Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Bilbao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bilbao and Mexico City. 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 is a authentic, colorful, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Bilbao travel costs.
Mexico City is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mexico City travel costs.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Mexico City than Bilbao, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Mexico City is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also home to Zócalo.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mexico City and Bilbao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Mexico City are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.
Bilbao offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.
Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Bilbao and Mexico City can be difficult as they are each amazing in their own way.
Eat your way through Bilbao, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.
For foodies, Mexico City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.
Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.
Mexico City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.
Many people head to Bilbao for the nightlife scene. 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.
Visitors enjoy the good old town areas in both Bilbao and Mexico City.
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.
Mexico City has an old town worth visiting. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.
Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Mexico City make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.
Mexico City is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Mexico City is a very kid-friendly city. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.
Bilbao offers lots of family activities. 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.
Bilbao and Mexico City both good 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.
Mexico City is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.
Mexico City is well known for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Mexico City is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.
Mexico City is well known for students. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Many students visit Mexico City. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.
It's common for students to visit Bilbao. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bilbao and Mexico City.
Public transit in Bilbao can get you to some places easily. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.
Many visitors use the public transit system in Mexico City. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.
Bilbao is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.
Bilbao is a somewhat walkable city. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.
Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.
For even more information, also check out Is Bilbao Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.
In either Bilbao or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than Bilbao because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bilbao, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.
Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Bilbao. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Mexico City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Mexico City than Bilbao. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mexico City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Bilbao 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 Mexico City.
Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful city of Bilbao. Most people visit for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Mexico City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Bilbao. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.
Mexico City is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
The authentic city of Bilbao offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mexico City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bilbao. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant big city of Mexico City. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.
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 Mexico City is €182. 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 Mexico City in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Bilbao or Mexico City? 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.
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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:
Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Mexico City 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Mexico City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mexico City:
When comparing the travel costs between Bilbao and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Bilbao is in Europe and Mexico City is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bilbao Expensive? and Is Mexico City Expensive?.
Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Mexico City, 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.