The nicest neighborhoods in Bilbao are Casco Viejo for pintxos and cozy squares, Ensanche and Abando for a first city trip, Indautxu for good restaurants, and Bilbao La Vieja for creative hotspots and new food spots. Do you have a bit more time? Then also take the metro to Getxo for an afternoon by the coast.

Bilbao is compact and therefore easy to explore on foot. You walk from the Guggenheim along the river towards Casco Viejo, cross the river to Bilbao La Vieja, and come across plenty of restaurants, pintxos bars, and wine bars along the way. Which neighborhood suits you best depends mainly on what you want to do during your city trip.

Casco Viejo

Best neighborhood for pintxos, historic streets, and a first visit to Bilbao

Casco Viejo is the historic heart of Bilbao and consists of a maze of narrow streets, squares, and pintxos bars surrounding the original Siete Calles. Plaza Nueva and Mercado de la Ribera are within walking distance, and the neighborhood comes alive especially in the late afternoon and evening. Start at one of the famous pintxos bars and then be sure to wander down the side streets for even more local spots.

Ensanche & Abando

Best neighborhood for first-timers, beautiful hotels, and central accommodation

Around Gran Vía, Plaza Moyúa , and the river, Bilbao feels more spacious and chic. Here, you are close to the Guggenheim , shops, restaurants, and a large number of the city's better hotels. Thanks to the central location, you can easily walk to Casco Viejo , Indautxu , and Bilbao La Vieja. It is a good location if you are visiting Bilbao for the first time and want to do a lot on foot.

indautxu

Best neighborhood for restaurants, local life, and a quieter stay

Indautxu is located just outside the part of Bilbao where most visitors stay, making it feel more local. Around the various squares and streets, you will find many restaurants, wine bars, and coffee shops where Bilbaínos themselves meet up. Furthermore, Azkuna Zentroa is located here , the former wine warehouse that was transformed into a cultural center by Philippe Starck. It is a great neighborhood if food and drink are an important part of your city trip.

Bilbao La Vieja & San Francisco

Best neighborhood for creativity, street art, and new food spots

Across the river from Casco Viejo lie Bilbao La Vieja and San Francisco . This part of Bilbao is grittier and more diverse than the neighborhoods around the Guggenheim and attracts a creative crowd with street art, small galleries, coffee shops, wine bars, and new restaurants. Start around the Marzana quay and walk further into the neighborhood from there. It is especially fun to explore during the day and in the early evening.

Also fun to discover: Getxo & Portugalete

Do you have a bit more time? Then take the metro towards Getxo and Portugalete, at the mouth of the Nervión. Stroll along the boulevard and past the stately villas of Getxo and visit the Vizcaya Bridge , the remarkable suspension bridge that is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You can easily combine a visit to the bridge with lunch, a seaside terrace, or a walk along the coast.

YLBB tip: don't over-plan your days in Bilbao. The distances between the main districts are short, making it easy to combine a museum visit with lunch, a walk along the river, and a pintxos round later in the day.

The best things to do in Bilbao are visiting the Guggenheim , hopping between pintxos in Casco Viejo , discovering Mercado de la Ribera , taking the funicular to Artxanda, and exploring various neighborhoods on foot. Also, make time for the Basque food culture, because eating and drinking are an essential part of a city trip to Bilbao.

Visit the Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim Museum is the must-see attraction in Bilbao, and even if you don't plan to spend a lot of time inside, Frank Gehry's building is worth a visit. Stroll along the river for various views of the titanium facade and view artworks outside such as Puppy by Jeff Koons and Maman by Louise Bourgeois. Do you also want to see the collection and temporary exhibitions? Then book your ticket in advance.

Go pintxos hopping

An evening of pintxo hopping is part of the Bilbao experience. Instead of staying at one restaurant all evening, order one or two pintxos at different bars and then move on. Casco Viejo and Plaza Nueva are well-known places to start, but there are also good spots in Ensanche and Indautxu. Pair it with a glass of txakoli, vermouth, or local wine, and you'll instantly have one of the most enjoyable evenings of your city trip.

