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

Should you visit Budapest or Bilbao?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Budapest and Bilbao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Budapest

Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. 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 friendly, industrial, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Budapest and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Bilbao?

You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than Bilbao. Budapest is bigger than Bilbao, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Budapest different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Budapest and Bilbao.

Many visitors head to Budapest specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bilbao can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Budapest or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Budapest is a city with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Budapest. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

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 Budapest or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Budapest and Bilbao.

Many people head to Budapest for the nightlife scene. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Bilbao has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Budapest or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

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 Budapest or Bilbao?

If you're looking to go shopping, Budapest and Bilbao both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Budapest is well-known for its shopping. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Is Budapest or Bilbao Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Budapest or Bilbao.

Budapest offers lots of family activities. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

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 Budapest or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Budapest frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Budapest. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Budapest or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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

Budapest 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 Budapest is top-notch. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Budapest or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Budapest 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 Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Budapest Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Budapest or Bilbao?

Budapest is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Budapest or Bilbao?

Budapest 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 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 Budapest or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. 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 Budapest or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural big city of Budapest. 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Budapest and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao than you might in Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Bilbao?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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 Budapest 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 Budapest or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Bilbao. Many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Budapest is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. In the summer, Budapest often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Budapest is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Budapest in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

Budapest usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Budapest gets 152 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, Budapest usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Budapest or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Budapest during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

The weather in Budapest can be very cold. In January, Budapest is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around -1°C (31°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Budapest gets 61 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. Budapest usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Bilbao. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.

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

Budapest usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Budapest gets 178 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, Budapest usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Budapest