Destination guide

Bilbao

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Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country, once a heavy industry port and now a confident, creative city. A shimmering titanium museum sits beside the river, and the old town, the green hills and the food scene are just as good.

It is a city that has reinvented itself, with a lot of design and public art. It is also a good gateway for the Basque coast and mountains.

How many days: 2

Two days covers the museum, the old town and a lot of eating. Three lets you add a day trip to the coast.

The coast is a short drive away. Small fishing villages and beaches are easily reached by train or bus.

What to do in Bilbao

Visit the Guggenheim Museum
A landmark building by Frank Gehry, covered in curved titanium panels. The building is as much a sight as the art inside.
Walk along the Nervión river
Promenades line the river, with modern bridges and public art. A good way to see the city.
Explore the Casco Viejo
The old town has seven original streets and many bars. A good place for pintxos.
Take the funicular to Artxanda
A short ride gives a view over the city and the valley. A good spot for a picnic.
Visit the Fine Arts Museum
A strong collection of Spanish and Basque art. Often overlooked by visitors.
See the Vizcaya Bridge
A transporter bridge just outside the city, listed as a World Heritage site. You can cross by gondola.
Take a trip to the coast
Beaches and fishing villages are a short trip from the city. Bakio and Gaztelugatxe are popular.
Visit the riverside market
A large market hall on the river, with stalls of fish, meat and vegetables. A good place for lunch.
Walk the La Salve Bridge
A red arch crosses the river at the Guggenheim and gives a view of the museum from below.
Visit the Basque Museum
A museum of Basque history and culture in the old town, with a cloister. A quiet and informative stop.

What to eat and drink

Pintxos
Small snacks on bread, served in bars across the old town. Order a drink and choose a few.
Bacalao al pil-pil
Salt cod cooked in olive oil and garlic until creamy. A Basque classic.
Txuleta
A thick, aged steak, grilled over embers. Often shared.
Basque cheese
Idiazabal is a smoked sheep's cheese. Look for it in markets.
Txakoli
A light, crisp white wine from the coast. It goes well with seafood.
Basque cider
A dry cider, poured from a height. Served in cider houses.
Marmitako
A tuna and potato stew, a traditional fisherman's dish. Warming and filling.
Local sweets
Look for the pastries known as carolinas, topped with meringue, and Basque almond cakes.
Local bakery treats
Look for the sweet pastries and cakes in the bakeries of the old town, especially around the cathedral.

Getting around

The city is compact, and the old town and the Guggenheim are walkable. A metro, tram and buses cover the rest.

Trains and buses link Bilbao with San Sebastián and other cities. Check timetables.

The airport is a short drive or bus ride from the centre.

Good to know

  • The weather is often grey and rainy. Pack a waterproof.
  • Summer is mild compared to southern Spain. Spring and autumn are good times to visit.
  • Many museums close on Mondays. Check the official sites.
  • Spain uses the euro. Cards are widely accepted.
  • Many restaurants close in the afternoon. Check before you go.
  • Bilbao is a good base for the Basque coast, and Gaztelugatxe, a small island with a hermitage, is a popular day trip.
  • The city is greener than it looks from the motorway. The hills behind have forest paths a short bus ride away.
  • The best viewpoint for the Guggenheim is from across the river. Walk the other bank at dusk, when the building is lit.

Where to stay in Bilbao

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Casco Viejo

Bilbao's historic old town is a compact maze of pedestrian streets, pintxos bars, shops and traditional architecture around the Seven Streets. It is excellent for first-time visitors and food-focused stays, though evenings can be lively and noisy.

Abando

Abando is Bilbao's central commercial district, with major shopping streets, transport links, restaurants and easy walking access to both the old town and Guggenheim area. It is the most practical all-round base for short stays and business travel.

Indautxu

Indautxu is a lively central neighbourhood with restaurants, bars, shopping and easy access to San Mamés stadium. It has strong nightlife and local atmosphere while remaining walkable to central sights, though it can be noisy on weekends.

Guggenheim & Abandoibarra

The riverfront around the Guggenheim Museum offers striking modern architecture, landscaped promenades and several upscale hotels. It is particularly appealing for culture, couples and premium stays, though nightlife is less concentrated than in Casco Viejo.

Deusto

Deusto is a university and residential district across the river from central Bilbao, with local restaurants and comparatively affordable accommodation. It suits longer stays and budget-conscious visitors, though it is less atmospheric for short leisure trips.

Getxo

Getxo lies near the coast at the mouth of the Nervión and offers beaches, grand residential architecture and a more relaxed atmosphere than central Bilbao. It is excellent for summer stays and families, but requires a metro journey into the city.

What it costs

A typical day in Bilbao, per person, in pounds.

£61

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£144

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

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