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

Should you visit Bilbao or Lima?

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 Lima. 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 Lima?

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.

Lima

Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Lima 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
    Lima Prices
    Peru Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Bilbao 170
    Lima 86

The average daily cost (per person) in Bilbao is €170, while the average daily cost in Lima is €86. 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 Lima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bilbao 72
    Lima 47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bilbao 144
    Lima 94
Compare Hotels in Bilbao and Lima

Looking for a hotel in Bilbao or Lima? 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 Lima


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 Lima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bilbao 26
    Lima 5.47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Transfer from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City Center: $32
  • Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $46
  • Private one way arrival OR departure transfer in Bilbao from/to airport: $58
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $63
  • Departure Private Transfer Bilbao City to Bilbao airport BIO by Business Car: $63
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $67
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Vitoria Airport : $85
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao City Hotels: $89
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao City Hotels to Bilbao Cruise Port: $89
  • Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $90
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $95
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Bilbao: $155

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    5.18
  • Taxi Ride
    5.18
  • Short Taxi Ride
    3.89

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:

  • Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
  • Assistance - Transfer | Lima Airport | Cusco Airport: $40
  • Deluxe Car Lima Transfer - Private Service: $29
  • Direct Private Transfer From Lima to Paracas, English Speaking Driver: $158
  • Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $44
  • LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
  • LIMA CAR TRANSFER - Private Service: $29
  • Lima : Private transfer between airport to your destination: $29
  • Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $57
  • Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores city - Arrival Private Transfer: $58
  • Lima Airport Arrival Transfer: $45
  • Lima Airport Arrival Transfer: $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Bilbao or Lima?

Prices for flights to both Lima 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
    Lima 29

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
  • The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $105
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $105
  • Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $105
  • 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

Typical Food Prices in Lima

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


  • Lunch for Two
    4.15
  • Ice cream
    3.37
  • Coffee
    2.85
  • Donut
    0.91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima

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

  • Miraflores: Amazing Peruvian Cooking Class Ceviche Seafood and Pisco Sour: $40
  • Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
  • Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $49
  • Dinner at Café del Museo Larco restaurant: $55
  • Ceviche Cooking Class Including Pisco Sour Lesson: $55
  • Food History & Local Markets (Food Tour): $56
  • Lima's Food Tour through Local Markets & Barranco Visit: $59
  • Lima's #1 Reviewed Cooking Class: $59
  • Peruvian Cooking Class: $59
  • Lima Market Food Tour: $60
  • Food Tour on Local Market: $64
  • Lima Street Food Tour: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bilbao 29
    Lima 8.27

Tours and Activities in Bilbao

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

  • Bilbao´s Old Town Responsible Walking Tour (Tip based): $2.07
  • 30-Minute Entry Ticket to a Cat Café: $7.23
  • Vitoria-Gasteiz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.99
  • Secrets of Casco Viejo in Quest Experience: $11
  • Year of Love in Quest Experience: $11
  • San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $17
  • Old Town Bilbao Tour in small group: $21
  • Bilbao Historical Tour: $21
  • Bilbao night tour: $21
  • Bilbao old town walking tour: $21
  • Bilbao Tour + Artxanda Funicular in Spanish: $26
  • Self Guided Bike Tour in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao's Seaside): $26

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:


  • Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)
    16
  • Movie Tickets
    2.20

Tours and Activities in Lima

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

  • Walking Tour Lima Historic Center (small group): $10
  • bike tour: $12
  • Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $13
  • Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
  • Lima Historic Center Walking Tour: $15
  • Party tour Fridays Barranco / Saturdays Miraflores: $18
  • Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
  • Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
  • Private Beach Guided Bike Tour in Lima : $19
  • Lima by night including Catacombs & Water Show Tour: $23
  • Colorful Barranco Tour and Street Art: $23
  • Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bilbao 21
    Lima 5.38

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
  • Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $142
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $170
  • 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 Vitoria: $242
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Bilbao: $242
  • Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao : $247

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    6.97
  • Beer
    3.89
  • Cocktail
    3.11

Sample the Local Flavors in Lima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:

  • Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $23
  • Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $24
  • Pisco Pub Crawl: $35
  • Local Wine Tour : $60
  • Local Wine Tour: $60
  • Pub Crawl in Lima: $100
  • From Huacachina Sandboarding and Wine Tasting Day Trip: $105
  • From Huacachina Sandboarding and Wine Tasting Day Trip: $105
  • From Huacachina Sandboarding and Wine Tasting Tour: $105
  • From Huacachina Sandboarding and Wine Tasting Day Trip: $114


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Lima?

Lima has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Lima, 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 Lima?

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

Should I visit Bilbao or Lima in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Lima. The summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Bilbao is generally a little warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 20°C (68°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Bilbao usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Lima. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F) 
    Lima 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Bilbao or Lima in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Lima. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.

Bilbao is cooler than Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 16°C (62°F) in October, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Bilbao often gets more sunshine than Lima. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bilbao usually gets more rain in October than Lima. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F) 
    Lima 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Bilbao or Lima in the Winter?

Both Lima and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Bilbao is much colder than Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bilbao in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Lima during winter. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In January, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Lima. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F) 
    Lima 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Bilbao or Lima in the Spring?

Both Lima and Bilbao during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.

In April, Bilbao is generally much colder than Lima. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 12°C (54°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In the spring, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Lima. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in April than Lima. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F) 
    Lima 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Lima and Bilbao

Bilbao Lima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Oct 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)