A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Marbella vs. Bilbao for Nightlife, Couples, Families, and Old Town

Should you visit Marbella or Bilbao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella 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.

Marbella

Marbella is a fun-filled, high energy, and ritzy resort town. 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 authentic, colorful, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Marbella and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Bilbao?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Marbella than Bilbao. While Bilbao is larger than Marbella, Marbella has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marbella is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao is more popular for its museums and big city activities. Marbella is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. Also, Marbella is famous for Plaza de los Naranjos. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Marbella different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bilbao is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bilbao can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marbella 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 Marbella. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

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 Marbella or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Marbella has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Bilbao Better for Music?

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

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Marbella. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Bilbao is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Bilbao Better for Resorts?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its resorts. However, Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Marbella for its luxury resorts. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Bilbao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Marbella. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Marbella offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Marbella and Bilbao both have notable historical old towns that attract visitors.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Marbella. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Bilbao offers a nice historic old town area. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Bilbao?

Marbella is an amazing resort town 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 Marbella make it a world-class shopping destination. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

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 Marbella or Bilbao Better for Families?

Marbella is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Marbella is a very kid-friendly resort town. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

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 Marbella or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Marbella is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

Bilbao is a good resort 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 Marbella or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella and Bilbao are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marbella. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Bilbao is a good resort town 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 Marbella or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Bilbao. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

Marbella is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Bilbao can get you around easily. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Marbella 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.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marbella and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marbella than in Bilbao. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

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

One day in Marbella or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Marbella. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Bilbao offers nightlife and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marbella or Bilbao?

Marbella 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.

Bilbao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bilbao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marbella. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bilbao is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marbella or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the fun-filled destination of Marbella. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bilbao is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, and The Best Budget Tours to Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella or Bilbao?

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 Marbella or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Marbella during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Bilbao. Many visitors come to Marbella in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

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

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marbella or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Bilbao. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene.

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

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Marbella usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Marbella