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

Should you visit Nice or Bilbao?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nice and Bilbao can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nice

Nice is a glamourous, beautiful, and opulent seaside destination. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nice and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or Bilbao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nice than Bilbao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nice is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bilbao is more popular for its museums and big city activities. Nice is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Also, Nice is famous for The Promenade des Anglais. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Nice different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bilbao is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eat your way through Nice, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Nice has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice or Bilbao Better for Resorts?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its resorts. However, Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Nice for its luxury resorts. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or Bilbao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Nice for it's beautiful beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Nice or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Nice 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 Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

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 Nice or Bilbao?

Both Nice and Bilbao are very good shopping destinations.

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice or Bilbao Better for Families?

Both Nice and Bilbao are notable to visit with kids.

Nice is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Bilbao is a family-friendly seaside destination. 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 Nice or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Nice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Bilbao is a good seaside destination 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 Nice or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nice and Bilbao are notable destinations for backpackers.

Nice is a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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.

Is Nice or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a city with good options for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Both Nice and Bilbao offer very good public transit options.

The public transit in Nice can get you around easily. There are both buses and trams.

Bilbao offers a very effecient public transportation network. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Is Nice or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Nice on foot is easy. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Nice?

How long in Nice or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Nice or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Nice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bilbao. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nice or Bilbao?

Nice is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bilbao is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nice or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the industrial destination of Bilbao. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nice or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the trendy destination of Nice. This seaside destination 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.

The colorful city of Bilbao offers museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

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 comparing the travel costs between Nice and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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 Nice Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nice or Bilbao?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Bilbao. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Nice is a little warmer than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Nice usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nice or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nice as well as Bilbao. Many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nice is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nice in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nice usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bilbao. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nice in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In January, Nice usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nice or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Nice during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.

Nice is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nice usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Nice