Bilbao
Bilbao, nestled in the heart of Spain’s Basque Country, is a city that surprises with its blend of industrial heritage and contemporary flair. With around 345,000 residents, this city is a bustling hub that perfectly balances urban life with cultural richness. The climate here is moderate with an average annual temperature of about 14°C, marked by mild, wet winters and warm, pleasant summers.
Every year, Bilbao attracts numerous tourists eager to explore its renowned museums, innovative architecture, and vibrant culinary scene, which includes Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional Basque eateries. The city’s transformation from an industrial port to a center of art and culture is a main draw, with the iconic Guggenheim Museum as a standout attraction.
The best times to visit Bilbao are late spring and early autumn when the weather is most favorable. These seasons offer mild temperatures and lighter crowds, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the outdoor festivals and lush, green landscapes that the city has to offer.
Guggenheim museum bilbao
Nervión River at Bilbao
Arriving to Bilbao
Touching down in Bilbao, the beating heart of the Basque Country in northern Spain, is a breeze with options aplenty. Whether you’re jetting in via the sleek Bilbao Airport, just 12 kilometers from the city center, or rolling in on the reliable Spanish rail system, you’re set for an easy start to your adventure. If you’re road-tripping, well-marked highways make the drive scenic and straightforward.
Choosing where to plant your suitcase in Bilbao can shape your entire experience. For first-timers, staying around the Ensanche area is a smart pick. Here, you’re smack dab in the middle of bustling city life with easy access to top sights and bites. Looking for something a bit quieter? The Old Town, or Casco Viejo, offers a charming vibe with its cobblestone streets and quaint cafes, perfect for those wanting to soak up some historical atmosphere.
Getting around Bilbao is no fuss at all thanks to its compact size and efficient public transport. The tram and metro network are your best bets for zipping across town. They’re not only cheap but also super reliable. For more flexibility, taxis are readily available, and for the eco-conscious, renting a bike is a great way to keep fit and explore at your own pace.
Food in Bilbao is nothing short of a culinary delight, with the city standing as a proud ambassador of Basque cuisine. Dive into plates of pintxos (Basque tapas), sample the famous bacalao (salt cod), and treat yourself to a slice of Basque cheesecake. Don’t miss out on a traditional sidrería experience where you can guzzle down local cider and tuck into hearty wood-fired steak.
As for sights, Bilbao’s star attraction is undoubtedly the Guggenheim Museum, with its futuristic titanium curves. But there’s more to the city than just this icon. Stroll along the Nervión River, check out the Fine Arts Museum, and don’t forget the vibrant La Ribera market. For a dose of greenery, the Doña Casilda Park offers a tranquil escape with beautiful duck ponds and shaded paths.
For a truly immersive Bilbao experience, join in on a guided cultural tour, try your hand at a Basque cooking class, or catch a live Euskadi music performance. Bilbao is not just a city to visit; it’s a city to experience. Whether you’re here for the art, the flavors, or the lush landscapes, Bilbao offers a dynamic and enriching cultural journey that’s hard to match.
Accomodation
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Currency: The official currency of Bilbao Island is the EURO (EUR). 1 € is equivalent to 0.9 USD.
Keep in mind before travelling to Bilbao
Bilbao is a city that throws a party like no other, with festivities that mirror its rich Basque culture and lively spirit. Starting in August, Aste Nagusia, or the Great Week, is the city’s largest festival, featuring nine days of concerts, fireworks, and traditional sports. Come October, the Bilbao Night Marathon lights up the city streets with runners and revelers alike. The Santo Tomás fair in December brings a taste of rural life to the city center with local farm products and crafts, setting a festive mood.
In February, the city celebrates Carnival with parades and masquerades, while Easter Week offers solemn processions that showcase Bilbao’s religious heritage. For film enthusiasts, the Bilbao International Documentary and Short Film Festival, known as ZINEBI, takes place in November, drawing global filmmakers to showcase their work.
Looking for quick escapes outside the city? The picturesque coastal town of Getxo is just a metro ride away, while the historic city of Guernica, known for its tragic history and inspirational peace museum, offers a profound day trip. The scenic cliffs and beaches of Sopelana invite for relaxing afternoons. Further afield, the Rioja Alavesa region offers world-class wineries and stunning landscapes, perfect for wine lovers. The medieval town of Vitoria-Gasteiz, with its well-preserved old town, makes for a delightful exploration, and the nearby Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve offers nature trails and bird watching, providing a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature in and around Bilbao.
Tips to visit Bilbao
Bilbao, nestled in the heart of Spain’s Basque Country, pulses with a unique vibe, where locals, known as Bilbaínos or Bilbotarras, greet each other with a friendly “Kaixo!” (Hello in Basque) or the more common Spanish “Hola!”. The city is a bilingual hub, with both Basque and Spanish spoken widely, reflecting its deep cultural roots and modern dynamics.
Eating hours here stick to the typical Spanish timetable, with lunch often served from 2 PM to as late as 4 PM, and dinner stretching from 9 PM onwards. This schedule suits the late-night lifestyle that Bilbao embraces. Business hours generally run from about 10 AM to 8 PM, with a midday break that can last a couple of hours, keeping up with the traditional Spanish siesta.
Tipping is customary but not obligatory in Bilbao, with most locals tending to leave around 5-10% at restaurants, depending on the service. The healthcare system is robust, part of Spain’s excellent national health service, ensuring residents and visitors are well cared for. Dress code is generally casual, though evenings can see a more dressed-up crowd, especially in the upscale dining and nightlife areas. A typical expression you might catch is “Aupa!” which is a cheer often used to show encouragement or agreement in Basque.
