Bilbao
Bilbao Stadtführer
Bilbao is a vibrant city with a rich history, gastronomy, and stunning architecture. The city is located in the Basque region of Spain and has undergone remarkable transportation. Once a center of heavy industry, it’s now a vibrant cultural hub. Bilbao, the heart of Basque Country, offers a glimpse into a unique culture with its language and traditions. Guggenheim Museum is an iconic museum of modern and contemporary art and is a masterpiece of architecture that is the most important attraction of the city besides Basque cuisine, known for its fresh seafood, pintxos, and traditional dishes like bacalao al pil-pil, attracts visitors all around to world to visit the city.
Where To Stay In Bilbao?
Here’s a quick table of which areas in Bilbao are great for tourists:
| District | Best For | Best Attractions | Average Trip Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casco Histórico (Old Town) | Historic sights Dining Nightlife | Plaza Mayor Salamanca Cathedral University of Salamanca | €100-€200 per night |
| Abando | Luxury hotels Shopping Dining | Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Fine Arts Museum Gran Vía | $150-300 per day |
| Deusto | Budget accommodations University vibe | University of Deusto Deusto Bridge | $80-150 per day |
| Indautxu | Nightlife Shopping Dining | Parque de Doña Casilda Plaza Circular | $120-250 per day |
| Bilbao La Vieja | Hipster scene Street art Alternative culture | Calle Esperanza Bilbao La Vieja Market | $90-180 per day |
| Van Dyck Area | Luxury hotels Shopping | Palacio de Monterrey Casa de las Conchas | €150-€300 per night |
| Parque de los Jesuitas Area | Parks Quiet neighborhood | Parque de los Jesuitas Convento de San Esteban | €80-€150 per night |
Best Hotels in Bilbao
| Hotel | District | Affordability | Why To Stay There? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Palace Arana | Ibaiondo | Luxury | Spacious rooms and suites Situated in the historic Old Town |
| Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao | Abando | Luxury | Great dining options 15 minutes from the airport and close to the Bilbao-Abando Railway Station |
| Melia Bilbao | Abando | Luxury | Luxurious amenities with excellent service Near the Guggenheim Museum |
| Hotel Tayko Bilbao | Casco Viejo | Mid-range | Boutique hotel in a 1924 building with industrial design Elegantly minimal rooms and excellent restaurant |
| Hotel Tayko Bilbao | Casco Viejo | Mid-range | Industrial-chic rooms A Michelin-star restaurant Next to the cathedral and surrounded by great restaurants |
| Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao | Abando | Mid-range | An outdoor pool and wellness area prime location on Gran Vía, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and attractions |
| Barcelo Bilbao Nervion | Matiko-Ciudad Jardin | Mid-range | Fresh, modern hotel with a spa and pool Near the Casco Viejo |
| Hostel Bilbao | Abando | Budget-friendly | Affordable hostel with a kitchenette, laundry service, and a large lounge Located near the city center |
| Hotel Bilbi | Abando | Budget-friendly | Clean rooms A convenient location |
Need more? You can find all affordable hotels in Bilbao here!
Where Is Bilbao?
Bilbao is located in northern Spain, specifically in the Basque Country. It sits on the bank of the Nervion River, which flows into the Bay of Biscay.
Best Attractions In Bilbao
- Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: designed by Frank Gehry, a renowned museum of contemporary art.
- Casco Viejo (Old Town): a charming district with narrow streets, and vibrant taverns offering Basque pintxos.
- Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao: home to a valuable collection of Spanish and European art from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
- La Ribera Market: Europe’s largest indoor market, featuring a variety of fresh produce, traditional Basque gastronomy, and a unique art deco design.
- Azkuna Zentroa: a cultural and leisure center housed in a former wine exchange, redesigned by Philippe Starck.
Is Bilbao Safe?
Bilbao is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. Bilbao has a relatively low crime rate compared to other major cities with a visible police presence, especially in tourist areas. However, visitors should be aware of their surroundings to ensure a safe stay.
Is Bilbao Expensive To Visit?
Bilbao is considered a moderately priced destination. Here is a breakdown of costs to help you plan your trip:
- Accommodation: you will find a range of hotels and hostels in Bilbao, with options to suit different budgets.
- Food: the city offers delicious Basque at various prices.
- Transportation: Bilbao has a well-developed public transportation system with affordable fares.
Here is a ballpark figure for daily expenses:
- Budget travler: $70-100 USD per day
- Mid-range traveler: $100-150 USD per day
- Luxury traveler: $200+ USD per day
Currency of Bilbao
The currency of Spain is the Euro. denoted by the symbol € or EUR. One Euro is made to 100 cents.
Language Spoken In Bilbao
The official language of Bilbao, Spain is Spanish. Around 51% of the population can speak both Basque and Spanish. Basque is a significant language in the region, considered the oldest living language in Europe, and has deep roots in the Basque culture and identity.
Bilbao Time Zone
The time zone for Bilbao is Central European Summer Time (CEST) during daylight saving time, which has an offset of GMT+1.
How Many Days To Visit Bilbao?
Spend at least 2 to 3 days in Bilbao to fully explore the city and its attractions. Visitors can visit iconic landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum, explore the Old Town, enjoy local cuisine, and even venture to nearby attractions like San Juan de Gaztelugatxe or other cities in the Basque Country.
When Is The Best Time To Stay In Bilbao?
The best time to visit Bilbao is during May, June, and September. Here is a quick summary:
- Best weather: Spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-October)
- Fewer crowds: Spring of Autumn (except Easter week)
- Festivals: Summer (Semana Granda in mid-august) or spring (San Ignacio week in April)
- Best Deals: Winter (November-March)
Bilbao Foods To Try
Bilbao offers a delicious taste of Basque Country cuisine, known for its fresh, local ingredients and unique flavors. Here are some must-try dishes in Bilbao:
- Pintxos: Pintxos are small, skewered bites of deliciousness, like miniature tapas.
- Bacalao al Pil-pil: this iconic dish features codfish cooked in olive oil with garlic and chili peppers.
- Marmitako: a hearty and comforting steam marmitako is typically made with tuna, potatoes, peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
- Txuleton: it is a bone-in ribeye steak, typically cut very thick and grilled to perfection
- Gilda: it combines three ingredients: a green olive, a skewered guindilla pepper, and a silver anchovy.
- Idiazabal Cheese is a smoked sheep’s milk cheese with a strong flavor and creamy texture.
- Bilbao Butter Bun: it is a flaky pastry filled with sweet buttercream.
Nightlife In Bilbao
Bilbao offers a vibrant nightlife scene, with a mix of bars, clubs, and live music venues catering to both locals and visitors. Some popular spots to experience the nightlife in Bilbao include:
- Kafe Antzokia: a multifunctional venue that combines a club, restaurant, and music venue
- Memorial: a classy discotheque in Bilbao known for its carefully crafted drinks and a mix of top 40, Latin music, and club pop, creating a lively atmosphere for dancing and socializing.
- Bar Basque: a renowned establishment in Bilbao’s drinking culture, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.