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

Should you visit Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a accessible, bustling, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

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.

Heraklion and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Bilbao?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Heraklion than Bilbao. While Bilbao is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is better known for its food and beaches, while Bilbao is more popular for its historical sights and shopping. Heraklion is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Heraklion is famous for The Palace of Knossos. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Heraklion different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Heraklion and Bilbao.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Heraklion. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

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 Heraklion or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

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

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

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 Heraklion or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is well known for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Heraklion for it's beautiful beaches. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Bilbao?

Bilbao is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Bilbao is well-known for its shopping. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Many visitors go to Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Bilbao Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Bilbao are notable to visit with kids.

Heraklion is a family-friendly city. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bilbao. 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 Heraklion or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Heraklion frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

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 Heraklion or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Heraklion is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

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 Heraklion or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Heraklion is not popular with students.

Is Heraklion 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, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Bilbao has some very good public transit options. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Heraklion 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.

Heraklion is a very walkable city. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

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 Heraklion Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Heraklion. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Heraklion or Bilbao?

Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic 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 Heraklion or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the accessible destination of Heraklion. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Bilbao in the Summer?

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

Heraklion is a little warmer than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Bilbao. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Heraklion is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 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, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Bilbao. Many visitors come to Heraklion 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.

In January, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Heraklion usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Heraklion gets 224 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, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Heraklion