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

Should you visit Bilbao or Portofino?

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 Portofino. 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 industrial, authentic, and colorful 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.

Portofino

Portofino is a opulent, exclusive, and luxurious seaside village. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Bilbao and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Portofino?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Portofino than Bilbao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Portofino is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bilbao is more popular for its museums and big city activities. Portofino is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. Also, Portofino is famous for its scenic harbor. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

Its scenic harbor

How is Bilbao different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bilbao is notable for its sights and museums. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its museums and 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.

While most people don't head to Portofino specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The village is mostly about soaking up the atmosphere, but you can also visit sights such as Sun Church of St. George and Cervara Abbey.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Portofino. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

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 Portofino Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Portofino for the nightlife scene. Most of the nightlife is found around Piazzetta (Oliveri Square) and Molo Umberto I. Happy hours (aperitivo) start around 5pm or 6pm and then as the evening continues, the party often moves to Paraggi Beach.

Is Bilbao or Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for its resorts. However, Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Portofino for its luxury resorts. Known for it's exclusive luxury, there are a number of high end resorts in the area. Popular options include Splendido, Sublimis Boutique Hotel, and Grand Hotel Miramare.

Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Is Bilbao or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Portofino is a good destination for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Portofino offers a nice beach destination. Like much of the Italian coast, the beaches in the area are dramatic and beautiful. They're also rocky and pebbly and can get a bit crowded during the summer months.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Bilbao or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Portofino 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 Portofino. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

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 Bilbao or Portofino Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portofino. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Portofino?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Portofino 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 Portofino. The quaint cobblestone streets are lined with high end boutiques that target the opulent jet-setter crowd that frequents Portofino. Much of the shopping is around Martiri dell'Olivetta Square.

Is Bilbao or Portofino Better for Families?

Bilbao is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its kid-friendly activities.

Bilbao is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Portofino is not always a place people visit with their families. The town has a picturesque setting and some beautiful pebbly beaches. It's fun for kids to run around the town, explore by kayak, or play in the waters edge.

Is Bilbao or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Portofino is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Set beautifully against the ocean's edge, this famous Italian town makes for a truly romantic holiday. Ogle the mega yachts in the harbor and then wander the charming streets while you soak in the atmosphere.

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 Portofino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is a popular place for backpackers. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Portofino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Known for it's high prices, the town isn't particularly popular with the backpacker crowd. It is possible to stay outside of town and head in for a day trip.

Is Bilbao or Portofino Better for Students?

Bilbao is a popular place for students. However, Portofino is not popular with students.

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

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao is notable for its public transit. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Portofino. The closet train stations are Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli. You can catch a bus from the Santa Margherita train station. There are also some ferry options.

Is Bilbao or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village 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 Portofino on foot is easy. It's easy to walk around the village and then explore the countryside on one of the nearby trails.

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 Portofino Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Portofino?

In either Bilbao or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Portofino than Bilbao because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bilbao, and 2-5 days is enough time in Portofino.

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bilbao. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Portofino might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Portofino?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Bilbao. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Portofino 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 Portofino?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Bilbao. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portofino. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Bilbao or Portofino?

Bilbao is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Portofino is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This seaside village 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bilbao and Portofino, we can see that Portofino is more expensive. And not only is Bilbao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Portofino would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portofino 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 Portofino Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Portofino?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 660 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Portofino, 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.