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

Should you visit Cannes 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 Cannes and Bilbao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cannes

Cannes is a glitzy, opulent , and luxury resort city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Cannes and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cannes or Bilbao?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cannes than Bilbao. While Bilbao is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cannes is more popular for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao is known for its museums and big city activities. Cannes is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also home to Boulevard de la Croisette. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Cannes different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bilbao is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eat your way through Cannes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

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 Cannes or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Both Cannes and Bilbao are high quality when it comes to partying.

Cannes offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

Bilbao has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Cannes or Bilbao Better for Music?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its live music scene. However, Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Cannes The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Cannes or Bilbao Better for Resorts?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its resorts. However, Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Cannes for its luxury resorts. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Is Cannes or Bilbao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Cannes. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cannes or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

Cannes is well known for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cannes for it's beautiful beaches. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Cannes or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Cannes 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 Cannes. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

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 Cannes or Bilbao?

Cannes is an amazing resort 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 Cannes make it a world-class shopping destination. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

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 Cannes or Bilbao Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Cannes or Bilbao.

Cannes is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Bilbao is a family-friendly resort 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 Cannes or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Cannes is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

Bilbao is a good resort 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 Cannes or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is very good for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

Is Cannes or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is very good for students. However, Cannes 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.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Bilbao offers a very effecient public transportation network. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Cannes has some public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

Is Cannes or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Cannes 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.

Cannes is a very walkable resort city. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable resort city. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Cannes Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cannes and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cannes than in Bilbao. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cannes, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

One day in Cannes or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Cannes. 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.

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 Cannes or Bilbao?

Cannes 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 Cannes or Bilbao?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the lavish destination of Cannes. This resort 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 friendly 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 Bicycle Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Cannes or Bilbao?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cannes and Bilbao. Many visitors come to Cannes in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cannes is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 23°C (73°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Cannes usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Cannes gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cannes or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cannes as well as Bilbao. Most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene, the music 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.

Cannes is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Cannes receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cannes usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bilbao. Cannes gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Cannes are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cannes because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the winter, Cannes is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cannes in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In January, Cannes usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Cannes gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cannes or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Cannes during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cannes this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.

In April, Cannes is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 13°C (56°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cannes usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Cannes gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Cannes