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

Should you visit York or Bilbao?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

York and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Bilbao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao than York. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bilbao is very popular for its shopping and big city activities, while York attracts visitors for its food and historical sights. York is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. 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 York different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both York and Bilbao have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eat your way through York, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Both York and Bilbao are superb when it comes to partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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.

Is York or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

York 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.

York offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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 York or Bilbao?

Bilbao is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Bilbao is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Bilbao Better for Families?

York 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, York is very family-friendly. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit York frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend 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 York or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is well known for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

York is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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.

Is York or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Bilbao is fairly effecient and thorough. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Bilbao a more walkable city?

York and Bilbao both are nice when exploring on foot.

York is somewhat walkable. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or York?

How long in York or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both York and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in York than in Bilbao. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

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

One day in York or Bilbao?

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bilbao. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Bilbao?

York is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.

Bilbao is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Bilbao?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the authentic destination of Bilbao. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of York. 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.

The friendly city of Bilbao offers museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, York or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Bilbao. Most visitors come to York for 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.

In the summer, York is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bilbao. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to York as well as Bilbao. The autumn months attract visitors to York because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In October, York is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, York often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. York usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and York are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene.

It's quite cold in York in the winter. York is much colder than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In January, York usually receives less rain than Bilbao. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and York during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, York is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, York often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. York usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and York