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

Should you visit Bilbao or Milan?

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 Milan. 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 friendly, industrial, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Bilbao travel costs.

Milan

Milan is a trendy, chic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of Milan is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping. See Milan travel costs.

Bilbao and Milan: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular for students
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Bilbao or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan 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. Milan is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo.

How is Bilbao different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milan 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 Milan?

Bilbao
Milan

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Bilbao and Milan.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bilbao. 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.

Milan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.


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

Bilbao
Milan

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Bilbao and Milan can be difficult as they are each fantastic 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, Milan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

Is Bilbao or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao
Milan

Milan 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.

Milan has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

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 Milan Better for Music?

Bilbao
Milan

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Milan The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.


Is Bilbao or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao
Milan

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Milan offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

Bilbao has an old town worth visiting. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Milan?

Bilbao
Milan

Milan 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 Milan make it a world-class shopping destination. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

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 Milan More Beautiful?

Bilbao
Milan

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Bilbao is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Milan is one of the main draws. There is stunning architecture and beautiful neighborhoods that you can explore.

Bilbao is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Bilbao or Milan Better for Families?

Bilbao
Milan

Both Bilbao and Milan are good 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.

Milan offers lots of family activities. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Bilbao or Milan Better for Couples?

Bilbao
Milan

Milan is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Milan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Bilbao is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Is Bilbao or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao
Milan

Milan is well known for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Milan is a great city to visit for backpackers. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

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 Milan Better for Students?

Bilbao
Milan

Milan is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Milan is a very popular place to visit for students. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

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 Milan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bilbao
Milan

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Milan is top-notch. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bilbao. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Is Bilbao or Milan a more walkable city?

Bilbao
Milan

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Milan on foot is easy. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Milan?

In either Bilbao or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Bilbao because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bilbao, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milan 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 Milan.


  • How many days in Bilbao or Milan? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bilbao 2-3 
    Milan 1-5

One day in Bilbao or Milan?

In Bilbao, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Milan is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bilbao or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Milan 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 Milan?

Bilbao is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bilbao. Lots of people come for the food. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Bilbao. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the trendy big city of Milan. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Milan 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
    Milan Prices
    Italy Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Bilbao 137
    Milan 166

The average daily cost (per person) in Bilbao is €137, while the average daily cost in Milan is €166. 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 Milan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bilbao 72
    Milan 96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bilbao 144
    Milan 192
Compare Hotels in Bilbao and Milan

Looking for a hotel in Bilbao or Milan? 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 Milan


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 Milan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bilbao 26
    Milan 35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Bilbao Airport (BIO) to San Sebastian City Center Transfer: $426
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $421
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $318
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $318
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to San Sebastian city: $293
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to San Sebastian: $293
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian: $270
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to San Sebastian Airport: $270
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Santander Airport : $254
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Santander: $254
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao to Santander Port: $254
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $254

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Milan

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


  • Train to Airport
    7.00
  • Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)
    22
  • Taxi From Airport
    90
  • Public Transit Day Pass
    4.50
  • Short Taxi Ride
    7.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milan

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

  • Milan to Bergamo Airport (BGY) - Departure Private Transfer : $46
  • Milan to Como hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $141
  • Airport Transfer: Malpensa Airport MXP to Milan by Luxury Van: $149
  • Airport Transfer: Milan to Malpensa Airport MXP by Luxury Van: $149
  • Arrival Private Transfer Luxury Car LIN airport to Milan: $126
  • Arrival Private Transfer Luxury Van LIN airport to Milan: $88
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Linate Airport LIN to Milan in Business Car: $130
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Malpensa Airport MXP to Milan in Luxury Van: $148
  • BELLAGIO:TRANSFER FROM/TO MILAN MALPENSA AIRPORT TO LEZZENO: $392
  • BERGAMO ORIO AL SERIO - MILANO airport transfer: $193
  • BERGAMO ORIO AL SERIO - Milano airport transfer with private Luxury Van: $188
  • Basel : Private Transfer to/from Milan Malpensa Airport: $1,026

Is it cheaper to fly into Bilbao or Milan?

