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

Should you visit Bilbao or Venice?

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 Venice. 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.

Venice

Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Bilbao and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Venice?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Venice than Bilbao. While Bilbao is larger than Venice, Venice has more sights and attractions for tourists. Venice is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bilbao is known for its nightlife and big city activities. Venice is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also home to St. Mark's Basilica. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Bilbao different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Venice are among the most recognizable in the world. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

Bilbao offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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

Venice is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Venice. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

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 Venice Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Bilbao or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Venice offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Venice?

Venice is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Venice make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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.

Is Bilbao or Venice Better for Families?

Venice is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Venice is a very kid-friendly city. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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.

Is Bilbao or Venice Better for Couples?

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

Venice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice is well known for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Venice is a great city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Is Bilbao or Venice Better for Students?

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

Venice is a very popular place to visit for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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

Venice is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Venice is top-notch. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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

Is Bilbao or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice is an amazing city 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 Venice on foot is easy. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Venice?

Both Bilbao and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Bilbao. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bilbao, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

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

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

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

One day in Bilbao or Venice?

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 quaint destination of Venice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bilbao or Venice?

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.

Venice 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 Venice?

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 Venice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Bilbao or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic destination of Venice. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Venice?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

Both Venice 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 Venice in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Venice, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Venice. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Bilbao usually gets less rain in July than Venice. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Venice in the Autumn?

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

In October, Bilbao is generally a little warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 16°C (62°F), and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Bilbao usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Venice during autumn. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 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 Venice. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bilbao or Venice in the Winter?

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

The weather in Venice can be very cold. Bilbao is much warmer than Venice in the winter. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Venice. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bilbao usually gets more rain in January than Venice. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice 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 Venice this time of year.

In the spring, Bilbao is around the same temperature as Venice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bilbao in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Venice averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Venice during spring. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In April, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Venice. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Bilbao