A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bilbao vs. Cape Town for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bilbao or Cape Town?

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 Cape Town. 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.

Where Should I go: Bilbao or Cape Town?

Bilbao

The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.

Cape Town

Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.

Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa.


Which place is cheaper, Cape Town or Bilbao?

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 Bilbao is €170, while the average daily cost in Cape Town is €123. 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 Bilbao and Cape Town in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bilbao 72
    Cape Town 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bilbao 144
    Cape Town 74
Compare Hotels in Bilbao and Cape Town

Looking for a hotel in Bilbao or Cape Town? 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 Bilbao


Hotels in Cape Town


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: Bilbao Hotel Prices and Cape Town Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bilbao 26
    Cape Town 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Transfer from Bilbao City Center to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $32
  • Transfer from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City Center: $32
  • Private one way arrival OR departure transfer in Bilbao from/to airport: $58
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to Vitoria city: $86
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Pamplona: $233
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $247
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Laguardia town: $202
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Bilbao Cruise Port: $200
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Vitoria Airport : $86
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Pamplona Airport : $233
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Logroño Airport : $248
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Bilbao Airport: $155

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town

Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cape Town International Airport Private Affordable Transfers: $53
  • Airport transfers: $22
  • 1-3 Passenger Private Arrival & Departure Cape Town - Airport Transfers: $54
  • 1.Cape Town Airport Transfer (&Private tour trips during yo Stay): $19
  • 4-7 Passenger Private Cape Town - Airport Transfer: $50
  • Airport Transfer: $39
  • Airport Transfer ( Cape Town): $39
  • Airport Transfer (Cape Town ) Bus: $18
  • Airport Transfer (Cape Town): $55
  • Airport Transfer: Cape Town to Cape Town Airport CPT in Luxury Car: $94
  • Airport Transfers: $11
  • Airport Transfers: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Bilbao or Cape Town?

Prices for flights to both Cape Town and Bilbao 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
    Bilbao 77
    Cape Town 69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao

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

  • Basque Food Tour with Guide: $81
  • Bilbao Food Tour with Pintxos & Drinks with a Local: $92
  • Bilbao Food Tour with Pintxos & Drinks with a Local: $94
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $98
  • The High End Bilbao Food Tour for Foodies: $103
  • Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $105
  • The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $106
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $106
  • The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $108
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $108
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $129
  • Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $137

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town

For Cape Town, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cape Malay Cooking with a Chef Founder: $29
  • Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $41
  • Malay Cooking Class and Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $43
  • Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $56
  • Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $60
  • Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $62
  • Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $62
  • From CapeTown: African Dinner and Drumming Experience: $68
  • African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $70
  • African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $75
  • South African Cooking in Cape Town with Local Chef Richard: $76
  • South African Cooking Class in Cape Town with a Local Family: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bilbao 29
    Cape Town 22

Tours and Activities in Bilbao

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

  • PRIVATE San Sebastian and Basque Coast Tour from Bilbao: $280
  • Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $78
  • Year of Love in Quest Experience: $11
  • 2 Hours Private Family Guided Walking Tour in Bilbao: $190
  • 3-day Bilbao Bike Tour and Guggenheim Museum Ticket: $264
  • 3-day Bilbao Pinxos Experience with Guggenheim Museum Ticket : $265
  • Artist-Guided Tour of the Guggenheim Museum: $95
  • Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $413
  • BILBAO ALL IRON BILBAO TOUR: Athletic Club & Guggenheim: $285
  • BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $31
  • Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,105
  • Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum Private Walking Tour with guide: $285

Tours and Activities in Cape Town

For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Skip the Line: District Six Museum Admission Ticket: $3.62
  • 30 Minute Harbour Boat Cruise with Seal Watching: $3.80
  • Half Hour Seal and Harbour Cruise from Cape Town: $3.90
  • District Six Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $4.00
  • V&A Waterfront: Seal & Harbour Cruise: $4.00
  • Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Up): $4.42
  • Long March to Freedom Guided Tour: $5.00
  • Sea Point Promenade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.13
  • Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens: A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Maritime Meander: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Cape Town: $5.55
  • Hout Bay: Duiker Island Seal Colony Cruise: $5.97
  • Harbor Cruise: $6.25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bilbao 21
    Cape Town 20

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: $51
  • Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $52
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $76
  • From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $77
  • Basque Vineyard Visit: Txakoli Wine Tasting & Pintxos from Bilbao: $142
  • Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $143
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $170
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $174
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $181
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $237
  • Marques de Riscal and Ysios Architecture Wine Tour w/ Lunch, Bio: $241
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Bilbao: $242

Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town

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

  • Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.74
  • African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $20
  • Indigenous food and Wine Tasting: $21
  • Drumstruck at Silvermist. Live African Drum Show & Wine tasting: $27
  • Stellenbosch and Paarl Half-Day Wine Tour: $36
  • From 3 Regions Wine Tour with 3 Estates, 15 Wines: $41
  • Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $42
  • half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $47
  • Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $49
  • Fullday Wine Tour: $52
  • From CapeTown: Stellenbosch Half Day Wine Tour: $52
  • Aquila Reserve Safari with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $55


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bilbao and Cape Town, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Cape Town much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bilbao is in Europe and Cape Town is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cape Town would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cape Town 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 Cape Town.

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


Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Cape Town?

Cape Town has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Cape Town, 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 Cape Town?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cape Town is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Bilbao has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Bilbao or Cape Town in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Cape Town. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Town. In the summer, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Cape Townin January. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 338 hours of full sun.

Bilbao usually gets more rain in July than Cape Townin January. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F) 
    Cape Town 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Bilbao or Cape Town in the Autumn?

Both Cape Town and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

It's quite sunny in Cape Town. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during autumn. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In October, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Cape Townin April. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F) 
    Cape Town 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Bilbao or Cape Town in the Winter?

Both Cape Town and Bilbao during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Bilbao is generally cooler than Cape Townin July. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 9°C (48°F), and Cape Town fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Cape Townin July. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 193 hours of full sun.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F) 
    Cape Town 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Bilbao or Cape Town in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Cape Town. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.

Bilbao is cooler than Cape Town in the spring. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Cape Town fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Town this time of the year. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during spring. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 278 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 Cape Townin October. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F) 
    Cape Town 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Cape Town and Bilbao

Bilbao Cape Town
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 14°C (58°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in) 19°C (65°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)