Is Bilbao expensive to visit?
Bilbao is a smaller city that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Bilbao can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $79 (€72) per day, mid-range travelers spend $185 (€170) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $387 (€356) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Bilbao.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Bilbao is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Siena or Cannes.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Bilbao Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Bilbao?
The average Bilbao trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Bilbao travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Bilbao cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Bilbao on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $79 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Luckily, Bilbao has plenty of hostels like Quartier Bilbao Hostel and Latroupe la Granja. At these hostels, you can find affordable dorm beds and a vibrant social scene, but amenities tend to be quite limited. Additionally, the city has great public transportation options, helping budget travelers save on expensive taxi or Uber costs. Dining is a highlight for all types of visitors in Bilbao, but budget travelers typically settle for street food or hostel meals, meaning they may not fully enjoy the delightful local cuisine.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most tourists in Bilbao are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $185 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Bilbao. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Hotel Miro Bilbao is a great choice for kids, and Hotel Gran Bilbao is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Bilbao hotel costs guide.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $387 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the city with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Bilbao
The cost of hotels in Bilbao can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $92, but peak season (summer) average prices jump to $172. Overall, prices range from $53 to $302. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Bilbao for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $158 (€145). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $79 (€72) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Bilbao? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Bilbao include:
- Hotel Miro Bilbao starting at $106
- Mercure Bilbao Jardines De Albia starting at $86
- Hotel Gran Bilbao starting at $56
- Ercilla Hotel starting at $109
- Hesperia Bilbao starting at $108
While Bilbao has a great public transit system, staying outside the city to save on accommodation could mean higher transportation costs and less convenience if you're short on time.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of summer) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.
The city's old town is a favorite spot for visitors. Hotels here may be expensive, but they usually have a lot of character and offer convenient access to local attractions.
Transportation Budget in Bilbao
Bilbao boasts a great public transit network. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system. For a budget-friendly and fast way to explore, public transportation is the way to go. Taxis and rideshares are also widely available.
Exploring Bilbao is easier in its more walkable areas, allowing you to see many attractions. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $28 (€26) per person, per day, on local transportation in Bilbao. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Bilbao is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$28
€26
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car for $59 details
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport for $79 details
- Private Transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian for $263 details
How much does it cost to go to Bilbao? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Bilbao will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Bilbao
Don't miss the chance to experience the world-class cuisine in Bilbao. Spend some time at local dining spots to taste their renowned dishes. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Bilbao can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Bilbao is $84 (€77) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$84
€77
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Bilbao is around $84 (€77) per person, with previous travelers spending from $36 to $180. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Bilbao are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $25
- Lunch: $13 to $34
- Dinner: $25 to $59
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $13
As is with many Spanish cities, Bilbao has its own version of tapas that are typical of the region. By the Basque name, they are called pintxos and consist of a variety of samplings from the local cuisine. Fridays and Saturdays are the most popular days for eating pintxos and visiting bars. The local custom for enjoying pintxos with a drink before sitting down to a meal is called "chiqueteo" and is available at many locations-kind of like happy hour. Bilbao is also known as the cod capital because some of its most famous culinary creations are made with the fish and many other mouth-watering ingredients. The downtown area has a great selection for Basque cuisine, while the Plaza Nuevo in old town is a great spot for trying Bilbao's pintxos small plates.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also better for the environment.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Bilbao. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Private Luxury Pintxos & Premium Wines Gourmet Food Tour for $177 details
- The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local for $111 details
- The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local for $107 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Bilbao
It's not a shock that Bilbao draws crowds, as it is known for its food, museums and attractions, nightlife, and historical sights.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Bilbao typically cost an average of $31 (€29) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$31
€29
Bilbao is famed for the Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. While the museum interior houses modern and contemporary works from prominent artists, its titanium curvy exterior is a sight to see in itself. It is representative of a new age, where Bilbao has evolved from a city of industry to one of art and culture. The museum holds exhibits that are always changing as well as a world class restaurant for one seeking a unique dining experience. The nearby Museo de Bellas Artes is also worth a visit, with a collection that includes works by Velázquez, Goya, and Picasso. It is also known for its fine art pieces by Basque artists from the 12th century up until the present. Other museums include the Basque Museum of local history, La Ría Maritime Museum, the Bullfighting Museum, Museum of Sacred Art, and the Museum of Artistic Reproductions.
The architecture of the city is a sight to behold as well, laid out with many beautiful parks and plazas amongst towering churches like the Cathedral of Saint James, Iglesia de San Antón, Basílica de Begoña, Iglesia de San Nicolás, and Iglesia de San Vicente Martir. Each one stands enchanting onlookers with their renaissance, baroque, and gothic influences.
Bilbao is a great city for walking. Visitors can walk amongst the many museums and galleries, past churches and statues along charming narrow streets, walk amongst the bustle of the old town, through scenic parks, or stroll along the riverside that the city hugs. Sight-seeing, shopping, and dining can occupy much of one's days in Bilbao and it can all be done on foot.
As far as seasonal activities go, visitors can rent kayaks from Bilbobentura along the River Nervión, or even find yacht charter and sailing from International Charter Group. In the summer time, the Kiosko del Arenal El Arenal Parque (across from Plaza Arriaga) houses a stage that holds outdoor concerts. There is also a grand festival in August called the Aste Nagusia / Semana Grande which features music, street theater, and events with firework displays in the evening. Details on the event can be found at the tourist office in Teatro Arriaga.
Museums and Attractions:
When people think of Bilbao, they often think of its famous museums and landmarks. 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.
Shopping:
Visiting this shopping destination is an experience you can't afford to miss. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Bilbao. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- PRIVATE San Sebastian and Basque Coast Tour from Bilbao for $284 details
- BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour for $35 details
- Bilbao Food & Pintxos Tour with a Local for $96 details
Nightlife Budget in Bilbao
The nightlife experience in Bilbao is both fun and vibrant, with visitors enjoying nights out at local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $23 (€21) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Bilbao per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$23
€21
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
Stay sharp if you're out at night and enjoying a few drinks. You might attract pickpockets or worse, so stay close to friends you trust and avoid being alone.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Bilbao. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Vitoria for $247 details
- La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour - 2 Wineries & Picnic Lunch (From Bilbao) for $247 details
- Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao for $252 details
Bilbao, Spain
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.