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

Should you visit Paris or Bilbao?

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

Should I visit Paris 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.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Bilbao

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

Paris and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Bilbao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Bilbao. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao attracts visitors for its historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Bilbao is famous for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paris 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 Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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 Paris or Bilbao Better for Theater?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its theatre productions. However, Bilbao is not a theatre destination.

Paris is considered to be a world-class theater destination. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Bilbao is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Eat your way through Paris, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Paris 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.

Paris has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris or Bilbao Better for Music?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Paris Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Paris 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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Bilbao?

Paris 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 Paris make it a world-class shopping destination. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris or Bilbao Better for Christmas?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Bilbao does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Paris is not to be missed. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Bilbao does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Bilbao Better for Families?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Paris is very family-friendly. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Paris is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Paris is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

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

Paris 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 Paris is top-notch. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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

Is Paris or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Paris 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.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily 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 Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Paris?

How long in Paris or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Paris and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Bilbao. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

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

One day in Paris or Bilbao?

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Paris or Bilbao?

Paris 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.

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 Paris or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. 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 Paris or Bilbao?

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the industrial 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 Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, 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 Paris and Bilbao, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Bilbao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bilbao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bilbao 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Bilbao.

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

Which is Bigger, Paris or Bilbao?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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 Paris 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 Paris or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Paris as well as Bilbao. Most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Paris is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paris in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paris this time of the year. In the summer, Paris often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets more rain in July than Bilbao. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Paris because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In October, Paris is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 13°C (56°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Paris usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during autumn. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In October, Paris usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paris or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Paris during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene.

It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. Paris is much colder than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Paris often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Paris usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Bilbao. Many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Paris is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paris in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Paris usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Paris usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Paris