Bilbao
Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, is a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation. Founded in 1300 along the Nervión River, it developed as a vital trading and industrial hub, connecting northern Spain with Europe and beyond. For centuries, its shipyards, ironworks, and port activity fueled growth, making Bilbao the economic heart of the region. In the late 20th century, the city underwent a remarkable transformation — from a gritty industrial center to a world-class destination for art, architecture, and gastronomy. Today, Bilbao proudly showcases its Basque heritage while embracing modernity, with landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum symbolizing its renewal and ongoing connection to the river and sea.
💡Bilbao: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: Spain allows visa-free entry for citizens of many countries, including the US, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, for short stays (typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period under the Schengen Agreement).
✈️ Closest Airport: Bilbao Airport (BIO)
💬 Language: Spanish (Castilian) is the official language, but Basque (Euskara) is also widely spoken and strongly tied to local identity. English is spoken in tourist areas, museums, and by younger generations.
🏷️ Price Level: Moderate to slightly above average — dining can be pricier compared to southern Spain
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Spain: US$4.30
💰 Currency: Euro (€) | 1 USD ≈ 0.90 EUR
☀️ Best Times to Visit: May to October — summers are warm but not too hot; spring and autumn are perfect for exploring the city and the surrounding Basque coast. Winters are mild but rainy.
🚆 Transportation: Metro, trams, buses, and taxis.
🔌 Adapter: Spain uses type C and F plugs. No adapter is needed if you are from Europe, but it is needed when coming from the US.
🛜 WiFi: Widely available in hotels, cafés, restaurants, and public spaces. The city of Bilbao also offers free WiFi in certain public areas through “Bilbao WiFi”
🏧💰 ATM and “Cash or Card”: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including contactless payments. ATMs are easy to find. Carry some cash for small pintxo bars or markets.
💸 Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is common. In taxis, rounding up is polite.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Terminal de Cruceros de Getxo, Muelle de Cruceros, 48990 Getxo, Biscay, Spain (docked)
✈️ 🚇 🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ Getting around Bilbao is easy, convenient, and a great way to experience the city’s mix of historic charm and modern design. The city center, including the Casco Viejo (Old Town), the riverside promenades, and the area around the Guggenheim Museum, is compact and perfect for exploring on foot.
For longer trips or to reach neighborhoods further out, Bilbao’s metro system is clean, efficient, and designed by Norman Foster — it connects the city with coastal towns like Getxo and Plentzia. The Bilbobus (city bus) network is extensive and reliable, covering areas not served by the metro or tram. The Bilbao tram is also a pleasant and scenic way to move between key spots such as the Guggenheim, Euskalduna Palace, and Casco Viejo.
Taxis are widely available and reasonably priced, providing a quick option if you prefer convenience. Renting a car isn’t necessary within Bilbao itself, but it’s a good choice if you want to explore the Basque countryside, coastal villages, or wine country (La Rioja) nearby.
Tickets for public transport can be purchased individually, but the Barik card is the most convenient and cost-effective option. It works across metro, bus, tram, and even regional trains, and can be topped up easily at machines, kiosks, or online.
✈️ Bilbao Airport (BIO) is located about 12 km (7.5 miles) from the city center and offers quick, convenient access to downtown.
The Bizkaibus A3247 line runs regularly between the airport and Bilbao’s central Termibus station, with stops along Gran Vía and near key hotels. The journey takes around 25–30 minutes, and tickets can be purchased onboard or with a Barik card.
Taxis are available directly outside the arrivals area and usually take 15–20 minutes to reach the city center, costing approximately 25–30 EUR.
🚇Bilbao Cruise Terminal is located in Getxo, about 20 km (12 miles) from Bilbao city center. Modern and well-equipped, the terminal welcomes ships visiting the Basque Country and offers easy connections to the city.
The port area itself is pleasant for a stroll, with cafés and a marina nearby, but most visitors head directly into Bilbao. The city can be reached by metro (Neguri or Gobela stations are a short taxi or shuttle ride from the terminal) or by organized shuttle buses that run directly to the city center. The journey takes around 25–30 minutes.
Taxis are readily available at the cruise terminal and provide a direct transfer to central Bilbao, typically costing 25–35 EUR.
🚌 The Bilbao City View bus operates one bus route covering the most important sights around the city (more info here).
⭐️ Top Sights in Bilbao
Bilbao transformed from an industrial port city into a world-renowned cultural hub after the opening of the Guggenheim Museum in 1997 — a phenomenon now called the “Bilbao Effect."
📸 Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: An architectural masterpiece by Frank Gehry and the city’s most iconic landmark. Inside, you’ll find world-class modern and contemporary art exhibitions, while outside, massive sculptures like Jeff Koons’ Puppy and Louise Bourgeois’ Maman set the stage. The museum put Bilbao on the global map, sparking the famous “Bilbao Effect” of urban transformation.
