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

Should you visit Le Mans 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 Le Mans and Bilbao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a historic, quaint, and small town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the nightlife and museums.

Bilbao

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

Le Mans and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Le Mans or Bilbao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao than Le Mans. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bilbao is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Le Mans attracts visitors for its food and small town charm. Bilbao is more touristy than Le Mans and is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also well known for The Guggenheim Museum. Le Mans is famous for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

How is Le Mans different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Le Mans or Bilbao?

Bilbao is great for its historical sights. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Le Mans offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.

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

Le Mans is a town with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

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 Le Mans or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is great for nightlife. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Le Mans. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Is Le Mans or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is very good for its historic old town. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Le Mans or Bilbao?

Bilbao is great for shopping. However, Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Le Mans or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Le Mans offers lots of family activities. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

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.

Is Le Mans or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Both Le Mans and Bilbao are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Le Mans is a nice destination for couples. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

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 Le Mans or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Le Mans and Bilbao are nice places to visit.

Le Mans is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Is Le Mans or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Le Mans is not popular with 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.

Le Mans is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Public transit in Bilbao is fairly effecient and thorough. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Le Mans has a few public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).

Is Le Mans or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Le Mans and Bilbao are nice when it comes to walkability.

Le Mans is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are walkable.

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable place. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Le Mans Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Le Mans?

How long in Le Mans or Bilbao?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bilbao than Le Mans 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 Le Mans or Bilbao?

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

In Bilbao, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Le Mans or Bilbao?

Le Mans 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.

In Bilbao, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bilbao has to offer.

Five days in Le Mans or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Le Mans. 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 great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Le Mans or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the historic destination of Le Mans. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bilbao. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, 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 Le Mans and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Le Mans much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Le Mans would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Le Mans 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 Le Mans.

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

Which is Bigger, Le Mans or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Le Mans. When comparing the sizes of Le Mans 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 Le Mans 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 Le Mans or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Le Mans as well as Bilbao. Many visitors come to Le Mans in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Le Mans is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Le Mans in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Le Mans this time of the year. In the summer, Le Mans often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Le Mans gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Le Mans usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Le Mans gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Le Mans or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Le Mans are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Le Mans for the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Le Mans is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Le Mans average around 13°C (55°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Le Mans usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during autumn. Le Mans gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In October, Le Mans usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Le Mans gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Le Mans or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Le Mans during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

The weather in Le Mans can be very cold. Le Mans is much colder than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Le Mans averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Le Mans often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Le Mans gets 54 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Le Mans usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Le Mans gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Le Mans or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Le Mans and Bilbao. The small town charm are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Le Mans is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Le Mans in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Le Mans usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Le Mans gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Le Mans usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Le Mans gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Le Mans