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

Should you visit Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a charming, character-filled, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, shopping, and museums.

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.

Edinburgh and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Bilbao?

You'll generally find more things to do in Edinburgh than Bilbao. Edinburgh is bigger than Bilbao, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Edinburgh is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. Also, Edinburgh is famous for The Edinburgh Castle. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Edinburgh different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Edinburgh are among the most recognizable in the world. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

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.

Is Edinburgh or Bilbao Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is well known for its theatre productions. However, Bilbao is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Bilbao is not a theatre destination.

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

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

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 Edinburgh or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Edinburgh and Bilbao.

Edinburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

Bilbao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Edinburgh or Bilbao Better for Music?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Edinburgh offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

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 Edinburgh or Bilbao?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Edinburgh and Bilbao.

Edinburgh is well-known for its shopping. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Is Edinburgh or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Edinburgh is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

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 Edinburgh or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Edinburgh frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

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 Edinburgh or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Edinburgh. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

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 Edinburgh or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

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

Bilbao is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Bilbao can get you to some places easily. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Edinburgh or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh on foot is easy. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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 Edinburgh Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Edinburgh or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Edinburgh. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bilbao. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Bilbao?

Edinburgh 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Bilbao. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Bilbao. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Edinburgh or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the character-filled destination of Edinburgh. 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 choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, 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 Edinburgh and Bilbao, we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Bilbao?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh or Bilbao in the Summer?

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

Edinburgh is cooler than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In the summer, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in July than Bilbao. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Bilbao. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music 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, Edinburgh is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Edinburgh in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Bilbao in the Winter?

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

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

In the winter, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Edinburgh usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Edinburgh 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.

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

Edinburgh usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In April, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Edinburgh