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

Should you visit Bilbao or Havana?

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 Havana. 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 Havana?

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

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


Which place is cheaper, Havana 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
    Havana Prices
    Cuba Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Bilbao 170
    Havana 67

The average daily cost (per person) in Bilbao is €170, while the average daily cost in Havana is €67. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bilbao 72
    Havana 38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bilbao 144
    Havana 76
Compare Hotels in Bilbao and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Bilbao or Havana? 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 Havana


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bilbao 26
    Havana 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130
  • Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $50
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $81
  • Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $98
  • Bilbao Private Transfer from Bilbao city centre to Bilbao Airport: $76
  • Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $277
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $90
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao City Hotels: $90
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport: $92
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Bilbao Cruise Port: $190

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    0.61

Is it cheaper to fly into Bilbao or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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
    Havana 16

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: $96
  • Bilbao Food Tour with Pintxos & Drinks with a Local: $101
  • Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $101
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class: $107
  • The High End Food Tour: $113
  • The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $117
  • The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $125
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $141
  • Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $148
  • Immersive Basque Cooking Class: $158
  • Small-group Immersive Basque Cooking Class in Bilbao with Open Bar: $171

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bilbao 29
    Havana 10

Tours and Activities in Bilbao

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

  • 30-Minute Entry Ticket to a Cat Café: $7.91
  • Year of Love in Quest Experience: $7.98
  • Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $11
  • VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $11
  • 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $16
  • I am a tour guide who shows the history of the town of Bilbao.: $17
  • San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $19
  • Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $21
  • Bilbao Walking Tour and cable car in spanish: $21
  • Bilbao Historical Tour: $23
  • Bilbao night tour: $23
  • Bilbao old town walking tour: $23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bilbao 21
    Havana 5.18

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
  • Basque Wine Tasting with Sommelier (Bilbao): $51
  • Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour: $56
  • From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $85
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $96
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $186
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $198
  • Marques de Riscal and Ysios Rioja Wine Tour w/ Lunch from Bilbao: $261
  • La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour & Charming Lunch (From Bilbao): $262
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $273
  • Boutique Rioja Wine Tour with Charming Lunch (From Bilbao): $277
  • From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $277

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    0.14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bilbao and Havana, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bilbao is in Europe and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.

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


Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Havana, 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 Havana?

Bilbao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Havana in the Summer?

Both Havana and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Bilbao is cooler than Havana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bilbao in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Havana averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In July, Bilbao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Havana. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Bilbao or Havana in the Autumn?

Both Havana and Bilbao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

In October, Bilbao is generally much colder than Havana. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 16°C (62°F), and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in October than Havana. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Bilbao or Havana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Havana. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Bilbao is much colder than Havana in the winter. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Havana. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Bilbao or Havana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Havana. The spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

In the spring, Bilbao is much colder than Havana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bilbao in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Havana averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bilbao usually gets more rain in April than Havana. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Bilbao

Bilbao Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)