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

Should you visit Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a vibrant, bustling, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a colorful, friendly, and industrial city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Montpellier and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Bilbao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bilbao than Montpellier, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bilbao is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Montpellier is known for its food, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also home to The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Montpellier different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Montpellier or Bilbao.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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 Montpellier or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

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 Montpellier or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Bilbao know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Montpellier or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Montpellier for it's beautiful beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Montpellier or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Montpellier offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

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 Montpellier or Bilbao?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bilbao and Montpellier.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

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

Is Montpellier or Bilbao Better for Families?

Both Montpellier and Bilbao are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Montpellier. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

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 Montpellier or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

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 Montpellier or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is well known for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Montpellier is a great city to visit for backpackers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

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 Montpellier or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Montpellier and Bilbao.

The public transit in Montpellier can get you to most places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Visitors to Bilbao can move around easily with public transportation. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Is Montpellier or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is a very walkable city. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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 Montpellier Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Montpellier and Bilbao. In our opinion, Montpellier has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Montpellier than Bilbao. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Montpellier, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

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

One day in Montpellier or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Montpellier. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the colorful city of Bilbao. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Montpellier or Bilbao?

Montpellier 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Bilbao. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Montpellier or Bilbao?

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

The authentic city of Bilbao offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Montpellier or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Montpellier. 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Bilbao. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, 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 Montpellier and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Montpellier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montpellier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montpellier 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 Montpellier.

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

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In July, Montpellier is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 23°C (73°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Montpellier or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Montpellier during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Montpellier gets 187 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bilbao. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Bilbao. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.

In the winter, Montpellier is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montpellier in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Montpellier gets 147 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, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Montpellier or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Bilbao. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Montpellier is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 13°C (55°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In the spring, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Montpellier usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Montpellier gets 55 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 Montpellier