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

Should you visit Bilbao or Verona?

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

Verona

Verona is a beautiful, stunning, and romantic 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 nightlife.

Bilbao and Verona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Verona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bilbao than Verona. Bilbao is bigger than Verona, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bilbao is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Verona is more popular for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Verona is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its role as the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. 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 Verona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Bilbao and Verona.

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.

Verona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While most people know Verona as the setting of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", there are also many unrelated but still impressive sights around town. Of course you must check out the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House and Balcony), but also make sure you visit the fortress of Castelvecchio, Arena di Verona, and Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Verona. Food is a source of pride for the locals in Verona, and you'll find excellent dishes in most eateries, even those catering specifically to tourists. There are many local recipes that are worth sampling while you're in the area including risotto with tastasal, potato gnocchi, and polenta.

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 Verona Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Bilbao has something for everybody. 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 Verona. The nightlife scene caters to a mature crowd and there is a heavy focus on regional wine. There are many local bars and traditional osterie (inns) where you can sip local wine or hear live music.

Is Bilbao or Verona Better for its Old Town?

Verona is well known for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Verona. At the heart of the city is the old town, which is filled with medieval and Renaissance style architecture. It's easy to explore this beautiful area on foot.

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 Verona?

Bilbao is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Verona to go shopping. The most well known shopping street is Corso Santa Anastasia, which has many antique shops as well as jewelry stores and high end boutiques.

Is Bilbao or Verona Better for Families?

Bilbao is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Verona is not known 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.

Verona is not the most family-friendly destination. You can head to the top of the the Lamberti Tower and, of course, check out the Romeo and Juliet balcony. Wandering the streets and grabbing gelato is also fun for the whole family.

Is Bilbao or Verona Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Verona frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. As the setting for Shakespeare's famed "Romeo and Juliet", this town is seeped in romantic history. In addition to checking out the classic balcony, couples can enjoy seeing an opera at Verona Arena or seeking out views of the beautiful city. Crossing the romantic Ponte Pietra is another must-do romantic activity in the area.

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 Verona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao and Verona 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 Verona. Backpackers rarely spend more than a day or two in town, but there are hostels in the area that offer cheap accommodation.

Is Bilbao or Verona Better for Students?

Bilbao and Verona are notable places to visit for students.

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

It's common for students to visit Verona. The city offers a more authentic Italian experience than some of the more popular tourist and study abroad destinations in Italy.

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

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

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

Verona has a few public transit options. ATV operates buses through the city.

Is Bilbao or Verona a more walkable city?

Verona 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.

Verona is a very walkable city. It's a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Many locals get around by walking or biking.

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 Verona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Verona or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Verona?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bilbao and Verona. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bilbao, and 1-3 days is enough time in Verona.

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

One day in Bilbao or Verona?

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 Verona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bilbao or Verona?

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.

Verona 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 Verona?

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 Verona. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Verona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the industrial 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 beautiful destination of Verona. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 10-Day Tours in Italy, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Verona?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Verona. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Verona, 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 Verona?

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 Verona in the Summer?

Both Verona and Bilbao during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Verona for the family-friendly experiences.

Bilbao is cooler than Verona in the summer. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Verona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

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

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

Should I visit Bilbao or Verona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Verona. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Verona in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bilbao is a little warmer than Verona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bilbao in October average around 16°C (62°F), and Verona averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Verona during autumn. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Verona 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 Verona. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Verona receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bilbao or Verona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Verona. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Verona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Verona can be very cold during winter. In January, Bilbao is generally much warmer than Verona. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 9°C (48°F), and Verona fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

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

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

Should I visit Bilbao or Verona in the Spring?

Both Verona and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Verona because of the natural beauty.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Verona and Bilbao