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

Should you visit Bratislava or Bilbao?

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

Should I visit Bratislava 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.

Bratislava

Bratislava is a relaxed, historical, and under-rated city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Bratislava and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bratislava or Bilbao?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bilbao than Bratislava. While Bratislava is larger than Bilbao, Bilbao has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bilbao is very popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Bratislava attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bilbao is more touristy than Bratislava and is known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also well known for The Guggenheim Museum. Bratislava is famous for its local beer, charming old town, and scenic mountain setting.

How is Bratislava different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Bratislava and Bilbao have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

Bratislava offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Despite its small size, the city is packed with interesting sights and attractions. A highlight of a visit is exploring the Bratislava Castle. Other notable sights include Michael's Gate, the Slovak National Theatre, Grassalkovich Palace, and Primate's Palace & Hall of Mirrors.

Many visitors head to Bilbao specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Bratislava or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bratislava 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 Bratislava. Slovakian food is hearty and uses a few staple ingredients like cheese and dumplings. The dishes are warm and filling on a cool day, so it's nice to step into a cozy restaurant and rest after a day of exploring. Popular local dishes include bryndzové halušky (sheep's cheese gnocchi), kapustnica (cabbage soup), and goulash.

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 Bratislava or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are superb in both Bratislava and Bilbao.

Bratislava has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has grown in popularity as a center for nightlife with many people visiting from nearby Vienna. There are a growing number of stag and hen parties around town, but you'll also find sophisticated wine bars and a refined social scene. Many of the city's clubs are found in old town around Michalská, Obchodná and Ventúrska streets as well as Hviezdoslavovo and SNP squares.

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.

Is Bratislava or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bratislava 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 Bratislava. The old town is filled with diverse architecture as well as traditional and upscale restaurants.

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 Bratislava or Bilbao?

Bilbao is notable for shopping. Also, Bratislava is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Bilbao is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bratislava. Shopping has come to life here, with three large shopping malls and many shopping streets where you'll find local boutiques. The city has both global brands as well as more traditional shops where you can buy local items. Popular things to purchase while you're in town include traditional clothing, wooden crosses, corn husk dolls, and local alcohol such as slivovica.

Is Bratislava or Bilbao Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bratislava or Bilbao.

Bratislava is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the lack of tourist crowds when compared to other European cities, even during school holidays. You can explore the city and enjoy a laid back vibe without the chaos of navigating through tour groups and large crowds. There's also a nice old town as well as gardens, playgrounds, palaces, and the Bratislava Castle.

Bilbao is a family-friendly city. 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 Bratislava or Bilbao Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bratislava and Bilbao make for a nice place to visit.

Bratislava is a nice destination for couples. Couples that enjoy stepping away from tourist crowds will appreciate this relaxed city. There is the beautiful Janko Kráľ Park as well as the Bratislava Castle that you can explore. It's enjoyable to simply walk around the old town and soak up the atmosphere as well. There are also many great restaurants and wine bars where you can enjoy a night out.

Bilbao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Bratislava or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bratislava is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city offers an affordable and unique alternative to some of the larger and well known cities that are nearby. There are a couple of hostels and some affordable hotels that will help you keep your expenses down.

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 Bratislava or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a popular place for students. However, Bratislava is not popular with students.

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

Bratislava is not popular with students.

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

Both Bratislava and Bilbao offer superb public transit options.

Visitors to Bratislava can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams, buses, and trolleybuses.

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

Is Bratislava or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Bratislava 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 Bratislava on foot is easy. One of the best ways to experience the city is to walk around. The old town is also a large pedestrian zone.

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 Bratislava Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Bratislava?

How long in Bratislava or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bratislava and Bilbao. In our opinion, Bratislava has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bratislava than Bilbao. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bratislava, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

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

One day in Bratislava or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Bratislava. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With museums and nightlife around the colorful 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.

A weekend in Bratislava or Bilbao?

Bratislava 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.

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.

Five days in Bratislava or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bratislava. 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.

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.

A week in Bratislava or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Bratislava. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Slovakia, The Best Budget Tours to Slovakia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Bratislava 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 Bratislava Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bratislava or Bilbao?

Bratislava has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bratislava 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 Bratislava 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 Bratislava or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bratislava and Bilbao. Most visitors come to Bratislava for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Bratislava, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bratislava usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Bratislava gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bratislava usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Bratislava gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bratislava or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bratislava as well as Bilbao. The autumn months attract visitors to Bratislava because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In October, Bratislava is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Bratislava average around 12°C (54°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Bratislava often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Bratislava gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Bratislava usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Bratislava gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bratislava or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Bratislava are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bratislava this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene.

It's quite cold in Bratislava in the winter. Bratislava is much colder than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Bratislava averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bratislava usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Bratislava gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In January, Bratislava usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Bratislava gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bratislava or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Bratislava during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bratislava for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city.

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

It's quite sunny in Bratislava. In the spring, Bratislava often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Bratislava gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bratislava usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Bratislava gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Bratislava