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

Should you visit Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg 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.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a charming, beautiful, and historic 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 colorful, friendly, and industrial 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.

Nuremberg and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nuremberg or Bilbao?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bilbao than Nuremberg. While Nuremberg is larger than Bilbao, Bilbao has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bilbao is better known for its big city activities, while Nuremberg is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Nuremberg is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its quaint old town, beautiful architecture, and festive Christmas markets. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Also, Bilbao is famous for The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Nuremberg different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nuremberg is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Nuremberg are among the most recognizable in the world. It's well established on the tourist circuit and it's easy to see why. The history and charm, combined with interesting sights make it a top place to visit in Germany. Make sure you check out Kaiserburg, the Nuremberg Trials Memorial, and Germanisches National Museum.

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 Nuremberg or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg. The city is heavily influenced by Franconian cuisines and you'll find many sausages and lots of meat in the restaurants. In addition to Nuremberg sausage, you should definitely try the bretzel, leberkäsweggla (a meat and grain snack), and schäuferle (pig's shoulder meat).

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 Nuremberg or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Nuremberg and Bilbao.

Nuremberg is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse with clubs, bars, live music venues, and a number of festivals held in town. It's possible to have a relaxing night with a beer in a beer garden or a more lively evening at one of the many clubs around town.

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 Nuremberg or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Nuremberg 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.

Nuremberg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's old town is filled with charm and it's easy to explore on foot. It's also large enough that you'll leave wishing you had more time to see it all.

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 Nuremberg or Bilbao?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bilbao and Nuremberg.

Nuremberg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In addition to its iconic Christmas markets, you'll find year round shopping areas, pedestrian shopping streets, and large shopping malls. Some of the best places to shop include Lorenzer Altstadt, Hauptmarkt, and Königstorpassage.

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 Nuremberg or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Nuremberg is a very kid-friendly city. The town has a nice zoo and several museums that are great for kids like the DB Railway Museum, the Toy Museum, and the Nicolaus Copernicus Planetarium. Also make sure you visit the Imperial Castle which is a highlight of a trip to Nuremberg for kids and adults alike.

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 Nuremberg or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Nuremberg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It has history, beauty, charm, and personality. You'll find many romantic spots to walk hand in hand or enjoy a delicious meal in a cozy setting.

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 Nuremberg or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Nuremberg is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a favorite city of many travelers to Germany and backpackers are no exception. There are enough hostels to keep prices in check and wandering the old town is a free and rewarding experience.

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 Nuremberg or Bilbao Better for Students?

Nuremberg is well known for students. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Nuremberg. It's a reasonably priced city with a number of activities and great transportation. Students appreciate the energy and large number of things to do.

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 Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg and Bilbao.

The public transit in Nuremberg can get you around easily. The city offers buses, trams, and an underground train system.

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

Is Nuremberg or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Nuremberg 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.

Nuremberg is a very walkable city. The old town in particular is very walkable and best explored on foot.

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 Nuremberg Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Nuremberg?

How long in Nuremberg or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Nuremberg or Bilbao?

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

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 Nuremberg or Bilbao?

Nuremberg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly 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 Nuremberg or Bilbao?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the colorful 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 Nuremberg or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Nuremberg. 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.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, 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 Nuremberg and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Nuremberg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nuremberg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg.

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

Which is Bigger, Nuremberg or Bilbao?

Nuremberg has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Nuremberg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nuremberg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nuremberg. Nuremberg usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Nuremberg gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nuremberg usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Nuremberg gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nuremberg or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Nuremberg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nuremberg 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, Nuremberg is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nuremberg in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Nuremberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao. Nuremberg gets 122 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. Nuremberg usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nuremberg and Bilbao. Many visitors come to Nuremberg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months.

Nuremberg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Nuremberg is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Nuremberg average around 1°C (34°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Nuremberg usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Nuremberg gets 47 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, Nuremberg usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Nuremberg gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nuremberg or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nuremberg as well as Bilbao. Most visitors come to Nuremberg for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.

Nuremberg is cooler than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Nuremberg averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Nuremberg often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Nuremberg gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

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