Top hotels & flights
Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Bilbao.
Top Hotels in Bilbao
Top Flights to Bilbao
Location videos
Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.
Practical info
The essentials for planning your time in Bilbao.
Local guide
What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Bilbao.
What people love
There are several pros to traveling to Bilbao, located in the Basque Country of Spain:
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Guggenheim Museum: Bilbao is home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. The museum is a masterpiece of modern architecture and houses an impressive collection of contemporary art.
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Basque Cuisine: Bilbao is known for its delicious Basque cuisine, featuring pintxos (small tapas-like dishes), fresh seafood, and traditional Basque dishes such as bacalao (salt cod) and txangurro (spider crab).
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Old Town (Casco Viejo): The historic Old Town of Bilbao is a charming area with narrow streets, traditional Basque architecture, and lively squares filled with bars and restaurants. It's a great place to explore and soak up the local atmosphere.
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Riverside Walks: Bilbao is situated on the Nervion River, and there are scenic riverside walks and bridges that offer beautiful views of the city. The riverside promenades are perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.
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Cultural Events: Bilbao is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and theater performances. Check out the city's event calendar to see what's happening during your visit.
Overall, Bilbao offers a mix of art, culture, gastronomy, and natural beauty, making it a great destination for travelers looking to experience the best of the Basque Country.
What to know
Some potential cons of traveling to Bilbao, Spain could include:
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Weather: Bilbao experiences a maritime climate, which means it can be quite rainy throughout the year. Travelers should be prepared for wet weather, especially in the fall and winter months.
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Language barrier: While many people in Bilbao speak English, the primary language spoken in the Basque Country is Basque. Travelers who do not speak Basque or Spanish may encounter some challenges communicating with locals.
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Cost of living: Bilbao is known to be one of the more expensive cities in Spain. Accommodation, dining out, and other expenses may be higher compared to other cities in the country.
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Crowds: Bilbao is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months. Travelers may encounter large crowds at popular attractions and landmarks.
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Limited public transportation: While Bilbao does have a public transportation system, it may not be as extensive or efficient as in other major cities. Travelers may need to rely on taxis or rental cars to get around.
Overall, Bilbao is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture, but travelers should be aware of these potential cons before visiting.