Travel to Bilbao

Travel to Bilbao

Located in the picturesque Basque region of northern Spain, Bilbao is an industrial city. Although it has a plain exterior, the city boasts a beautifully restored old quarter. There are some cultural delights here and the surrounding region offers excellent sightseeing.

Transportation to Bilbao

Bilbao Airport is eight kilometres to the north and receives many flights a day. Night trains run from Madrid's Chamartin Station, and there are two trains a day from Barcelona. Trains also run from Valencia and Alicante.

There are nine buses a day from Madrid, with Continental Calle Gurtubay, and four buses per day from Barcelona. Regular car ferries also arrive in Bilbao from Portsmouth (England). from European cities, as well as domestic traffic. Bus number A-3247 runs into the town centre and costs 1.

Taxis are also readily available. By car, Bilbao is accessible via the A-8/E-80 highway from France, the E-804/E-90 from Barcelona, and the E-80/E-5 from Madrid.

What to see

The futuristic Guggenheim Museum, in the revitalised old quarter, is the principal attraction. This elaborately designed building of modern art, features 19 galleries, andhouses the works of Picasso and Andy Warhol, among others.

Other highlights include: the 14th century Church of Santiago (a fine example of Gothic architecture) and the fabulous Museum of Archaeology.

Day trips

There is much to see around Bilbao by car. Nearby Burgos is famed for its impressive monasteries surrounding the town, as well as its buzzing old centre. Santander has excellent beaches and some interesting and historic local caves; while San Sebastian is an upmarket resort town with some wonderful buildings. To the south lies the mountain town of Soria, set in an area rich in scenic beauty, consisting of pine forests and glacial lakes.

Activities and leisure

The Casco Viejo, in the old quarter, has plenty of trendy cafs and fine restaurants, and is also the centre for nightlife activities, with an array of pubs, bars and nightclubs. Visiting Bilbao during the Mid-August Festival can be entertaining, as the whole city comes alive with song and dance.

Safety issues

Pickpockets are a problem in Bilbao, especially around festival time in the high season. Visitors are more susceptible when in an unfamiliar environment and should try to remain alert. Driving in a foreign country is also a potential risk. When travelling to Bilbao, we strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family.