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

Should you visit Nantes or Bilbao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nantes 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.

Nantes

Nantes is a beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming city. 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 authentic, colorful, and friendly 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.

Nantes and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantes or Bilbao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bilbao than Nantes, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bilbao is more popular for its big city activities, while Nantes is known for its food and impressive beauty. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. 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 Nantes different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Bilbao and Nantes.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Nantes can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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 Nantes or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eat your way through Nantes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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 Nantes or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nantes and Bilbao.

Nantes has a large number of nightlife venues. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Nantes and Bilbao both have good historical old towns that attract visitors.

Nantes has an old town worth visiting. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Many visitors go to Bilbao to see the historical old town. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantes or Bilbao?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Nantes and Bilbao.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nantes. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

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 Nantes or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Nantes is a very kid-friendly city. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

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 Nantes or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

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 Nantes or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Nantes or Bilbao Better for Students?

Both Nantes and Bilbao are good destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Bilbao is popular with students. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

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

Visitors will find great public transit in both Nantes and Bilbao.

The public transit in Nantes can get you to most places easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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 Nantes or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Nantes 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.

Nantes is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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 Nantes Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nantes. 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 Nantes or Bilbao?

Nantes is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Nantes or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

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 Nantes or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Nantes. 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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) 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 Nantes and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Nantes much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nantes would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nantes 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 Nantes.

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

Which is Bigger, Nantes or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Nantes 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 Nantes 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 Nantes or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Nantes during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nantes is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 19°C (67°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Nantes. In the summer, Nantes often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and Bilbao. Many visitors come to Nantes in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

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

Nantes usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Nantes gets 141 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 October, Nantes usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nantes or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Bilbao. Most visitors come to Nantes 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.

In the winter, Nantes is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nantes in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Nantes often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao. Nantes gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Nantes usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Nantes because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In April, Nantes is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 11°C (51°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Nantes usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Nantes gets 187 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 April, Nantes usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Nantes gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Nantes