A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bilbao vs. Urbino for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Old Town

Should you visit Bilbao or Urbino?

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 Urbino. 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.

Urbino

Urbino is a laid back, historic, and undiscovered town. 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 nightlife.

Bilbao and Urbino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Urbino?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao. Although Bilbao and Urbino are both popular with visitors, Bilbao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bilbao is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Urbino is known for its food 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. Urbino is popular for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere.

How is Bilbao different from Urbino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Urbino is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. At the heart of the city are its historical sights. The cathedral is worth a visit, as is The Ducal Palace, but for most visitors, simply soaking up the town's atmosphere is the best experience.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Urbino. The city's history has influenced its cuisine. Traditional foods include cornbread, truffles, and meat sausage. While these options aren't as common today, you can still find them if you seek them out.

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 Urbino Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is great for its evening party scene. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Urbino. Because of the large student population, there are usually some fun activities going on at night. You'll find some good bars around town that are fun to hang out at.

Is Bilbao or Urbino Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the good old town areas in both Bilbao and Urbino.

Many people head to Bilbao to see the old town. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Urbino has an old town worth visiting. The historic center feels a bit undiscovered by Italian standards. There are stone houses and the town is built on a steep hill, giving it a beautiful setting.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Urbino?

Bilbao is great for its shopping areas. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

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.

Urbino is a great destination for shopping. You'll find galleries, book shops, and jewelry stores around town that are fun to pop into.

Is Bilbao or Urbino Better for Families?

Bilbao is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Urbino is not the most family-friendly destination. The city is filled with history and architecture, which may be lost on the kids. There are the classic Italian restaurants which is a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Is Bilbao or Urbino Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Urbino frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This walled city is fun to explore and can make for a great romantic stop. The city is walled and has many historical buildings which couples will enjoy learning about together.

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 Urbino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Urbino 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.

Urbino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not well known by backpackers and there are a very limited number of hostels in the area.

Is Bilbao or Urbino Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Urbino. The student population is a large part of this small city. University students are usually happy and enjoy many activities and outings into the surrounding 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 Urbino 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. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Urbino. The town is accessible by bus but not by train.

Is Bilbao or Urbino a more walkable city?

Bilbao and Urbino both are good when exploring on foot.

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable place. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

Urbino is a somewhat walkable city. Many parts of the city are easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bilbao Worth Visiting? and Is Urbino Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Urbino or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Urbino?

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

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

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

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

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Urbino. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bilbao or Urbino?

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.

Urbino 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 Urbino?

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 Urbino. 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 Urbino?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic 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 authentic destination of Urbino. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bilbao and Urbino, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Urbino much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Urbino would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Urbino 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 Urbino.

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Urbino?

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

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 Urbino in the Summer?

Both Urbino and Bilbao during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Urbino because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bilbao is cooler than Urbino. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bilbao in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Urbino averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Bilbao usually gets less rain in July than Urbino. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Urbino in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Urbino. The autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Urbino this time of year.

In October, Bilbao is generally a little warmer than Urbino. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 16°C (62°F), and Urbino fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Urbino. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bilbao or Urbino in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Urbino. The museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Urbino for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Urbino. Bilbao is much warmer than Urbino in the winter. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Urbino fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bilbao usually gets more rain in January than Urbino. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Urbino in the Spring?

Both Urbino and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Urbino in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bilbao is around the same temperature as Urbino. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bilbao in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Urbino averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In April, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Urbino. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Urbino and Bilbao