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

Should you visit Bremen or Bilbao?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bremen and Bilbao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bremen

Bremen is a colorful, lively, and historic city. The beauty of Bremen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Bremen travel costs.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Bilbao travel costs.

Bremen and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Bremen or Bilbao?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bilbao than Bremen. While Bremen is larger than Bilbao, Bilbao has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bilbao is more popular for its food and big city activities, while Bremen is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Bremen is popular for its beautiful historic center and its role as a cultural hub in Germany. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also home to The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Bremen different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bremen
Bilbao

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Bremen or Bilbao.

Many visitors head to Bremen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's landmarks are located around the famous Marktplatz. You can tour the Bremen Town Hall or wander around the Medieval Schnoor Quarter. Also make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Peter.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bilbao can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Bremen or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bremen
Bilbao

Bilbao is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Bilbao has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bremen. The food is hearty and filling with many meat heavy dishes. Vegetarians may struggle to find local options. Traditional regional dishes include Kohl und Pinkel (kale and sausage), Labskaus (meat and stew), and fried smelt.

Is Bremen or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bremen
Bilbao

Evening events are high quality in both Bremen and Bilbao.

Bremen has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a variety of evening activities including cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and fine dining restaurants. Head to the Viertel District for some of the most lively clubs.

Bilbao has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Bremen or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bremen
Bilbao

Bremen 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.

Bremen offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is beautiful with its charming streets and beautiful buildings. There's a main market square which is filled with many landmarks and tourist sights.

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 Bremen or Bilbao?

Bremen
Bilbao

Both Bremen and Bilbao are high quality shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bremen. The city offers a mix of historic shopping areas and large shopping malls. Some of the biggest shopping malls include Karstadt Bremen, Lloyd Passage, and Weserpark.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Is Bremen or Bilbao More Beautiful?

Bremen
Bilbao

Bremen is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Bilbao is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Bremen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city has a beautiful atmosphere with an old town that feels like you've stepped back in time.

Bilbao is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bremen or Bilbao Better for Families?

Bremen
Bilbao

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

Bremen is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will appreciate a Sunday visit to the Bremen Town Musicians play which performs popular fairy tales. If the season isn't right, there are many other kid-friendly activities around town including Bürgerpark, the puppet theater, or visiting the beach at Café Sand. Popular museums in town for kids include Universum and Bremer Geschichtenhaus.

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 Bremen or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Bremen
Bilbao

Both Bremen and Bilbao are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Bremen is a good city for couples to visit. From its beautiful old town to its many great restaurants and shopping streets, couples will enjoy a romantic trip away in this beautiful city.

Bilbao is a nice destination for couples. 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 Bremen or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bremen
Bilbao

Both Bremen and Bilbao are good destinations for backpackers.

Bremen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers love the old town and lively atmosphere. There are enough tourists around that you'll find a decent social scene and the atmosphere makes for a great visit.

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

Is Bremen or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bremen
Bilbao

Bilbao is very good for students. However, Bremen 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.

Bremen is not popular with students.


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

Bremen
Bilbao

Both Bremen and Bilbao offer high quality public transit options.

Bremen offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has both trams and buses that offer easy accessibility to most of the tourist areas.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bilbao. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Is Bremen or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Bremen
Bilbao

Bremen 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 Bremen on foot is easy. It's one of the most walkable cities in Europe.

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 Bremen Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Bremen?

How long in Bremen or Bilbao?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Bremen or Bilbao? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bremen 2-4 
    Bilbao 2-3

One day in Bremen or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bremen. 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 museums and nightlife 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 Bremen or Bilbao?

Bremen 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. 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.

Five days in Bremen or Bilbao?

