Things To Do
in Bilbao
Bilbao is a vibrant city in northern Spain, known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. The iconic Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, is a must-see attraction that draws visitors from around the world. The city's waterfront is a bustling area with restaurants, shops, and a lively atmosphere.
Bilbao also offers beautiful parks, historic landmarks, and delicious cuisine, making it a wonderful destination for travelers seeking a mix of art, history, and local flavor.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Adiós" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by wandering the charming streets of Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s historic old town. Enjoy a traditional breakfast of pintxos at a local café.
Visit the famous Mercado de la Ribera for fresh produce and local delicacies. Grab lunch at one of the market's eateries and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Stroll along the Nervion River and admire the city lights reflecting on the water. End your day with dinner at a riverside restaurant serving Basque cuisine.
Begin your day at the Guggenheim Museum, marveling at its modern architecture and contemporary art collections. Don’t forget to take photos of the iconic Puppy sculpture outside.
Visit the Fine Arts Museum, which houses an impressive collection ranging from medieval to contemporary art. Enjoy lunch at the museum café, which offers a lovely view.
Discover the vibrant arts scene in Bilbao by checking out local galleries or live performances. Dine at a nearby bistro that specializes in traditional dishes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage, including the famous Guggenheim Museum.
- Vibrant culinary scene with a focus on Basque cuisine.
- Beautiful architecture blending modern and historical styles.
- Friendly locals and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Access to stunning natural landscapes and nearby beaches.
- Bilingual population may pose challenges for non-Spanish speakers.
- Weather can be rainy and overcast for significant parts of the year.
- Cost of living can be relatively high in the city center.
- Traffic congestion during peak hours.
- Limited nightlife compared to larger Spanish cities like Madrid or Barcelona.
Best Activities in Bilbao
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the iconic modern and contemporary art museum while enjoying its unique architectural design and surrounding outdoor spaces.
Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along the picturesque riverside, taking in the views of the city's bridges, parks, and historic buildings.
Take a hike up Artxanda Hill for panoramic views of Bilbao and its surrounding natural landscapes, with various trails catering to different skill levels.
Tours
Uncover the best of Bilbao with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Bilbao
Visit one of these nice places.
Famous for its contemporary art, futuristic architecture, and scenic views of the Nervión River.
Offers panoramic views of Bilbao and the surrounding mountains. Accessible by funicular or car.
A picturesque islet with a staircase leading to a hermitage, providing stunning views of the coastline.
Food in Bilbao
Bilbao Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
These Basque-style tapas are a must-try, featuring an array of small, flavorful dishes often served on bread or skewered with a toothpick. Head to the Casco Viejo (Old Town) to explore various pintxos bars such as Bar El Globo and Bar Azcaray.
Must-Try!
This iconic Basque dish consists of salt cod cooked in olive oil, garlic, and chili, creating a creamy emulsion known as 'pil pil' sauce. For an authentic experience, visit Restaurante Zazpi Barri in the city center.
A hearty tuna stew with potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and onions, originating from the region's fishing heritage. Try it at La Viña del Ensanche for a taste of Bilbao's maritime traditions.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Bilbao better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the largest covered market in Europe, offering a wide selection of fresh produce, meat, seafood, and local delicacies. Sample regional specialties and enjoy a true food market experience.
This historic square is lined with pintxos bars and eateries, making it a hotspot for experiencing Bilbao's vibrant street food scene. Stop by Bar Zuga for a variety of delectable pintxos.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Bilbao, it's important to be mindful of personal space and to avoid standing too close to others while speaking or engaging in conversations.
Being punctual is considered respectful in Bilbao, so make an effort to arrive on time for social engagements, meetings, and appointments.
When meeting someone for the first time or in formal settings, it's customary to use formal greetings and titles such as ‘Señor’ (Mr.) or ‘Señora’ (Mrs.) as a sign of respect.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Bilbao with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Bilbao
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Bilbao, Spain is not as common as in some other countries. In general, tipping is not expected, but leaving a small amount as a gesture of appreciation for good service is considered polite in restaurants and for exceptional service in other service industries.
In Bilbao, Spain, credit and debit cards are widely accepted for payment, especially in larger establishments. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash, especially for small purchases and in more local or traditional establishments where card payments may not be accepted.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Bilbao.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to see Bilbao's lush green landscapes and enjoy pleasant weather
Ideal for beach visits, outdoor activities, and many cultural festivals
Mild weather, beautiful fall foliage, and fewer tourists
Cool temperatures, fewer crowds, and great for indoor cultural experiences
Bilbao at Night
Hiking in Bilbao
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A vast natural park located east of Bilbao, offering numerous hiking trails through forests, mountains, and scenic landscapes. It features the highest peak in the Basque Country, Mount Gorbeia.
Situated just south of Bilbao, this park is known for its dramatic cliffs and diverse flora and fauna. The trails here offer stunning views and the chance to explore charming villages.
A scenic hiking path that leads through the mountains near Bilbao. It is known for its beautiful vistas and is suitable for various levels of hikers.
Accessible by a funicular railway from Bilbao, this mountain offers several walking trails with panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Located a bit further west of Bilbao, this geopark is famous for its dramatic cliffs, unique rock formations, and beautiful coastal trails. It's a great spot for hiking and enjoying the ocean views.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Bilbao through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Bilbao by plane.
The main airport serving the city of Bilbao and the surrounding Basque Country region.
Also known as Hondarribia Airport, it is located near San Sebastián and serves the Basque Country.
Located in Santander, it serves the Cantabria region and is approximately 100 km from Bilbao.
An airport located near Vitoria-Gasteiz, about 70 km from Bilbao, primarily serving domestic flights.
Located in Bordeaux, France, approximately 190 km from Bilbao, it serves international flights.
Spain's largest airport, located in Madrid, approximately 400 km from Bilbao, serving a vast number of international destinations.
Another major international airport in Spain, located in Barcelona, about 600 km from Bilbao.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group, primarily Basque Spaniards.
Includes a diverse population from Latin America, Eastern Europe, and North Africa.
A subgroup within the Spanish population, with distinct language and culture.
A significant portion of the population consisting of students and young professionals.
A growing demographic, reflecting the overall aging population trend.
The Soul of Bilbao
Discover the essence of Bilbao through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Bilbao, with the city being home to the historic Athletic Club, which competes in La Liga and is known for its unique policy of only recruiting Basque players.
A traditional sport in the Basque Country, Basque Pelota involves a variety of ball games played against a wall, and it holds cultural significance in the region.
Basketball is also quite popular, with the city boasting a professional team, RETAbet Bilbao Basket, which competes in the Spanish Liga ACB.
Rugby has a growing community in Bilbao, with clubs such as Bizkaia Rugby Taldea helping to promote the sport at both amateur and youth levels.
Cycling is a favored recreational activity in Bilbao, supported by scenic routes and events, as well as the nearby mountainous terrain that attracts enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bilbao.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Bilbao offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, with a growing number of specialized eateries focused on plant-based cuisine. Look out for 'platos vegetarianos' or 'opciones veganas' on menus.
While traditional Basque cuisine heavily features bread and pastries, numerous establishments in Bilbao cater to gluten-free diets, providing dedicated menus and alternatives such as gluten-free bread and tapas options.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Bilbao with these cultural adventures.
