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

Should you visit Seoul 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 Seoul and Bilbao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Seoul

Seoul is a high energy, colorful, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful 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.

Seoul and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Bilbao?

You'll generally find more things to do in Seoul than Bilbao. Seoul is bigger than Bilbao, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seoul is better known for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Bilbao is more popular for its historical sights. Seoul is well known for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. Also, Seoul is famous for Gyeongbokgung Palace. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Seoul different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Seoul and Bilbao.

Many visitors head to Seoul specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.

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 Seoul or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eat your way through Seoul, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).

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 Seoul or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Both Seoul and Bilbao are high quality when it comes to partying.

Seoul offers plenty to do in the evening. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.

Bilbao has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Seoul or Bilbao Better for Music?

Seoul 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 Seoul K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is very good for its old town. However, Seoul 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.

Seoul does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Bilbao?

Seoul 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 Seoul make it a world-class shopping destination. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.

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 Seoul or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Seoul is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a wide range of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the easy choices like amusement parks and children's museums, to the less obvious like kid-friendly cafes and markets. There are many entertainment options packed into a small space, so kids and adults alike will stay entertained.

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 Seoul or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Seoul frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic 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 Seoul or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Bilbao are notable destinations for backpackers.

Seoul is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city isn't the most popular among backpackers, but those who visit will enjoy exploring a fascinating culture and delicious cuisine. Because it's a large city, you'll find a diversity of accommodation options including some budget-friendly hostels and hotels.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Is Seoul or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Seoul. Many international students head to Seoul National University, which has an excellent academic reputation. The city is also fun and energetic, so everyone will be entertained.

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

Seoul 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 Seoul is top-notch. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

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

Is Seoul or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Seoul 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.

Seoul is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.

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 Seoul Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Seoul or Bilbao?

Seoul 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 industrial 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 Seoul or Bilbao?

Seoul 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 Seoul or Bilbao?

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

Seoul 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 Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, 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 Seoul and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seoul is in Asia and Bilbao is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Seoul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seoul 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 Seoul.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Bilbao?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Seoul 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 Seoul 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 Seoul or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Bilbao. Many visitors come to Seoul in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Seoul is a little warmer than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

Seoul gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Seoul usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Seoul or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Bilbao. Most visitors come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Seoul is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seoul in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. In the autumn, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Seoul usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Seoul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

The weather in Seoul can be very cold. In January, Seoul is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around -3°C (27°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Seoul gets 163 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, Seoul usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Seoul or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Seoul during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.

Seoul is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Seoul. In the spring, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Seoul gets 205 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. Seoul usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Seoul