Is Bilbao expensive? The honest answer is it can be… but it doesn’t have to be. Compared with many cities in Spain, Bilbao sits somewhere in the middle. It isn’t the bargain destination that smaller Spanish towns can be, but it’s also far from the wallet-crushing prices of cities like London, Paris, or Zurich.

Having grown up in Bilbao, I’ve watched the city transform from an industrial port to one of Spain’s most exciting cultural destinations. Along the way, prices have changed, restaurants have evolved, and the city has become increasingly popular with international visitors. But one thing has remained consistent: Bilbao offers exceptional value for money if you experience it the way locals do.

Yes, you can spend €300 on dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant. But you can also eat one of the best lunches of your life for €15, including wine. You can stay in luxury hotels overlooking the river, or find comfortable accommodation that won’t wreck your travel budget. In other words, Bilbao is the kind of place where your experience depends more on your choices than on the city itself being inherently expensive.

In this guide, I’ll break down what things actually cost in Bilbao, from food and hotels to activities and transport, so you can plan your trip realistically and make the most of your time here.

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Is Bilbao Expensive Compared to Other Cities in Spain?

When people ask “Is Bilbao expensive?”, they’re usually comparing it to the rest of Spain. And the truth is that Bilbao is slightly more expensive than many Spanish cities, but not dramatically so.

The Basque Country has historically had higher wages than much of Spain, and the region’s intense focus on food quality also influences prices. This isn’t a place built around bargain tourism, it’s a place built around exceptional ingredients, craftsmanship, and culture.

Compared with other cities:

• Bilbao is more expensive than many towns in Andalusia or inland Spain
• It’s roughly comparable to Madrid
• It’s often slightly cheaper than Barcelona, especially when it comes to accommodation, and cheaper than San Sebastian in terms of pintxos

Where Bilbao really differs from other destinations is its philosophy around food. The Basque Country takes gastronomy very seriously. That means restaurants don’t necessarily aim to be cheap, they aim to be excellent.

And that’s the key distinction. Bilbao may not always be the cheapest place to eat, drink, or stay, but it is almost always good value for the quality you receive.

Food Prices in Bilbao: Cheap Bites or Michelin Stars?

If there’s one thing that defines Bilbao, it’s the food. The city sits at the heart of one of the greatest culinary regions in the world, surrounded by world-class restaurants, exceptional produce, and a food culture that is deeply embedded in daily life.

So, is Bilbao expensive when it comes to food?

The answer is both yes and no.

You can eat cheaply in Bilbao, very cheaply, but you can also eat extraordinarily well and spend a significant amount of money doing so. What makes the city special is that even the affordable options tend to be fantastic.

Pintxos Prices in Bilbao

One of the most famous elements of Basque food culture is pintxos, small bites served in bars, often displayed along the counter.

Pintxos are similar to tapas but are typically more elaborate and creative. They’re meant to be enjoyed while standing at the bar, paired with a small drink, before moving on to the next place.

Prices vary depending on the bar and the complexity of the dish, but generally you can expect:

• Simple pintxos: €2–€3
• More elaborate pintxos: €3–€5
• Premium pintxos: €6–€8

Drinks are also fairly reasonable:

• Small beer (caña or zurito): €1–€3
• Glass of wine: €2–€4
• Vermouth or local wine: €3–€5

One thing visitors often notice is that drinks are smaller than in countries like the UK. A beer might be served in a small glass rather than a pint. But that’s because the culture here isn’t about sitting in one place and drinking heavily, it’s about moving between bars, tasting different dishes, and enjoying the social atmosphere.

As a result, a pintxos crawl might cost €15–€25 per person and feel like an entire dining experience.

Best Pintxos Bars in Bilbao

If you want to experience pintxos properly, these bars are fantastic places to start:

Sorginzulo – One of my personal favourites in Casco Viejo. Their rabas (calamari) are absolutely outstanding — perfectly crispy and dangerously addictive. It’s one of those places I find myself returning to again and again.

Café Iruña – One of Bilbao’s most historic bars, famous for its stunning Moorish-style interior. Even if you only stop in for a drink and a pintxo, the atmosphere alone makes it worth visiting.

El Globo – A long-time local favourite known for its creative pintxos and lively atmosphere. Their crab gratin pintxo is legendary.

Together these bars give you a great introduction to Bilbao’s pintxos culture and show why the city has such a strong reputation as a food destination.

The Secret Weapon: Menú del Día

If you want to know the secret to eating incredibly well without spending much money in Spain, it’s the menú del día.

Originally created for workers who needed a proper meal during the day, this three-course set menu is one of the best food bargains you’ll find anywhere in Europe.

