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Bilbao or Madrid?
Both are culture, food and history destinations in Europe. Bilbao adds architecture and shopping. Madrid adds city life and nightlife.
| Bilbao | Madrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Spain | Spain |
| Cost of a week | mid-priced | mid-priced |
| Crowds at peak | medium | high |
| Best months | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Warmest month | August, 26°C | July, 35°C |
| Coolest month | January, 12°C | January, 10°C |
| Known for | Guggenheim Museum, Casco Viejo, Artxanda Funicular, Mercado de la Ribera | Museo del Prado, Guernica at Reina Sofía, flamenco, never-sleeping nightlife |
Month by month, side by side
| Month | Bilbao | Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 10°C |
| Feb | 15°C | 14°C |
| Mar | 17°C | 17°C |
| Apr | 17°C | 20°C |
| May | 21°C | 25°C |
| Jun | 24°C | 30°C |
| Jul | 25°C | 35°C |
| Aug | 26°C | 34°C |
| Sep | 26°C | 26°C |
| Oct | 23°C | 23°C |
| Nov | 16°C | 15°C |
| Dec | 15°C | 12°C |
So which one?
Pick Bilbao if…
you want architecture and shopping. It also works in July, August, when Madrid is off-season.
Pick Madrid if…
you want city life and nightlife. It also works in April, October, November.
Both are at their best in May, June, September.
Book whichever wins
Common questions
Is Bilbao or Madrid cheaper?
Bilbao is mid-priced for a week, Madrid is mid-priced.
Which is warmer, Bilbao or Madrid?
Bilbao peaks at 26°C in August; Madrid peaks at 35°C in July.
Can you do both in one trip?
Yes — they are in the same country, so combining them is straightforward.
Temperatures are measured averages (ERA5, Open-Meteo). Hotel links are partner links — your price is unchanged.