Bilbao Travel Guide

Bilbao is a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. With its world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, rich culinary scene, and stunning landscapes, Bilbao offers an unforgettable travel experience. This Bilbao Travel Guide will take you through the best times to visit, how to get around, where to stay, and what to do in this captivating city.

When to visit Bilbao

The weather in Bilbao can be unpredictable as it’s characterized by mild temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year.

Spring: Mild temperatures and blooming gardens make spring an ideal time to visit. However, be prepared for occasional rain showers.

Summer: Warm weather and long days are perfect for exploring Bilbao’s outdoor attractions. Rain is less frequent, but still possible, and the city can get crowded.

Fall: Cooler temperatures and fewer tourists make fall a great time for a relaxed visit. The city’s parks are beautiful with autumn colors, though rainfall increases.

Winter: Winters are mild but wet. While it’s the least crowded season, it’s still enjoyable with indoor activities like museums. Make sure to pack an umbrella.

How many days to stay in Bilbao

To truly experience Bilbao, you can stay between 2 to 3 days. This allows you to explore the major attractions and add a day trip to the nearby coastal town of Getxo or the Vizcaya Bridge.

How to get to Bilbao

To get to the city center from Bilbao Airport (BIO) you have mainly two options.

Bus: The Bizkaibus A3247 line runs every 15-20 minutes between the airport and Bilbao’s city center. The journey takes about 20 minutes and costs around €3.

Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. The ride to the city center takes about 15 minutes and costs approximately €25.

How to move around Bilbao

Bilbao’s compact size and efficient public transportation system make getting around the city easy and convenient.

Metro: The Bilbao Metro is modern and extensive, connecting the city center with surrounding areas. It’s a quick and reliable way to travel.

Bus: Bilbobus operates an extensive network of city buses. It’s a great way to reach destinations not covered by the metro.

Tram: The Euskotren Tram runs along a scenic route, passing many of the city’s key attractions.

Walking: Bilbao is a walkable city, especially in areas like Casco Viejo and the Ensanche district. Walking is a great way to discover hidden gems.

Taxi: Taxis are affordable and easy to find.

Where to stay in Bilbao

Bilbao offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels.

Casco Viejo: Ideal for those who want to stay in the heart of the action, with historic charm and plenty of pintxo bars. Hotel Tayko Bilbao – A modern boutique hotel with stylish rooms and an excellent location in the Old Town.

Ensanche: Known for its elegant streets and proximity to the Guggenheim Museum, it’s a great area for culture and shopping. Gran Hotel Domine – A luxury hotel directly opposite the Guggenheim, offering stunning views and top-notch amenities.

Indautxu: A lively neighborhood with a mix of shopping, dining, and nightlife options, perfect for young travelers. Hotel Ercilla – A contemporary hotel with a rooftop bar and modern facilities, located in the vibrant Indautxu area.

Deusto: A quieter area offering a more relaxed atmosphere and beautiful riverside walks. NH Bilbao Deusto – An upscale hotel known for its comfort and proximity to Guggenheim.

Where to eat in Bilbao

Bilbao offers a variety of dining experiences from traditional Basque cuisine to modern gastronomic innovations. You can do a pintxo crawl to sample a variety of flavors across different bars.

Café Iruña: A historic cafe serving traditional Basque dishes and pintxos in a beautiful Moorish-inspired setting.

Gure Toki: Located in Plaza Nueva, this pintxo bar is famous for its creative and delicious pintxos.

El Globo: A local favorite for pintxos, offering a wide variety of innovative and tasty options.

Azurmendi: A three-Michelin-starred restaurant located just outside Bilbao, known for its innovative Basque cuisine and sustainable practices.

La Vina del Ensanche: A classic spot for Basque cuisine with a modern twist, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Bascook: A unique dining experience blending traditional Basque ingredients with modern culinary techniques.

Things to do in Bilbao

Bilbao offers a rich array of attractions, from world-class museums and historic sites to scenic parks and vibrant markets.

Guggenheim Museum: This iconic museum is a must-visit for its stunning architecture and impressive collection of contemporary art.

• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm (winter) Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm (summer).
• Entrance fee: €15 – €18 Book tickets here.

Casco Viejo: Wander the narrow streets of the Old Town, and explore historic sites like the Santiago Cathedral and Plaza Nueva

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum: One of Spain’s finest art museums, featuring works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art.

• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm. Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. Tuesdays closed.
• Entrance fee: €7. Book tickets here.

Zubizuri Bridge: A striking white footbridge, offering great views of the river and cityscape.

Azkuna Zentroa: A cultural and leisure center housed in a former wine warehouse, offering exhibitions, a cinema, and a rooftop pool.

• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm
• Entrance fee: It depends on the exhibition. Book tickets here.

Vizcaya Bridge: A UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s oldest transporter bridge, connecting the towns of Portugalete and Getxo.

• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm
• Entrance fee: €10 Book tickets here.

Tips to visit Bilbao

Book museum tickets in advance: Popular attractions like the Guggenheim Museum can have long lines. Booking tickets online saves time.

Use the Bilbao card: This tourist card offers unlimited use of public transportation and discounts at major attractions.

Dress in layers: The weather in Bilbao can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to dress in layers and carry an umbrella.

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