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

Should you visit Versailles or Bilbao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles 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.

Versailles

Versailles is a extensive, beautiful, and grand palace. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums.

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.

Versailles and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Bilbao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bilbao is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums, food, and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. 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 Versailles different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Versailles is an amazing palace 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 Versailles are among the most recognizable in the world. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

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

Versailles is a palace with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

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 Versailles or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is a great city for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Bilbao is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Bilbao?

Bilbao is a great city for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Bilbao Better for Families?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.

Is Versailles or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Versailles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

Bilbao is a good palace 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 Versailles or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Versailles or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not popular with students.

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.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Versailles and Bilbao both offer great public transit to get you around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Versailles. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

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 Versailles or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Versailles 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.

Versailles is a very walkable palace. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable palace. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Versailles Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Versailles and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bilbao than in Versailles. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Versailles, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bilbao than Versailles 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 Bilbao.

One day in Versailles or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Versailles. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With museums and nightlife around the industrial 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 Versailles or Bilbao?

Versailles 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.

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 Versailles or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Versailles or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Versailles. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, 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 Versailles and Bilbao, we can see that Versailles is more expensive. And not only is Bilbao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bilbao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bilbao 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 Versailles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Versailles than you might in Bilbao.

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Bilbao?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Bilbao. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Versailles is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Versailles 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 Versailles this time of the year. In the summer, Versailles often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets more rain in July than Bilbao. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Versailles in the autumn for 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.

In October, Versailles is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 13°C (56°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Versailles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during autumn. Versailles gets 126 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, Versailles usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Versailles or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Versailles during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene.

Versailles can be very cold during winter. Versailles is much colder than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Versailles gets 56 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. Versailles usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Bilbao. The spring months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the spring, Versailles is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Versailles in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Versailles usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Versailles gets 173 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, Versailles usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Versailles gets 50 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 Versailles