A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Toledo vs. Bilbao for Food, Old Town, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Toledo or Bilbao?

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

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

Toledo

Toledo is a fascinating, beautiful, and ancient city. Toledo is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Toledo travel costs.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a authentic, colorful, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Bilbao travel costs.

Toledo and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
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


Is there more to do in Toledo or Bilbao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao than Toledo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bilbao is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Toledo attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Toledo is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its medieval buildings, ancient landmarks, and fascinating history. Bilbao is famous for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also well known for The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Toledo different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toledo
Bilbao

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Toledo or Bilbao.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Toledo can be an interesting and educational experience. This medieval city is filled with ancient landmarks including the iconic Catedral de Toledo. In the old town you'll find many many historic buildings and a fascinating Jewish Quarter. Other notable sights include the Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, the Alcázar de Toledo, and the Museo de Santa Cruz.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.


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

Toledo
Bilbao

Bilbao is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bilbao is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toledo. The city offers a great cuisine at a reasonable price. The dishes are influenced by the city's diverse past. You'll find many meat dishes due to the area's long running tradition of hunting. There are also classic dishes like carcamusas, which is pork covered in a tomato sauce. Dishes in general tend to be heavy and saucy with filling and delicious flavors.

Is Toledo or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Toledo
Bilbao

Bilbao is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Toledo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Most tourists visit the town as a day trip, so things can quiet down somewhat at night. There is a large student population that frequents the bars around town and help keep things lively.

Is Toledo or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Toledo
Bilbao

Toledo 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.

Toledo offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Perched on a hill and spilling out around the cathedral, this Spanish old town is filled with historic landmarks.

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 Toledo or Bilbao?

Toledo
Bilbao

Bilbao is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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

Toledo offers some nice shopping areas. Calle Comercio is the main shopping street in town and there are two major shopping malls in the new part of town.

Is Toledo or Bilbao More Beautiful?

Toledo
Bilbao

Toledo is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Bilbao is not a destination known for its beauty.

Toledo is a beautiful place to visit, too. With its medieval streets and historical buildings, this is a uniquely beautiful city.

Bilbao is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Toledo or Bilbao Better for Families?

Toledo
Bilbao

Toledo and Bilbao are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Toledo is a family-friendly city. The ancient streets are fun to explore. There are city gates, ancient Arab walls, and older kids will be fascinated by a visit to the Toledo Torture Museum. The city is known for its swords, and there are shops that you can visit to learn about this craft.

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.


Is Toledo or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Toledo
Bilbao

Toledo and Bilbao are both nice to visit as a couple.

Toledo is a nice destination for couples. It's an ancient city that is filled with fascinating history and impressive historic sights. Couples will enjoy wandering the medieval streets and visiting the ancient gates.

Bilbao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Toledo or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toledo
Bilbao

Toledo and Bilbao are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Toledo. Many travelers visit Toledo as a day trip from Madrid, but for backpackers who want to spend more time, there are a handful of hostels in town.

Bilbao is a good city 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 Toledo or Bilbao Better for Students?

Toledo
Bilbao

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

Many students visit Toledo. The city is popular with students, and you'll find many activities and a lively atmosphere both during the day and at night.

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

Toledo
Bilbao

Bilbao is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bilbao. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

You'll find some public transit in Toledo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a good bus system through town.

Is Toledo or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Toledo
Bilbao

Toledo 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.

Toledo is a very walkable city. It's a compact and easily walkable city, particularly within the old town. The bus and train stations are also about a 15 or 20 minute walk from the city center.

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 Toledo Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Toledo?

How long in Toledo or Bilbao?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Bilbao than Toledo. 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 Toledo 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 Toledo or Bilbao? Ideal Length of Stay
    Toledo 1-2 
    Bilbao 2-3

One day in Toledo or Bilbao?

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife 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 Toledo or Bilbao?

Toledo 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.

Five days in Toledo or Bilbao?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. Don't miss the food, 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.

