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

Should you visit Porto or Bilbao?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Porto and Bilbao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, 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.

Porto and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Bilbao?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Porto than Bilbao. While Bilbao is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is very popular for its food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao attracts visitors for its shopping. Porto is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Bilbao is famous for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Porto different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Porto or Bilbao.

Many visitors head to Porto specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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.

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

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

Eat your way through Porto, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Porto and Bilbao.

The nightlife in Porto has something for everybody. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Bilbao offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Porto or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Porto 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 Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

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 Porto or Bilbao?

Bilbao is a great city for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Porto or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Porto is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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 Porto or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Porto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Bilbao is a good port 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 Porto or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is an amazing port 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 Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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 Porto or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Porto. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

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

Porto and Bilbao both offer high quality public transit to get you around.

Public transit in Porto is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

Bilbao has some very good public transit options. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Is Porto or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Porto 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.

Porto is a very walkable port city. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Porto?

How long in Porto or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Porto or Bilbao?

Porto 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 friendly 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 Porto or Bilbao?

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Porto or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Porto or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic big city of Porto. This port 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 friendly 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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 Porto 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 Porto or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Porto as well as Bilbao. Many visitors come to Porto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Porto is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the summer, Porto often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Porto gets 184 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. It's quite rainy in Porto. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Porto during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Porto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

Porto is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Porto gets 124 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Bilbao. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Bilbao. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Porto is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Porto usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Porto