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

Should you visit Honfleur or Bilbao?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Honfleur and Bilbao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Honfleur

Honfleur is a serene, picturesque, and scenic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a authentic, colorful, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Honfleur and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Honfleur or Bilbao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bilbao. Although Honfleur and Bilbao are popular destinations, Bilbao has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bilbao is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Honfleur attracts visitors for its food, beaches, and impressive beauty. Honfleur is famous for its influence over Impressionist art, its stunning harbor, and its beautiful buildings. Bilbao is famous for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also well known for The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Honfleur different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Bilbao specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Honfleur offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Some of the most notable sights around the town include Saint Catherine's Church, Le Vieux Bassin, Notre-Dame de Grace, and the Normandy Bridge.

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

Honfleur is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eat your way through Honfleur, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Located on the coast of Normandy along the English Channel, seafood is a defining element for most dishes here. Foodies flock to this town for its Michelin starred restaurants as well as its local cafes and quaint eateries. For land-lovers, there's a popular local cider-braised pork that you must-try. And for dessert make sure you try the Tarte Tatin.

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 Honfleur or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Honfleur has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Restaurants come to life at night when music flows out onto the streets. The town is not known for its partying, but that doesn't mean that it's a sleepy place that shuts down when the sun sets.

Is Honfleur or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

Honfleur is a city with a few options for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Honfleur. The town sits by the estuary of the Seine and there are two beaches not far from town. Butin Beach is the closest to town and the most popular, but Vasouy Beach is more relaxed and natural.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Honfleur or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is very good for its historic old town. However, Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

Bilbao is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Honfleur or Bilbao?

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

If you're looking to go shopping, Honfleur has some nice offerings. It's a charming town with boutique shops, chocolate shops, and the standard tourist places that sell souvenirs and t-shirts.

Is Honfleur or Bilbao Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Honfleur or Bilbao.

Honfleur is a family-friendly city. Located on the coast of Normandy, the town has boat rides, quirky museums, and Vieux Bassin, which is a beautiful and lively harbor. For kids who need to stretch their legs, there are many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

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 Honfleur or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Honfleur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It has, arguably, one of the area's most beautiful harbors. There are also many great seafood restaurants, relaxing gardens, and spas that are perfect for couples.

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 Honfleur or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for backpackers.

Bilbao is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Honfleur is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll likely have more luck looking for an apartment than a hostel, so if you're looking for a place to stay with a social setting, you may be out of luck.

Is Honfleur or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Honfleur 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.

Honfleur is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its public transit.

Visitors to Bilbao can move around easily with public transportation. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Public transit is generally limited in Honfleur. HO Buses travel from the outskirts or town into the center and are used mainly by locals. If you plan to head into Normandy to see the countryside, you'll want to have a car.

Is Honfleur or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Honfleur 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.

Honfleur is a very walkable city. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are also many coastal walks leading out of 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 Honfleur Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Honfleur?

How long in Honfleur or Bilbao?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bilbao than Honfleur 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 Bilbao.

One day in Honfleur or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Honfleur. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of Bilbao offers nightlife and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Honfleur or Bilbao?

Honfleur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bilbao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Honfleur or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Honfleur. Don't miss the food, 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.

Bilbao is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Honfleur or Bilbao?

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

Bilbao is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Honfleur or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Honfleur. When comparing the sizes of Honfleur 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.