A week in Toledo or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the ancient destination of Toledo. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Toledo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Toledo Prices
    Spain Prices
    Bilbao Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Toledo 152
    Bilbao 170

The average daily cost (per person) in Toledo is €152, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is €170. 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 Toledo and Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toledo 66
    Bilbao 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toledo 132
    Bilbao 144
Compare Hotels in Toledo and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Toledo 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 Toledo


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: Toledo Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toledo 20
    Bilbao 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toledo

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

  • From Madrid: Private transfer to Toledo: $280
  • From Puy du Fou Round-Trip Transfer: $24
  • Hot Air Balloon over Toledo with optional transfers from Madrid : $231
  • Madrid: Private Airport Transfer to Toledo: $178
  • Madrid: Puy du Fou Round-Trip Transfer & Optional Ticket: $36
  • Private Transfer from Toledo or Avila to MAD Airport by MiniVan: $174
  • Balloon Ride with Transfer Option from Madrid: $259

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Transfer from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City Center: $32
  • Private one way arrival OR departure transfer in Bilbao from/to airport: $66
  • Private Transfer on arrival and departure in Bilbao: $71
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to Vitoria city: $83
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $242
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Laguardia town: $196
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Elciego town: $196
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Bilbao: $151
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to San Sebastian Airport: $287
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Bilbao Airport: $151
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian: $264
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Vitoria Airport : $151

Is it cheaper to fly into Toledo or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Toledo 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
    Toledo 68
    Bilbao 77
Typical Food Prices in Toledo

For Toledo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    11

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: $83
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $100
  • The High End Bilbao Food Tour for Foodies: $106
  • The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $108
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $111
  • The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $111
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $113
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $132
  • Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $153
  • Private Luxury Pintxos & Premium Wines Gourmet Food Tour: $178
  • Guggenheim Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour & Dinner: $190
  • Exclusive basque gourmet pintxos and premium wines food tour: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Toledo 30
    Bilbao 29

Tours and Activities in Toledo

For Toledo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City of the Three Cultures Guided Walking Tour: $5.29
  • Toledo Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.35
  • Auidio Tour - Toledo - Monuments of the 3 cultures [Spanish]: $6.34
  • Toledo City of Three Cultures Quest Experience: $6.96
  • Toledo City Walking Tour: $8.58
  • Legends and Secrets Walking Tour in Spanish: $11
  • Underground Guided Tour with Entry Ticket: $11
  • English Tour “TOLEDO ALL IN ONE”: $11
  • The Enchanted City: A Mysterious Tour of Toledo: $11
  • TOUR “ TOLEDO TODO EN UNO ”: $11
  • Tour of the Inquisition and Witchcraft in Toledo: $11
  • English Tour - “TOLEDO 3 CULTURES” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: $11

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: $286
  • Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $80
  • Year of Love in Quest Experience: $8.08
  • 2 Hours Private Family Guided Walking Tour in Bilbao: $194
  • 3-day Bilbao Bike Tour and Guggenheim Museum Ticket: $253
  • Artist-Guided Tour of the Guggenheim Museum: $97
  • Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $423
  • Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $380
  • BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $35
  • Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,132
  • Biarritz and French Basque coast small group tour lunch included: $257
  • Bike tour with Pintxos & Drinks in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao Seaside): $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toledo 19
    Bilbao 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Toledo

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toledo:

  • Convent Route with Marzipan and Wine Tasting: $23
  • From Madrid: Toledo Tour with Wine Tasting and 7 Monuments: $50

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: $52
  • Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $53
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $78
  • From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $79
  • Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $146
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $175
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $185
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $243
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Vitoria: $248
  • From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $259
  • From Private San Sebastian, Pintxo, and Wine Tour: $261
  • Premium Wine Tour of Rioja with Gourmet Lunch (From Bilbao): $328


When comparing the travel costs between Toledo 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 Toledo Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Toledo or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Toledo. When comparing the sizes of Toledo 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.