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

Should you visit Bilbao or Mexico City?

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 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

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

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.

Bilbao and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Bilbao or Mexico City?

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.

How is Bilbao different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bilbao or Mexico City?

Bilbao
Mexico City

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.


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

Bilbao
Mexico City

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.

Is Bilbao or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao
Mexico City

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.

Is Bilbao or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao
Mexico City

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.


Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Mexico City?

Bilbao
Mexico City

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.

Is Bilbao or Mexico City Better for Families?

Bilbao
Mexico City

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.

Is Bilbao or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Bilbao
Mexico City

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.


Is Bilbao or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao
Mexico City

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.

Is Bilbao or Mexico City Better for Students?

Bilbao
Mexico City

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.

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

Bilbao
Mexico City

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.


Is Bilbao or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Bilbao
Mexico City

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?.

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Mexico City?

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.


  • How many days in Bilbao or Mexico City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bilbao 2-3 
    Mexico City 3-5

One day in Bilbao or 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.

A weekend in Bilbao or Mexico City?

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.


Five days in Bilbao or Mexico City?

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.

A week in Bilbao or Mexico City?

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.


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.

  • Bilbao Prices
    Spain Prices
    Mexico City Prices
    Mexico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Bilbao 170
    Mexico City 182

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.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bilbao 72
    Mexico City 33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bilbao 144
    Mexico City 66
Compare Hotels in Bilbao and Mexico City

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.

Hotels in Bilbao


Hotels in Mexico City


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 Mexico City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bilbao 26
    Mexico City 10

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

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


  • Metro
    0.93
  • Uber Ride
    3.27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Aguascalientes Airport (AGU) Aguascalientes - RoundTrip Transfer: $56
  • Aguascalientes Airport (AGU) to Aguascalientes - Arrival Transfer: $56
  • Aguascalientes to Silao Del Bajio Airport BJX: Departure Transfer: $127
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV: $94
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Business Car: $83
  • Arrival Transfer: Mexico Airport NLU to Mexico by Luxury SUV: $188
  • CDMX: Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon with Transfers & Breakfast: $139
  • Ciudad de México Private Transfer from City to Airport (MEX): $17
  • Departure Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV: $94
  • From Grutas de Tolantongo Day Trip w/ Transfer: $88
  • Mexico Airport (MEX) to Chignahuapan Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $295
  • Mexico Airport (MEX) to Cuernavaca Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $253

Is it cheaper to fly into Bilbao or Mexico City?

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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bilbao 77
    Mexico City 37

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

Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    10
  • Coffee and Snacks
    3.64
  • Dinner for 2
    21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mexico City

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

  • Private Mexico City Street Food Tour - Best Rated: $29
  • Private Street Food Tour Mexico City - Best rated : $35
  • Art and Food Tour with Lunch: $49
  • Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip: $50
  • 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $55
  • Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
  • Secret Food Tour: Mexico City Old Town: $60
  • Mexico City Food Tour: Historic Center, Heritage on a Plate: $63
  • Mexico City Food Tour in Coyoacán: Bohemian Bites & Sites: $68
  • Private Market Tour & Authentic Mexican Cooking with Fernanda: $68
  • Mexico City Food Tour in the Historic Center: Heritage on a Plate: $69
  • Dinner at Miralto: $71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bilbao 29
    Mexico City 12

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 Mexico City

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

  • MUCHO Museum of Chocolate Entrance Ticket: $3.89
  • Franz Mayer Museum Regular Admission Ticket: $4.87
  • Bastards of Mexico: Unfiltered Tour of the Historic Center: $5.00
  • The best tour of the historic center-Guided by a Storyteller: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Mexico for Beginners: $6.99
  • Memory and Tolerance Museum Entry Ticket: $7.30
  • Double Decker Bus Night Tour: $7.30
  • Self Guided Walking Tour of Teotihuacan Pyramids (no ticket): $7.36
  • Mexico City (Coyoacan) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.01
  • Night City Tour in a Double Decker Bus: $9.74
  • Mexico:Day of the Dead House-Artisan Workshop and tour: $9.74
  • Skip the Line Ticket to the Museum of Anthropology : $9.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bilbao 21
    Mexico City 16

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 Mexico City

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mexico City:

  • Guided Pub Crawl with Party Games: $21
  • Mexico City Pub Crawl: $21
  • Polanco: Private Wine Tasting in with Cheese: $78
  • Zona Rosa Pub Crawl Experience: $84
  • Teotihuacan Full Day: Balloon flight+Pyramids Tour and Craft Brewery: $229


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?.


Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Mexico City?

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.