Bilbao, Spain Travel Guide

Explore Bilbao, a vibrant city in Spain's Basque Country, where modern architecture meets rich tradition and stunning natural beauty.

Bilbao is a city where tradition meets modernity. Nestled in the Basque Country of northern Spain, it offers a unique blend of rich history and cutting-edge architecture. The city is famous for the Guggenheim Museum, an impressive feat of contemporary design by architect Frank Gehry. This structure alone draws visitors from around the world, but Bilbao has much more to offer. Stroll through the Old Town, known as Casco Viejo, and you'll find narrow streets filled with bars serving pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. These small bites are a culinary delight, often featuring local ingredients like fresh seafood and cured meats. The area is also home to many shops, markets, and historic buildings, including the stunning Santiago Cathedral. Bilbao is surrounded by lush green hills, making it a great destination for nature lovers. The city's riverside promenade, the Ría de Bilbao, is perfect for a leisurely walk or a boat ride. Take a trip to the nearby beaches or hike in the surrounding mountains for a change of scenery. With its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and beautiful landscapes, Bilbao is a city that captivates the heart and soul.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bilbao.

Visit the Guggenheim Museum early in the morning to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience with the art.
Try pintxos in Casco Viejo during the afternoon when the bars are less crowded but still lively.
Use the city's efficient public transport system to explore different neighborhoods and attractions.
Take a day trip to the nearby coastal town of Getxo for beautiful beaches and scenic views.
Learn a few basic phrases in Basque to enhance your interaction with locals, as many people in Bilbao speak both Spanish and Basque.

Neighbourhoods in Bilbao

Casco Viejo

Deusto

Abando

Indautxu

Ensanche

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Bilbao

Explore Bilbao: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Bilbao

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Best Attractions

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Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Discover the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, where modern architecture meets contemporary art in the heart of the Basque Country.

4.5

Vizcaya Bridge

Discover the breathtaking Vizcaya Bridge, an engineering marvel connecting Getxo and Portugalete, blending history with stunning views in the Basque Country.

4.7

Estadio de San Mamés

Experience the passion of Spanish football at San Mamés Stadium, the iconic home of Athletic Club in Bilbao, where history meets modern design.

4.7

Erriberako merkatua

Explore Erriberako Merkatua in Bilbao for a taste of fresh local produce, delicious pintxos, and the vibrant spirit of Basque culinary culture.

4.4

Best landmarks in Bilbao

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Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Discover the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, an architectural masterpiece showcasing contemporary art in the heart of the Basque Country.

4.5

Plaza Nueva

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Plaza Nueva, a historical landmark in Bilbao, rich in culture and flavor, perfect for soaking in local life.

4.5

Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga Bilbao)

Discover the vibrant cultural center of Azkuna Zentroa in Bilbao, where art, architecture, and community come alive in a stunning historical setting.

4.5

Artxanda viewpoint

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Bilbao from the Artxanda viewpoint, a must-visit observation deck for tourists seeking stunning landscapes and serenity.

4.7

Best restaurants in Bilbao

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El Globo tavern

Experience authentic Basque cuisine at El Globo Tavern - where delicious tapas meet vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Bilbao.

4.4

La Viña del Ensanche

Experience the best of Spanish cuisine at La Viña del Ensanche in Bilbao—home to exceptional tapas and traditional dishes in a lively atmosphere.

4.5

Gure Toki

Discover Gure Toki in Bilbao - an exquisite tapas bar blending tradition with innovation in every bite.

4.5

Víctor Montes jatetxea

Savor authentic Basque flavors at Víctor Montes Jatetxea - a must-visit restaurant in Bilbao for an unforgettable dining experience.

4.3

Best bars in Bilbao

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La Viña del Ensanche

Discover the flavors of Basque cuisine at La Viña del Ensanche, where traditional tapas meet innovative culinary artistry in the heart of Bilbao.

4.5

La Antigua Cigarrería

Discover La Antigua Cigarrería, an exceptional cocktail bar in Bilbao, where tradition meets innovation in a lively setting.

4.1

Sir Winston Churchill Pub

Discover the lively spirit of Bilbao at Sir Winston Churchill Pub, where exceptional cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere await every visitor.

4.6

La Mula de Moscú

Discover La Mula de Moscú, Bilbao's vibrant cocktail bar blending innovative mixology with a lively pub atmosphere for an unforgettable night.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Bilbao

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Back&Stage

Dive into the electrifying nightlife of Bilbao at Back&Stage, where music, dance, and fun come together in a vibrant disco atmosphere.

