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

Should you visit Copenhagen or Bilbao?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Bilbao can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a progressive, friendly, and happy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Copenhagen and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Bilbao?

You'll generally find more things to do in Copenhagen than Bilbao. Copenhagen is bigger than Bilbao, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Copenhagen is well known for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. Also, Copenhagen is famous for Tivoli Gardens. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Copenhagen different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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.

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

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

Eat your way through Copenhagen, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

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 Copenhagen or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Copenhagen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

Many people head to Bilbao for the nightlife scene. 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 Copenhagen or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

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 Copenhagen or Bilbao?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen make it a world-class shopping destination. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

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 Copenhagen or Bilbao Better for Families?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Copenhagen is very family-friendly. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

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 Copenhagen or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Copenhagen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

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 Copenhagen or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Copenhagen is a great city to visit for backpackers. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

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 Copenhagen or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

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

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen is top-notch. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

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

Is Copenhagen or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen on foot is easy. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

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 Copenhagen Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Copenhagen or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Copenhagen. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Bilbao, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Bilbao?

Copenhagen 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.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Bilbao, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Copenhagen or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Copenhagen. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxed destination of Copenhagen. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, 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 Copenhagen and Bilbao, we can see that Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Bilbao?

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

Both Bilbao and Copenhagen during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Copenhagen usually gets more rain in July than Bilbao. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Bilbao. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Copenhagen is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Copenhagen in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Bilbao. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months.

Copenhagen can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Copenhagen is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 1°C (33°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Copenhagen usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.

Copenhagen is much colder than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In April, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen