A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Pamplona vs. Bilbao for Attractions, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Old Town

Should you visit Pamplona or Bilbao?

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

Should I visit Pamplona or Bilbao? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a historic, elegant, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

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.

Pamplona and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamplona or Bilbao?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pamplona than Bilbao. While Bilbao is larger than Pamplona, Pamplona has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pamplona is better known for its food and hiking, while Bilbao is more popular for its museums and shopping. Pamplona is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. Also, Pamplona is famous for The Running of the Bulls Festival. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Pamplona different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bilbao is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

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

Pamplona is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pamplona. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

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 Pamplona or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Both Pamplona and Bilbao are superb when it comes to partying.

Pamplona offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

Bilbao has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Pamplona or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the notable old towns in both Pamplona and Bilbao.

Many people head to Pamplona to see the old town. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

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 Pamplona or Bilbao Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Pamplona. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Bilbao?

Bilbao is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Bilbao is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Pamplona has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Is Pamplona or Bilbao Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Pamplona or Bilbao.

Pamplona is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Bilbao is a family-friendly city. 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 Pamplona or Bilbao Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Pamplona and Bilbao make for a notable place to visit.

Pamplona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

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 Pamplona or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Pamplona is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

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 Pamplona or Bilbao Better for Students?

Pamplona and Bilbao are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Pamplona is a good city to visit for students. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

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

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

Bilbao is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Bilbao can get you to some places easily. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Pamplona has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Pamplona or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Pamplona 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.

Pamplona is a very walkable city. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore 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 Pamplona Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pamplona and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bilbao than in Pamplona. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Pamplona, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

One day in Pamplona or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Pamplona. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of Bilbao offers nightlife and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Pamplona or Bilbao?

Pamplona 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bilbao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pamplona or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pamplona. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Pamplona or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid-back destination of Pamplona. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bilbao is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Pamplona 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 Pamplona Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona 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 Pamplona 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 Pamplona or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamplona and Bilbao. Most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Pamplona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamplona usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pamplona or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Bilbao. The autumn months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the autumn, Pamplona is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pamplona in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Pamplona often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Pamplona gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pamplona usually gets more rain in October than Bilbao. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Pamplona are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene.

In January, Pamplona is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 8°C (47°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Pamplona usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Pamplona gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. It's quite rainy in Pamplona. In January, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pamplona or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Pamplona during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pamplona for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city.

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

In the spring, Pamplona often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. Pamplona usually gets more rain in April than Bilbao. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Pamplona