3.5

Budha Bilbao

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Bilbao at Budha Bilbao, where eclectic music and a lively atmosphere create unforgettable moments.

3.5

Sala Rockstar Live

Discover the electrifying nightlife of Bilbao at Sala Rockstar Live, a premier disco club filled with vibrant music and unforgettable energy.

3.8

El Balcón de la Lola

Discover the heart of Bilbao's nightlife at El Balcón de la Lola, a lively disco club with electrifying music and a vibrant atmosphere.

3.8

Best shops in Bilbao

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Zubiarte merkataritza-zentroa

Discover the vibrant shopping and dining experience at Zubiarte, the premier shopping mall in Bilbao, Spain.

4.0

Blue Banana Brand - Bilbao

Explore Blue Banana Brand in Bilbao for trendy men's, women's, and youth apparel, featuring unique T-shirts and stylish clothing in a vibrant shopping atmosphere.

4.4

Sombreros Gorostiaga

Explore the unique charm of Sombreros Gorostiaga, a must-visit hat shop in Bilbao, where quality craftsmanship meets stylish design.

4.6

Valentina Brand Shop Bilbao

Explore the vibrant Valentina Brand Shop in Bilbao for unique fashion, stylish clothing, and stunning accessories that reflect the local spirit.

4.2

Explore Bilbao on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Bilbao, mapped for you.

Bilbao Essentials

Bilbao is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Bilbao Airport (BIO) serves both domestic and international flights and is located about 12 kilometers north of the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or rental car to reach the city. The airport bus (Bizkaibus A3247) operates every 20 minutes and takes around 20-30 minutes to reach the city center. Bilbao is also accessible by train, with the main train station, Estación de Abando, offering connections to major Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona. For road travel, the A-8 motorway links Bilbao with other parts of Spain and France.
Bilbao boasts a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro network. The Bilbao Metro is efficient and covers most of the city and surrounding areas. The tram system, operated by Euskotren, is another convenient way to get around central Bilbao. For shorter trips, you can use Bilbobus, the city's bus network. Taxis are available throughout the city, and ride-sharing services like Uber also operate in Bilbao. For a more flexible option, consider renting a bike or car.
The official currency in Bilbao, as in the rest of Spain, is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, local markets, and public transportation. ATMs are easily found throughout the city, and most accept international cards. Currency exchange services are available at the airport and in various locations around the city.
Bilbao is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas. The Old Town (Casco Viejo) is charming but can be crowded, so be mindful of pickpockets. Areas like San Francisco and Bilbao La Vieja have higher crime rates and are best avoided, especially after dark. Always keep an eye on your belongings in busy places like markets and tourist attractions.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance from police, fire, or medical services. The main hospitals in Bilbao include Hospital de Basurto and Hospital Universitario Cruces. Pharmacies are plentiful and can provide over-the-counter medications and basic medical advice. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies (farmacias) are well-stocked and can offer guidance.
Fashion: Do dress smart-casual, as locals tend to dress well. Avoid overly casual or beachwear unless you're at the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious sites. Cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers and avoid speaking loudly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A light kiss on both cheeks is common among friends and acquaintances. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like pintxos. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations. Avoid tipping excessively; a small amount is usually sufficient.
To experience Bilbao like a local, visit the Mercado de la Ribera for fresh produce and local delicacies. Take a leisurely walk along the Nervión River and explore the unique architecture of the Guggenheim Museum. Enjoy a night out in the Casco Viejo, where you can hop from bar to bar sampling pintxos. Engage with locals; Basque people are known for their hospitality and are often eager to share their culture. Don't miss the opportunity to take a funicular ride to Mount Artxanda for panoramic views of the city.