A typical menú del día includes:

• A first dish (which is larger than your typical starter as it’s more about the type of food (veg, legumes, soup, pasta, rice)
• A second course (which is usually fish or meat)
• Dessert
• Bread
• Wine or water
• Sometimes coffee

Prices generally range from:

• €12–€15 on weekdays
• €20–€30 on weekends

And the portions are enormous.

Seriously. You will probably finish lunch wondering how on earth anyone could possibly eat dinner afterwards.

Menus often include traditional Basque dishes, fresh seafood, stews, grilled meats, and seasonal produce. It’s one of the best ways to experience authentic local cooking without paying restaurant tasting menu prices.

Best Places for Menú del Día in Bilbao

Some excellent spots include:

Café Bar Bilbao – A historic institution in Plaza Nueva known for hearty Basque dishes and a great value menú del día.

La Viña del Ensanche – A fantastic restaurant in the Ensanche district that combines traditional cuisine with excellent ingredients.

Both offer generous portions and authentic Basque flavours.

Cheap Eats in Bilbao (A Local Favourite)

One of my favourite things about Bilbao, something visitors often overlook, is the abundance of fruit shops around the city.

These small stores sell seasonal fruit that is often incredibly affordable and unbelievably delicious. Depending on the time of year you might find trays of peaches, cherries, strawberries, figs, or nectarines that taste like they were picked five minutes ago. My favourite? Yellow plums!

It’s one of my personal go-tos when I’m wandering around the city. Not only is it cheap, but it’s also one of the most authentic ways to enjoy the region’s produce.

You’ll also find plenty of bakeries, small cafés, and markets where you can grab sandwiches, pastries, or snacks for just a few euros.

Fine Dining in Bilbao

Of course, Bilbao is also home to some truly outstanding restaurants, and if you decide to explore the region’s famous culinary scene, the costs can rise quickly.

The Basque Country has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, and tasting menus can range from €80 to €250 per person.

But again, what you’re paying for is not just a meal, it’s an experience. Many of these restaurants serve carefully curated menus showcasing local ingredients, culinary innovation, and world-class cooking techniques.

Even at the higher end, many visitors feel the experience represents excellent value for money compared to similar restaurants elsewhere in Europe.

Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Bilbao

If you want to treat yourself to an unforgettable meal, consider:

Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao – A Michelin-starred restaurant located inside the Guggenheim Museum, offering a refined tasting menu focused on seasonal Basque ingredients.

Atelier Etxanobe – One of Bilbao’s most celebrated restaurants, combining modern Basque cuisine with elegant presentation and exceptional flavours.

These restaurants showcase why the Basque Country has become one of the world’s great gastronomic destinations.

Accommodation Prices in Bilbao

Accommodation is one area where Bilbao feels more like a typical European city.

While you can find budget options, prices during peak season, especially summer and major festivals, can climb.

Budget Accommodation

Budget travellers will still find some good options in Bilbao, particularly hostels and smaller guesthouses. Expect to pay roughly €25–€45 per night for hostel beds and €70–€120 for simple private rooms.

Two solid budget-friendly options include:

Optimi Rooms Bilbao – A modern capsule-style hostel that’s surprisingly comfortable and very well located near the river. It’s clean, efficient, and perfect if you’re travelling solo or on a tight budget.

Casual Bilbao Gurea – A simple but charming guesthouse right in the heart of Casco Viejo. The location is fantastic if you want to be surrounded by pintxos bars and historic streets.

Both options offer excellent value for travellers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the city.

Mid-Range Hotels

Mid-range hotels are where Bilbao really shines. Many properties combine stylish design, great locations, and reasonable prices.

Expect to pay roughly €120–€220 per night depending on the season.

Two excellent options include:

Hotel Tayko Bilbao – One of the most popular boutique hotels in the city, perfectly located between the Old Town and the river. The design is modern but warm, and it’s home to an excellent restaurant.

NYX Hotel Bilbao – A vibrant and contemporary hotel just beside Casco Viejo. It’s colourful, lively, and often slightly more affordable than other boutique options in the same area.

These hotels strike a great balance between comfort, location, and price.

Luxury Hotels

For travellers looking to treat themselves, Bilbao also has some fantastic luxury properties.

Prices typically start at around €250 per night and can rise during busy periods.

Two standout options include:

The Artist Grand Hotel of Art – Located directly opposite the Guggenheim Museum, this stylish five-star hotel is one of Bilbao’s most iconic places to stay. The rooms are spacious and contemporary, many offering views of the museum itself, and the rooftop terrace is one of the best spots in the city for breakfast with a view.

Radisson Collection Bilbao – A sleek and contemporary luxury hotel in the city centre with beautifully designed rooms and excellent service.

Both provide a memorable stay if you’re looking for something a little more indulgent.

