Cost To Visit Bilbao: Complete 2025 Budget Guide
Planning a trip to Bilbao? This detailed guide breaks down the cost of visiting — including hotels, food, transportation, and travel seasons.
💡 Is Bilbao Expensive to Visit?
No — compared to major Spanish cities like Barcelona or Madrid, Bilbao is relatively affordable. Prices for accommodations, food, and attractions are generally lower, making it a great value for travelers. Compared to U.S. cities, Bilbao is less expensive overall, especially for dining and transportation.
🗓️ Seasonal Cost Breakdown
When you visit Bilbao can drastically impact how much your trip costs — especially for flights and hotels. Here's how each season compares:
🔥 Peak Season (June – August)
- Why it’s expensive: Summer holidays, school breaks, festivals, and long daylight hours.
- Expect: Higher prices on hotels, flights, and tours.
- Tip: Book your stay 2–4 months in advance to secure better rates.
🌸 Shoulder Season (April – May, September – early November)
- Why it’s ideal: Pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices.
- Savings: Hotels may be 20–30% cheaper than in summer.
- Tip: Great time for foodies and cultural travelers.
❄️ Off-Season (Mid-November – March)
- Why it’s cheapest: Fewer tourists and cooler, rainier weather.
- Expect: Lowest hotel and flight prices.
- Note: Christmas and New Year (late December–early January) see brief price spikes.
💰 Most Expensive Times to Visit Bilbao
- Mid-July to late August – Peak summer travel.
- Aste Nagusia (9-day festival, mid-late August, dates vary annually).
- Holy Week (Semana Santa) – Late March or April (dates vary).
- Christmas and New Year holidays – Late December into early January.
💸 Cheapest Months to Visit Bilbao
- January to early March – Cold but cheapest.
- Mid-November to early December – After autumn, before holidays.
- Late October to early November – Great weather with thinner crowds.
🏨 Where You Stay Affects the Cost
Different neighborhoods in Bilbao offer very different experiences — and price tags.
Most Expensive Areas to Stay
Abando (City Center)
- Why it’s pricey: It’s the heart of Bilbao — near major attractions, restaurants, and shopping.
- Nearby attractions:
- Guggenheim Museum
- Zubizuri Bridge
- Fine Arts Museum
Indautxu
- Trendy and upscale with high-end hotels and great nightlife.
- Nearby attractions:
- Azkuna Zentroa (cultural center)
- Designer boutiques and restaurants
Affordable Areas to Stay
Casco Viejo (Old Town)
- Why it’s a value: Charming and central with cheaper guesthouses.
- Nearby attractions:
- Plaza Nueva
- Ribera Market
- Santiago Cathedral
Deusto
- Good for local vibes: Student-friendly and cheaper hotels.
- Quick metro access to the center.
Cheapest Areas to Stay
Santutxu / Basarrate
- Budget-friendly stays and connected to the metro system.
- Less touristy, with local eateries and fewer crowds.
Zorrotza
- Lowest prices, but farther from downtown.
- Good for longer stays or ultra-budget travelers.
💸 Bilbao Vacation Costs
How much you’ll spend depends on your travel style. Here's a breakdown:
🏨 Average Accommodation Cost (per night)
| Season | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | $80–$110 | $130–$200 | $250+ |
| Shoulder | $60–$90 | $110–$160 | $220+ |
| Off-Season | $45–$70 | $90–$130 | $180+ |
🍽️ Food Costs (Per Day)
| Meal | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | $5–$7 | $10–$15 | $20+ |
| Lunch | $10–$15 | $20–$30 | $40+ |
| Dinner | $15–$20 | $30–$50 | $70+ |
Local tip: Grab pintxos and drinks for under $15 at casual bars and taverns.
🚇 Transportation Cost
| Mode | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Metro (single trip) | $1.70 |
| Day pass (Bilbao Card) | $5.50–$10 |
| Taxi (in city) | $8–$15 |
| Bike rental | $10–$15/day |
| Airport shuttle | $3–$25 |
🎟️ Popular Attractions in Bilbao
| Attraction | Entry Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Guggenheim Museum | $17 |
| Bilbao Fine Arts Museum | $10 |
| Santiago Cathedral | $6 |
| Zubizuri Bridge | Free |
| Mercado de la Ribera | Free |
| Azkuna Zentroa | Free |
| River Boat Cruise | $15–$20 |
🚉 Day Trips from Bilbao
| Destination | Time | Transport | Round-Trip Cost | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Sebastián | 1.5 hrs | Train/Bus | $15–$25 | Beaches, food, coastal charm |
| Gaztelugatxe | 45 mins | Bus + hike | $8–$12 | Game of Thrones location |
| Getxo & Sopelana | 30 mins | Metro | $3–$5 | Surfing, beaches, cliffs |
| Vitoria-Gasteiz | 1 hr | Train | $10–$15 | Medieval architecture |
| La Rioja (Wine) | 1.5 hrs | Tour/Car | $40–$100 | Wine tasting, vineyards |
💵 Daily Budget
| Travel Style | Hotel | Food | Transport | Attractions | Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $60 | $20 | $5 | $5 | $90/day |
| Mid-Range | $130 | $40 | $8 | $15 | $193/day |
| Luxury | $250 | $90 | $20 | $30 | $390+/day |
📅 Weekly Budget (7 Days)
| Travel Style | Hotel | Food | Transport | Attractions | Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $420 | $140 | $35 | $35 | $630 |
| Mid-Range | $910 | $280 | $56 | $105 | $1,351 |
| Luxury | $1,750 | $630 | $140 | $210 | $2,730 |
✈️ Flight Cost to Bilbao (Round-Trip)
| Departure Point | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| East Coast (USA) | $550–$800 |
| West Coast (USA) | $700–$1,000 |
| Europe (main hubs) | $50–$150 |
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Is it ok to visit Bilbao in January?
January is one of the cheapest times to visit.
- Hotel rates are up to 40% lower than summer.
- Flights from the U.S. can drop below $600.
- Fewer tourists at major attractions and museums.
Is $2,000 enough to visit Bilbao?
Yes — $2,000 USD can cover a 10–14 day trip for mid-range travelers including:
- Hotels: $800–$1,100
- Food: $250–$350
- Transport & Attractions: $250–$350
What is the cheapest area of Bilbao to stay in?
The most affordable areas to stay in Bilbao are:
- Santutxu – Local vibe, close to the metro.
- Basarrate – Budget hotels from $50–$70 USD/night.
- Zorrotza – Best for ultra-budget or longer stays.
What is the average daily cost to visit Bilbao?
Travelers in Bilbao spend on average:
- Budget: $90/day
- Mid-range: $190–$200/day
- Luxury: $390+/day