A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Girona vs. Bilbao for Old Town, Attractions, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Girona 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 Girona 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.

Girona

Girona is a ancient, charming, and beautiful city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful 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.

Girona and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Girona or Bilbao?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bilbao than Girona. Bilbao is bigger than Girona, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bilbao is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Girona is more popular for its food, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Girona is well known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Also, Bilbao is famous for The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Girona different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Girona
Bilbao

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Girona and Bilbao.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Girona. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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 Girona or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Girona
Bilbao

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Girona. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

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 Girona or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Girona
Bilbao

Bilbao is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

Bilbao offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Girona or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Girona
Bilbao

Girona 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.

Girona offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

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 Girona or Bilbao?

Girona
Bilbao

Both Girona and Bilbao are excellent shopping destinations.

Girona is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

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 Girona or Bilbao Better for Families?

Girona
Bilbao

Bilbao is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Bilbao is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Girona or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Girona
Bilbao

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

Couples visit Girona frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

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 Girona or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Girona
Bilbao

Both Girona and Bilbao are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

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 Girona or Bilbao Better for Students?

Girona
Bilbao

Girona and Bilbao are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Girona is a good city to visit for students. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

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

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

Girona
Bilbao

Bilbao is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Girona has some public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.


Is Girona or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Girona
Bilbao

Girona 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 Girona on foot is easy. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Girona?

How long in Girona or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Girona and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bilbao than in Girona. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Girona, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Girona or Bilbao? Ideal Length of Stay
    Girona 1-2 
    Bilbao 2-3

One day in Girona or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Girona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Girona or Bilbao?

Girona 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 Girona or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Girona. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Girona or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Girona. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Girona?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Girona is €140, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is €137. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Girona and Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Girona 69
    Bilbao 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Girona 138
    Bilbao 144
Compare Hotels in Girona and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Girona or Bilbao? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Girona


Hotels in Bilbao


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Girona Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Girona 49
    Bilbao 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

  • Girona Airport Bus Transfer from/to Barcelona Center: $21
  • Palamós to Girona Airport (GRO) - Departure Private Transfer : $33
  • Private Transfer from Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar to Barcelona: $264

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $51
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $61
  • Departure Private Transfer Bilbao City to Bilbao airport BIO by Business Car: $61
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
  • Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
  • Private Transfer on arrival and departure in Bilbao: $73
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $75
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao City Hotels: $75
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Luxury Van: $81
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Vitoria Airport : $85
  • Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $92
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Vitoria: $154

Is it cheaper to fly into Girona or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Girona change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Girona 41
    Bilbao 45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Girona

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Girona.

  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $86
  • The 11 tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $89
  • Girona Evening Food Tour & Tapas Bar Experience: $97
  • The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $98
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $105

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.

  • Basque Food Tour with Guide: $87
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $103
  • Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $110
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $110
  • Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $110
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $114
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $116
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $136
  • Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $136
  • Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $143
  • Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $157
  • Small-group Immersive Basque Cooking Class in Bilbao with Open Bar: $165

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Girona 24
    Bilbao 29

Tours and Activities in Girona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Girona are as follows:

  • Girona self-guided tour app with multilingual audioguide: $4.34
  • Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.52
  • Museum of Cinema Entry Ticket: $7.60
  • Self-guided Audio City Tour on Your Phone: $11
  • Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11
  • Ticket pass to Girona Cathedral, Sant Felix and Girona Art Museum: $13
  • 2 Hours Cadaqués Especial Experience: $25
  • 1-Hour Private Tour with guide on Electric Scooter in Barcelona: $28
  • Catedral, Art Museum, St Felix Church Ticket & Audio: $29
  • E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $30
  • Girona History, Legends, and Food Walking Tour with food tasting: $35
  • Game of Thrones Small Group Tour: $38

Tours and Activities in Bilbao

Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $4.34
  • VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $11
  • Bilbao Sweets Tour: $11
  • Bilbao Confidential Tour: Crime and Punishment: $13
  • Bilbao Confidential Tour: Industrialists and Bourgeois: $13
  • 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $15
  • San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $18
  • Old Town Walking Tour in spanish and Cable Car Ride: $21
  • Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $21
  • Walking tour of Bilbao with pintxo and drink: $26
  • City Highlights Guided Bike Tour: $27
  • Self Guided Bike Tour in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao's Seaside): $28

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Girona 9.69
    Bilbao 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Girona

Also in Girona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Spanish Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava: $83
  • Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting: $151
  • Cadaqués & Wine Tasting Day Trip : $160

Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao

Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
  • Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $54
  • Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $77
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $80
  • Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $149
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $179
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $190
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $198
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Bilbao: $203
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $242
  • La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour & Magical Picnic (From Bilbao): $244
  • From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $244


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


Which is Bigger, Girona or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Girona 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 Girona 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 Girona or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Girona and Bilbao. The summer months attract visitors to Girona because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

Girona is a little warmer than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Girona averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Girona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Girona usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Girona gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Girona usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Girona gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Girona 24°C (75°F) 
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Girona or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Girona as well as Bilbao. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Girona this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Girona is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Girona in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Girona often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Girona gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Girona usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Girona gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Girona 16°C (61°F) 
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Girona or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Girona are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Girona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.

In January, Girona is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Girona average around 8°C (46°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Girona usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Girona gets 148 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. In January, Girona usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Girona gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Girona 8°C (46°F) 
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Girona or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Girona during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Girona in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.

Girona is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Girona averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Girona often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Girona gets 177 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. Girona usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Girona gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Girona 13°C (55°F) 
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Girona

Girona Bilbao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)