Book a pintxos food tour

Do you want to learn more about Basque food culture and immediately sample various local specialties? Then join a guide on a tour of several pintxos bars . Along the way, you will not only taste different pintxos and local wine, but also learn more about bar customs and dishes typical of the Basque Country. It is especially fun at the beginning of your trip, as you will know exactly what you want to order for the rest of your stay.

Visit Mercado de la Ribera

On the edge of Casco Viejo lies Mercado de la Ribera , Bilbao's most famous covered market. In addition to stalls selling fish, meat, cheese, vegetables, and other local products, you will find various places to eat and drink. Pop in around lunchtime and combine your visit with a walk along the river and through Casco Viejo.

Discover Azkuna Zentroa

One of the most interesting buildings in Bilbao is Azkuna Zentroa , a former wine warehouse that was transformed into a cultural center. It is worth walking inside just for the interior and the striking columns. There are exhibitions, films, cultural events, restaurants, and other public spaces, meaning there is almost always something to see or do.

Take the funicular to Artxanda

For a beautiful view of Bilbao, take the Funicular de Artxanda to the hill above the city. The ride takes only a few minutes, and from the top, you look out over the city center, the river, the Guggenheim, and the green hills surrounding Bilbao. Go in the late afternoon and then walk back towards Casco Viejo for pintxos.

Walk along the river

A pleasant walking route runs along the Nervión , connecting different parts of Bilbao. Start at the Guggenheim, for example, and walk along the river towards Casco Viejo. Along the way, you will pass modern architecture, bridges, and terraces, and get a good sense of just how much Bilbao has changed over the past few decades.

Discover Bilbao La Vieja & San Francisco

Do you want to see a more creative side of Bilbao besides the well-known highlights? Then walk across the river from Casco Vieja to Bilbao La Vieja and San Francisco . Around Marzana and further into the neighborhood, you will find street art, galleries, coffee shops, wine bars, and new restaurants. It is nice to do this in the late afternoon, and then sit down somewhere for a drink or dinner.

Go to Getxo for an afternoon

You can get to Getxo from the center of Bilbao relatively quickly by metro . Stroll along the coast and past the stately houses, have lunch or drinks by the sea, and visit the Vizcaya Bridge between Getxo and Portugalete. Especially if you are in Bilbao for three or four days, this is a nice change of pace from museums and city districts.

Take a wine trip to Rioja Alavesa

Do you have an extra day and do you love wine? From Bilbao, you can head towards Rioja Alavesa, one of the most famous wine regions in Spain. Visit various bodegas, taste Rioja wines, and combine that with a long lunch. You can go exploring on your own with a rental car , but if you want to visit multiple wineries, an organized tour is naturally much more practical.

YLBB tip: combine one or two highlights each day with enough time for food and drinks. You can discover Bilbao just as well at the bar with a few pintxos and a glass of txakoli as during a visit to the Guggenheim.

Bilbao is a fantastic destination for food lovers. Basque cuisine revolves around high-quality products, fish and seafood, grilled meats, and, of course, pintxos. Therefore, during your city trip, set aside plenty of time for long lunches and evenings spent moving from pintxos bar to pintxos bar. You can explore on your own, or book a food tour where you visit various pintxos bars with a local guide and learn more about Basque food culture. In our opinion, these are the dishes and drinks you definitely want to try.

pintxos

Pintxos are part of Bilbao, and you will find them displayed on the bar almost everywhere. From classics with anchovies, tuna, or jamón to modern variations where chefs get more creative. Order one or two pintxos at each location, have a drink with them, and then move on to the next bar. Casco Viejo, Ensanche, and Indautxu are particularly nice for a round of pintxos.

Gilda

One of the most famous pintxos from the Basque Country is the Gilda: a skewer with anchovy, green pepper, and olive. Salty, fresh, and a little spicy, making it delicious with a glass of vermouth or txakoli. You will find the Gilda at many traditional pintxos bars, and as far as we are concerned, this is one of the first things you should order.

Cod pil-pil

Bacalao, salted cod, plays an important role in Basque cuisine. In bacalao al pil-pil, the fish is served with a sauce of olive oil, garlic, and the natural gelatin from the cod. A classic that you mainly see on the menu at traditional Basque restaurants.

