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

Should you visit Liverpool 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 Liverpool 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.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a fun-filled, diverse, and historic port city. And you can't forget about the live music, shopping, and museums.

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.

Liverpool and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Liverpool or Bilbao?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bilbao than Liverpool. While Liverpool is larger than Bilbao, Bilbao has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bilbao is better known for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities, while Liverpool is more popular for its theatre productions, food, and music. Liverpool is well known for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles." 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 Liverpool different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bilbao is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Liverpool. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.

Is Liverpool or Bilbao Better for Theater?

Liverpool is well known for its theatre productions. However, Bilbao is not a theatre destination.

Liverpool offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Bilbao is not a theatre destination.

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

Liverpool is a port city 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 Liverpool. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

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 Liverpool or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

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

Liverpool is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.

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 Liverpool or Bilbao Better for Music?

Liverpool is an amazing port city to visit for its live music scene. However, Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Liverpool Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Liverpool or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Bilbao to see the old town. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Liverpool does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Liverpool or Bilbao?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bilbao and Liverpool.

Liverpool is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

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 Liverpool or Bilbao Better for Families?

Liverpool is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Liverpool is a very kid-friendly port city. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

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 Liverpool or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Liverpool makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

Bilbao is a good port 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 Liverpool or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Liverpool and Bilbao are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Liverpool is a good port city to visit for backpackers. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.

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 Liverpool or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Liverpool. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

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

Bilbao is well known for its public transit. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Liverpool offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

Is Liverpool or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is a very walkable port city.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Liverpool?

How long in Liverpool or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Liverpool or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Liverpool. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Liverpool or Bilbao?

Liverpool is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, 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.

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 Liverpool or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Liverpool. Don't miss the live music, 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the industrial 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 Liverpool or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic destination of Liverpool. This port 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 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 Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Liverpool and Bilbao, we can see that Liverpool is more expensive. And not only is Bilbao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bilbao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bilbao 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 Liverpool would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liverpool than you might in Bilbao.

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

Which is Bigger, Liverpool or Bilbao?

Liverpool has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Liverpool 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 Liverpool 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 Liverpool or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Liverpool are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Liverpool this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Liverpool is cooler than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Liverpool usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during summer. Liverpool gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Liverpool usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Liverpool gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Liverpool or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Liverpool during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Liverpool for the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Liverpool is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Liverpool in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Liverpool gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Liverpool usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Liverpool gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Liverpool or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Liverpool and Bilbao. Many visitors come to Liverpool in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months.

In January, Liverpool is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 5°C (42°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Liverpool gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Liverpool usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Liverpool gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Liverpool or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Liverpool as well as Bilbao. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.

Liverpool is cooler than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Liverpool often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Liverpool gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Liverpool usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Liverpool gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Liverpool