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

Should you visit Oxford or Bilbao?

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

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

Oxford

Oxford is a beautiful, historic, and scholarly college town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a authentic, colorful, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Oxford and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Bilbao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao than Oxford. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bilbao is very popular for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Oxford attracts visitors for its food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Bilbao is famous for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also well known for The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Oxford different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Oxford or Bilbao.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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 Oxford or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oxford 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 Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

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 Oxford or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

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

Oxford has a large number of nightlife venues. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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 Oxford or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

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

Bilbao is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Bilbao?

Bilbao is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Bilbao Better for Families?

Oxford and Bilbao are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bilbao. 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 Oxford or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Bilbao is a good college town 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 Oxford or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Oxford is a very popular place to visit for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

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

Bilbao is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bilbao. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Oxford 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.

Oxford is a very walkable college town. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oxford and Bilbao. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Oxford, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

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

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Oxford or Bilbao?

Oxford 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 Oxford or Bilbao?

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

Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This college town 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 industrial 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Bilbao in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Oxford is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In the summer, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Bilbao. Many visitors come to Oxford in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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.

In October, Oxford is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Oxford gets 107 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, Oxford usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oxford or Bilbao in the Winter?

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

Oxford can be very cold during winter. Oxford is much colder than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Oxford usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Bilbao in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Oxford is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Oxford usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Oxford gets 147 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, Oxford usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Oxford