A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Seville vs. Bilbao for Attractions, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Seville 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 Seville 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.

Seville

Seville is a elegant, beautiful, and world-renowned city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

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.

Seville and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seville or Bilbao?

You'll generally find more things to do in Seville than Bilbao. Seville is bigger than Bilbao, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seville is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its Moorish and Islamic architecture, its colorful Flamenco dancing, and its local tapas and wine. Also, Seville is famous for the Real Alcázar. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Seville different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Seville is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Seville are among the most recognizable in the world. This elegant city is filled with historic buildings and world famous architecture. From the iconic Catedral de Sevilla to the Real Alcázar and Plaza de España, there is an endless supply of world class sights around town.

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.

Is Seville or Bilbao Better for Theater?

Seville is a good destination for its theatre productions. However, Bilbao is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Seville. Flamenco shows are a highlight for many visitors. You can sip wine and enjoy tapas as you take in this dramatic dance form.

Bilbao is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Seville. The city is filled with cafes that spill into the streets. Locals live their lives outdoors, and the cafe terraces are filled with chattering guests from breakfast until late in the evening. The food includes many typical Spanish favorites such as Iberian pork, stewed meats, and other local tapas.

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 Seville or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Seville and Bilbao.

The nightlife in Seville has something for everybody. The excellent nightlife scene includes local bars, Flamenco shows, and student focused parties. The Triana District is a popular nightlife area, particularly for the Flamenco shows. There are also a lot of bars along Calle Betis and upscale ambiance can be found in La Alameda.

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 Seville or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Seville 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 Seville. Barrio de Santa Cruz is the old town of Seville. This is where you'll find the Jewish Quarter and many of the city's historic landmarks.

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 Seville or Bilbao?

If you're looking to go shopping, Seville and Bilbao both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Seville is well-known for its shopping. There is a great combination of shopping streets, high end shopping malls, and local markets. Calle Sierpes, Calle Tetuan, and Calle Asuncion are some of the best places for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Is Seville or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

Seville is a very kid-friendly city. There are parks where kids can run around. There's also the Seville Aquarium as well as Isla Mágica, which is a small amusement park. Other fun family-friendly activities include taking a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River and seeing a Flamenco Show.

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 Seville or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Seville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Romantic walks, beautiful parks, and world class attractions make this a truly romantic city. Couples will enjoy an evening out with dinner and a Flamenco show, or visiting the Arab baths.

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 Seville or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Seville is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a well established backpacker destination with a large supply of hostels and plenty of eager travelers ready to head out on the town.

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 Seville or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Seville is a very popular place to visit for students. It's a top destination for international students who appreciate the many great educational institutions, beautiful year-round weather, and many festivals and evening activities.

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

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

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

Seville has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel through the entire city. There is also a tram system that has 4 stops and travels 1.4 kilometers.

Is Seville or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Seville 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.

Seville is a very walkable city. There are many parts of the city that are very walkable. It takes about 45 minutes to walk across the city center in its entirety.

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 Seville Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Seville?

How long in Seville or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Seville and Bilbao. In our opinion, Seville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Seville than Bilbao. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Seville or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Seville. 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, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Seville or Bilbao?

Seville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, 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.

In Bilbao, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bilbao has to offer.

Five days in Seville or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seville. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Bilbao is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Seville or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the elegant destination of Seville. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bilbao. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Seville or Bilbao?

Seville has a larger population, and is about 100% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Seville 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 Seville 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 Seville or Bilbao in the Summer?

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

Seville is a little warmer than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Seville averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seville this time of the year. In the summer, Seville often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Seville gets 360 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Seville gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seville or Bilbao in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Seville is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seville in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seville. Seville usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Seville gets 208 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, Seville usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Seville gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seville or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Seville during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Seville for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.

In January, Seville is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Seville average around 11°C (51°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Seville often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Seville gets 173 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. Seville usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Seville gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seville or Bilbao in the Spring?

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

Seville is a little warmer than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Seville averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Seville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seville usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Seville gets 221 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, Seville usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Seville gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Seville