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

Should you visit Zurich or Bilbao?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Bilbao. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful 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.

Zurich and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Bilbao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zurich than Bilbao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zurich is better known for its food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao is more popular for its big city activities. Zurich is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Also, Zurich is famous for The Grossmünster. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Zurich different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Zurich and Bilbao.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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 Zurich or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

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 Zurich or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Bilbao are excellent when it comes to partying.

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Bilbao Better for Music?

Zurich is well known for its live music scene. However, Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Zurich 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.

Zurich offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

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 Zurich or Bilbao?

Zurich 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 Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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 Zurich or Bilbao Better for Families?

Zurich is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Zurich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Bilbao are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

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 Zurich or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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

Both Zurich and Bilbao offer excellent public transit options.

Zurich has some very good public transit options. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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

Is Zurich or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Zurich 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.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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 Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Bilbao?

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

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

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

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

One day in Zurich or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zurich. 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 Zurich or Bilbao?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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 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 Zurich or Bilbao?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic destination of Zurich. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, 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 Zurich and Bilbao, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Bilbao. The summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Bilbao. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Zurich is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. In January, Zurich is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Zurich gets 55 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, Zurich usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Zurich gets 150 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. Zurich usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Zurich