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

Should you visit Salzburg or Bilbao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Bilbao, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a beautiful, musical, and cultural city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Salzburg and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Bilbao?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Salzburg than Bilbao. While Bilbao is larger than Salzburg, Salzburg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Salzburg is more popular for its food, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bilbao is known for its nightlife and big city activities. Salzburg is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. It is also home to The Salzburg Old Town. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Salzburg different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Salzburg or Bilbao.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Salzburg can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Salzburg. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

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 Salzburg or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

Is Salzburg or Bilbao Better for Music?

Salzburg 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 Salzburg Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Salzburg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

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 Salzburg or Bilbao?

Salzburg 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 Salzburg make it a world-class shopping destination. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

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 Salzburg or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Salzburg is a very kid-friendly city. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

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 Salzburg or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Salzburg is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

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 Salzburg or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Salzburg is a great city to visit for backpackers. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

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 Salzburg or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Salzburg is a very popular place to visit for students. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

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

Both Salzburg and Bilbao offer great public transit options.

The public transit in Salzburg can get you to most places easily. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Visitors to Bilbao can move around easily with public transportation. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Is Salzburg or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Salzburg 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.

Salzburg is a very walkable city. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

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 Salzburg Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Salzburg or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Salzburg. 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.

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 Salzburg or Bilbao?

Salzburg 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.

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 Salzburg or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. 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 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 Salzburg or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the beautiful destination of Salzburg. This 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.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg 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 Salzburg 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 Salzburg or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Bilbao. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Salzburg is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 20°C (68°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Salzburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salzburg usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Salzburg or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Bilbao. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Salzburg is cooler than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Salzburg usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene.

Salzburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Salzburg is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salzburg in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Salzburg gets 44 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. In January, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Salzburg or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Salzburg during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In April, Salzburg is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (51°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Salzburg often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Salzburg gets 155 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. Salzburg usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Salzburg