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Get InspiredEuropeSpainBasque CountryBilbao

Bilbao

Basque Country, Spain
City·Dynamic, Cultural, Revitalized
Bilbao
Photo by Jorge Fernández Salas from Unsplash
Bilbao
Photo by David Vives from Unsplash
Bilbao
Photo by Yves Alarie from Unsplash
Bilbao
Photo by David Vives from Unsplash
Bilbao
Photo by Neil Martin from Unsplash
Bilbao
Photo by Jorge Fernández Salas from Unsplash
Bilbao
Photo by David Vives from Unsplash
Bilbao
Photo by Yves Alarie from Unsplash
Bilbao
Photo by David Vives from Unsplash
Bilbao
Photo by Neil Martin from Unsplash
Bilbao
Photo by Antonio Gabola from Unsplash
Bilbao
Photo by Diana Novak from Unsplash
Bilbao
Photo by David Vives from Unsplash

Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, is a dynamic urban center with a rich industrial past and a thriving cultural scene. The city's transformation began with the opening of the Guggenheim Museum, which has since become an emblem of Bilbao's modern renaissance. Surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges, Bilbao offers a unique blend of traditional Basque culture and contemporary urban development. Visitors can explore its historic old town, enjoy its diverse culinary offerings, and experience its vibrant arts scene. With ongoing urban renewal projects, Bilbao continues to evolve as a leading cultural destination in Spain.

Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, is a dynamic urban center with a rich industrial past and a thriving cultural scene. The city's transformation began with the opening of the Guggenheim Museum, which has since become an emblem of Bilbao's modern renaissance. Surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges, Bilbao offers a unique blend of traditional Basque culture and contemporary urban development. Visitors can explore its historic old town, enjoy its diverse culinary offerings, and experience its vibrant arts scene. With ongoing urban renewal projects, Bilbao continues to evolve as a leading cultural destination in Spain.

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Highlights

  • Iconic Guggenheim Museum

  • Rich Basque cultural heritage

  • Vibrant urban renewal projects

  • Scenic mountainous surroundings

  • Historic industrial significance

Before you go: Bilbao essentials

  • Close access to the Bay of Biscay, ideal for coastal exploration.

  • Rich cultural heritage with museums and historical sites.

  • Ongoing urban development projects enhancing city infrastructure.

Getting Around

Bilbao has an efficient public transportation system including buses, trams, and a metro.

Local Cuisine

Try traditional Basque dishes such as pintxos and bacalao al pil-pil.

Best For

Art enthusiasts and urban explorers.

Currency

EUR €

Average Cost

$100-$180 p/day

Languages Spoken

Spanish, Basque, English

Cultural Events

Check out local festivals like Aste Nagusia, which showcases Basque culture.

Weather

Pack an umbrella as the city experiences frequent rain due to its maritime climate.

Sports

Catch a football match at San Mamés Stadium, home of Athletic Club.

Occasion Tags

Cultural Exploration, Art Lovers, Urban Adventurers, History Buffs

Best time to visit Bilbao

April-JuneSeptember-November

Best Season

Spring

Spring is ideal for visiting Bilbao with mild weather and blooming landscapes.

Best Season

Summer

Summer brings warmer temperatures, perfect for exploring outdoor attractions.

Best Season

Fall

Fall offers a pleasant climate with fewer tourists, great for cultural exploration.

Winter

Winters are mild, making it a good time to enjoy indoor activities and museums.

Join millions of curious travelers.

Get early access to exclusive partner discounts, tips & user itineraries.

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Location

Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
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Where to stay in Bilbao

Place
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Place

HOSTEL Quartier Bilbao

4.1(698)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Laid Back, Social, Casual
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Place
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Place

Basque Boutique

4.3(287)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Cozy, Intimate, Charming
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Place
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ibis Bilbao Centro

4.2(4,7 K)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Practical, Functional, Convenient
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Place
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Place

Pensión Ama Bilbao

4.6(128)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Welcoming, Authentic, Comfortable
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Place
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Hotel Tayko Bilbao

4.6(701)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Modern, Industrial, Professional
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LETOH LETOH Bilbao

4.5(235)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Modern, Central, Convenient
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Casual Fuentes

4.6(260)
Bilbao, País Vasco
Comfortable, Modern, Welcoming
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Arriaga Suites

4.5(426)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Colorful, Comfortable, Straightforward

Food & drink in Bilbao

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Ágape jatetxea

4.7(2,3 K)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Sleek, Modern, Creative
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Restaurante Pentxo

4.3(2,5 K)
Bilbao, País Vasco
Casual, Inviting, Traditional
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Taberna Basaras

4.6(621)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Cozy, Welcoming, Traditional
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Place
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Taska Beltz | Vinos, Rock y Cazuelitas

4.8(242)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Cozy, Intimate, Rock Infused
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Gerri Taberna

4.5(745)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Warm, Contemporary, Creative
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Rio-Oja

4.3(4,1 K)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Traditional, Family Run, Cozy
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Bar Santamaría

4.6(1,8 K)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Lively, Casual, Welcoming
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Place
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Bar Fermín

4.6(923)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Authentic, Lively, Local Leaning

Things to do in Bilbao

The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local
From $123

The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local

5.0(1,1 K)
Duration: 3h
Bilbao
Dragonstone, Mundaka and Guernica from Bilbao
From $73

Dragonstone, Mundaka and Guernica from Bilbao

4.8(815)
Duration: 6h
Bilbao
Rioja Icons: Marqués de Riscal & Ysios Wine Tour from Bilbao
From $293

Rioja Icons: Marqués de Riscal & Ysios Wine Tour from Bilbao

4.9(155)
Duration: 8h
Bilbao
The Authentic Bilbao Pintxos, Food & Wine Tour with a Local
From $116

The Authentic Bilbao Pintxos, Food & Wine Tour with a Local

4.9(387)
Duration: 3h
Bilbao
Guggenheim Museum guided tour
From $61

Guggenheim Museum guided tour

4.7(49)
Duration: 1h 30min
Bilbao
Bilbao Highlights 3-hour E-Bike tour: Small Group or Private Tour
From $57

Bilbao Highlights 3-hour E-Bike tour: Small Group or Private Tour

4.8(209)
Duration: 3h
Bilbao
Bilbao: Excursion to San Sebastian, Hondarribia, Hendaye and Getaria
From $63

Bilbao: Excursion to San Sebastian, Hondarribia, Hendaye and Getaria

4.3(94)
Duration: 10h
Bilbao
Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka and Gernika with Txakoli
From $57

Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka and Gernika with Txakoli

4.3(116)
Duration: 11h
Bilbao
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Attractions in Bilbao

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Europa parkea

4.4(4,9 K)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Spacious, Relaxed, Family Friendly
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Archaeological Museum of Biscay (Bilbao)

4.5(761)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Educational, Cultural, Informative
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Etxebarri Parkea

4.4(10 K)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Relaxed, Scenic, Urban
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Restaurante Enol

4.6(644)
Bilbao, País Vasco
Vibrant, Authentic, Local
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Txabarri Jauregia

4.6(261)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Historic, Architectural, Cultural
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Jado Plaza

4.4(343)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Serene, Relaxing, Family Friendly
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Bilbao City Hall

4.1(1,3 K)
Bilbao, Euskadi
Historic, Majestic, Informative
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Parque Doña Casilda Iturrizar

4.6(12,1 K)
Bilbao, Basque Country
Serene, Scenic, Relaxing