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

Should you visit Bruges or Bilbao?

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 Bruges and Bilbao. 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.

Bruges

Bruges is a historic, cultural, and beautiful 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 nightlife.

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.

Bruges and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Bilbao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bilbao than Bruges, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bilbao is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Bruges is known for its food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also home to The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Bruges different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Bilbao and Bruges.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bruges. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

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 Bruges or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Bruges. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

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 Bruges or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is great for its evening party scene. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bruges. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

Is Bruges or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bruges 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.

Bruges offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

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 Bruges or Bilbao?

Bilbao is great for its shopping areas. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

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.

Bruges is a great destination for shopping. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Is Bruges or Bilbao Better for Families?

Both Bruges and Bilbao are good family-friendly destinations.

Bruges offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

Bilbao is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Bruges or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Bruges frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

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 Bruges or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bruges is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

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 Bruges or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

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.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

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

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

Bruges has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Bruges or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Bruges 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 Bruges on foot is easy. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored on foot.

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 Bruges Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Bruges or Bilbao?

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

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.

A weekend in Bruges or Bilbao?

Bruges 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.

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.

Five days in Bruges or Bilbao?

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

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.

A week in Bruges or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Bruges. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Bruges 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 Bruges or Bilbao?

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 Bruges or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Bilbao. The summer months attract visitors to Bruges because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In July, Bruges is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 17°C (63°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bruges this time of the year. In the summer, Bruges often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets more rain in July than Bilbao. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bruges this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Bruges is cooler than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In October, Bruges usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bruges or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Bruges during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bruges. In the winter, Bruges is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bruges in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bruges usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Bilbao. Many visitors come to Bruges in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Bruges is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 8°C (47°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Bruges usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Bruges usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Bruges