A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Malaga vs. Bilbao for Nightlife, Backpackers, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Malaga or Bilbao?

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 Malaga and Bilbao. 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a historic, beautiful, and friendly port city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Malaga and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Bilbao?

You'll generally find more things to do in Malaga than Bilbao. Malaga is bigger than Bilbao, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Malaga is better known for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao is more popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities. Malaga is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Also, Malaga is famous for The Alcazaba. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Malaga different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bilbao is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Malaga. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

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 Malaga or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Malaga has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

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 Malaga or Bilbao Better for Music?

Malaga is well known for its live music scene. However, Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Malaga. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Bilbao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Malaga. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a good destination for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Malaga offers a nice beach destination. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is well known for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Malaga. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

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 Malaga or Bilbao?

Bilbao is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

Bilbao is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Malaga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Is Malaga or Bilbao Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Bilbao are notable family-friendly destinations.

Malaga is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Bilbao is a family-friendly port city. 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 Malaga or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Malaga and Bilbao both notable destinations for a couple.

Malaga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Bilbao is a good port 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 Malaga or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

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 Malaga or Bilbao Better for Students?

Malaga is well known for students. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Malaga. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international 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.

Is Malaga 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, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Bilbao has some very good public transit options. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Malaga has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Is Malaga or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Malaga 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.

Malaga is a very walkable port city. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Malaga and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Bilbao. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

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

One day in Malaga or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Malaga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Malaga or Bilbao?

Malaga is a great place to explore. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. 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 Malaga or Bilbao?

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

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 Malaga or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the welcoming destination of Malaga. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Malaga and Bilbao, we can see that Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Bilbao?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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 Malaga 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 Malaga or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Bilbao. The summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

Malaga is a little warmer than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Bilbao. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Malaga is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.

In January, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Malaga gets 171 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, Malaga usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.

Malaga is a little warmer than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Malaga gets 220 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. Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Malaga