General Information
Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, is a vibrant destination known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and world-famous cuisine. Once an industrial hub, Bilbao has transformed into a cultural hotspot, featuring the Guggenheim Museum, charming Old Town streets, and a thriving arts scene. With a mix of modern innovation and Basque traditions, Bilbao offers travelers an unforgettable experience filled with art, gastronomy, and scenic beauty.
Location
Bilbao is located in northern Spain, along the Nervión River, just 14 km from the Bay of Biscay. The city is surrounded by green mountains, offering a mix of urban landscapes and nature.
Distances from Major Cities:
- San Sebastián: 100 km (1 hour by car)
- Madrid: 400 km (4 hours by car, 2.5 hours by train)
- Barcelona: 600 km (6 hours by car, 1-hour flight)
How to Get There
- By Air:
- Bilbao Airport (BIO) has international connections with Europe and domestic flights from Madrid, Barcelona, and more. A bus connects the airport to the city center in 20 minutes.
- By Train:
- The Renfe Alvia train from Madrid takes 2.5–4.5 hours, while slower trains connect to other Spanish cities.
- By Bus:
- Long-distance buses from Madrid, Barcelona, and San Sebastián provide affordable options.
- By Car:
- Bilbao is connected by the AP-8 and AP-68 highways, making it easy to reach from surrounding regions.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March – May): Ideal for sightseeing with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Summer (June – August): A lively season with festivals like Aste Nagusia (Bilbao’s Big Week), but expect higher prices and more tourists.
- Autumn (September – November): Great weather, fewer tourists, and a perfect time for food lovers to enjoy Basque cuisine.
- Winter (December – February): Cool but not extreme, making it ideal for indoor attractions like museums and dining experiences.
Key Festivals & Events:
- Aste Nagusia (August): Bilbao’s biggest festival, featuring fireworks, concerts, and cultural performances.
- Bilbao BBK Live (July): One of Spain’s top music festivals, attracting international artists.
Where to Stay
- Luxury:
- Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao: A 5-star hotel opposite the Guggenheim Museum, with panoramic city views.
- Hotel Carlton: An elegant historical hotel in Plaza Moyúa, offering classic luxury.
- Mid-range:
- NYX Hotel Bilbao: A trendy hotel near the Old Town, perfect for design lovers.
- Hotel Miró: A stylish boutique hotel with modern decor and top-notch service.
- Budget:
- Pensión Basque Boutique: A cozy guesthouse with Basque-inspired decor.
- Botxo Gallery Hostel: A budget-friendly option close to the Guggenheim.
Top Attractions
- Guggenheim Museum: A world-famous contemporary art museum, designed by Frank Gehry, featuring exhibitions by top international artists.
- Casco Viejo (Old Town): Bilbao’s historic quarter, filled with narrow streets, pintxos bars, and medieval architecture.
- Plaza Nueva: A lively neoclassical square, ideal for enjoying pintxos and local wine.
- Ribera Market: Spain’s largest covered market, offering fresh seafood, meats, and Basque specialties.
- Bilbao Fine Arts Museum: A must-visit for art lovers, featuring works from Goya, El Greco, and contemporary artists.
- San Mamés Stadium: A paradise for football fans, home to Athletic Club Bilbao.
- Zubizuri Bridge: A modern white pedestrian bridge, designed by Santiago Calatrava, offering beautiful views of the city.
- Artxanda Funicular: A short cable car ride leading to a panoramic viewpoint over Bilbao.
Getting Around
- Metro: Bilbao’s modern metro system, designed by Norman Foster, is one of the best ways to get around.
- Trams & Buses: The Bilbobus and Euskotren tram system cover the city well.
- Walking & Cycling: Bilbao is pedestrian-friendly, and bike rentals are available for exploring.
- Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Taxis are easy to find, and services like Cabify operate in Bilbao.
Local Cuisine
Bilbao is a food lover’s paradise, known for pintxos (Basque-style tapas) and seafood.
- Pintxos: Small, flavorful bites, often served on bread with seafood, cheese, or Iberian ham.
- Bacalao a la Vizcaína: A cod dish with tomato and red pepper sauce.
- Txangurro: A delicious stuffed spider crab dish.
- Txuleton: A Basque-style aged beef steak, grilled to perfection.
- Goxua: A local dessert with cream, sponge cake, and caramel.
Best Restaurants & Pintxos Bars:
- Café Iruña: A historic venue serving traditional Basque dishes.
- La Viña del Ensanche: One of the best places for pintxos and Iberian ham.
- El Globo: Famous for award-winning pintxos and great wine selection.
- Mina (Michelin-starred): A top choice for fine dining with seasonal tasting menus.
Shopping
- Gran Vía: The city’s main shopping street, home to international brands and luxury boutiques.
- Casco Viejo: Perfect for artisan crafts, Basque souvenirs, and independent stores.
- La Ribera Market: A great spot for local food products, cheeses, and wines.
Nightlife
- Casco Viejo: Ideal for a pintxos and drinks crawl.
- La Terraza del Yandiola: A stylish rooftop bar with cocktails and city views.
- Muelle Bar: A trendy spot with live DJs and great drinks.
- Kafe Antzokia: A converted theater-turned-music venue featuring live rock, jazz, and indie performances.
Day Trips from Bilbao
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (35 km): A stunning island and church, famous from Game of Thrones (Dragonstone).
- San Sebastián (100 km): A beautiful coastal city with famous beaches and world-class gastronomy.
- Getxo & Portugalete (15 km): Scenic coastal towns with clifftop views and the Vizcaya Bridge (UNESCO site).
- Vitoria-Gasteiz (65 km): The capital of the Basque Country, known for its medieval Old Town and wine culture.
