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

Should you visit Lucerne or Bilbao?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lucerne and Bilbao. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a vibrant, scenic, and active city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around 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 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.

Lucerne and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Bilbao?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lucerne than Bilbao. While Bilbao is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also home to The Chapel Bridge. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Bilbao and Lucerne.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lucerne. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

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

Lucerne 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 Lucerne. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

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 Lucerne or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is excellent in both Lucerne and Bilbao.

Many people head to Lucerne for the nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

Bilbao has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Lucerne or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is well known for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

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 Lucerne or Bilbao?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lucerne and Bilbao both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lucerne. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

Bilbao is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Is Lucerne or Bilbao Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Bilbao are good family-friendly destinations.

Lucerne offers lots of family activities. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

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 Lucerne or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Lucerne frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

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 Lucerne or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.

Is Lucerne or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for 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.

Lucerne is a decent spot for students. Most people don't think of the city as a student town but there are some good opportunities for international students. The prices are high, but the city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty that is fun to explore.

Is Lucerne 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, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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

Lucerne has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Is Lucerne or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Lucerne and Bilbao are good when it comes to walkability.

Lucerne is a somewhat walkable city. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lucerne and Bilbao. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Lucerne or Bilbao?

Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Lucerne or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Lucerne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, 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 Lucerne and Bilbao, we can see that Lucerne 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 Lucerne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucerne 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 Lucerne Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Bilbao. The summer months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In July, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Bilbao. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Lucerne is cooler than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 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, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Lucerne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lucerne. In the winter, Lucerne is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Lucerne gets 55 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. Lucerne usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Bilbao. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Lucerne gets 150 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, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Lucerne