A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Delphi vs. Bilbao for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Delphi or Bilbao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Delphi or Bilbao, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Delphi

Delphi is a fascinating, world-renowned, and historic archeological site. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

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 shopping.

Delphi and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Temple of Apollo
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Delphi or Bilbao?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bilbao than Delphi. While Delphi is larger than Bilbao, Bilbao has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bilbao is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Delphi is known for its museums, food, and impressive beauty. Delphi is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its world renowned archeological ruins and its connection to Greek mythology. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also home to The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Delphi different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Delphi
Bilbao

Delphi is an amazing archeological site 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 Delphi are among the most recognizable in the world. This is one of the most popular archeological sites in Greece. You will find the Temple of Apollo and most of the monuments are dedicated to this God. There is an Ancient Theatre, an Ancient Stadium, as well as an Archaeological Museum. There's also the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea and the Treasury of the Athenians.

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 Delphi or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Delphi
Bilbao

Delphi is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Delphi. There are a number of restaurant options in the area, some of them offering spectacular views. There are traditional Greek restaurants as well as modern cafes with international cuisine. You'll find all of the standard Greek staples such as gyros, lamb chops, and seafood.

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 Delphi or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Delphi
Bilbao

Bilbao is great for its evening party scene. However, Delphi is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Delphi for the nightlife. This is a quiet town that shuts down in the evening. If you're looking for more of a nightlife scene, head to nearby Arachova, which is just a 10 minute drive away.

Is Delphi or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Delphi
Bilbao

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Delphi does not have a historic old town.

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.

Delphi does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Delphi or Bilbao?

Delphi
Bilbao

Bilbao is great for its shopping areas. However, Delphi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Delphi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Delphi or Bilbao Better for Families?

Delphi
Bilbao

Delphi and Bilbao are both good destinations for the whole family.

Delphi offers lots of family activities. The archeological ruins are world class, and kids who enjoy mythology and history will love this place. It's the perfect place for kids to let their imagination run wild.

Bilbao is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Delphi or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Delphi
Bilbao

Delphi and Bilbao are both good to visit as a couple.

Delphi is a good archeological site for couples to visit. It's an iconic destination that is a great addition to any couple's itinerary to Greece.

Bilbao is a nice destination for couples. 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 Delphi or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Delphi
Bilbao

For backpackers, both Delphi and Bilbao are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Delphi. There's a hostel or two in the area, and the prices are reasonable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bilbao is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Is Delphi or Bilbao Better for Students?

Delphi
Bilbao

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Delphi is not popular with students.

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.

Delphi is not popular with students.

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

Delphi
Bilbao

Bilbao is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its public transit.

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

Delphi has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel to Delphi from Greece.


Is Delphi or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Delphi
Bilbao

Delphi 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.

Delphi is a very walkable archeological site. Both the museum are archeological site are within walking distance of the town. The town is also small enough to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Delphi?

How long in Delphi or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Delphi and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bilbao than in Delphi. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Delphi, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bilbao than Delphi 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 Bilbao.


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

One day in Delphi or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Delphi. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Bilbao. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Delphi or Bilbao?

Delphi 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.

Bilbao 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 Delphi or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Delphi. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. 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.

A week in Delphi or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the world-renowned destination of Delphi. This archeological site offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Bilbao. 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 G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours from Athens, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Delphi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Delphi is €102, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is €137. 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 Delphi and Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Delphi 59
    Bilbao 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Delphi 118
    Bilbao 144
Compare Hotels in Delphi and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Delphi or Bilbao? 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 Delphi


Hotels in Bilbao


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Delphi 8.57
    Bilbao 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $417
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $315
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $315
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to San Sebastian city: $291
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to San Sebastian Airport: $291
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to San Sebastian: $291
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to San Sebastian Airport: $268
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian: $268
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $252
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Santander: $252
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $245
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Pamplona city: $229

Is it cheaper to fly into Delphi or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Delphi 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
    Delphi 36
    Bilbao 45

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: $86
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
  • Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $112
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
  • Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $134
  • Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $134
  • Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
  • Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $155
  • Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $197

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Delphi 11
    Bilbao 29

Tours and Activities in Delphi

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

  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour in Earth's Navel: $4.60
  • Audiovisual self-guided tour with 3D models: $7.48
  • Delphi Audiovisual Self-guided Tour with 3D Representations: $7.59
  • Delphi Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Ticket with Audio Tour: $13
  • Ticket & Audio Tour for Delphi's Oracle. Listen to Ancient Echoes: $13
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Ticket with Audio Guide: $16
  • Self-Guided Virtual Tour Experience from your Home: $17
  • Self-guided Virtual Tour of The Google of the Ancient world: $17
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Refundable Ticket with Audio: $18
  • Audio Guided tour of the sites in French or English: $19
  • Athens: Mythology of Delphi and Museum Guided Day Tour: $26

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: $290
  • Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $81
  • 2 Hours Private Family Guided Walking Tour in Bilbao: $197
  • 3-day Bilbao Bike Tour and Guggenheim Museum Ticket: $257
  • Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $384
  • BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $36
  • Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,144
  • Bike tour with Pintxos & Drinks in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao Seaside): $60
  • Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum Private Walking Tour with guide: $286
  • Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour from Hotel/Center: $279
  • Bilbao - Private Historic walking tour: $374
  • Bilbao 3-Day Package: Guggenheim, Hotel Stay and Bike Tour: $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Delphi 13
    Bilbao 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao

Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
  • Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
  • Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $79
  • Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $80
  • Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $176
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $187
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $240
  • From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $241
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $246
  • Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao : $246


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

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


Which is Bigger, Delphi or Bilbao?

Delphi has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Delphi 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.