A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cardiff vs. Bilbao for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cardiff or Bilbao?

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

Should I visit Cardiff 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.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a industrial, up-and-coming, and green city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a colorful, friendly, and industrial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Bilbao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao. Although Cardiff and Bilbao are about the same size, Bilbao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bilbao is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Cardiff is more popular for its food and impressive beauty. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Also, Bilbao is famous for The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Cardiff different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bilbao is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

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

Cardiff 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 Cardiff. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with 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 Cardiff or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Bilbao know how to have a good time. 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 Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is Cardiff or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a popular place for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Bilbao to see the old town. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Bilbao?

Bilbao is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Bilbao is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Cardiff or Bilbao Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Bilbao.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cardiff. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

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 Cardiff or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Bilbao is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Cardiff or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is a popular place for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Bilbao Better for Students?

Cardiff and Bilbao are notable places to visit for students.

Cardiff is popular with students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

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

Bilbao is a great destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Cardiff or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Cardiff and Bilbao both are notable when exploring on foot.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable place. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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 Cardiff Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Bilbao?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bilbao than Cardiff 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 Bilbao.

One day in Cardiff or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Cardiff. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Bilbao, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Cardiff or Bilbao?

Cardiff 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.

In Bilbao, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bilbao has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. 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 is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the up-and-coming destination of Cardiff. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bilbao. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Cardiff and Bilbao, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Bilbao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bilbao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bilbao 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff than you might in Bilbao.

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Cardiff is cooler than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Cardiff during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the autumn, Cardiff is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Cardiff gets 95 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Bilbao. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene.

It's quite cold in Cardiff in the winter. In January, Cardiff is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Cardiff gets 57 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, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Bilbao. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city.

Cardiff is cooler than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Cardiff