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

Should you visit Bilbao or Ravenna?

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 Ravenna. 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.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a charming, authentic, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Ravenna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bilbao than Ravenna. Bilbao is bigger than Ravenna, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bilbao is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Ravenna is more popular for its food and small town charm. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Also, Bilbao is famous for The Guggenheim Museum. Ravenna is well known for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Bilbao different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Bilbao and Ravenna.

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.

Ravenna offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ravenna. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

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 Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Bilbao or Ravenna Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a good destination for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bilbao. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Ravenna?

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

Bilbao is well-known for its shopping. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Many visitors go to Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Bilbao or Ravenna Better for Families?

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

Ravenna is a very kid-friendly town. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

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 Ravenna Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

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 Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao and Ravenna 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 Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Is Bilbao or Ravenna Better for Students?

Bilbao is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Ravenna is not popular with students.

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

Ravenna is not popular with students.

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

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.

You'll find some public transit in Ravenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Bilbao or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is a very walkable town. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored 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 Ravenna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Ravenna?

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

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

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

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

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.

Ravenna might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bilbao or Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna. 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 Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bilbao and Ravenna, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Ravenna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ravenna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ravenna 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao than you might in Ravenna.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bilbao Expensive? and Is Ravenna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Ravenna?

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

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 Ravenna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Ravenna. The summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year.

Bilbao is cooler than Ravenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Ravenna fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Bilbao usually gets less rain in July than Ravenna. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Ravenna in the Autumn?

Both Ravenna and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ravenna for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Bilbao is a little warmer than Ravenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bilbao in October average around 16°C (62°F), and Ravenna averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In October, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bilbao or Ravenna in the Winter?

Both Ravenna and Bilbao during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Ravenna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ravenna can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bilbao is generally much warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 9°C (48°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in January than Ravenna. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Ravenna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Ravenna. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Ravenna for the small town charm during these months.

Bilbao is around the same temperature as Ravenna in the spring. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Ravenna fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Bilbao