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

Should you visit Stockholm or Bilbao?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Stockholm and Bilbao can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a coastal, safe, and expensive city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

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.

Stockholm and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stockholm or Bilbao?

You'll generally find more things to do in Stockholm than Bilbao. Stockholm is bigger than Bilbao, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Stockholm is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. Also, Stockholm is famous for Gamla Stan (the old town). Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Stockholm different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Stockholm and Bilbao.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Stockholm. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

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.

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

Stockholm 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 Stockholm. Most famous for its Swedish meatballs, there is so much more to the food scene in this city. Although they're expensive, the restaurants often have a relaxed atmosphere with dishes that take advantage of local, fresh ingredients. Seafood is obviously popular as well.

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 Stockholm or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Stockholm and Bilbao.

Stockholm is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

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 Stockholm or Bilbao Better for Music?

Stockholm 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 Stockholm The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Stockholm or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm 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.

Stockholm offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Right in the middle of the city is Gamla Stan. It's spread out over a hill and filled with character, cobblestone streets, cafes, and historical sights.

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 Stockholm or Bilbao?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bilbao and Stockholm.

Stockholm is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

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 Stockholm or Bilbao Better for Families?

Stockholm is an amazing city 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, Stockholm is very family-friendly. As cities go, this is among the most child-friendly in Europe. There are many unique activities like Junibacken, which is a Pippi Longstocking themed kid's museum. There's also Tom Tits Experiment, which is a hands on science and technology museum, the swimming pools at Eriksdalsbadet, and the amusement park Gröna Lund.

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 Stockholm or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Stockholm is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is filled with romance, from wandering around Gamla Stan to taking a dinner cruise or exploring a rose garden. During the winter months, the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere bring the city to life.

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 Stockholm or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stockholm and Bilbao are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Stockholm is a good city to visit for backpackers. While the city has a lot to offer, many backpackers avoid the area because it is so expensive. There are some hostels, but in general food and entertainment are all going to cost a lot.

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.

Is Stockholm or Bilbao Better for Students?

Stockholm and Bilbao are notable places to visit for students.

Stockholm is popular with students. The cost of the city scares off many international students, but those that come here will find a clean, safe, and fun city with excellent academics.

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

Stockholm 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 Stockholm is top-notch. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

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

Is Stockholm or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Stockholm is an amazing city 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 Stockholm on foot is easy. The city has actively worked to create a walkable environment that is safe and pleasant. There are restrictions on vehicles as well as pedestrian-only areas.

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 Stockholm Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Stockholm or Bilbao?

Stockholm is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bilbao. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Stockholm or Bilbao?

Stockholm is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the industrial destination of Bilbao. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Stockholm or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stockholm. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Bilbao. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stockholm or Bilbao?

Stockholm is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Bilbao is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Bilbao?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm 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 Stockholm 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 Stockholm or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Stockholm is cooler than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Stockholm. Stockholm usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stockholm usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stockholm or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Stockholm during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Stockholm for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Stockholm is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stockholm in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Stockholm gets 99 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. Stockholm usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Bilbao. Many visitors come to Stockholm in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months.

Stockholm can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Stockholm is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around -3°C (27°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Stockholm gets 40 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, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stockholm or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Bilbao. Most visitors come to Stockholm for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.

Stockholm is much colder than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Stockholm often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Stockholm usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Stockholm