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

Should you visit Osaka or Bilbao?

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

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

Osaka

Osaka is a vibrant, cultural, and high energy city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. 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.

Osaka and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Bilbao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Osaka than Bilbao, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Osaka is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. It is also home to Osaka Castle. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Osaka different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Osaka 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 Osaka are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with impressive sights that are both old and new. A highlight is a visit to Osaka Castle, which dates back to the 1500s. The city's most well known temple is Shitennō-ji Temple and the Kobe Port Tower is another recognizable sight. Other highlights include the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and the National Museum of Art.

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 Osaka or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eat your way through Osaka, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's one of the top culinary cities in Japan, and you'll find both local and regional dishes throughout. Street food is famous here, but there are also award winning restaurants and small traditional venues. Sushi and sashimi is a favorite, and it's focused simple and high quality ingredients. You'll find some great sushi restaurants around Kuromon Ichiba Market. Another unique experience is to visit a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Land lovers should try the Yakiniku and Horumon, which is Japanese barbecue. And, of course, there's the ramen. Don't miss the ramen!

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 Osaka or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Osaka 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.

Osaka has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city really comes to life after the sun sets. The buildings light up and the energy is palpable. In addition to the many world class restaurants, there are countless bars, pubs and izakaya, which are Japanese-style bars. Beer is popular, with many internationally recognized brands available. The most popular nightlife area is Dotonbori, which is along the Dotonbori River.

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 Osaka or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Osaka 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 Osaka. If you want to step back in time, head to Shinsekai, which holds tight to its traditional street life scene. There are old-school arcades, traditional shops, and local street food to sample.

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 Osaka or Bilbao?

Osaka 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 Osaka make it a world-class shopping destination. There is everything from grand shopping malls to specialty boutique shops that sell antiques or local trinkets. Umeda Shopping Arcade is a large mall that has everything. For international brands, head to America Mura, which is where many of the younger Japanese hang out. Shinsaibashi-Suji Street is a favorite shopping street in the city and also not-to-be-missed.

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 Osaka or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Osaka is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the view from the observatory of the Umeda Sky Building or taking a ride on the HEP Five Ferris Wheel. There is also the Kids Plaza Osaka as well as arcades along Tenjinbashi suji Shopping Street. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Osaka Castle and museum lovers will also appreciate visiting the Osaka Science Museum or the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.

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 Osaka or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Osaka frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's atmosphere is filled with an energy that couples will enjoy. You can take a walk along the Tombori Riverwalk. For a touch of nature, head to Minoh Park and check out Minoh Falls, or for a relaxing experience, visit the hot springs at Solaniwa Onsen. Other fun activities include taking a ride on the Hep Five Ferris wheel or sampling the city's famous street food.

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 Osaka or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Osaka is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels around town and street food is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the city's culinary scene.

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 Osaka or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Osaka. There's a colorful energy and a lively atmosphere that appeals to students. The city is also the second largest economic center in the country.

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

Osaka 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 Osaka is top-notch. The best way to get around town is by subway or train. The main tourist areas are located along the Midosuji subway line, which runs north to south.

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

Is Osaka or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Osaka and Bilbao are good when it comes to walkability.

Osaka is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are fun to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Osaka and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Osaka than in Bilbao. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Osaka, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

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

One day in Osaka or Bilbao?

Osaka is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

In Bilbao, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this colorful destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Osaka or Bilbao?

Osaka 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Osaka or Bilbao?

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

Bilbao is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bilbao. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Osaka or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Osaka. 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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the authentic destination of Bilbao. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, 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 Osaka and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Osaka is in Asia and Bilbao is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Osaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Osaka 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 Osaka.

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

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Bilbao?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Osaka 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 Osaka 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 Osaka or Bilbao in the Summer?

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

In July, Osaka is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 28°C (82°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In the summer, Osaka often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in July than Bilbao. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Bilbao in the Autumn?

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

Osaka is a little warmer than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Osaka usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bilbao. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Osaka or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Bilbao. Most visitors come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene.

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

In the winter, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Osaka usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Osaka 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, Osaka is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 15°C (59°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Osaka gets 176 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. It's quite rainy in Osaka. In April, Osaka usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bilbao. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Osaka