Bilbao

Location

Bilbao is the heart of the Basque Country in northern Spain. Its location in the north, tucked into a narrow valley and surrounded by green mountains, gives it a unique character. It's about 60 miles from the French border, serving as a gateway between Spain and France.

URL

Official Website: https://www.bilbao.eus/

History and Culture

Bilbao, founded in the 14th century, has evolved from an industrial city into a thriving cultural hub over the past few decades. The city's rich history and vibrant Basque culture come alive in its various landmarks, museums, and cultural events, with the Guggenheim Museum being a prominent symbol of its cultural reinvention.

Average Length of Visit

Visitors typically spend around 4-6 hours exploring Bilbao's main attractions.

Highlights

• The Guggenheim Museum: A marvel of modern architecture, home to a collection of modern and contemporary art.
• Casco Viejo: The city's Old Quarter, filled with charming streets, shops, and bars.
• Bilbao Fine Arts Museum: Boasts a diverse collection of Basque, Spanish, and European art.
• Plaza Nueva: A bustling square known for its weekly flea market and tapas bars.
• La Ribera Market: Europe's largest covered market, selling a variety of local produce.

Day-Trip Ideas

• San Sebastián (62 miles, approximately 1.5 hours by car or 2 hours by train): Known for its beautiful beaches and food scene.
• Gaztelugatxe (22 miles, about 40 minutes by car): A picturesque islet with a chapel dedicated to John the Baptist.
• Vitoria-Gasteiz (37 miles, roughly 1 hour by car or 45 minutes by train): The capital of the Basque Country, featuring a well-preserved medieval center.
• Rioja Wine Region (74 miles, around 1.5 hours by car): A renowned wine region perfect for wine enthusiasts.

Transportation

Bilbao is serviced by Bilbao Airport, located about 6 miles from the city center. The city has a well-connected public transportation network, including metro, tram, and bus systems.

Accommodations

Bilbao offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels and boutique guesthouses to budget hostels and Airbnb rentals. Estimated costs range from around $30 for a budget hostel to over $150 for a mid-range hotel.

Food and Drink

Bilbao's food scene is all about pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. For affordable meals, look for local pintxos bars. Must-try dishes and drinks include:

• Pintxos: Small snacks traditionally served on bread.
• Bacalao a la Vizcaína: Salted cod in a red pepper sauce.
• Txakoli: A slightly sparkling, dry white wine from the region.

Safety

Bilbao is generally a safe city. Like any major city, however, it's important to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas. While known scams are not common, pickpocketing can occur.

Climate and Weather

Bilbao has a humid oceanic climate, with mild summers and cool winters. Average summer temperatures hover around 75°F, while winters average around 50°F. Rain is common throughout the year, with November usually being the wettest month.

Cost

• Budget: Expect to spend around $50-$70 per day for budget accommodations, cheap meals, and public transportation.
• Average: For a moderate spending, around $100-$150 per day would cover a mid-range hotel, meals at average-priced restaurants, and attractions.
• High: If you opt for luxury, you could spend $250 or more per day, which would include luxury hotels, fine dining, and guided tours.

Currency

Euro (€)

Primary Languages

Spanish and Basque

Miscellaneous

Tipping is not obligatory in Spain as service charge is usually included in the bill. However, leaving an extra tip for good service is customary.