When is the best time to visit Bilbao?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Bilbao

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Bilbao. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloKaixo
  [kai-cho]
- GoodbyeAgur
  [a-goor]
- YesBai
  [bye]
- NoEz
  [ez]
- Please/You're welcomeMesedez
  [me-se-des]
- Thank youEskerrik asko
  [es-ke-rik as-ko]
- Excuse me/SorryBarkatu
  [bar-ka-tu]
- How are you?Zer moduz?
  [zer mo-duth]
- Fine. And you?Ondo. Eta zu?
  [on-do. eta zu]
- Do you speak English?Ingelesez hitz egiten duzu?
  [in-ge-les-eth hits e-gi-ten du-zu]
- I don't understandEz dut ulertzen
  [ez dut u-ler-tzen]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenua ikusi nahi nuke, mesedez
  [me-nu-a i-ku-si na-hi nu-ke, me-se-des]
- I don't eat meatEz jaten artoa
  [ez ja-ten ar-to-a]
- Cheers!Txin-txin!
  [chin-chin]
- I would like to pay, pleaseOrdaindu nahi nuke, mesedez
  [or-dain-du na-hi nu-ke, me-se-des]
- Help!Laguntza!
  [la-gun-tza]
- Go away!Joan zaitez!
  [jo-an zai-tez]
- Call the Police!Dei-tu poliziari!
  [dei-tu po-li-zi-a-ri]
- Call a doctor!Dei-tu medikuari!
  [dei-tu me-di-ku-a-ri]
- I'm lostNire bidea galdu dut
  [ni-re bi-de-a gal-du dut]
- I'm illGaixo nago
  [ga-ix-o na-go]
- I'd like to buy...Erosi nahi nuke...
  [e-ro-si na-hi nu-ke]
- I'm just lookingBakarrik begiratzen ari naiz
  [ba-ka-rik be-gi-rat-zen a-ri na-iz]
- How much is it?Zenbat balio du?
  [zen-bat ba-lio du]
- That's too expensiveHori oso garestia da
  [ho-ri o-so ga-res-tia da]
- Can you lower the price?Prezioa jaitsi dezakezu?
  [pre-zi-o-a jai-tsi de-za-ke-zu]
- What time is it?Ze ordu da?
  [ze or-du da]
- It's one o'clockBatetik gora da
  [ba-te-tik go-ra da]
- Half past (10)Ordu erdiak dira (hamar)
  [or-du er-di-ak di-ra (ha-mar)]
- MorningGoiza
  [go-iza]
- AfternoonArratsaldea
  [ar-rat-sal-de-a]
- EveningGaua
  [ga-ua]
- YesterdayAtzo
  [at-zo]
- TodayGaur
  [gaur]
- TomorrowBihar
  [bi-har]
- 1Bat
  [bat]
- 2Bi
  [bi]
- 3Hiru
  [hi-ru]
- 4Lau
  [lau]
- 5Bost
  [bost]
- 6Sei
  [sei]
- 7Zazpi
  [zaz-pi]
- 8Zortzi
  [zor-tzi]
- 9Bederatzi
  [be-de-ra-tzi]
- 10Hamar
  [ha-mar]
- Where's a/the...?Non dago...?
  [non da-go]
- What's the address?Zer da helbidea?
  [zer da hel-bi-de-a]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Erakuts dezakezu (mapan)?
  [e-rakuts de-za-ke-zu]
- When's the next (bus)?Noiz dator hurrengo (autobusa)?
  [no-iz da-tor ur-ren-go au-to-bu-sa]
- A ticket (to ....)Tiketa bat (....era)
  [ti-ke-ta bat e-ra]

History of Bilbao

Bilbao was officially founded on June 15, 1300, by Diego López V de Haro, the Lord of Biscay. The founding charter was aimed at boosting commerce by granting privileges to merchants and encouraging settlement. The city’s strategic position along the Nervión River made it an ideal hub for trade, especially with northern Europe.
The 19th century marked a period of immense growth and industrialization for Bilbao. The discovery of iron ore in the surrounding areas led to a booming mining industry. The city's port became one of the most important in Spain, facilitating trade and the export of iron to countries like the United Kingdom. The rise of shipbuilding and steel industries further bolstered Bilbao’s economy.
During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Bilbao was a stronghold for the Republican forces. The city endured significant bombing and was eventually captured by Franco's Nationalist forces in June 1937. The aftermath of the war led to a period of repression and economic hardship, but Bilbao managed to recover over the subsequent decades.
The opening of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in 1997 marked a dramatic shift in the city's identity. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the museum became an instant icon and a catalyst for urban regeneration. The 'Guggenheim Effect' spurred investments in infrastructure, revitalized the waterfront, and turned Bilbao into a major cultural destination.
In recent decades, Bilbao has undergone significant urban renewal. Projects such as the expansion of the metro system, designed by Norman Foster, and the redevelopment of old industrial areas into cultural and commercial spaces have transformed the city. Bilbao has gained recognition for its blend of historical heritage and modern architecture, making it a model for urban regeneration worldwide.