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

Should you visit Brussels 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 Brussels 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.

Brussels

Brussels is a historic, cosmopolitan, and authentic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao

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

Brussels and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Bilbao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Bilbao. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Bilbao attracts visitors for its nightlife. Brussels is famous for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also well known for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Bilbao is famous for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Brussels and Bilbao have excellent landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Brussels. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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 Brussels or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Brussels. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

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 Brussels or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is well known for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Brussels has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

Is Brussels or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Brussels 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 Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

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 Brussels or Bilbao?

Brussels is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Brussels make it a world-class shopping destination. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to 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 Brussels or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Brussels is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

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 Brussels or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Brussels frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

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 Brussels or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Brussels is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

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 Brussels or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Brussels. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

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

Brussels 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 Brussels is top-notch. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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

Is Brussels or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Brussels 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.

Brussels is a very walkable city. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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 Brussels Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brussels and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than in Bilbao. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

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

One day in Brussels or Bilbao?

Brussels is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Brussels or Bilbao?

Brussels is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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 Brussels or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Brussels or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic big city of Brussels. 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 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 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 Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Bilbao?

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

Both Bilbao and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the summer, Brussels is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).

Brussels usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Brussels during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

In the autumn, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Brussels gets 114 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. Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Bilbao. Many travelers come to Brussels 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 Brussels. Brussels is much colder than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Brussels usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Bilbao. Many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Brussels is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Brussels often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Brussels usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Brussels