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

Should you visit Bilbao or Seattle?

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 Seattle. 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Seattle

Seattle is a progressive, cultural, and outdoorsy city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Bilbao and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Seattle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seattle than Bilbao, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seattle is more popular for its theatre productions, music, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao is known for its food, historical sights, and shopping. Seattle is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Bilbao different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Bilbao and Seattle.

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.

Seattle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Bilbao or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a good destination for its theatre productions. However, Bilbao is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Bilbao is not a theatre destination.

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

Bilbao is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bilbao is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Bilbao or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Seattle for the nightlife scene. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Bilbao or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is well known for its live music scene. However, Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Seattle. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Bilbao or Seattle Better for Beaches?

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

Seattle offers a nice beach destination. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Bilbao or Seattle Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Seattle 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.

Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Is Bilbao or Seattle Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Seattle?

Bilbao is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Bilbao or Seattle Better for Families?

Both Bilbao and Seattle are good 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.

Seattle offers lots of family activities. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Bilbao or Seattle Better for Couples?

Bilbao and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Bilbao or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao and Seattle 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 Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Bilbao or Seattle Better for Students?

Seattle is well known for students. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Bilbao is notable for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Bilbao or Seattle a more walkable city?

Seattle 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.

Seattle is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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 Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bilbao and Seattle. In our opinion, Seattle has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Seattle than Bilbao. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Bilbao or Seattle?

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

Seattle is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Seattle?

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

Seattle 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle. 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 Seattle?

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

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the cultural big city of Seattle. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Seattle. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bilbao is around the same temperature as Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bilbao in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during summer. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Seattle. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bilbao or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Seattle. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Seattle because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bilbao is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 16°C (62°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bilbao usually gets more rain in October than Seattle. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

Bilbao is much warmer than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Bilbao usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In January, Bilbao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Seattle. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bilbao or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Bilbao during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bilbao is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bilbao in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Bilbao