A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bilbao vs. Sestri Levante for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bilbao or Sestri Levante?

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 Sestri Levante. 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 friendly, industrial, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a quiet, scenic, and local seaside town. 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. And you can't forget about the food and beaches.

Bilbao and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Sestri Levante?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao. Although Bilbao and Sestri Levante are both popular with visitors, Bilbao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bilbao is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Sestri Levante is known for its food, resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also home to The Guggenheim Museum. Sestri Levante is popular for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Bilbao different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bilbao is great for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have 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.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Sestri Levante. You'll find many restaurants along the central road in the old town, Via XXV Aprile. Seafood is popular, as are many other Italian favorites. If you're visiting during the summer months then it's best to make reservations as wait times can be long.

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 Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is great for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Sestri Levante for the nightlife. There are a few places to grab a drink, but if you're looking for nightlife, you'll really need to head out of town.

Is Bilbao or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Sestri Levante is a good destination for its resorts. However, Bilbao is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Sestri Levante makes a nice vacation spot. There are a number of hotels in the old town or by the beach. You'll also find a decent selection of vacation rentals. During peak season you'll want to make your reservations early.

Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Is Bilbao or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

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

Sestri Levante offers a nice beach destination. Home to two beaches, this makes a nice holiday spot if you're hoping to relax by the water. The beaches can get crowded with Italians during the summer months, but it still offers a charming seaside spot. Many people head to the beach by the the Bay of Silence in part because it's free. Make sure you arrive early. By the Bay of Fairytales you can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a little more space.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Bilbao or Sestri Levante Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Sestri Levante?

Bilbao is great for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bilbao or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Both Bilbao and Sestri Levante 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.

Sestri Levante offers lots of family activities. This is a great spot for families that want a relaxing holiday with a small town vibe. The picturesque setting is said to have inspired fairytales, and today kids will enjoy playing on the playgrounds or exploring at the adventure park. There are also hikes, activities, and restaurants that are great for kids and adults alike.

Is Bilbao or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Bilbao and Sestri Levante 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.

Sestri Levante is a good city for couples to visit. This scenic setting offers a relaxing holiday for couples who want to enjoy quiet time together. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a cultural town with a lot of beauty to explore. It's one of the lesser known destinations in the area, so you will have a peaceful small town vibe that's great for a romantic getaway.

Is Bilbao or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

Bilbao is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Sestri Levante is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some dorm rooms in town, but most backpackers head to one of the more well known destinations in the area. The atmosphere and history makes for a unique experience for those who do make the trip.

Is Bilbao or Sestri Levante Better for Students?

Bilbao is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

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.

Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its public transit.

The public transit in Bilbao can get you to most places easily. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Sestri Levante has a few public transit options. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Is Bilbao or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante is an amazing seaside town 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 Sestri Levante on foot is easy. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best 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 Sestri Levante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Sestri Levante?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bilbao and Sestri Levante. In our opinion, Bilbao has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bilbao than Sestri Levante. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bilbao, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sestri Levante.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bilbao than Sestri Levante. 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 Bilbao than Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante?

In Bilbao, you'll find nightlife and shopping. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante?

Bilbao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. It 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 Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Bilbao. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Sestri Levante is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This seaside 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Bilbao and Sestri Levante, we can see that Sestri Levante is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Sestri Levante?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Sestri Levante, 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.