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

Should you visit Bilbao or Denver?

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 Denver. 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 industrial, authentic, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Bilbao travel costs.

Denver

Denver is a suburban, accessible, and sprawling city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Denver travel costs.

Bilbao and Denver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Bilbao or Denver?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bilbao than Denver. While Denver is larger than Bilbao, Bilbao has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bilbao is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Denver is more popular for its skiing and hiking. Bilbao is more touristy than Denver and is known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Also, Bilbao is famous for The Guggenheim Museum. Denver is well known for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.

How is Bilbao different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Bilbao or Denver Better for Skiing?

Bilbao
Denver

Denver is a good destination for winter skiing. However, Bilbao is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Denver is a great destination to visit. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.

Bilbao is not a skiing destination.


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

Bilbao
Denver

Bilbao is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Denver is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.

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

Bilbao
Denver

Bilbao is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bilbao is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.

Is Bilbao or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao
Denver

Bilbao is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Bilbao offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Denver. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.


Is Bilbao or Denver Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao
Denver

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Denver does not have a historic old town.

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.

Denver does not have a historic old town.

Is Bilbao or Denver Better for Hiking?

Bilbao
Denver

Denver is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Denver offers some nice hiking trails. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Denver?

Bilbao
Denver

Bilbao is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Denver has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.


Is Bilbao or Denver Better for Families?

Bilbao
Denver

Both Bilbao and Denver are notable family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bilbao. 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.

Denver offers lots of family activities. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.

Is Bilbao or Denver Better for Couples?

Bilbao
Denver

Bilbao and Denver both notable destinations for a couple.

Bilbao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Denver is a good city for couples to visit. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.

Is Bilbao or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao
Denver

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Denver is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Denver is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Some backpackers fly into Denver to begin their national park tour. There is a hostel or two around town, and if you leave town quickly you'll find campgrounds not far away.


Is Bilbao or Denver Better for Students?

Bilbao
Denver

Bilbao and Denver are notable places to visit for students.

Bilbao is popular with students. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

It's common for students to visit Denver. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.

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

Bilbao
Denver

Bilbao is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Bilbao has some very good public transit options. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Denver has some public transit options. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.

Is Bilbao or Denver a more walkable city?

Bilbao
Denver

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable place. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

Denver is not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.


For even more information, also check out Is Bilbao Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Denver?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bilbao and Denver. In our opinion, Bilbao has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bilbao than Denver. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bilbao than Denver 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 Bilbao.


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

One day in Bilbao or Denver?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Denver. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bilbao or Denver?

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.

Denver 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.

Five days in Bilbao or Denver?

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.

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the accessible destination of Denver. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denver or Bilbao?

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

  • Bilbao Prices
    Spain Prices
    Denver Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Bilbao $193
    Denver $248

The average daily cost (per person) in Bilbao is $193, while the average daily cost in Denver is $248. 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 Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bilbao $82
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bilbao $164
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Bilbao and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Bilbao or Denver? 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 Denver


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 Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bilbao $30
    Denver $101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Transfer from Bilbao City Center to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $35
  • Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $51
  • Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City - Arrival Private Transfer: $67
  • Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $69
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $84
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $93
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao City Hotels: $93
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport: $95
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to Vitoria city: $95
  • Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $100
  • Transfer Bilbao or San Sebastian Airports to San Sebastian by Van: $114

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by SUV: $290
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $146
  • Arrival Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by Luxury Car: $170
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Aspen hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer : $141
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Aspen hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $282
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Arrival Private Transfer : $141
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Breckenridge - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $282
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $141
  • Denver Airport (DEN): Private Transfer to Denver hotels: $273
  • Denver Airport BJC to Winter Park Ski Resort Arrival Transfer: $268
  • Denver hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $120
  • Departure Private Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Business Car: $116

Is it cheaper to fly into Bilbao or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver 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 $88
    Denver $73

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: $103
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $110
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class: $110
  • Basque Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Guide: $110
  • The High End Food Tour: $116
  • The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $117
  • The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $121
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $144
  • Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $153
  • Immersive Basque Cooking Class: $162
  • Guggenheim Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour & Dinner: $208
  • Gourmet Pintxos & Premium Wines small groups Food Tour: $211

Typical Food Prices in Denver

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


  • Sushi Dinner (for 2)
    $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver

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

  • Denver Downtown 16th Street Food Tour: $62
  • 16th Street Mall Food Tour with Local Guide: $69
  • Downtown Denver Food Tour: $85
  • Denver RiNo Arts District Food Tour: $85
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
  • The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show - Denver, CO: $88
  • Downtown Denver Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • RiNo Evening Food Tour with a Local Guide: $99
  • walking Secret Food Tour: $113
  • Taste of the City Food Tour by Bike or E-Bike: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bilbao $33
    Denver $52

Tours and Activities in Bilbao

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

  • Bilbao Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.70
  • Vitoria-Gasteiz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.04
  • 30-Minute Entry Ticket to a Cat Café: $8.08
  • Bilbao Interactive City Tour: $8.21
  • Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $12
  • Walking Tour on the Origins of Football in Bilbao and Biscay: $12
  • VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $12
  • 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $16
  • San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $19
  • Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $22
  • Bilbao Walking Tour and cable car in spanish: $22
  • Bilbao Historical Tour: $23

Tours and Activities in Denver

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

  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $4.70
  • Denver's Art District Self Guided Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Discover A Walking Tour of Denver's Top Sights: $5.00
  • Winding Pathways of Denver's City Park A Self-Guided Tour : $7.99
  • Denver's Heart A Self Guided Tour of the State Capitol and Beyond: $8.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Denver by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Self Guided Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour: $12
  • General Admission to Denver Botanic Gardens Ticket: $16
  • Denver Botanic Gardens General Admission Ticket: $16
  • Colorado Rockies Baseball Game Ticket at Coors Field: $19
  • History and Architecture Walking Tours: $20
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Denver with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bilbao $24
    Denver $5.31

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: $52
  • Basque Wine Tasting with Sommelier (Bilbao): $53
  • Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour: $57
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $80
  • From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $87
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $191
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $194
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $202
  • Boutique Rioja Wine Tour with Charming Lunch (From Bilbao): $260
  • La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour & Charming Lunch (From Bilbao): $270
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $282
  • From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $283

Sample the Local Flavors in Denver

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

  • Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Denver Street Art, Murals & Graffiti Tour + Brewery Visit: $34
  • 4+ Hour Party Pub Crawl - Downtown Denver's Ballpark District: $35
  • Downtown Denver Pub Crawl - Food & Drinks Included!: $35
  • Neighborhood Bar Crawl in RiNo Arts District (Denver): $35
  • Denver Street Art & Murals Tour + Brewery Visit/Beer Tasting: $39
  • Buds & Brews Cannabis Grow Tour and Brewery Visit: $67
  • Wild West Pub Crawl: $68
  • Wine Tasting with Cheese, Charcuterie, and Dessert : $74
  • Denver Pedicab Brewery Tour: $130


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Denver?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Denver, 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.