Of course, choosing the right neighbourhood can make a big difference to your experience in Bilbao. Some areas are perfect for pintxos hopping and nightlife, while others are quieter and better suited to relaxed city breaks.

👉 If you want help choosing the best area and hotel, read my full guide to Where to Stay in Bilbao, where I break down the neighbourhoods and share my favourite hotels for every type of traveller.

Are Activities in Bilbao Expensive?

Compared to many major European destinations, activities in Bilbao are surprisingly affordable.

Free Things to Do in Bilbao

Some of the best things to do in the city cost absolutely nothing.

You can:

• Wander the historic streets of Casco Viejo
• Walk along the Nervión River
• Explore the city’s modern architecture
• Visit markets and local neighbourhoods
• Join a free walking tour

Bilbao is also a wonderfully walkable city, which means you can experience a lot without spending much at all.

Paid Activities

When you do decide to pay for activities, prices are generally reasonable.

For example:

• Guggenheim Museum: around €13–€16
• Food tours: around €90–€120
• Day trips to the coast or countryside: vary depending on tour type

A food tour might seem expensive at first glance, but considering the amount of food, wine, and cultural insight you receive, they often represent excellent value, especially if you want to understand the city’s legendary food culture.

Of course, these are just a few examples. Bilbao has far more to offer, from hidden neighbourhoods and historic markets to coastal adventures and incredible viewpoints.

👉 If you want a full list of the best experiences in the city, read my guide to Things to Do in Bilbao, where I share my favourite activities, local tips, and a few hidden gems I grew up visiting.

Transport Costs in Bilbao

Transport in Bilbao is another area where visitors often spend less than expected.

The city has an excellent public transport network, including a sleek metro system designed by renowned architect Norman Foster.

Typical prices include:

• Metro journeys: €1.50–€2
• Airport bus: around €3
• Local buses and trams: similarly affordable

But the best part is that Bilbao is extremely walkable. Many of the main attractions are located along the river or within the historic centre, making it easy to explore on foot.

How Much Should You Budget Per Day in Bilbao?

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a rough estimate of daily travel budgets.

Budget Traveller

€50–€70 per day

This might include:

• Hostel accommodation
• Pintxos or simple meals
• Walking or public transport
• Free attractions

Mid-Range Traveller

€120–€200 per day

This might include:

• Mid-range hotel
• Menú del día lunch and a nice dinner
• Museums or guided tours
• Drinks and pintxos

Luxury Traveller

€250+ per day

This might include:

• Luxury hotel
• Fine dining restaurants
• Private tours
• Premium experiences

Of course, how expensive Bilbao feels also depends on how long you stay. A quick overnight visit will cost far less than a long weekend of food tours and museums.

👉 If you’re trying to plan your trip, I’ve put together detailed Bilbao itineraries for 1, 2 and 3 days, including exactly how to structure your time, what not to miss, and how to experience the city like a local.

Tips to Visit Bilbao Without Spending a Fortune

If you want to enjoy Bilbao while keeping your budget under control, a few simple strategies make a big difference.

Eat the menú del día whenever possible. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy excellent local food at a very reasonable price.

Try pintxos hopping instead of sitting down for a large restaurant meal every evening. Not only is it often cheaper, it’s also one of the most authentic experiences in the Basque Country.

Walk whenever you can. Bilbao is compact and beautifully designed for exploring on foot.

Visit outside the peak summer season if possible. Accommodation prices tend to be significantly lower in spring and autumn.

And finally, remember that quality is part of the Basque identity. Spending a little more on something exceptional, whether that’s a meal, a tour, or a local product, is often worth it.

So, Is Bilbao Expensive?

So after all that, let’s return to the original question: is Bilbao expensive?

The honest answer is no, not if you approach it the right way.

Bilbao isn’t the cheapest city in Spain, but it offers remarkable value for money. You can eat incredible food without spending a fortune, explore beautiful neighbourhoods for free, and enjoy world-class culture at reasonable prices.

More importantly, Bilbao rewards travellers who embrace its local rhythms. Eat lunch like a local. Wander the streets slowly. Stop at fruit stands. Share pintxos with friends. Enjoy small glasses of wine rather than rushing through large drinks.

Do that, and you’ll quickly realise that Bilbao isn’t just affordable, it’s one of the most rewarding cities in Spain to experience.

If you’re still deciding whether to add it to your itinerary, you might also want to read my guide to Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?, where I share what makes the city so special.

And once you’ve explored Bilbao itself, it’s also well worth venturing a little further. The Basque Country has some of the most beautiful coastline and countryside in Spain, all within easy reach of the city.

👉 For inspiration, check out my guide to the best Bilbao day trips, where I share some of my favourite places just a short journey away.