Traveling to bilbao is an exciting goal for many people around the world. Whether you’re drawn to bilbao’s historical landmarks, vibrant streets, cultural gems, or food scene, there’s something in bilbao for everyone. But just like many popular destinations, bilbao can get expensive—fast.
That’s why this comprehensive guide is here to show you how to explore bilbao on a budget without compromising the quality of your experience. With a bit of planning and some local savvy, you can enjoy the best of bilbao without emptying your wallet.
1. ✈️ Budgeting for Flights to bilbao
Your journey to bilbao usually starts with booking a flight. Depending on where you’re coming from, this can be the biggest upfront expense of your trip to bilbao.
How to Find Cheap Flights to bilbao:
- Book Early: Generally, booking your flight to bilbao 6–8 weeks in advance (for domestic travel) or 2–4 months ahead (for international trips) gives you the best chance of scoring a deal.
- Use Price Trackers: Tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Hopper allow you to monitor flight prices to bilbao and book at the right time.
- Fly on Cheaper Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays often offer the cheapest routes to bilbao.
- Consider Alternate Airports: If bilbao is served by multiple airports, compare prices to find the most budget-friendly option.
- Be Flexible: Flexibility with your travel dates and airports near bilbao can reduce your costs significantly.
Estimated Budget:
- Domestic Flights to bilbao: $100–$350
- International Flights to bilbao: $400–$900
2. Affordable Accommodation in bilbao
Lodging in bilbao ranges from luxury hotels to local hostels, boutique stays, and homestays. Your goal is to find a clean, comfortable, and safe space in bilbao that fits your budget.
Where to Stay in bilbao on a Budget:
- Hostels: Great for solo travelers and groups visiting bilbao on a tight budget. Many hostels offer free breakfast, shared kitchens, and group tours of bilbao.
- Budget Hotels: Smaller hotels in bilbao may offer big savings, especially if located just outside the city center.
- Short-Term Rentals: Apps like Airbnb offer rooms or apartments in bilbao at competitive rates.
- Guesthouses: These are common in many cities and offer a cozy, often family-run alternative in bilbao.
Pro Tip: Choose accommodation in bilbao close to public transportation. This saves both time and money getting around.
Estimated Budget:
- Hostels in bilbao: $20–$80/night
- Budget Hotels in bilbao: $50–$150/night
- Airbnb/Guesthouse in bilbao: $30–$100/night
3. Getting Around bilbao on a Budget
Once you’re in bilbao, transportation can eat into your daily budget—or be incredibly affordable depending on your choices.
Best Transport Options in bilbao:
- Public Transportation: Most large cities like bilbao have reliable buses, subways, or trams.
- Daily or Weekly Transit Passes: If you’re staying in bilbao for more than 2–3 days, a transit pass usually saves money.
- Walking: Exploring bilbao on foot is not only budget-friendly, but also the best way to soak in local life.
- Bike Rentals: In some areas of bilbao, public bike systems are inexpensive and eco-friendly.
Avoid rental cars in bilbao unless you’re planning to visit rural or outlying areas—parking in central bilbao is often expensive.
Estimated Budget:
- Public Transport Pass bilbao: $5–$15/day
- Bike Rentals in bilbao: $5–$12/day
4. ️ Eating Cheap and Well in bilbao
Tasting the local food is one of the highlights of any trip to bilbao—and the good news is, you don’t have to spend a lot to eat well in bilbao.
Where and What to Eat in bilbao on a Budget:
- Street Food: Whether it’s food trucks or local market stalls, bilbao is likely to have affordable and delicious street food options.
- Ethnic Neighborhoods: Often, the most flavorful and authentic meals in bilbao are found in immigrant-run eateries and food stands.
- Supermarkets & Bakeries: Buy snacks or picnic-style meals in bilbao and eat in a public park.
- Lunch Specials: Many restaurants in bilbao offer affordable set menus during lunch.
Pro Tip: Avoid tourist traps around landmarks in bilbao—the food is often overpriced and underwhelming.
Estimated Daily Food Budget in bilbao:
- Budget: $20–$35
- Mid-range: $35–$60
- Splurge meal in bilbao: $40–$100
5. ️ Sightseeing and Attractions in bilbao for Less
Even if you’re traveling to bilbao on a tight budget, you can still enjoy many of its world-famous attractions.
Free and Affordable Things to Do in bilbao:
- Parks and Green Spaces: Almost every city has a public park where you can relax, people-watch, or picnic.
- Museums with Free Entry: Many museums in bilbao offer free admission on specific days or hours.
- Cultural Landmarks: Walking tours, historical buildings, and public squares in bilbao are usually free.
- Free Events: Look for local events, concerts, and festivals taking place during your visit to bilbao.
Budget Tours and Experiences:
- Consider tip-based or “pay-what-you-want” tours in bilbao.
- Some cities offer all-inclusive passes (e.g., city cards) to major attractions in bilbao for a discounted rate.
Estimated Budget for Attractions in bilbao:
- Free to $10/day (for low-cost experiences)
- $30–$50/day if including premium attractions
6. ️ Smart Souvenir Shopping in bilbao
It’s tempting to shop when visiting bilbao, but souvenirs don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful.
Souvenir Tips in bilbao:
- Visit Local Markets: These offer handmade, affordable souvenirs unique to bilbao.
- Buy Local Snacks or Spices: Small and inexpensive gifts from bilbao that travel well.
- Avoid Airport Shops: Prices in bilbao’s airports are usually much higher.
Estimated Souvenir Budget in bilbao: $10–$40
7. Sample 5-Day Budget for bilbao
| Category | Estimated Cost |
| Flights to bilbao | $150–$900 |
| Accommodation in bilbao | $250–$600 |
| Transport in bilbao | $25–$50 |
| Food & Drinks in bilbao | $100–$250 |
| Attractions in bilbao | $30–$100 |
| Souvenirs in bilbao | $20–$40 |
| Total | $575–$1,940 |
This flexible range reflects different travel styles—from ultra-budget to moderate comfort—while keeping your experience in bilbao affordable.
8. Final Budget Travel Tips for Visiting bilbao
- Travel off-season: You’ll find cheaper flights, lower hotel rates, and fewer crowds in bilbao.
- Use a travel budgeting app: Tools like TravelSpend or Trail Wallet help you track daily spending in bilbao.
- Ask locals for tips: Residents of bilbao can often direct you to hidden gems or affordable restaurants.
- Carry a reusable water bottle: Many cities like bilbao have drinkable tap water—save money and the planet.
- Learn basic local phrases: This helps you haggle at markets or understand menus in bilbao.
Conclusion: Enjoying bilbao on a Budget
Visiting bilbao doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. By following the strategies in this guide, you can experience the heart of bilbao—its culture, cuisine, neighborhoods, and people—without sacrificing quality or comfort.
With thoughtful planning, local exploration, and some budgeting wisdom, bilbao can offer you a rich and rewarding experience, even on a modest budget.
So wherever your wanderlust takes you, know this: bilbao is waiting—and you don’t need a fortune to discover it.