Major city · Spain
Bilbao
Give Bilbao 2 nights: one full day for the Guggenheim and the river walk, one for the Casco Viejo and a day trip; more only if you add the coast.
Bilbao is the largest city in Spain's Basque Country and the easiest place to see Basque language and culture up close. It is a compact, rainy-green river city: the Guggenheim anchors one end of the centre, the old town the other, and a 30-minute walk along the Nervión connects them. Most travellers use it as a 2-night city stop, then push on to San Sebastián or the coast.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Nov–Dec (wettest), Aug (busiest and priciest)
- Airport
- BIO
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 9Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Iberia ↗Plan meals on the Iberian clock: Spanish kitchens serve lunch from about 13:30–14:00 and dinner from 20:30–21:00; Portugal eats an hour or so earlier. Early evenings are for tapas or petiscos, not full meals.
- Iberia ↗Inland Spain and Portugal (Seville, Córdoba, Madrid, the Alentejo) pass 40 °C in heatwaves from late June to August: sightsee before 11:00 and after 18:00, and keep July–August for the coasts and the green north.
- Iberia ↗Andorra and Gibraltar have their own border and customs rules and are reached only through Spain (or France for Andorra); read their pages before adding them, especially if you hold a limited Schengen visa.
- Spain ↗Spain is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Spain ↗High-speed trains have airport-style baggage screening at the station and boarding gates that close a few minutes before departure: arrive early.
- Spain ↗Carry your passport or ID: police may ask for it, and hotels must register every guest's document.
- Spain ↗The Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Família in Barcelona sell timed tickets that sell out weeks ahead in season; book on the official sites before you fix your dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Bilbao112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bilbao, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Spain-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckEU and EEA plans roam at home prices; UK and other plans may charge — check before you land.Spain-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe across the mainland; it tastes of chlorine in some coastal areas.Spain-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or 5–10% for good service; service is not usually added.Spain-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Spain-wide
- SafetyBilbao is a safe city by Western European standards; the main annoyances are pickpockets in the Casco Viejo and around the Guggenheim…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars and cafés (buy a coffee).Spain-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (police, fire, ambulance) · 091 National police · 092 Local police (Policía Municipal) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysSmall shops close about 14:00–17:00 and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Small shops close about 2:00 PM–5:00 PM and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Spain-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBIO Bilbao Airport (Bizkaibus A3247 to the centre, about 20–30 min; taxi about €25–30 (≈ US$30–35)).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable: Guggenheim to Casco Viejo is about 30 min along the river.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3)
- BeerPintxo with a drinkOften a set price for pintxo plus wine or beer.€2.50–4.50 (≈ US$3–6)
- Metro or bus rideMetro single ride€1.70–1.95 (≈ US$2–3) (check)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€25 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per room€220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €220 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BIO Bilbao Airport (Bizkaibus A3247 to the centre, about 20–30 min; taxi about €25–30)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
14°C (56°F)56°F (14°C)
Feb
not flagged
14°C (58°F)58°F (14°C)
Mar
not flagged
17°C (62°F)62°F (17°C)
Apr
not flagged
18°C (65°F)65°F (18°C)
May
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (74°F)74°F (24°C)
Jul
not flagged
25°C (78°F)78°F (25°C)
Aug
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (76°F)76°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
Nov
Avoid
17°C (62°F)62°F (17°C)
Dec
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Aug, Nov–Dec. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Feb (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Nov (14 rain days), driest Jul (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bilbao: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
14°C (56°F)56°F (14°C)
5°C (42°F)42°F (5°C)
13 rd
Feb
14°C (58°F)58°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
Mar
17°C (62°F)62°F (17°C)
7°C (44°F)44°F (7°C)
12 rd
Apr
18°C (65°F)65°F (18°C)
8°C (47°F)47°F (8°C)
13 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Jun
24°C (74°F)74°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
Jul
25°C (78°F)78°F (25°C)
16°C (60°F)60°F (16°C)
9 rd
Aug
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9 rd
Sep
25°C (76°F)76°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
Oct
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
12°C (53°F)53°F (12°C)
12 rd
Nov
17°C (62°F)62°F (17°C)
8°C (47°F)47°F (8°C)
14 rd
Dec
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable: Guggenheim to Casco Viejo is about 30 min along the river. Metro, tram, Bilbobus and the Artxanda funicular cover the rest. A Barik card (€3, reloadable) is cheaper than single tickets and works on metro, tram, bus, Euskotren and local Renfe trains in Bizkaia.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
San Sebastián
goDoor to door: 1.5–3 h
Euskotren from Zazpikaleak/Casco Viejo, about 2 h 40 min; or Pesa bus from Bilbao Intermodal, about 1 h 15 min
Bus is faster; the Euskotren ride is slower but scenic. Better as an overnight than a rushed day.
