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

Should you visit Galway 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 Galway 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.

Galway

Galway is a historical, vibrant, and lively 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.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Galway and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Bilbao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao than Galway. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bilbao is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping, while Galway attracts visitors for its food. Bilbao is more touristy than Galway and is known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also well known for The Guggenheim Museum. Galway is famous for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Galway different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bilbao is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Galway offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

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

Galway 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 Galway. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

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 Galway or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Galway and Bilbao.

Galway has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.

Bilbao has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Galway or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bilbao to see the historical old town. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Bilbao?

Bilbao is notable for shopping. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Bilbao is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Galway. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.

Is Galway or Bilbao Better for Families?

Both Galway and Bilbao are nice to visit with kids.

Galway is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.

Bilbao is a family-friendly city. 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 Galway or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Both Galway and Bilbao are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Galway is a nice destination for couples. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day trip.

Bilbao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Galway or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Galway is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

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 Galway or Bilbao Better for Students?

Galway and Bilbao are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Galway is a good city to visit for students. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

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

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

Bilbao is notable for its public transit. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bilbao. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Galway has some public transit options. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

Is Galway or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Galway 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.

Galway is a very walkable city. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.

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 Galway Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Galway?

How long in Galway or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Galway and Bilbao. In our opinion, Bilbao has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bilbao than Galway. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Galway or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Galway. 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 Galway or Bilbao?

Galway 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.

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 Galway or Bilbao?

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

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 Galway or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Galway. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Galway or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Galway 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 Galway 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 Galway or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Bilbao. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Galway this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Galway is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Galway in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Galway usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bilbao. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Galway or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Galway as well as Bilbao. Many travelers come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Galway is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 11°C (52°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Galway often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Galway receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Galway usually gets more rain in October than Bilbao. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Galway 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.

Galway is much colder than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. It's quite rainy in Galway. In January, Galway usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Galway or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Galway during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Galway for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Galway is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Galway in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Galway often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Galway usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Galway