Bilbao Travel Guide

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 its heart. There are some cultural delights here and the surrounding region offers excellent sightseeing.

Getting There

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.

Key attractions

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

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

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 Sebastián 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.

Out and about

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 Sebastián 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.

Leisure options

The Casco Viejo, in the old quarter, has plenty of trendy cafés 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

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.

Weather

As Bilbao is on the Atlantic coast the summers are not as hot as on the Mediterranean side.   Also, there is more chance of rain during the autumn months.   The best time to visit is in the Spring, around April and May the temperature can reach up to 20C

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