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

Should you visit Windsor or Bilbao?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Bilbao? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Windsor

Windsor is a traditional, touristy, and beautiful town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Windsor and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Bilbao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bilbao than Windsor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bilbao is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Windsor is more popular for its food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Also, Bilbao is famous for The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Windsor different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Windsor and Bilbao.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Many visitors head to Bilbao specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Windsor or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Windsor 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 Windsor. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

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 Windsor or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Bilbao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Windsor or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the notable old towns in both Windsor and Bilbao.

Many people head to Windsor to see the old town. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

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 Windsor or Bilbao?

Bilbao is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Bilbao Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Bilbao.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

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 Windsor or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Bilbao is a good town 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 Windsor or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is a popular place for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a popular place for students. However, Windsor is not popular with students.

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

Windsor is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao is well known for its public transit. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.

Is Windsor or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Windsor 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.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Bilbao?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bilbao than Windsor 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 Windsor or Bilbao?

Windsor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Windsor or Bilbao?

Windsor 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.

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 Windsor or Bilbao?

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

Windsor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Windsor and Bilbao, we can see that Windsor 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 Windsor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Windsor 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 Windsor Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during summer. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Windsor usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Windsor or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Windsor during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the autumn, Windsor is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Windsor in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Windsor gets 107 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. Windsor usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Bilbao. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene.

It's quite cold in Windsor in the winter. In January, Windsor is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 4°C (40°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Windsor gets 52 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, Windsor usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Windsor or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Bilbao. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city.

Windsor is cooler than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Windsor often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Windsor usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Windsor