Guernica (Gernika)
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Euskotren from Zazpikaleak/Casco Viejo, about 50 min
Market day and the assembly house; pair with Mundaka or Bermeo on the same line.
Mundaka
cautionDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
Euskotren to Bermeo, then Bizkaibus, or Euskotren to Mundaka where served
Surf village and estuary; check the connection before you set out.
Balmaseda
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Renfe Cercanías C4 from Concordia station, about 50 min
Small inland town with a medieval bridge; half a day is enough.
Vitoria-Gasteiz
goDoor to door: About 1.25 h
La Unión Alavesa bus from Bilbao Intermodal, about 1 h
Basque capital with a green, walkable centre; a full day or an overnight.
Hondarribia
overnightDoor to door: 2.5–3 h
Bus or train to San Sebastián, then local bus or the little boat across the bay
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep in San Sebastián and visit from there.
Zarauz
overnightDoor to door: 2.5–3 h
Bus or Euskotren towards San Sebastián, then local train or bus
Beach town; combine with San Sebastián rather than day-tripping from Bilbao.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Abando / Indautxu
Central, flat, metro and tram nearby; 10–15 min walk to the Guggenheim. Best for a short first trip.
Casco Viejo (Zazpikaleak)
Old town: pintxo bars, cathedral, metro and Euskotren station. Noisier at night.
Deusto / San Ignacio
Quieter, cheaper, 15–20 min by metro or tram from the centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €50–80 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- €80–140 (≈ US$95–170) excl. bed
- High
- €140 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid-range hotel1 × 2 nights × €120 | €240 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €110 | €440 |
| Bizkaibus A3247 airport bus, both ways2 × €9 · check | €18 |
| Barik card, one person, a few days of travel2 × €15 · check | €30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €10 | €20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €75 |
| Trip total≈ €206 per person per day, bed included | €823≈ US$1,000 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Pintxo with a drinkOften a set price for pintxo plus wine or beer. | €2.50–4.50 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Menu del día at lunch | €12–20 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Guggenheim adult ticket | €18 (≈ US$25) online (check) |
| Metro single ride | €1.70–1.95 (≈ US$2–3) (check) |
| Tram single ticket | €1.50 (≈ US$2) (check) |
| Taxi airport to centre | €25–30 (≈ US$30–35) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- It rains often: pack a light waterproof rather than an umbrella for the wind.
- Bilbao has a low-emissions zone; check whether your rental car is allowed before driving in.
- Some pintxo bars charge by the toothpick or plate: keep them or ask for the count.
- The Guggenheim is closed on Mondays outside July and August.
Emergency numbers
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- National police
- 091
- Local police (Policía Municipal)
- 092
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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BilbaoBilbao
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Helbide honetara, mesedezTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
- National police091
- Local police092
Embassy
No embassies in Bilbao; most countries are represented in Madrid, with consulates in Madrid or Barcelona. US citizens: US Embassy Madrid (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → centre, Bizkaibus A3247: about €4.50 (≈ US$6), 20–30 min (check)
- Metro single ride: €1.70–1.95 (≈ US$2–3) (check)
- Taxi airport → centre: €25–30 (≈ US$30–35)
Say or show
- Kaixo — Hello (kai-sho)
- Eskerrik asko — Thank you (es-ke-reek as-ko)
- Mesedez — Please (meh-seh-des)
- Kontua, mesedez — The bill, please (kon-too-a meh-seh-des)
- Non dago komuna? — Where is the toilet? (non da-go ko-moo-na)
- Ingelesez hitz egiten duzu? — Do you speak English? (in-geh-leh-ses its eh-gee-ten doo-soo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bilbao. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Nov–Dec (wettest), Aug (busiest and priciest) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- officialBilbao City Council
- officialBilbao Tourism
- officialGuggenheim Museum Bilbao
- officialMetro Bilbao
- officialEuskotren
- officialRenfe
- officialAena — Bilbao Airport
- secondaryWikivoyage: Bilbao, revision 5339196 (CC BY-SA 4.0)