Bilbao, located in the Basque Country of northern Spain, is a vibrant city known for its mix of industrial history and modern architectural wonders. Famous for the iconic Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao also offers a thriving food scene, picturesque streets, and easy access to the stunning Basque coastline. Whether you're an art lover, a foodie, or a traveler looking to explore its rich culture, Bilbao is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: A world-renowned modern art museum housed in an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry. The museum features contemporary art exhibitions and stunning outdoor sculptures like Jeff Koons’ "Puppy."
Casco Viejo (Old Town): The historic heart of Bilbao, where you can wander through narrow streets, discover charming squares, and visit landmarks like Santiago Cathedral and Plaza Nueva.
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum: Home to an impressive collection of Spanish and European art, ranging from the Middle Ages to contemporary works, this museum is one of Spain's most important art institutions.
Ría de Bilbao (Bilbao Estuary): A scenic river running through the city. Walk along the waterfront promenade or take a boat tour to appreciate Bilbao’s transformation from industrial port to cultural hub.
Zubizuri Bridge: A striking footbridge designed by Santiago Calatrava, linking Bilbao's old and new districts. The white bridge's modern design is another testament to the city’s architectural reinvention.
Artxanda Funicular: Ride this historic funicular to the top of Mount Artxanda for panoramic views of Bilbao and its surrounding landscape.
Pintxos: Bilbao is famous for pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. Try local favorites like cod in pil-pil sauce, txangurro (spider crab), or tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette) served on slices of bread.
Bacalao a la Vizcaína: A traditional dish of salted cod in a rich, red pepper sauce that showcases the region’s love for seafood.
Basque Cheesecake: Known as "tarta de queso," this creamy, slightly burnt cheesecake has become a global sensation but remains a must-try in its homeland.
Txakoli: A lightly sparkling white wine from the Basque region, perfect for pairing with pintxos or seafood dishes.
Local Markets: Visit Mercado de la Ribera, one of the largest covered markets in Europe, to sample fresh produce, meats, fish, and artisanal Basque delicacies.
Bilbao BBK Live: One of Spain’s premier music festivals, attracting international artists and music lovers to its stages every July on Mount Cobetas.
Aste Nagusia: Bilbao’s largest annual festival, celebrated in August with street performances, fireworks, concerts, and Basque sports demonstrations, making it the liveliest time to visit the city.
Basque Pelota Matches: Watch a traditional Basque pelota match at one of the local sports venues to experience a unique part of the region's culture.
Basque Cooking Classes: Learn to cook iconic Basque dishes like bacalao al pil-pil or pintxos with local chefs for an immersive culinary experience.
Public Transportation: Bilbao boasts an efficient public transport system that includes buses, trams, and a modern metro system. The Bilbao Metro connects major areas, making it easy to navigate the city.
Biking: Bilbao is a bike-friendly city with dedicated bike lanes. You can rent a bike from Bilbaobizi, the city's public bike-sharing service, to explore at your own pace.
Walking: Bilbao’s compact size and scenic streets make it a great city to explore on foot, especially in areas like Casco Viejo and along the riverbank.
Rental Companies: Car rental services are available at Bilbao Airport (BIO) and in the city center, with major companies like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar providing convenient options for exploring the Basque Country and beyond.
Driving License: A valid driver’s license is required, and non-EU drivers may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Parking: Parking in Bilbao’s historic areas can be limited, but the city offers several underground parking garages and park-and-ride options on the outskirts.
Traffic Rules: Like the rest of Spain, driving is on the right side of the road. The speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, and 120 km/h (74 mph) on highways.
Insurance: Rental cars typically include basic insurance such as Third-Party Liability, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), and Theft Protection. Additional coverage can be added for full protection.
Language: The official languages are Spanish and Basque (Euskara), though English is spoken in tourist areas. It’s always appreciated to learn a few Basque phrases.
Currency: The currency is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, though it's a good idea to have cash for small purchases in markets and local bars.
Weather: Bilbao has an oceanic climate with mild, rainy winters and warm summers. Be prepared for rain, especially in the cooler months.
Safety: Bilbao is generally a safe city for travelers, but as always, be cautious of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.
