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

Should you visit Saint-Tropez or Bilbao?

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

Should I visit Saint-Tropez 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.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a extravagant, luxurious, and glamourous resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a colorful, friendly, and industrial 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.

Saint-Tropez and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bilbao than Saint-Tropez, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bilbao is better known for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities, while Saint-Tropez is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Saint-Tropez is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Also, Bilbao is famous for The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Saint-Tropez different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bilbao is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saint-Tropez is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Saint-Tropez. The food is all about the local flavors. You'll find plenty of local seafood as well as local organic meats, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and truffles. Cheese is a common ingredient as well. There are many different soups and stews, and bouillabaisse is a common fish soup found in the restaurants around town. Daube is another popular stew that is made with beef. Ratatouille is a vegetable casserole that has made a name for itself both inside and outside of France. And, of course, you have to try the local salads and pastries. Because it's such a touristy area, there are many restaurants geared specifically to the tourists, many of which are overpriced.

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-Tropez or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Saint-Tropez has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It is a place to see and be seen, so if you're looking for A-list celebrities, glamourous yacht parties, and ritzy dance clubs, then this is your place. While the nightlife scene is filled with extravagance, there are still laid back clubs where you can sip a cocktail in style. The best season to come and party is during the summer months, but you'll still find plenty to do throughout the year.

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 Saint-Tropez or Bilbao Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for its resorts. However, Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Saint-Tropez for its luxury resorts. Luxury and extravagance is what this resort town is all about. If you have the money to spend, you'll have no trouble finding a glamourous villa or luxury hotel where you can relax, party, or soak up the French Riviera sun.

Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Bilbao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Saint-Tropez. The Gulf of Saint Tropez is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive along the French Riviera. There are wreck dives including the most famous, The Rubis, a submarine that is surrounded by marine life. Although you're not allowed to enter the vessel, there is still plenty to see. There are also plenty of dive spots that feature rock formations, schools of fish, and lobsters.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is well known for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Saint-Tropez for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are frequented by celebrities, so you'll find plenty of glitz and glamour by the water. For some of the best beaches, you'll want to head a little out of town. The most famous beach in the area is Pampelonne Beach which is popular with Hollywood celebrities during the summer months. Bouillabaisse Beach is the place to go if you want to look at the yachts, but for a more natural setting head to Graniers Beach.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

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

Bilbao is a popular place for its old town. However, Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

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.

Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Tropez or Bilbao?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town 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 Saint-Tropez make it a world-class shopping destination. Surrounded by luxury, shopping is a must in this glamourous resort town. There are international luxury brands as well as local designer boutiques. Whether you're looking for yachting clothes, cigars, jewelry, or perfume, this is one of the best shopping destinations along the Cote d'Azur. Art is a particularly popular item to purchase while you're in town.

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 Saint-Tropez or Bilbao Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town 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, Saint-Tropez is very family-friendly. With great beaches, several amusement parks, waterparks, and even Marineland, there are an endless supply of activities for kids. There's also a zoo and nature reserve for wildlife enthusiasts. For adventure lovers, there are a number of different watersports to try and if the weather isn't cooperating, there are a few good museums and other indoor activities as well.

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 Saint-Tropez or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Saint-Tropez is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Whether you're honeymooning or taking a short getaway to the French Riviera, this is a great option for couples. You can take a stroll at sunset, relax on one of the beautiful beaches, dine on local seafood, and soak up the rich local culture. The romance and beauty of this French Riviera city make it a world class romantic destination.

Bilbao is a good resort town 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 Saint-Tropez or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint-Tropez and Bilbao are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Saint-Tropez. For many backpackers it may seem cost prohibitive to visit the French Riviera, but for those with the money, it is well worth the splurge. You can save some money by staying outside of town or finding a vacation rental where you can cook meals. There are also hostels and rooms in local homes that come at a more reasonable price.

Bilbao is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Is Saint-Tropez or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a popular place for students. However, Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

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

Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

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

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

The public transit in Bilbao can get you around easily. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

While Saint-Tropez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.

Is Saint-Tropez or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Saint-Tropez on foot is easy. It's easy to explore many places on foot, passing by beautiful beaches, stunning views, impressive yachts, and glamourous villas.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Tropez Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint-Tropez or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint-Tropez and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint-Tropez than in Bilbao. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint-Tropez, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez.

One day in Saint-Tropez or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint-Tropez. 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.

In Bilbao, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Saint-Tropez or Bilbao?

Saint-Tropez 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint-Tropez or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Tropez. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the colorful destination of Bilbao. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Saint-Tropez or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the glamourous destination of Saint-Tropez. This resort town 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 place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint-Tropez and Bilbao, we can see that Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Tropez or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Tropez 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-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Saint-Tropez are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint-Tropez for the beaches, snorkeling, 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.

Saint-Tropez is a little warmer than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint-Tropez averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Tropez. Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Saint-Tropez gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Tropez usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Saint-Tropez gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Bilbao and Saint-Tropez during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint-Tropez because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint-Tropez is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint-Tropez in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint-Tropez. In the autumn, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Saint-Tropez gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 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 Saint-Tropez. Saint-Tropez usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bilbao. Saint-Tropez gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Tropez and Bilbao. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint-Tropez this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene.

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

Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Saint-Tropez gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint-Tropez usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Saint-Tropez gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Saint-Tropez as well as Bilbao. Many travelers come to Saint-Tropez for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city.

Saint-Tropez is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint-Tropez averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Tropez this time of the year. In the spring, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Saint-Tropez gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Saint-Tropez usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Saint-Tropez gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Saint-Tropez