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

Should you visit Bilbao or Varenna?

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 Varenna. 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 authentic, colorful, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Varenna

Varenna is a scenic, pristine, and beautiful village. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Bilbao and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Varenna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bilbao than Varenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bilbao is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Varenna is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Varenna is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its beautiful location by Lake Como. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Also, Bilbao is famous for The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Bilbao different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Varenna. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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

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

Eat your way through Varenna, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

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 Varenna Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Bilbao has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Bilbao or Varenna Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a good destination for its old town. However, Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bilbao. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Bilbao or Varenna Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Varenna. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Varenna?

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Bilbao is well-known for its shopping. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Many visitors go to Varenna to go shopping. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Bilbao or Varenna Better for Families?

Both Bilbao and Varenna are notable 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.

Varenna offers lots of family activities. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

Is Bilbao or Varenna Better for Couples?

Varenna is an amazing village to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Varenna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

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 Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao and Varenna are notable 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 Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

Is Bilbao or Varenna Better for Students?

Bilbao is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Varenna is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Bilbao. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

Varenna is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Varenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Bilbao or Varenna a more walkable city?

Varenna is an amazing village 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 Varenna on foot is easy. Everything is walkable and the town is 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 Varenna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Varenna?

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

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

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

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

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

A weekend in Bilbao or Varenna?

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

Varenna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Varenna?

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 Varenna. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Varenna?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the pristine destination of Varenna. This village 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 Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Varenna?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 420 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Varenna, 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 Varenna?

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 Varenna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Varenna. The summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

Bilbao is cooler than Varenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varenna. In the summer, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Varenna. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Bilbao usually gets less rain in July than Varenna. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Varenna in the Autumn?

Both Varenna and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bilbao is a little warmer than Varenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bilbao in October average around 16°C (62°F), and Varenna averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Varenna during autumn. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In October, Bilbao usually receives less rain than Varenna. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bilbao or Varenna in the Winter?

Both Varenna and Bilbao during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Varenna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Varenna can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bilbao is generally much warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 9°C (48°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Varenna. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in January than Varenna. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Varenna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Varenna. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Varenna for the natural beauty during these months.

Bilbao is around the same temperature as Varenna in the spring. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Varenna during spring. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Bilbao usually receives less rain than Varenna. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Bilbao