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

Should you visit Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a historical, fascinating, and high energy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Hanoi and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Bilbao?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hanoi than Bilbao. Hanoi is bigger than Bilbao, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hanoi is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Hanoi different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hanoi 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 Hanoi are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

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 Hanoi or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hanoi. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

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 Hanoi or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Hanoi and Bilbao.

Hanoi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

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 Hanoi or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi 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.

Hanoi offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

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 Hanoi or Bilbao?

Hanoi 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 Hanoi make it a world-class shopping destination. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

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 Hanoi or Bilbao Better for Families?

Both Hanoi and Bilbao are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Hanoi. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

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 Hanoi or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Both Hanoi and Bilbao are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Hanoi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

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 Hanoi or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi 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 Hanoi. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

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 Hanoi or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Hanoi. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

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

Bilbao is well known for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Hanoi or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Hanoi and Bilbao both are notable when exploring on foot.

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

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 Hanoi Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Hanoi or Bilbao?

Hanoi is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

In Bilbao, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this industrial destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Hanoi or Bilbao?

Hanoi is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hanoi or Bilbao?

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

Bilbao is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bilbao. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating big city of Hanoi. 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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the friendly destination of Bilbao. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, 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 Hanoi and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hanoi is in Asia and Bilbao is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao than you might in Hanoi.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hanoi Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Bilbao?

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

Bilbao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Hanoi is a little warmer than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.

Should I visit Hanoi or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Hanoi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Hanoi is much warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Bilbao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months.

In January, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hanoi or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Bilbao. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.

Hanoi is much warmer than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Hanoi