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

Should you visit Geneva or Bilbao?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and Bilbao. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Geneva

Geneva is a professional, classy, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao

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

Geneva and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Bilbao?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Geneva than Bilbao. While Bilbao is larger than Geneva, Geneva has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Geneva is very popular for its food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao attracts visitors for its nightlife. Geneva is famous for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also well known for The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau). Bilbao is famous for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Geneva different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Geneva and Bilbao have excellent landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Geneva. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Geneva. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

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 Geneva or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Bilbao know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Geneva has a few options to choose from. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

Is Geneva or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the nice old town areas in both Geneva and Bilbao.

Many visitors go to Geneva to see the historical old town. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bilbao. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Bilbao?

Geneva 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 Geneva make it a world-class shopping destination. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

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 Geneva or Bilbao Better for Families?

Both Geneva and Bilbao are nice family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Geneva. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

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 Geneva or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Geneva and Bilbao both nice destinations for a couple.

Geneva is a nice destination for couples. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

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 Geneva or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is a good destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Geneva or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Geneva. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

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

Geneva 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 Geneva is top-notch. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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

Is Geneva or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Geneva 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.

Geneva is a very walkable city. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored 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 Geneva Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Geneva and Bilbao. In our opinion, Geneva has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Geneva than Bilbao. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Geneva, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

One day in Geneva or Bilbao?

Geneva is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Geneva or Bilbao?

Geneva is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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 Geneva or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Geneva or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the professional big city of Geneva. 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 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, 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 Geneva and Bilbao, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Geneva because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the summer, Geneva is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Geneva in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Geneva. Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Geneva or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Geneva during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Geneva is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 14°C (56°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Geneva often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao. Geneva gets 127 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. Geneva usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Bilbao. Many travelers come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Geneva. Geneva is much colder than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Geneva gets 62 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, Geneva usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Geneva or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Bilbao. Many visitors come to Geneva in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Geneva is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Geneva in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Geneva usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Geneva