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

Should you visit Bilbao or Trento?

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 Trento. 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Trento

Trento is a youthful, high energy, and dynamic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Bilbao and Trento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Trento?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao than Trento. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bilbao is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Trento attracts visitors for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bilbao is famous for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also well known for The Guggenheim Museum. Trento is famous for its beautiful mountain scenery and its historical buildings.

How is Bilbao different from Trento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bilbao is great for its historical sights. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Bilbao specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Trento offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Perhaps one of the most popular sights is Castello del Buonconsiglio. The Museum of Science is also fun for kids and adults alike and the Duomo is beautiful.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Trento. The food in the region is influenced by nearby countries such as Austria. Carne salada, which is like corned beef, has a long history in the area. Schüttelbrot is a local flatbread and meraner wurst is a bit like a hot dog. You'll also find salamis and various cheeses.

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 Trento Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is great for nightlife. However, Trento is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

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.

Most people don't head to Trento specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Despite the large student population, there aren't a lot of bars and clubs around town. Most parties are held in private residences, so visitors may find the nightlife scene a bit slow.

Is Bilbao or Trento Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is very good for its historic old town. However, Trento does not have a historic old town.

Bilbao is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Trento does not have a historic old town.

Is Bilbao or Trento Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Trento. The surrounding countryside has many beautiful hikes and stunning viewpoints that make for a great outing outside of town.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Trento?

Bilbao is great for shopping. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

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

Trento offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the main shopping street, Via Balenzani for boutique shopping. You'll also find artisan shops and other unique vendors around town.

Is Bilbao or Trento Better for Families?

Both Bilbao and Trento are nice 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.

Trento offers lots of family activities. Outside of town you'll find plenty of outdoor adventures that the kids will enjoy. In town, there's history and fun kid-friendly museums.

Is Bilbao or Trento Better for Couples?

Bilbao and Trento both nice 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.

Trento is a good city for couples to visit. The town mixes old and new in a beautiful setting that makes for a great romantic getaway. Nearby there are outdoor adventures and in town there's a beautiful atmosphere and great restaurants.

Is Bilbao or Trento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao and Trento are nice 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 Trento. There aren't many hostels in town, but there are some fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Bilbao or Trento Better for Students?

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

Trento is a very popular place to visit for students. It's a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of interesting places to explore in the area.

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 Trento 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, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Bilbao is fairly effecient and thorough. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Trento has a few public transit options. The city has a number of bus lines through town.

Is Bilbao or Trento a more walkable city?

Trento 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.

Trento is a very walkable city. Much of the city can 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 Trento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trento or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Trento?

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

Couples should spend more time in Bilbao than Trento. 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 Trento 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 Trento?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Bilbao. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Trento. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bilbao or Trento?

Bilbao 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.

Trento 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 Trento?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Trento. 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 Trento?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Bilbao. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the youthful destination of Trento. 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Bilbao and Trento, we can see that Bilbao 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 Trento Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Trento?

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

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 Trento in the Summer?

Both Trento and Bilbao during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Trento in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bilbao is generally cooler than Trento. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 20°C (68°F), and Trento fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Trento, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Trento. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trento receives 286 hours of full sun.

Bilbao usually gets less rain in July than Trento. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Trento receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Trento in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Trento. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Trento for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bilbao is a little warmer than Trento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 16°C (62°F) in October, and Trento fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Trento during autumn. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Trento receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Trento. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Trento receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bilbao or Trento in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Trento. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Trento because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Trento can be very cold. In the winter, Bilbao is much warmer than Trento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bilbao in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Trento averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Trento. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trento receives 98 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bilbao usually gets more rain in January than Trento. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Trento receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Trento in the Spring?

Both Trento and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Trento this time of year.

In April, Bilbao is generally around the same temperature as Trento. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 12°C (54°F), and Trento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Trento during spring. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Trento receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In April, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Trento. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Trento receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trento and Bilbao