A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chamonix-Mont-Blanc vs. Bilbao for Couples, Nightlife, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a awe-inspiring, epic, and majestic mountain town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a authentic, colorful, and friendly 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Bilbao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is better known for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its world famous skiing, stunning natural beauty, and access to Mont Blanc. Also, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is famous for Mont Blanc. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

Mont Blanc

How is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao Better for Skiing?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town to visit for winter skiing. However, Bilbao is not a skiing destination.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. It is one of the most famous and best ski areas in the world. There are 5 ski resorts in the area (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent) and many options for expert skiers. You can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from the middle of town to the top of the 3840 meter peak.

Bilbao is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao?

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bilbao. 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Regional food is wonderful and hearty, making for a great energy boost for all of your hiking or skiing. Dishes often include a lot of cream and cheese as well as local meats and potatoes. Local specialties include Crozets (buckwheat pasta), Fondue, and Galette des Rois (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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Both Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Bilbao have excellent vibes after the sun sets.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The town offers a great après-ski scene with many places to grab a drink or listen to live music. It's a tourist area with many young and adventurous vacationers who are out to have a good time.

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.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao Better for Resorts?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town to visit for its resorts. However, Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for its luxury resorts. The region has 5 ski resorts (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent), making it an excellent ski destination.

Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a good destination for its old town. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bilbao. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have a historic old town.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao Better for Hiking?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Filled with panoramic views and breathtaking natural scenes, the hiking is among the best in the world. Some of the best hikes in the area include Plan de l'Aiguille - Montenvers Train Mer de Glace, Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve Hiking, and any of the "Glacier Views" Hikes.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao?

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Bilbao is well-known for its shopping. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very kid-friendly mountain town. The mountains are the perfect playground for families. Kids will love the gondolas, chairlifts, and kid-friendly hikes that take them over rocks and to spectacular viewpoints. This is the perfect addition to a European family vacation.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Nature-lovers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts will love a couples vacation to Chamonix. The setting is romantic and filled with adventures for thrill-seekers.

Bilbao is a good mountain town 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is well known for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great mountain town to visit for backpackers. You'll find a nice selection of hostels with affordable dorms and fun atmospheres.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Bilbao. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not popular with students.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is top-notch. It's easy to explore the region by public transport. There are buses and trains available, most of which are free with a local transport card.

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

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very walkable mountain town. It's generally walkable and there are plenty of walking trails outside of town.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

How long in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than in Bilbao. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

One day in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bilbao, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this destination offers. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people visit Bilbao for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The destination of Bilbao offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the world-class destination of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bilbao. This city offers something for everyone. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Bilbao, we can see that Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. When comparing the sizes of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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.