A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Cordoba vs. Bilbao for Attractions, Old Town, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Cordoba or Bilbao?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cordoba and Bilbao can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cordoba

Cordoba is a colorful, flower-filled, and historical town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Cordoba and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cordoba or Bilbao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cordoba. Although Cordoba and Bilbao are both popular with visitors, Cordoba has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cordoba is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao is known for its shopping and big city activities. Cordoba is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its mix of Roman, Islamic, and Spanish architecture, its whitewashed buildings and streets filled with flowers, and its handcrafted leatherwork. It is also home to La Mezquita. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Cordoba different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bilbao and Cordoba. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cordoba or Bilbao?

Cordoba is an amazing town 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 Cordoba are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with monuments that reflect its past. The Great Mosque (La Mezquita) is one of the most iconic sights. You can also visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, Palacio de Viana, and Puente Romano.

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 Cordoba or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cordoba is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Cordoba. Like much of Spain, international travelers will have to adjust to the shifted meal schedule which means most meals are served are later than they are in other parts of Europe. The ingredients are fresh and popular dishes include Salmorejo (a tomato based soup), Rabo De Toro (stewed oxtail), and Flamenquín (deep-fried pork roll).

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. 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.

Is Cordoba or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Both Cordoba and Bilbao are very good when it comes to partying.

Cordoba offers plenty to do in the evening. There are cocktail bars, Flamenco shows, tapas tours, and local pubs that make for a great night out. The city offers something for everyone, whatever your style.

Bilbao has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Cordoba or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

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

Cordoba offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. It's old town is one of the most enchanting in Andalusia. There are whitewashed houses that line flower-filled streets and its compact enough to take a leisurely stroll.

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 Cordoba or Bilbao?

Bilbao is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cordoba. You'll find souvenir shops selling local pottery, traditional jewelry, and handcrafted leatherwork, so this is a nice place to pick up something to remember your trip.

Is Cordoba or Bilbao Better for Families?

Both Cordoba and Bilbao are good to visit with kids.

Cordoba is a family-friendly place to visit. Horse-drawn carriage rides and then a visit to the Royal Stables of Cordoba is a great option for horse-lovers. The city also has a zoo and an impressive park - Ciudad de Los Niños. If you're willing to head out of town, about 10 kilometers away you'll find Aquasierra Waterpark.

Bilbao is a family-friendly town. 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 Cordoba or Bilbao Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Cordoba frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautifully lit up at night, this is a truly romantic city. There are horse-drawn carriage rides, nice parks, and an impressive botanical garden. There are also many great restaurants that couples can explore.

Bilbao is a good town 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 Cordoba or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Cordoba is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's well-established on the backpacker circuit, so you'll find plenty of hostels around town and many opportunities to meet up with other travelers.

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 Cordoba or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Cordoba is a very popular place to visit for students. It's a top study abroad destination for international students. The university is excellent and the city is easy to navigate. It's a cultural city with a great student-friendly atmosphere.

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

Bilbao is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Cordoba has some public transit options. There are 15 bus lines that are operated by Aucorsa.

Is Cordoba or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Cordoba is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Cordoba is a very walkable town. It's small and compact enough to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Cordoba?

How long in Cordoba or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cordoba and Bilbao. In our opinion, Cordoba has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cordoba than Bilbao. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cordoba, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

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

One day in Cordoba or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cordoba. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Bilbao, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Cordoba or Bilbao?

Cordoba is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Bilbao, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bilbao has to offer.

Five days in Cordoba or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cordoba. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bilbao is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cordoba or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Cordoba. This town 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bilbao. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona.

When comparing the travel costs between Cordoba and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Cordoba or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Cordoba. When comparing the sizes of Cordoba and Bilbao, 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 Cordoba or Bilbao?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cordoba or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cordoba and Bilbao. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cordoba this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cordoba is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 27°C (81°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Cordoba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cordoba usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Cordoba gets 358 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cordoba usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Cordoba gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cordoba or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cordoba as well as Bilbao. Many travelers come to Cordoba for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cordoba this time of the year. In the autumn, Cordoba often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Cordoba gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Cordoba usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Cordoba gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cordoba or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Cordoba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cordoba in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months.

In the winter, Cordoba is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cordoba in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Cordoba usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Cordoba gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In January, Cordoba usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Cordoba gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cordoba or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Cordoba during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cordoba for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.

In April, Cordoba is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 16°C (60°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Cordoba. In the spring, Cordoba often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Cordoba gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cordoba usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Cordoba gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Cordoba