A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Palma de Mallorca vs. Bilbao for Nightlife, Families, Backpackers, and Old Town

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a cultural, historic, and beautiful island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

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.

Palma de Mallorca and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palma de Mallorca. Although Palma de Mallorca and Bilbao are roughly the same size, Palma de Mallorca has more sights and attractions for tourists. Palma de Mallorca is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and big city activities. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. It is also well known for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Bilbao is famous for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao?

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bilbao can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palma de Mallorca is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is an amazing island to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Palma de Mallorca has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is well known for its live music scene. However, Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Palma de Mallorca. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is well known for its resorts. However, Bilbao is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Palma de Mallorca to choose from. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is an amazing island to visit for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Palma de Mallorca offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Palma de Mallorca and Bilbao both have nice historical old towns that attract visitors.

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for visiting its old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

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

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao?

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Palma de Mallorca is a very kid-friendly island. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Palma de Mallorca and Bilbao are both nice to visit as a couple.

Palma de Mallorca is a nice destination for couples. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Bilbao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Palma de Mallorca is a great island to visit for backpackers. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors to Bilbao can move around easily with public transportation. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

You'll find some public transit in Palma de Mallorca, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Palma de Mallorca and Bilbao are nice when it comes to walkability.

Palma de Mallorca is somewhat walkable. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Palma de Mallorca. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Bilbao, there's plenty to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao?

Palma de Mallorca 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.

With shopping and museums around the industrial city of Bilbao, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the industrial destination of Bilbao. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the beautiful destination of Palma de Mallorca. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bilbao is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Palma de Mallorca during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the summer, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Bilbao. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Palma de Mallorca is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 19°C (66°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 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, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Bilbao. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Bilbao in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 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, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 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 Palma de Mallorca