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

Should you visit Bilbao or Washington?

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 Washington. 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.

Washington

Washington is a active, monument-filled, and international city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Bilbao and Washington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Washington?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Washington than Bilbao. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Washington is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, hiking, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bilbao attracts visitors for its historical sights. Washington is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. It is also well known for The Washington Monument and the White House. Bilbao is famous for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Bilbao different from Washington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Washington 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 Washington are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

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 Bilbao or Washington Better for Theater?

Washington is well known for its theatre productions. However, Bilbao is not a theatre destination.

Washington offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Bilbao is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Eat your way through Washington, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

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 Washington Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Bilbao and Washington.

Bilbao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Many people head to Washington for the nightlife scene. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

Is Bilbao or Washington Better for Music?

Washington is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Bilbao is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Bilbao or Washington Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is very good for its historic old town. However, Washington 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.

Washington does not have a historic old town.

Is Bilbao or Washington Better for Hiking?

Washington is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Washington?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Washington and Bilbao.

Bilbao is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Is Bilbao or Washington Better for Christmas?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Bilbao does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Washington is not to be missed. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Bilbao does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Bilbao or Washington Better for Families?

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

Washington is a very kid-friendly city. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

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 Washington Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Washington frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

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 Washington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.

Is Bilbao or Washington Better for Students?

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

Washington is a very popular place to visit for students. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

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

Washington 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 Washington is top-notch. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

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 Washington a more walkable city?

Washington 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 Washington on foot is easy. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

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 Washington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Washington or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Washington?

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

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

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

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

One day in Bilbao or Washington?

With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Bilbao, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Washington is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bilbao or Washington?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Bilbao, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Washington is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Bilbao or Washington?

Bilbao, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Washington. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Washington?

Bilbao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Washington is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bilbao and Washington, we can see that Washington is more expensive. And not only is Bilbao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bilbao is in Europe and Washington is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Washington?

Washington has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Washington, 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 Washington?

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 Washington in the Summer?

Both Washington 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 Washington in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bilbao is generally cooler than Washington. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 20°C (68°F), and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Washington. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun.

Bilbao usually gets less rain in July than Washington. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Washington in the Autumn?

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

Bilbao is around the same temperature as Washington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 16°C (62°F) in October, and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Washington during autumn. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 197 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 Washington. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bilbao or Washington in the Winter?

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

The weather in Washington can be very cold. In the winter, Bilbao is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bilbao in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Washington averages at about 35°F (1°C).

In the winter, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Washington. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bilbao usually gets more rain in January than Washington. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Washington in the Spring?

Both Washington 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 activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

In April, Bilbao is generally cooler than Washington. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 12°C (54°F), and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Washington. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Washington during spring. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In April, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Washington. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Washington and Bilbao