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

Should you visit Bilbao or Rome?

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 Rome. 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 colorful, friendly, and industrial city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Rome

Rome is a archeological, bustling, and fun-filled city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Bilbao and Rome: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Colosseum


Is there more to do in Bilbao or Rome?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Bilbao, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao is known for its historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also home to The Colosseum. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

The Colosseum
The Colosseum

How is Bilbao different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bilbao
Rome

Rome 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 Rome are among the most recognizable in the world. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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 Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bilbao
Rome

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eat your way through Rome, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao
Rome

Rome is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Rome has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

Many people head to Bilbao for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Bilbao or Rome Better for Music?

Bilbao
Rome

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Rome Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.


Is Bilbao or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao
Rome

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

Bilbao offers a nice historic old town area. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Rome?

Bilbao
Rome

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Rome make it a world-class shopping destination. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

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.

Is Bilbao or Rome Better for Families?

Bilbao
Rome

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

Rome is a very kid-friendly city. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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 Rome Better for Couples?

Bilbao
Rome

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

Couples visit Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

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 Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao
Rome

Rome is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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 Rome Better for Students?

Bilbao
Rome

Rome is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Rome is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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 Rome Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bilbao
Rome

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Rome is top-notch. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bilbao. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Is Bilbao or Rome a more walkable city?

Bilbao
Rome

Rome 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 Rome on foot is easy. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Rome?

Both Bilbao and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Bilbao. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bilbao, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Bilbao or Rome? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bilbao 2-3 
    Rome 3-7

One day in Bilbao or Rome?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bilbao. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Rome 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 Rome?

Bilbao is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Rome is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Bilbao or Rome?

You'll find shopping and museums around the friendly destination of Bilbao. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Rome. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Rome?

The authentic city of Bilbao offers museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Rome is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Rome or Bilbao?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bilbao is €137, while the average daily cost in Rome is €170. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bilbao and Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bilbao 72
    Rome 89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bilbao 144
    Rome 178
Compare Hotels in Bilbao and Rome

Looking for a hotel in Bilbao or Rome? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bilbao


Hotels in Rome


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bilbao Hotel Prices and Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bilbao 26
    Rome 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $60
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Luxury Van: $80
  • Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $45
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $70
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $417
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $315
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $315
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Vitoria-Gasteiz: $209
  • Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $91
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bilbao City to Bilbao airport BIO by Luxury Van: $80

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    2.00
  • Train to the Airport
    15
  • Taxi to Airport
    45
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • Fiumicino Airport Rome (FCO) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $224
  • Private Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Civitavecchia Cruise Port: $207
  • Rome Private Transfer To Civitavecchia Sea port: $96
  • Rome hotels to Venice Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $293
  • Transfer from Civitavecchia port to Fco Rome airport or Rome : $249
  • Transfer from and to Airport - from and to Port - from and to hotel: $164
  • Airport Transfer to Rome City Hotels - Private Car Service: $65
  • Airport transfer: $120
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Ciampino Airport CIA to Rome City in Business Car: $95
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome City in Luxury Car: $152
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome City in Luxury Van: $125
  • Arrival in Airport Transfer & Exclusive City Introduction: $244

Is it cheaper to fly into Bilbao or Rome?

Prices for flights to both Rome and Bilbao change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bilbao 45
    Rome 47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.

  • Basque Food Tour with Guide: $86
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
  • Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $112
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
  • Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $134
  • Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $134
  • Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
  • Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $155
  • Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $197

Typical Food Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    14
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    2.99
  • Cafe e doce
    4.00
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    2.65
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    32
  • Cheese and bread
    10
  • Espresso
    2.00
  • Dinner
    58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.

  • Award-Winning Roman Food Tours: $16
  • Tipsy Food Crawl Walking Tour with Dinner: $31
  • Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $32
  • Rome Food Tour with Wine Tasting and Farmers Market in Prati Area: $32
  • Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $32
  • Guided Food Tour with Food and Drink Tastings: $33
  • Roman Master Chef Cooking Class with Wine: $36
  • Roman Dinner & History Tour: An Epic Journey Through Time: $37
  • Painting & Pizza Party with Unlimited Wine: $40
  • Campo dei Fiori & Jewish Ghetto area Street Food Tour: $42
  • Leonardo Da Vini, Wine and Pizza Painting Class: $43
  • Wine Tasting and Food Tour at Vatican and Trionfale Farmers: $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bilbao 29
    Rome 36

Tours and Activities in Bilbao

Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $4.28
  • Bilbao Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.48
  • VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $11
  • Bilbao Confidential Tour: Industrialists and Bourgeois: $13
  • 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $15
  • Tour of the Great Villas in Getxo and Hanging Bridge: $16
  • Bilbao tour: $17
  • San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $18
  • Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $20
  • Bilbao Historical Small Group Tour : $28
  • Walking tour of Bilbao with pintxo and drink: $31
  • Private Kayak Tour along the Getxo Coast and Hanging Bridge: $34

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    69
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    33
  • Roma Pass
    30
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    20
  • Segway Tour
    75

Tours and Activities in Rome

Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bergamo Old Town: Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Cambridge: Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.26
  • Piazza del Popolo and Historical Sights Walking Tour in Rome: $3.27
  • Shared 4 Hours Guided tour of the House of the Emperor Hadrian: $5.11
  • From 1-Way Bus Ticket to Naples or Vice Versa: $5.31
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Rome: $5.33
  • Bergamo Old Town: City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Twilight Treasures: An Evening Tour Through Rome's Rich History: $5.44
  • Civitavecchia's Stories and Secrets: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
  • What Emperor Hadrian Lost: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ancient Rome: $5.99
  • St. Peter's Basilica Rome Audio Tour Experience: $5.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bilbao 21
    Rome 18

Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao

Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
  • Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
  • Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $79
  • Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $80
  • Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $176
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $187
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $240
  • From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $241
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $246
  • Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao : $246

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    6.50
  • Pint of Beer
    6.34
  • Beer
    10

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:

  • Trionfale and Prati Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $31
  • Trionfale Farmers Market and Vatican Quarter Food and Wine Tour: $32
  • Vatican Food and Wine Tasting Tour next to the Sistine Chapel: $32
  • Cabaret & Burlesque Show: $32
  • Vatican Quarter and Trionfale Farmers Market Food and Wine Tour: $43
  • Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Drinks: $52
  • Tipsy Tour: Fun Bar Crawl In Rome With Local Guide : $53
  • Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $55
  • Frascati Wine Tasting Experience & Vineyards Tour : $61
  • Pasta Making Class & Wine Tasting in a Trasteve Villa: $68
  • E-Bike Night Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $68
  • Private Wine Tasting in Trastevere: $71


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


Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Rome, 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 Rome?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bilbao or Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rome because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bilbao is cooler than Rome. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bilbao in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Rome averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Rome during summer. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Rome. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F) 
    Rome 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Bilbao or Rome in the Autumn?

Both Rome and Bilbao during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Rome. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in October than Rome. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F) 
    Rome 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Bilbao or Rome in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Rome. The museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Rome during winter. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Rome. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F) 
    Rome 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Bilbao or Rome in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Rome. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Rome in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bilbao is cooler than Rome. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bilbao in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Rome averages at about 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. In the spring, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Rome. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bilbao usually gets more rain in April than Rome. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F) 
    Rome 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Rome and Bilbao

Bilbao Rome
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 22°C (71°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in) 12°C (54°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)