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

Should you visit Linz 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 Linz 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.

Linz

Linz is a beautiful, cultural, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. 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.

Linz and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Linz or Bilbao?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bilbao than Linz. Bilbao is bigger than Linz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bilbao is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Linz is more popular for its food and impressive beauty. Linz is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its Baroque architecture, modern art museums, and great pastries. 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 Linz different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Linz and Bilbao.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Linz. The city has a lot of history which can be experienced with visits to The Castle of Linz, St. Martin's Church, and the New Cathedral. There are also several modern museums such as Ars Electronica Center, the OK Center, and the Lentos Art Museum.

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 Linz or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Linz is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Linz. You'll find an endless supply of bakeries around town that serve cakes, tarts, and biscuits. A trip to Linz isn't complete without a sampling of the local pastries.

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 Linz or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Linz is not a good town 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 Linz. The town isn't exactly a party place, but you'll find a good theater and some live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Linz or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Both Linz and Bilbao have notable historic old towns worth visiting.

Many people head to Linz to see the old town. The old town is filled with Baroque architecture and a market square. There are a number of interesting buildings and great cafes 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 Linz or Bilbao?

Both Linz and Bilbao are very good shopping destinations.

Linz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of shopping streets around town, but the most popular is Landstraße. You'll find all kinds of retail stores with everything from clothing to furniture available.

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 Linz or Bilbao Better for Families?

Both Linz and Bilbao are notable to visit with kids.

Linz is a family-friendly place to visit. Pöstlingberg Adventure World is a highlight for kids. You can take the tram up the mountain and see the views, visit the Grottenbahn, or explore the zoo. Kids will also appreciate the Ars Electronica Center, which is a futuristic museum in town as well as the The Linz Castle Museum.

Bilbao is a family-friendly town. 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 Linz or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Linz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with beautiful baroque architecture. There's a lively main square and many great restaurants that couples will appreciate. There are also shopping areas and museums to explore.

Bilbao is a good town 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 Linz or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Linz and Bilbao are notable destinations for backpackers.

Linz is a good town to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will find more budget hotels than hostels in town, so it can be a bit challenging to meet other travelers. Even so, this is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Is Linz or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a city with good options for students. However, Linz is not popular with students.

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

Linz is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Linz has some public transit options. There are buses and streetcars that travel throughout the town.

Is Linz or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Linz 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.

Linz is a very walkable town. The tourist areas are easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Linz?

How long in Linz or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bilbao. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Linz or Bilbao?

Linz 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Linz or Bilbao?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the friendly destination of Bilbao. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Linz or Bilbao?

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

The friendly city of Bilbao offers museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, 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 Linz and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Linz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Linz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Linz 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 Linz.

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

Which is Bigger, Linz or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Linz. When comparing the sizes of Linz 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 Linz 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 Linz or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Linz and Bilbao. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Linz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Linz is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Linz averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Linz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Linz usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Linz gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Linz usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Linz gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Linz or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Linz as well as Bilbao. Many travelers come to Linz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Linz is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Linz in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Linz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao. Linz gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Linz usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Linz gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Linz or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Linz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Linz 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.

Linz can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Linz is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Linz average around -0°C (31°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Linz usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Linz gets 57 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, Linz usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Linz gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Linz or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Linz during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Linz for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.

Linz is cooler than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Linz averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Linz often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Linz gets 163 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. Linz usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Linz gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Linz