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

Should you visit Melbourne or Bilbao?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Bilbao? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a cultural, progressive, and livable city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a authentic, colorful, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Melbourne and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Bilbao?

You'll generally find more things to do in Melbourne than Bilbao. Melbourne is bigger than Bilbao, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Melbourne is better known for its food, beaches, and big city activities, while Bilbao is more popular for its historical sights. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Melbourne different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Melbourne and Bilbao.

Melbourne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Melbourne. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Melbourne and Bilbao.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Bilbao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Melbourne or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is well known for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Melbourne for it's beautiful beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Melbourne or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a popular place for its old town. However, Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bilbao. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Bilbao?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Melbourne and Bilbao.

Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Is Melbourne or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Melbourne is a very kid-friendly city. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne or Bilbao Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Melbourne and Bilbao make for a notable place to visit.

Melbourne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

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 Melbourne or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Melbourne and Bilbao are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Bilbao is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Is Melbourne or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

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

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Melbourne and Bilbao.

Public transit in Melbourne can get you to some places easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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

Is Melbourne or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Melbourne and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne than in Bilbao. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

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

One day in Melbourne or Bilbao?

Melbourne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Melbourne or Bilbao?

Melbourne 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic 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 Melbourne or Bilbao?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic 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 Melbourne or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly big city of Melbourne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, 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 Melbourne and Bilbao, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Bilbao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Melbourne is in Pacific and Bilbao is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Bilbao?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Bilbao?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Bilbao has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Melbourne or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Melbourne during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. In the summer, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Bilbaoin July. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in January than Bilbaoin July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Bilbao. The autumn months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the autumn, Melbourne is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Melbourne in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F)in October.

Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Bilbaoin October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Melbourne or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Bilbao. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene.

In July, Melbourne is generally around the same temperature as Bilbaoin January. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 9°C (49°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Bilbaoin January. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Melbourne usually gets less rain in July than Bilbaoin January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city.

Melbourne is a little warmer than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In October, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Bilbaoin April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Melbourne