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

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Bremen. 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 Music Tours in Germany, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Bremen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bremen is €173, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is €170. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bremen and Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bremen 76
    Bilbao 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bremen 152
    Bilbao 144
Compare Hotels in Bremen and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Bremen or Bilbao? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bremen


Hotels in Bilbao


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bremen Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bremen 45
    Bilbao 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Private One way Transfer from Bilbao to Bilbao Airport: $36
  • Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $52
  • Bilbao Airport Private Departure Transfer: $52
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $60
  • Departure Private Transfer Bilbao City to Bilbao airport BIO by Business Car: $60
  • Departure Transfer: Bilbao to Bilbao Airport BIO by Luxury Van: $67
  • Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
  • Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $71
  • Bilbao Private Transfer from Bilbao city centre to Bilbao Airport: $80
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $85
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao City Hotels: $94

Is it cheaper to fly into Bremen or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Bremen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bremen 63
    Bilbao 77
Typical Food Prices in Bremen

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bremen are as follows:


  • Croissant & Cappacino
    3.90
  • Fish and Chips
    3.20
  • Pizza and Cola
    7.00
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    8.00
  • Vietnamese Soup
    5.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee
    8.00
  • Pastry and Coffee
    4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.

  • Bilbao Food Tour with Pintxos & Drinks with a Local: $105
  • Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $107
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $112
  • Basque Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Guide: $112
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class: $112
  • Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $119
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $120
  • The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $125
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $148
  • Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $149
  • Immersive Basque Cooking Class: $165
  • Private Guided Street Food Tour of Bilbao: $182

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bremen 34
    Bilbao 29

Tours and Activities in Bremen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bremen are as follows:

  • The Bremen Town Musicians - 50th anniversary tour of the German Fairytale Route: $8.81
  • Public Tour of the Town Hall (Tour in English): $11
  • Kunsthalle Bremen admission ticket: $12
  • Walking Tour of Historic Schnoor District: $14
  • Night Watchman Guided Tour for Children (in German): $14
  • City Center Guided Walking Tour: $14
  • Old Town Tour with Costumed Performer & Tour Guide: $19
  • Underworld Tour with the Cellar of the Theatre: $19
  • Underground Guided Tour: $19
  • Bremen from above! Rooftop tour with the roof of the Kunsthalle Bremen: $19
  • Walking Tour in German with Night Guard: $19
  • Truth or lie? - A special tour through Bremen's Old town: $21

Tours and Activities in Bilbao

Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bilbao Year of Love: Romantic Exploration Game and Tour: $7.16
  • Bilbao (Monumental) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $10
  • Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $12
  • Walking Tour on the Origins of Football in Bilbao and Biscay: $12
  • 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $17
  • San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $19
  • I am a tour guide who shows the history of the town of Bilbao.: $20
  • Bilbao Walking Tour and cable car in spanish: $22
  • Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $22
  • Bilbao old town walking tour: $23
  • Bilbao Historical Tour in small group: $23
  • Self Guided Bike Tour in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao's Seaside): $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bremen 34
    Bilbao 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Bremen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bremen:

  • 3-Hour Beck's Brewery Tour: $28
  • Private pub crawl with insider-guide & free shots: $334

Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao

Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Unique Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier - In Bilbao: $53
  • Basque Wine Tasting with Sommelier (Bilbao): $54
  • Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour: $70
  • From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $75
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $100
  • The Authentic Bilbao Pintxos, Food & Wine Tour with a Local: $118
  • Basque Best Bites - #1 Food & Wine tour of Bilbao: $119
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $195
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $198
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $207
  • Boutique Rioja Wine Tour with Charming Lunch (From Bilbao): $266
  • La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour & Charming Lunch (From Bilbao): $275


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


Which is Bigger, Bremen or Bilbao?

Bremen has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bremen 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 Bremen 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 Bremen or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bremen and Bilbao. Many visitors come to Bremen in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Bremen is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Bremen average around 17°C (63°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Bremen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during summer. Bremen gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bremen usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Bremen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bremen 17°C (63°F) 
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Bremen or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bremen as well as Bilbao. Most visitors come to Bremen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Bremen is much colder than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bremen averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Bremen often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Bremen gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Bremen usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Bremen gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bremen 10°C (50°F) 
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Bremen or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Bremen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Bremen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

The weather in Bremen can be very cold. In the winter, Bremen is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bremen in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Bremen usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Bremen gets 41 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, Bremen usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Bremen gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bremen 1°C (33°F) 
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Bremen or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Bremen during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Bremen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.

In April, Bremen is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Bremen average around 8°C (46°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Bremen often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Bremen gets 153 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. Bremen usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Bremen gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bremen 8°C (46°F) 
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Bremen

Bremen Bilbao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 1°C (35°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)