About Bilbao
Bilbao is a city in northern Spain, the largest city in the province of Biscay and in the autonomous community of the Basque Country. With a population of 347,342 as of 2024, it is the 11th most populous city in Spain, and the most populous in northern Spain. The Bilbao metropolitan area has 1,037,847 inhabitants, making it the most populous metropolitan area in northern Spain. The comarca of Greater Bilbao is the fifth-largest urban area in Spain. Bilbao is also the main urban area in what is defined as the Greater Basque region.
Places to visit in Bilbao
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Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
MuseumA titanium-clad modern art museum designed by Frank Gehry that transformed the city's riverfront. Book tickets ahead, and allow time to walk around the exterior to see the giant Puppy and Maman sculptures.
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Casco Viejo
NeighborhoodThe medieval old town known for its seven streets and pintxo bars. Go bar-hopping in the evening and try a few small plates at each spot.
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Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
MuseumA respected art museum with works from the Middle Ages to modern times. It is close to the Guggenheim, so pair the two for an art-filled day.
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Mercado de la Ribera
MarketA large covered market on the riverbank, with food stalls and bars. Visit in the morning for fresh produce, and stay for pintxos at the upstairs bars.
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Artxanda
ViewpointA hill overlooking the city, reached by a historic funicular. Go up for panoramic views and grab a meal at one of the restaurants on the summit.
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Vizcaya Bridge
Landmark · 6 mi from centreThe world's oldest transporter bridge, still carrying people and cars across the river mouth in a suspended gondola. Ride the gondola across, and pay extra to walk the upper deck for sweeping estuary views.
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San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Nature · 15 mi from centreA rocky islet with a hermitage reached by a winding stone staircase. Book the free access pass in advance during busy months, and wear good shoes.
Things to do in Bilbao by type
20 tours, tickets and experiences across 5 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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City tours 9 experiences All Iron Bilbao Tour: Athletic Club and Guggenheim Museum - From 2 people -
Travel Services 6 experiences Private Tour: Car Disposal and Driver for Lunch or Dinner Service -
Gastronomy & nightlife 5 experiences Pintxo Tasting Tour with DO Spanish Wines -
Day Trips & Excursions 5 experiences Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka and Gernika – Half-Day Tour -
Art & culture 3 experiences All Iron Bilbao Tour: Athletic Club and Guggenheim Museum - From 2 people
- 3-6 hours 5
- Over 6 hours 3
- 1-3 hours 2
- Families 1
- Senior 1
- Youth 1
- Private 12
- Small group 2
Top experiences in Bilbao
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 20 available.
Bilbao City Walking Tour - Small Group Tour
From $35 per adult
Guggenheim Museum with Skip-the-Line Entry - Small Group Tour
From $89 per adult
Pintxo Tasting Tour with DO Spanish Wines
From $98 per adult
Rioja Wine Tour: Winery and Traditional Lunch - Full-Day Tour
From $227 per adult
Txacoli Wine Tour with Txakoli Museum and Wine Tasting
From $163 per adult
Private Tour: Car Disposal and Private Driver in Bilbao
From $322 per adult
Guggenheim Museum - Private Guided Tour
From $296 per adult
Private Tour: Car Disposal and Driver to Discover the Coast of Biscay from Bilbao
From $477 per adult
Private Tour: Car Disposal and Driver to Discover San Sebastian from Bilbao
From $773 per adult
Private Tour: Car Disposal and Driver to Discover the Rioja Wine Region from Bilbao
From $754 per adult
Private Tour: Car Disposal and Driver to Discover Pamplona from Bilbao
From $825 per adult
Private Tour: Car Disposal and Driver for Lunch or Dinner Service
From $303 per adult
Best time to visit Bilbao
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Bilbao is June to August, when average daytime highs are around 76–81°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Bilbao weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 63° 56° 38%
- Thu 22 Oct 70° 48° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 66° 56° 15%
- Sat 24 Oct 62° 51° 38%
- Sun 25 Oct 61° 51° 48%
- Mon 26 Oct 65° 58° 37%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +34
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Europe/MadridUTC+2
- Capital
- Madrid
Upcoming public holidays in Spain
- All Saints DayDía de todos los Santos
- Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
- Immaculate ConceptionInmaculada Concepción
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- EpiphanyDía de Reyes / Epifanía del Señor
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Bilbao
These are the airports closest to central Bilbao. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- BIO Bilbao Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
Getting around Bilbao
Bilbao is difficult to drive in. Hilly one-way streets, and frequent construction projects, make it a nightmare for drivers in parts of the city. Having an automobile map helps a lot; without it allow at least 30 min extra to find the right exit from the city.
Public transport
There is good citywide public transport through the bus network (Bilbobus) and the single-line tram. You can also use the metro to get around, although you will miss all views and it might not be the most convenient if your trip is only inside Bilbao. It is however a very well regarded metro system. To go to surrounding cities, buses (Bizkaibus) or rail (Euskotren, Metro, Cercanías) can be used.
On foot
It takes about 30 minutes to walk along the river between the Guggenheim Museum and the Casco Viejo.
Bilbao travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Bilbao?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Bilbao is June to August, when average daytime highs are around 76–81°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
What is the weather like in Bilbao?
August is usually the warmest month in Bilbao, with average highs of 81°F (27°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 44°F (7°C). The wettest month is typically November, with about 140 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Bilbao?
Bilbao Airport (BIO) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Bilbao.
What currency is used in Bilbao?
Bilbao uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.
What time zone is Bilbao in?
Bilbao uses the Europe/Madrid time zone (currently UTC+2). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Bilbao?
Bilbao is difficult to drive in. Hilly one-way streets, and frequent construction projects, make it a nightmare for drivers in parts of the city. Having an automobile map helps a lot; without it allow at least 30 min extra to find the right exit from the city.
What are the best places to visit in Bilbao?
Top sights in Bilbao include Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Casco Viejo, Bilbao Fine Arts Museum and Mercado de la Ribera. A titanium-clad modern art museum designed by Frank Gehry that transformed the city's riverfront. Book tickets ahead, and allow time to walk around the exterior to see the giant Puppy and Maman sculptures.
What are the top things to do in Bilbao?
Popular experiences you can book in Bilbao include Bilbao City Walking Tour - Small Group Tour, Guggenheim Museum with Skip-the-Line Entry - Small Group Tour and Pintxo Tasting Tour with DO Spanish Wines. Destina Holidays offers 20 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Bilbao?
The most popular types of experiences in Bilbao are city tours (9), travel services (6), gastronomy & nightlife (5) and day trips & excursions (5). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