Kokotxas

Kokotxas are small, tender pieces of fish meat from the throat of cod or hake and are considered a delicacy in the Basque Country. They are often prepared with pil-pil or salsa verde. Perhaps not the first dish that comes to mind, but certainly fun to order if you want to get to know traditional Basque cuisine better.

Txuleta

For meat lovers, txuleta is one of the classics you'll want to try. This large steak is grilled over high heat, cut into thick slices, and usually shared with the whole table. Find a good asador for this and order some simple side dishes.

idiazabal

This Basque sheep's cheese is made from the milk of Latxa and Carranzana sheep and has a firm, distinctive flavor. You will find Idiazabal at pintxos bars, on cheese boards, and in traditional dishes. It is also nice to take home if you visit a local delicatessen during your trip.

Basque cheesecake

The famous Basque cheesecake originates from San Sebastián, but it is also on the menu at many restaurants, bakeries, and coffee bars in Bilbao. Don't expect a classic, firm cheesecake: the Basque version has a dark baked top and remains soft and creamy on the inside. Delicious with coffee or as a dessert after a long lunch.

txakoli

Besides Rioja, you definitely want to try txakoli in Bilbao. This fresh Basque white wine is produced in the region and pairs well with fish, seafood, and pintxos. The Bizkaiko Txakolina wine region is located around Bilbao, so be sure to check the wine list to see which local producers are served.

Vermouth

Vermouth is part of the aperitif culture in Bilbao and is often enjoyed before lunch begins or during a first round of pintxos. Order a vermut preparado or ask which local vermouth is being served. Especially on weekends, this is a fun way to start the afternoon among the locals.

Discover Basque cuisine during a food tour

Do you want to discover many different flavors and local spots in a short time? Then book a food tour through Bilbao. Together with a local guide, you will visit various pintxos bars, taste Basque specialties and local wines, and learn more about the customs surrounding pintxos. This is especially fun at the beginning of your city trip, because afterwards you will know exactly what you want to order and which bars you want to visit again.

View food tours in Bilbao: view the different tours here >>

YLBB tip: don't just plan dinners during your city trip. A long lunch, a spontaneous round of pintxos, and a glass of vermouth or txakoli in between are actually part of Basque food culture.

The best hotels in Bilbao can be found mainly around the Guggenheim, in Ensanche and Abando, and on the outskirts of Casco Viejo. The selection is smaller than in cities like Barcelona or Madrid , but there are plenty of good boutique and design hotels to choose from. Do you want to combine the city with the coast? Then also consider Getxo, where you will have a much quieter stay and can reach the center of Bilbao in no time by metro.

YLBB favorites

The Artist Grand Hotel of Art

Right opposite the Guggenheim lies The Artist Grand Hotel of Art, one of Bilbao's most famous luxury hotels. Art and design play an important role throughout the hotel, but the greatest asset remains the view. From the rooftop, you look directly out onto the Guggenheim and the river. A good choice if art, architecture, and a central location are at the top of your list.
Alameda de Mazarredo, 61, Ensanche, Bilbao – View the rates here >>

Hotel Tayko Bilbao

On the edge of Casco Viejo sits Hotel Tayko Bilbao in a historic building from 1924. Inside, however, it is sleek and contemporary, with concrete, dark colors, and minimalist design. Food lovers are also in the right place here: in the hotel you will find restaurant Ola by chef Martín Berasategui. From the hotel, you can easily walk to the pintxos bars of the old town.
Erribera Kalea, 13, Old Town, Bilbao – View the rates here >>

Hotel Miro

Also located opposite the Guggenheim is Hotel Miro, a small-scale boutique hotel with a strong focus on art and photography. The rooms are quietly decorated, and some of them offer views towards the museum. A great place to stay if you prefer a smaller hotel but still want to be right in the cultural heart of Bilbao.
Alameda Mazarredo, 77, Bilbao City Centre, Bilbao – View the rates here >>