📸 Casco Viejo (Old Town): The historic heart of Bilbao with narrow medieval streets, colorful buildings, and bustling plazas. Known as the “Seven Streets,” it’s packed with pintxo bars, local shops, and cultural gems — the perfect place to experience authentic Basque life. It’s also home to some of Bilbao’s oldest churches and lively festivals year-round.
📸 Ribera Market (Mercado de la Ribera): Europe’s largest covered market, located by the Nervión River. A feast for the senses, it’s where you can sample fresh Basque produce, seafood, cured meats, cheeses, and enjoy pintxos at lively market stalls. Locals have been shopping here for centuries, making it a true slice of Bilbao life.
📸 Santiago Cathedral: A beautiful Gothic cathedral dating back to the 14th century, tucked into the Casco Viejo. Its intricate façade and peaceful cloister make it one of Bilbao’s most treasured historic sites. It’s also an important stop along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
📸 Plaza Nueva: A grand neoclassical square in the Old Town, buzzing with cafés and some of the best pintxo bars in Bilbao. On Sundays, it transforms into a lively flea market with books, antiques, and local crafts. It’s one of the best places to enjoy Bilbao’s famous pintxo-hopping tradition.
📸 Zubizuri Bridge: Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this sleek white footbridge (known as the “White Bridge”) offers stunning views of the city and connects the Guggenheim area with the modern riverfront. Its futuristic design contrasts beautifully with Bilbao’s mix of old and new architecture.
📸 Doña Casilda Park: Bilbao’s “green lung” — a large and elegant park with fountains, sculptures, and a swan-filled pond. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet break from sightseeing and home to the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. The park is especially lovely in spring, when the flowers are in full bloom.
📸 Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga Bilbao): A striking cultural center inside a former wine warehouse redesigned by Philippe Starck. With its mix of exhibitions, cinema, rooftop pool, and quirky architecture, it’s a hub of creativity and leisure. The 43 unique columns in its atrium make it a work of art in itself.
📸 Funicular de Artxanda: Take this short funicular ride up Mount Artxanda for sweeping views over Bilbao, the river, and surrounding green hills — especially beautiful at sunset. At the top, you’ll find walking trails, picnic spots, and a giant “Bilbao” sign perfect for photos.
📸 Euskalduna Palace: A modern conference and concert hall near the river, hosting everything from opera to symphonies to international performances. Its ship-inspired design pays tribute to Bilbao’s maritime and industrial heritage. It stands on the site of the old Euskalduna shipyard, linking the past with the present.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Bilbao’s food scene is a mouthwatering celebration of Basque tradition, innovation, and community. Rooted in a region famed for its world-class gastronomy, the city offers everything from humble pintxo bars in the Casco Viejo to Michelin-starred restaurants pushing culinary boundaries. Fresh seafood from the Bay of Biscay, hearty mountain stews, and locally sourced produce form the backbone of its cuisine, while creative chefs reinterpret classics with modern flair. Lively markets, rustic taverns, and avant-garde dining rooms thrive side by side, all united by a culture that treats food as both an art form and a way of life.
🍽️ Pintxos: Small, flavorful bites served on bread and often held together with a toothpick, pintxos are the Basque version of tapas. Found throughout the Casco Viejo, they range from simple anchovies with peppers to elaborate creations with foie gras or seafood, making bar-hopping a delicious local tradition.
🍽️ Bacalao al Pil-Pil: A classic Basque dish of salted cod cooked in olive oil, garlic, and a subtle emulsion that creates a silky sauce. It’s a perfect example of how Bilbao transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.
🍽️ Marmitako: A hearty tuna and potato stew originally made for fishermen, marmitako combines fresh fish, peppers, onions, and tomatoes. This comforting dish reflects Bilbao’s maritime heritage and love for robust flavors.
🍽️ Txangurro: Spider crab prepared with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and brandy, often baked in the shell. A delicacy in Bilbao’s seafood restaurants, it’s both visually impressive and deeply flavorful.
🍽️ Idiazabal Cheese: A smoky, nutty cheese made from sheep’s milk in the Basque and Navarra regions. Enjoy it on its own, in pintxos, or as part of traditional Basque dishes — a true taste of local craftsmanship.
🍽️ Goxua: A sweet Basque dessert featuring layers of sponge cake, custard, cream, and caramel. Its rich, indulgent flavors make it a beloved treat after a hearty meal.
🍽️ Txakoli: A slightly sparkling, dry white wine produced in the Basque Country. Crisp and refreshing, it pairs perfectly with seafood, pintxos, and social gatherings.
🍽️ Chuletón: A massive, bone-in Basque steak, grilled to perfection and served simply with salt. This dish highlights the region’s emphasis on high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🚕 Uber
🚕 Bolt
🚕 Free Now
🚕 Cabify
🚲 Bizkaibizi