A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bilbao vs. Split for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bilbao or Split?

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 Bilbao and Split. 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.

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 food, shopping, and museums. See Bilbao travel costs.

Split

Split is a active, touristy, and fun-filled 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. See Split travel costs.

Bilbao and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Split?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Split than Bilbao. While Bilbao is larger than Split, Split has more sights and attractions for tourists. Split is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Bilbao is more popular for its food. Split is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Bilbao different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Split offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

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

Bilbao is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Bilbao, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Dining out in Split is an experience not to be missed. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

Is Bilbao or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Split has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

Many people head to Bilbao for the nightlife scene. 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 Bilbao or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is well known for its resorts. However, Bilbao is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Split to choose from. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Is Bilbao or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Split. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bilbao or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is well known for the beach. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Split for it's beautiful beaches. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Bilbao or Split Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the notable old town areas in both Bilbao and Split.

Many people head to Bilbao to see the old town. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Split has an old town worth visiting. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Split?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Split and Bilbao.

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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Split. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

Is Bilbao or Split Better for Families?

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

Split is a very kid-friendly city. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Bilbao or Split Better for Couples?

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

Split is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

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 Bilbao or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Split. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

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 Bilbao or Split Better for Students?

Split is well known for students. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Split. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

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

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Split, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Bilbao or Split a more walkable city?

Split 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.

Split is a very walkable city. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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 Bilbao Worth Visiting? and Is Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Bilbao or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Split due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bilbao, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

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

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

One day in Bilbao or Split?

In Bilbao, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this industrial destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Split. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bilbao or Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Five days in Bilbao or Split?

Bilbao is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bilbao. Lots of people come for the food. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Split. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Bilbao or Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the industrial destination of Bilbao. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the touristy destination of Split. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bilbao and Split, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Split much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Split would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Split 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao than you might in Split.

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Split?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Split, 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 Bilbao or Split?

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 Bilbao or Split in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Split. The summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Split this time of year.

Bilbao is cooler than Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. In the summer, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Split. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Bilbao usually gets more rain in July than Split. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Bilbao is around the same temperature as Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bilbao in October average around 16°C (62°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Split during autumn. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In October, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Split. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bilbao or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Bilbao during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Split in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Bilbao is generally around the same temperature as Split. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 9°C (48°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Split. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in January than Split. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Split in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Split. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Bilbao is cooler than Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Split. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Split and Bilbao