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

Should you visit Bordeaux or Bilbao?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Bordeaux or Bilbao? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a romantic, historical, and elegant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around 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

Bilbao is a colorful, friendly, and industrial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Bilbao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bordeaux than Bilbao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bordeaux is better known for its food and impressive beauty, while Bilbao is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Bordeaux is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Bordeaux different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bilbao and Bordeaux. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bordeaux or Bilbao?

Bilbao is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

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

Eat your way through Bordeaux, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Bilbao know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Bordeaux or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the notable old towns in both Bordeaux and Bilbao.

Many people head to Bordeaux to see the old town. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

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 Bordeaux or Bilbao?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bilbao and Bordeaux.

Bordeaux is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

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 Bordeaux or Bilbao Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bordeaux or Bilbao.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bordeaux. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

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 Bordeaux or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Bordeaux frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

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 Bordeaux or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bordeaux and Bilbao are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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.

Is Bordeaux or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Bordeaux. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bordeaux and Bilbao.

Public transit in Bordeaux can get you to some places easily. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

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

Is Bordeaux or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a very walkable city. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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 Bordeaux Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bordeaux and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than in Bilbao. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Bordeaux, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

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

One day in Bordeaux or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bordeaux. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Bilbao offers nightlife and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Bordeaux or Bilbao?

Bordeaux 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.

Bilbao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bilbao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Bordeaux or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bordeaux. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

Bilbao is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Bordeaux or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Bordeaux. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bilbao is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When comparing the travel costs between Bordeaux and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux and Bilbao, 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 Bordeaux or Bilbao?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Bilbao in the Summer?

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

Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. Bordeaux usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bordeaux usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Bordeaux during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the autumn, Bordeaux is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bordeaux in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Bordeaux often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Bordeaux gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bordeaux usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Bilbao. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene.

In January, Bordeaux is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 6°C (43°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bordeaux usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Bordeaux gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bordeaux usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Bilbao. Many travelers come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city.

Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Bordeaux often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Bordeaux usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Bordeaux