A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Etienne vs. Bilbao for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or Bilbao?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint-Etienne and Bilbao. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a authentic, historic, and park-filled city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a friendly, industrial, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint-Etienne and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Bilbao?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bilbao than Saint-Etienne. Bilbao is bigger than Saint-Etienne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bilbao is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bilbao is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Also, Bilbao is famous for The Guggenheim Museum. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or Bilbao?

Bilbao is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Etienne or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint-Etienne is a city with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Saint-Etienne. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

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 Saint-Etienne or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a good destination for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bilbao. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bilbao Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne offers some nice hiking trails. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Bilbao?

Bilbao is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Bilbao is well-known for its shopping. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bilbao Better for Families?

Both Saint-Etienne and Bilbao are notable family-friendly destinations.

Saint-Etienne offers lots of family activities. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Bilbao is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Saint-Etienne or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Bilbao is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Saint-Etienne and Bilbao are notable when it comes to walkability.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable place. There are several walkable areas in the city.

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 Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Bilbao?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bilbao than Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint-Etienne. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the friendly destination of Bilbao. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Saint-Etienne or Bilbao?

Saint-Etienne 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint-Etienne or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of Bilbao. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Saint-Etienne or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the industrial destination of Saint-Etienne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Bilbao. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, 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 Saint-Etienne and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao than you might in Saint-Etienne.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Bilbao. The summer months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Etienne this time of the year. In the summer, Saint-Etienne often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets more rain in July than Bilbao. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint-Etienne in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during autumn. Saint-Etienne 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, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Saint-Etienne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint-Etienne. In January, Saint-Etienne is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 4°C (39°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Saint-Etienne 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. Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Bilbao. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.

Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Saint-Etienne gets 174 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, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Saint-Etienne