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

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

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a charming, picturesque, and impressive city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a friendly, industrial, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Strasbourg and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Strasbourg or Bilbao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao than Strasbourg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bilbao is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Strasbourg attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Strasbourg is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. Bilbao is famous for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also well known for The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Strasbourg different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Strasbourg or Bilbao.

Many visitors head to Strasbourg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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 Strasbourg or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Strasbourg. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

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 Strasbourg or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is a great city for nightlife. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Bilbao has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Strasbourg or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

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 Strasbourg or Bilbao?

If you're looking to go shopping, Strasbourg and Bilbao both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Strasbourg. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

Bilbao is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Is Strasbourg or Bilbao Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Strasbourg or Bilbao.

Strasbourg offers lots of family activities. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Bilbao is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Strasbourg or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Strasbourg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples 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 Strasbourg or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Strasbourg and Bilbao are nice places to visit.

Strasbourg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

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 Strasbourg or Bilbao Better for Students?

For students, both Strasbourg and Bilbao are nice places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Strasbourg. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

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

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

Strasbourg and Bilbao both offer high quality public transit to get you around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Strasbourg. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

Public transit in Bilbao can get you to some places easily. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Is Strasbourg or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg is a very walkable city. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

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 Strasbourg Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Strasbourg?

How long in Strasbourg or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Strasbourg or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Strasbourg. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Bilbao, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Strasbourg or Bilbao?

Strasbourg 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.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Bilbao, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Strasbourg or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Strasbourg. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Strasbourg or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Strasbourg. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Strasbourg or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Strasbourg. When comparing the sizes of Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Strasbourg as well as Bilbao. Many visitors come to Strasbourg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Strasbourg is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Strasbourg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Strasbourg this time of the year. In the summer, Strasbourg often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Strasbourg gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets more rain in July than Bilbao. Strasbourg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Strasbourg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Strasbourg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Strasbourg is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 12°C (53°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Strasbourg gets 101 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, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Strasbourg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Strasbourg during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

The weather in Strasbourg can be very cold. Strasbourg is much colder than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Strasbourg averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Strasbourg gets 42 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. Strasbourg usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Strasbourg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Strasbourg and Bilbao. The natural beauty are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Strasbourg is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Strasbourg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Strasbourg usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Strasbourg gets 161 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, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Strasbourg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Strasbourg