Best design hotels

Vincci Consulate of Bilbao

Vincci Consulate of Bilbao It is located directly on the river and next to the Guggenheim. The modern interior blends well with the architecture of this part of the city, and from the terrace, you have a view of the Nervión. From here, you can easily walk along the river towards Casco Viejo or the restaurants and shops of Ensanche.
Alameda Mazarredo, 22, Ensanche, Bilbao – View the rates here >>

Bilder Boutique Hotel

In the middle of Casco Viejo lies Bilder Boutique Hotel, a small-scale hotel with a contemporary interior and a good location for anyone coming to Bilbao primarily for the food scene. Plaza Nueva, Mercado de la Ribera, and many pintxos bars are within walking distance, making it easy to walk from the hotel into the old town in the evening.
Correo 3 Posta Kalea 3, Bilbao City Centre, Bilbao – View the rates here >>

GOIEN Boutique Hotel

GOIEN Boutique Hotel This is a small boutique hotel in the heart of Casco Viejo. The historic building is combined with a modern interior, and from here you can walk directly into the Siete Calles. An address to remember if you enjoy staying right amidst the pintxos bars, shops, and historic streets of the old town.
Goienkale Nº1, Old Town, Bilbao – View the rates here >>

Best luxury hotels

Palacio Arriluce Hotel

If you want to combine Bilbao with the coast, then Palacio Arriluce Hotel In Getxo, one of the most beautiful places to stay. The hotel is housed in a former palace from the early twentieth century and overlooks the Bay of Abra. Expect a swimming pool, spa, restaurant, and much more space than at most hotels in the city center. You can easily travel from Getxo to Bilbao by metro.
15 Atxekolandeta Kalea, Getxo – View the rates here >>

Best family-friendly hotels

Bilbao City Center by abba Suites

Are you traveling with children and do you want more space than in a standard hotel room? Then is Bilbao City Center by abba Suites A convenient place for the family. The apartments have their own kitchen and living room and are located close to the river and the Guggenheim. As a result, you can walk a lot and don't have to constantly take public transport with children.
Huertas de la villa 15, Bilbao – View the rates here >>

Inside Bilbao Apartments

Also Inside Bilbao Apartments It is great if you are traveling with the family. You have your own kitchen and more living space, while staying right in the heart of Ensanche. The Guggenheim, shops, restaurants, and various metro stations are all nearby.
Alameda de Recalde 24, Ensanche, Bilbao – View the rates here >>

YLBB tip: Is this your first time visiting Bilbao? Then we would recommend staying around Ensanche, the Guggenheim, or Casco Viejo. You can walk almost everywhere from these neighborhoods, and there are plenty of restaurants and pintxos bars nearby in the evenings. Choose Getxo if you want to combine a few days in the city with the coast.

The best time to visit Bilbao is from May through June and from September through October. During these months, temperatures are usually pleasant for walking extensively through the city, while falling outside the busiest summer period. July and August are warmer and livelier, but also busier and often more expensive. Keep in mind that it may rain year-round in Bilbao; the green landscape surrounding the city is there for a reason.

Do you want to experience Bilbao during one of the biggest local festivals? In August, Aste Nagusia is celebrated, with nine days of concerts, street theater, fireworks, and many activities throughout the city. In July, Bilbao BBK Live draws many visitors to the city. Around these events, it is wise to book your hotel well in advance.

December is also great for food lovers. Around Santo Tomás on December 21, local products and Basque traditions take center stage, and you will find plenty of stalls in the city selling talo, chorizo, cider, and more.

YLBB tip: for a city trip where you want to do a lot of walking, eat pintxos, and also spend an afternoon in Getxo, we would choose May, June, or September. Always bring a lightweight raincoat, even if the weather forecast is good.

For a first city trip to Bilbao, we recommend three days. This gives you enough time for the Guggenheim , Casco Viejo, an extensive pintxos tour , and neighborhoods like Indautxu and Bilbao La Vieja. Do you have four or five days? Then you can easily combine Bilbao with Getxo, the Basque coast, or the Rioja Alavesa wine region.

