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

Should you visit Dublin or Bilbao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Bilbao, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Dublin

Dublin is a fun, laid-back, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

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.

Dublin and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or Bilbao?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dublin than Bilbao. Dublin is bigger than Bilbao, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dublin is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. Also, Dublin is famous for The Guinness Storehouse. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Dublin different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Dublin and Bilbao.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dublin can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Dublin or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dublin is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Dublin. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

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 Dublin or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Dublin 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.

Dublin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

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 Dublin or Bilbao Better for Music?

Dublin is well known for its live music scene. However, Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Dublin. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Dublin or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Dublin 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 Dublin. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

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 Dublin or Bilbao?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bilbao and Dublin.

Dublin is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

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 Dublin or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Dublin is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

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 Dublin or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Dublin is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Dublin frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

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 Dublin or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Dublin is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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 Dublin or Bilbao Better for Students?

Dublin and Bilbao are notable places to visit for students.

Dublin is popular with students. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

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

Bilbao is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Dublin or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Dublin 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 Dublin on foot is easy. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

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 Dublin Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Dublin or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dublin. 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 Dublin or Bilbao?

Dublin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. 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 Dublin or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dublin. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. 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.

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 Dublin or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the friendly destination of Dublin. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When comparing the travel costs between Dublin and Bilbao, we can see that Dublin 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 Dublin Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dublin or Bilbao?

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

Both Bilbao and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Dublin is cooler than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dublin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bilbao. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dublin or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Dublin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dublin in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

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

In the autumn, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Dublin gets 97 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. Dublin usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and Bilbao. Most visitors come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene.

In January, Dublin is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 6°C (42°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Dublin gets 56 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, Dublin usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dublin or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dublin as well as Bilbao. The spring months attract visitors to Dublin because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

Dublin is cooler than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Dublin often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Dublin usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Dublin