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

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

London

London is a international, historic, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a friendly, industrial, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

London and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Bilbao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London than Bilbao, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. London is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao is known for its historical sights. London is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

Big Ben

How is London different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

London is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in London are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

Bilbao offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 London or Bilbao Better for Theater?

London is an amazing city to visit for its theatre productions. However, Bilbao is not a theatre destination.

London is considered to be a world-class theater destination. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Bilbao is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit London. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

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 London or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

London is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

London has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

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 London or Bilbao Better for Music?

London is an amazing 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 London Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is London or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Bilbao?

London is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in London make it a world-class shopping destination. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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 London or Bilbao Better for Christmas?

London is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Bilbao does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, London is not to be missed. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Bilbao does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Bilbao Better for Christmas Markets?

London is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas markets. However, Bilbao does not offer Christmas markets.

The holiday season is a very popular time to visit London because of the beautiful Christmas markets. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Bilbao does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Bilbao Better for Families?

London is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, London is very family-friendly. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London or Bilbao Better for Couples?

London is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

London is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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 London or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit London. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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 London or Bilbao Better for Students?

London is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

London is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

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

London is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in London is top-notch. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bilbao. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Is London or Bilbao a more walkable city?

London is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around London on foot is easy. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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 London Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or London?

How long in London or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both London and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in London than in Bilbao. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

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

One day in London or Bilbao?

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in London or Bilbao?

London is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bilbao 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.

Five days in London or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in London or Bilbao?

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day 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 London and Bilbao, we can see that London 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, London or Bilbao?

London has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London 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 London or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to London as well as Bilbao. Many visitors come to London in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, London is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in London average around 18°C (64°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In the summer, London often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. London 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 London or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and London are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

London is cooler than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in London averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. London gets 107 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, London usually receives less rain than Bilbao. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit London or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and London during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to London because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

The weather in London can be very cold. In the winter, London is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in London in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, London often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. London gets 52 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. London usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Bilbao. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to London this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.

In April, London is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in London average around 9°C (48°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

London usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. London gets 147 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, London usually receives less rain than Bilbao. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and London