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

Should you visit Munich or Bilbao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich or Bilbao, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Munich

Munich is a bustling, high energy, and multicultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, food, 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.

Munich and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Munich or Bilbao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Munich than Bilbao, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Munich is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Bilbao is known for its historical sights. Munich is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. It is also home to The Nymphenburg Palace. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Munich different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Munich can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

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.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Munich. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

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 Munich or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Munich 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.

Munich has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

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 Munich or Bilbao Better for Music?

Munich 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 Munich The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Munich or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Munich does not have a historic old town.

Bilbao offers a nice historic old town area. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Munich does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Munich or Bilbao?

Munich 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 Munich make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

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 Munich or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Munich is a very kid-friendly city. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.

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 Munich or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Munich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

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 Munich or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich 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 Munich. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

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 Munich or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Munich is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international 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.

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

Munich 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 Munich is top-notch. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

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

Is Munich or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Munich 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.

Munich is a very walkable city. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

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 Munich Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Munich?

How long in Munich or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Munich or Bilbao?

Munich 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 Munich or Bilbao?

Munich 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.

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 Munich or Bilbao?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the economically thriving big city of Munich. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Germany, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When comparing the travel costs between Munich and Bilbao, we can see that Munich is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Munich or Bilbao?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Munich 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 Munich 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 Munich or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Munich for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Munich. Munich usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Munich gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Munich usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Munich or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Munich during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Munich in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Munich is much colder than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Munich often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Munich gets 115 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. Munich usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Munich or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and Bilbao. Most visitors come to Munich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene.

Munich can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Munich is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Munich in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Munich usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Munich gets 30 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, Munich usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Munich or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Munich as well as Bilbao. The spring months attract visitors to Munich because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In April, Munich is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Munich average around 11°C (53°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Munich often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Munich gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Munich usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Munich