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

Should you visit Vienna or Bilbao?

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

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

Vienna

Vienna is a classical, traditional, and artistic city. 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 authentic, colorful, and friendly 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.

Vienna and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Bilbao?

You'll generally find more things to do in Vienna than Bilbao. Vienna is bigger than Bilbao, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vienna is better known for its food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Vienna is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Also, Vienna is famous for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Vienna and Bilbao.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Vienna or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Vienna. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Vienna or Bilbao Better for Music?

Vienna 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 Vienna On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Vienna 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.

Vienna offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

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 Vienna or Bilbao?

Vienna 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 Vienna make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna or Bilbao Better for Families?

Vienna and Bilbao are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Vienna is a family-friendly city. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bilbao. 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 Vienna or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Vienna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna and Bilbao are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

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

Is Vienna or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Vienna is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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

Vienna 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 Vienna is top-notch. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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

Is Vienna or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Vienna 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 Vienna on foot is easy. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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 Vienna Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vienna and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than in Bilbao. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

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

One day in Vienna or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Vienna. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Bilbao. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Vienna or Bilbao?

Vienna 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.

Bilbao 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.

Five days in Vienna or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. 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.

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

A week in Vienna or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the artistic destination of Vienna. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of Bilbao. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Bilbao?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Vienna during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Vienna is a little warmer than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Vienna. In the summer, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets more rain in July than Bilbao. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Bilbao. Many visitors come to Vienna in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and 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 the autumn, Vienna is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vienna in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Vienna usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vienna or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Bilbao. Most visitors come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene.

Vienna can be very cold during winter. In January, Vienna is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 2°C (36°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Vienna usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Vienna because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In April, Vienna usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Vienna