Highlights – 3 days

Bilbao – 3 nights
Visit it GuggenheimStroll along the river and discover Casco Viejo, Ensanche, and Bilbao La Vieja. Plan at least one evening to extensively hop between pintxos and take the funicular to Artxanda for views of the city.

Food lovers – 4 days

Bilbao – 3 nights → Rioja Alavesa – 1 night
Combine the pintxos bars and restaurants of Bilbao with a visit to Rioja Alavesa. Here you can visit various bodegas, taste local wines, and enjoy a leisurely lunch. This is especially fun if food and drink are an important part of your trip.

City & Coast – 4 days

Bilbao – 3 nights → Getxo or the Basque coast – 1 night
Discover Bilbao first, and then travel towards the coast. Visit Getxo and the Vizcaya Bridge, or continue along the Basque coast for beaches, fishing villages, and good restaurants serving fish and seafood.

Bilbao & San Sebastián – 5 days

Bilbao – 2 nights → San Sebastián – 3 nights
Do you have five days? Then Bilbao is very easy to combine with San SebastiánBoth cities have a strong food scene, but feel totally different. Start with modern architecture, museums, and pintxos in Bilbao, and then travel on to San Sebastián for even more pintxos bars, restaurants, and the beaches around the city.

YLBB tip: only have a long weekend? Then stay in Bilbao and perhaps take half a day off for Getxo. With four or five days, we would combine Bilbao with Rioja Alavesa, the Basque Coast, or San Sebastián.

Bilbao is easily accessible from the Netherlands by plane. Bilbao Airport (BIO) is located approximately 12 kilometers outside the city center, and from the airport, you can usually reach the city within 20 to 30 minutes. This makes Bilbao a great destination for a long weekend as well.

Flying to Bilbao

Direct flights depart from Amsterdam to Bilbao, and the flight takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Availability from other Dutch airports varies by season. Book your tickets well in advance if you are traveling around Aste Nagusia, Bilbao BBK Live, or during the summer, as prices can rise quickly then.

From Bilbao Airport to the city center

Bilbao Airport is compact and located close to the city. You can travel to the city center by bus or taxi.

Bizkaibus A3247

The Bizkaibus A3247 runs from the airport to Bilbao and stops at Gran Vía and Bilbao Intermodal, among others. Depending on where you get off, the journey takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. If you are staying in Ensanche, Abando, or Indautxu, you can often easily walk to your hotel from one of the stops or transfer to public transport.

Taxi

By taxi, you can usually reach the city center in about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic and the location of your hotel. If you are traveling with children, a lot of luggage, or arriving late, this is the easiest option.

Combining Bilbao with San Sebastián

Would you like to combine Bilbao and San Sebastián in one trip? Direct buses run between the two cities, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. With a rental car, you are more flexible and can also visit other places along the Basque coast en route.

YLBB tip: you don't need a rental car for Bilbao itself. The center is compact, and you can get almost anywhere on foot, by metro, or by tram. Only rent a car if you want to combine Bilbao with Rioja Alavesa, San Sebastián, or various places along the Basque coast.

Bilbao is compact, and much of the city can be explored on foot. The Guggenheim, Ensanche, Casco Viejo, and Bilbao La Vieja are all within walking distance of each other. For longer distances, public transport is well organized, with a metro, tram, and buses that are also convenient if you want to explore outside the city center.

Metro

The metro is especially useful if you are traveling to Getxo, Portugalete, or other places outside the city center. Within the center, you will need it less often, as many neighborhoods are easily accessible on foot. With a Barik card, you can travel more affordably on various forms of public transport.

Tram & bus

The tram runs along the river and the Guggenheim, among other places, and can be convenient if you don't feel like walking. In addition, Bilbao has an extensive network of city buses. To plan longer journeys, you can use Google Maps or check the current routes and departure times of local public transport.

Taxi

For a ride late at night, with luggage, or if you want to get quickly to a place outside the city center, you can take a taxi. You will find taxi stands at various locations in the city, and you can also arrange a ride via a taxi app.

