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

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

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a friendly, industrial, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Dubai and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Bilbao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubai than Bilbao, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao is known for its historical sights. Dubai is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Bilbao Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Bilbao is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Bilbao is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Bilbao and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

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 Dubai or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubai is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Dubai. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

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 Dubai or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Dubai 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.

Dubai has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

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 Dubai or Bilbao Better for Music?

Dubai is an amazing 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 Dubai The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Bilbao Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Dubai for its luxury resorts. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Bilbao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai 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 Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a good destination for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Dubai offers a nice beach destination. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai does not have a historic old 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.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Bilbao?

Dubai 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 Dubai make it a world-class shopping destination. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

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 Dubai or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Dubai is a very kid-friendly city. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

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 Dubai or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and Bilbao are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Bilbao is a nice destination for couples. 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 Dubai or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

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.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Dubai is a very popular place to visit for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

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

Bilbao is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Dubai or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Bilbao is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

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

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Dubai or Bilbao?

Dubai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bilbao, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this authentic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Bilbao?

Dubai 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bilbao. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Bilbao?

Dubai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the colorful destination of Bilbao. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, 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 Dubai and Bilbao, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Bilbao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Bilbao is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Bilbao?

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

Bilbao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Bilbao. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally much warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Dubai is much warmer than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dubai or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Dubai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the winter, Dubai is much warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year. January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Bilbao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.

In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Dubai