Prices for flights to both Milan 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 45
    Milan 39

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: $85
  • The High End Bilbao Food Tour for Foodies: $97
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $103
  • The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $110
  • The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $113
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $113
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $116
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $135
  • Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $157
  • Small-group Immersive Basque Cooking Class in Bilbao with Open Bar: $165
  • Private Luxury Pintxos & Premium Wines Gourmet Food Tour: $182
  • Guggenheim Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour & Dinner: $194

Typical Food Prices in Milan

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Milan:


  • Snack at Train Station
    8.60
  • Restaurant Pizza
    6.60
  • Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)
    27
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    64
  • Cappuccino
    1.63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milan

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • Milan Gourmet Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $38
  • Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $45
  • Tasty Milan Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $46
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $59
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $60
  • Piedmontese dinner in Milan all included: $65
  • 2-Hour Cooking Course of Delicious Desserts for Families in Milan: $65
  • fun cooking class for children in Milan (ita,ing,spa): $66
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $68
  • Mamma Mia - Make Your own Italian Pizza: $69
  • Italian Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bilbao 29
    Milan 31

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: $292
  • Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $81
  • 2 Hours Private Family Guided Walking Tour in Bilbao: $198
  • 3-day Bilbao Bike Tour and Guggenheim Museum Ticket: $259
  • Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $432
  • Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $388
  • Basque Coast Tour: Vizcaya Bridge, Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Gernika: $66
  • Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,155
  • Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour from Hotel/Center: $282
  • Bilbao - Private Historic walking tour: $378
  • Bilbao 3-Day Package: Guggenheim, Hotel Stay and Bike Tour: $254
  • Bilbao : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $47

Typical Entertainment Prices in Milan

For Milan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Stairs to Duomo Rooftop
    7.00

Tours and Activities in Milan

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Milan.

  • Milan Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $3.29
  • Milan's Best-Kept Secrets: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.29
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Exploring Age-Old Plants: $4.64
  • Giuseppe Verdi in Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.64
  • Unique Self-Guided Audio Tour on Alessandro Manzoni: $4.64
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Exploring the Famous Five Days: $4.64
  • Milano Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local: $5.28
  • Audio guide for Milan's Duomo (no ticket): $5.40
  • City Tour with Audio Guide: $5.40
  • Self-guided Walking Tour of the Milan City: $5.49
  • Stories of the Fashion Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Milan: $5.49
  • Audio Guide for the Duomo - Milan Cathedral (no ticket): $5.49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bilbao 21
    Milan 24

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: $53
  • Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $80
  • From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $81
  • Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $149
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $178
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $189
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $242
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $248
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Vitoria: $253
  • La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour - 2 Wineries & Picnic Lunch (From Bilbao): $253
  • Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao : $259

Typical Alcohol Prices in Milan

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


  • Cocktail at a Bar
    8.40
  • Beer
    3.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Milan

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

  • Guided Riviera Bar Crawl with Shots and VIP Entry: $27
  • Milan Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and Drink Deals: $27
  • Wine Tasting Experience in the City Centre: $43
  • Wine Tasting Experience - Urban Cellar: $44
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Milan city centre: $44
  • Cantina Urbana Guided Winery Tour with Wine Tasting: $51
  • Milan Wine Tasting Experience: $53
  • Milan Bold Flavors with Wine Tasting at Cantina Urbana: $54
  • Italian Wine Tasting in Milan: $54
  • Wine Tasting Experience: $55
  • Milan Wine Tasting Aperitivo: $56
  • Private Food and Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Milan: $88


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bilbao and Milan, we can see that Milan is more expensive. And not only is Bilbao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Milan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milan 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 Milan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Milan, 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 Milan?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bilbao or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Bilbao during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Milan because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bilbao is cooler than Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bilbao in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Milan. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Bilbao usually gets less rain in July than Milan. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F) 
    Milan 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Bilbao or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Milan. The autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

In October, Bilbao is generally a little warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 16°C (62°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Milan during autumn. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Milan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Milan. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F) 
    Milan 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Bilbao or Milan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Milan. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milan. Bilbao is much warmer than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Milan. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bilbao usually gets more rain in January than Milan. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F) 
    Milan 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Bilbao or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bilbao is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bilbao in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Milan averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Milan during spring. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In April, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Milan. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F) 
    Milan 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Milan and Bilbao

Bilbao Milan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in) 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)