Discover Bilbao by bike

Do you want to discover Bilbao in an active way? Then book a guided bike tour and cycle past the Guggenheim, the river, Casco Viejo, and other famous spots in the city. Of course, you can also rent a bicycle or e-bike yourself if you want to cycle more often during your stay. The routes along the river are particularly nice for this.

Rent a car

We would not rent a car for Bilbao itself. The center is compact, and parking makes a city trip more complicated rather than easier. A rental car is, however, handy if you want to travel on from Bilbao to Rioja Alavesa, San Sebastián , or various villages and beaches along the Basque coast.

YLBB tip: wear comfortable shoes and explore the city center mostly on foot. Use the metro for Getxo and Portugalete, and only rent a car if you want to venture outside Bilbao.

Bilbao is an easy destination for a city trip. You pay with the euro, contactless payment is possible in most places, and the tap water is drinkable. Spanish and Basque are the official languages, and in tourist areas, hotels, and many restaurants, you can usually also use English.

Paying

At hotels, restaurants, shops, and most bars, you can simply pay with your debit card, credit card, or phone. However, it is handy to have some cash on hand for small purchases, markets, or traditional bars.

Useful apps

Google Maps is useful for routes through the city and for planning trips using public transport. For metro information, you can use the official Metro Bilbao app. Cabify and Uber are available for rides.

Language

Spanish and Basque are spoken in Bilbao. As a result, street names and signage may be indicated in both languages. English is spoken in hotels, museums, and many restaurants, but a few words of Spanish always come in handy in smaller, traditional pintxos bars.

Time difference

Bilbao is in the same time zone as the Netherlands, so there is no time difference.

Electrical outlets

Spain uses the same type C and F sockets as the Netherlands. Therefore, you do not need a travel adapter.

Safety

Bilbao is generally a safe city to visit. As in any busy European city, it is wise to keep a close eye on your belongings on public transport, at markets, and during major events.

Yes, Bilbao is a great destination for a city trip with children. The city is compact, there are many car-free streets and squares, and there is plenty of space to walk along the river. Moreover, you can easily alternate a day in the city with a trip to the coast. The areas around the Guggenheim, Ensanche, and Indautxu are particularly nice places to stay with children.

View the Guggenheim together

The Guggenheim is also fun to visit with children . The exterior alone is impressive, featuring Puppy by Jeff Koons, Maman by Louise Bourgeois, and the striking building by Frank Gehry. Do you want to go inside? Keep the museum visit shorter with young children and combine it with a walk along the river afterward.

Take the funicular to Artxanda

The short ride on the Funicular de Artxanda is a fun activity with children. At the top, you have a view of Bilbao and find more space and greenery than in the city center. Combine it with a walk and then go back down for lunch or pintxos.

Go to the Itsas Museum

The Itsas Museum is all about the maritime history of Bilbao and the important role the river and shipbuilding have played in the city's development. There are indoor and outdoor spaces featuring historical ships, among other things. A good option for a few hours with children, especially on a day when the weather isn't great.

Make time for Parque de Doña Casilda

Located close to the Guggenheim is Parque de Doña Casilda , one of the largest parks in the city center. It features wide walking paths, lawns, a pond, and a play area for children. It is convenient to combine with a museum visit or lunch in Ensanche.

Discover Azkuna Zentroa

Azkuna Zentroa is also a fun place to pop into with children. The former wine warehouse is now a cultural center featuring exhibitions, films, activities, and a swimming pool. Check the program in advance, as the offerings for families change throughout the year.

Take the metro to Getxo

Do you have half a day or a whole day to spare? Then take the metro to Getxo . Here you can walk along the coast, go to the beach, and visit the Vizcaya Bridge . The gondola of this unique suspension bridge takes you over the water to the other side in Portugalete, which is a fun experience with children.

Go to the beach

If you travel to Bilbao during the warmer months, be sure to plan a beach day. Around Getxo and a little further along the coast, there are several beaches that are easily accessible from Bilbao. This allows you to easily combine a city trip with an afternoon by the sea.

YLBB tip: With young children, plan a maximum of one museum or major attraction per day and combine it with a park, the river, or a trip to the coast. Because Bilbao is compact, you don't need to plan long days on public transport with children.