland. 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 Portland 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 Portland.

One day in Bilbao or Portland?

The city of Bilbao offers nightlife and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the destination of Portland. 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 Portland?

Bilbao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bilbao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portland is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Portland?

Bilbao is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Portland?

Bilbao is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the progressive destination of Portland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Portland, 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 Portland?

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 Portland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Portland. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bilbao is generally around the same temperature as Portland. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 20°C (68°F), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. In the summer, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Portland. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Bilbao usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

Bilbao is a little warmer than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 16°C (62°F) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Portland during autumn. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In October, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Portland. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bilbao or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Bilbao during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland. In the winter, Bilbao is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bilbao in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Portland. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Portland. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Portland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Portland. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Bilbao is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 12°C (54°F), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Portland during spring. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 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 Portland. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Bilbao