Bilbao, Spain: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

In the central Abando / Ensanche district of Bilbao, which offers excellent access to the city’s shopping streets, transport hubs and the riverside promenade, one standout option is Hotel Miró Bilbao. Located opposite the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and a short stroll from high-end boutiques and museums, this boutique design hotel offers a refined stay with stylish rooms and strong service. For a more modern feel in the same area, consider Radisson Collection Hotel Gran Vía Bilbao which occupies a dramatic neoclassical building and blends luxury with city-centre convenience. For a slightly more affordable but still very well-located option, Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao sits right on the main Gran Vía thoroughfare and puts you within easy walking distance of many cafes and bars. Each of these options places you right in the heart of the city’s action—ideal if you want to explore on foot and be close to the pulse of Bilbao.

In the historic old town of Casco Viejo and along the estuary banks, where narrow streets, pintxo bars and Basque charm converge, one excellent choice is Hotel Tayko Bilbao. Set in a restored industrial building that retains character and is home to a restaurant by a Michelin-starred chef, it offers a stylish stay with a slightly more boutique feel. Staying here means you’ll be immersed in the historic ambience of Bilbao while still being close to the main cultural sights. This area is perfect for evening strolls and authentic local cuisine, and Tayko delivers a thoughtful mix of design and service in that environment.

If you’d prefer somewhere a little quieter, away from the busiest parts of the city but still well connected, the coastal town of Getxo (about 20-25 minutes from Bilbao by transport) offers an appealing alternative with scenic sea views and a more relaxed pace. A standout here is Palacio Arriluce Hotel which occupies an early 20th-century palace overlooking the Cantabrian Sea. It offers elegance, tranquillity and a chance to unwind away from the dense urban core, yet you remain within reach of Bilbao. This makes it a great choice for travellers who want the best of both worlds—city access and seaside calm.

When choosing your stay, bear in mind that prices in Bilbao can fluctuate significantly around major events, so early booking is wise. Also consider how much walking or transport you’re comfortable with: the older town offers atmosphere and compactness, the city centre offers convenience, and the coast gives space and a different vibe. Let me know if you’d like recommendations for boutique stays, business-friendly hotels, or budget-friendly options too.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Bilbao. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Visiting Bilbao in Spring (Best)

Spring is the ideal time to visit Bilbao, when mild temperatures and blooming parks create a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. From March to May, the city awakens after winter with longer days perfect for strolling along the Nervión River or exploring the Casco Viejo without the summer crowds. The hills surrounding the city turn lush green, and outdoor terraces begin to fill with locals enjoying the first warm days of the year. Spring also hosts cultural events like Basque Fest, held around Easter, which celebrates Basque traditions through food, dance, and music. With comfortable weather and a lively yet relaxed energy, this season offers the best balance for sightseeing, dining, and discovering Bilbao’s creative spirit.

Visiting Bilbao in Summer

Summer brings warmth, festivals, and a vibrant energy to Bilbao. From June to August, daytime temperatures hover in the mid-20s °C, rarely becoming uncomfortably hot thanks to the city’s Atlantic influence. This is the season when Bilbao truly comes alive, with open-air concerts, street performances, and art events taking over plazas and riversides. The highlight is Aste Nagusia (the Great Week) in August, the city’s largest festival, featuring fireworks, music, parades, and traditional Basque sports. Although it’s the busiest season, the festive mood and long evenings make summer in Bilbao a joyful time to experience local culture at its most exuberant.

Visiting Bilbao in Autumn

Autumn in Bilbao, from September to November, is calm and atmospheric. The air turns crisp, the summer crowds thin out, and the city’s surrounding countryside glows in shades of gold and green. This is the perfect season for those who enjoy art galleries, cozy restaurants, and riverside walks under changing leaves. September often remains warm enough for outdoor dining, while October brings the Galdakao Fair and other local food festivals celebrating Basque produce and wine. Autumn offers an appealing mix of culture and comfort, ideal for travelers seeking a slower, more intimate experience of the city.

Visiting Bilbao in Winter

Winter in Bilbao, from December to February, is cool but rarely harsh. Average daytime temperatures stay around 10 °C, and occasional rain adds to the city’s moody charm. While this isn’t beach weather, it’s a great time to explore Bilbao’s museums, pintxo bars, and cafés without the tourist crowds. The Christmas season brings festive markets and lights along the Gran Vía, giving the city a cozy, welcoming feel. If you enjoy quieter travel and cultural exploration at a relaxed pace, winter in Bilbao offers warmth through atmosphere rather than sunshine.

Getting to Bilbao by Air

Nearest airports: The main gateway to the city is Bilbao Airport (BIO), located about 12 kilometres north of the city centre in the municipality of Loiu. This modern airport is one of the busiest in northern Spain and serves as the principal hub for visitors to the Basque Country.

Air connections: Bilbao Airport offers frequent domestic flights from Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia, along with numerous international connections across Europe. Major airlines and low-cost carriers operate regular routes from cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Rome, making it easy to reach Bilbao from most European capitals. The airport is compact and efficient, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, and known locally as “La Paloma” (The Dove) for its distinctive white, wing-like design.

Getting from the airport to the city: The airport is well connected to the city by bus and taxi. The Bizkaibus line A3247 runs between the terminal and Bilbao’s main transport hub at Termibus in about 20 minutes, with stops along Gran Vía and Plaza Moyúa. Taxis are readily available and reach central Bilbao in roughly 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Getting to Bilbao by Train

Rail connections: Bilbao is served by two main railway stations—Abando Indalecio Prieto Station and Bilbao Concordia Station. The Abando station, located in the city centre, is the hub for long-distance services operated by Renfe, Spain’s national rail company. Although Bilbao is not on Spain’s high-speed AVE network, it maintains strong connections with major cities through conventional rail lines.

Routes and services: Frequent trains link Bilbao with Madrid, Barcelona, Zaragoza, Valladolid, and San Sebastián, as well as regional services to Vitoria-Gasteiz and León. The FEVE narrow-gauge trains also operate scenic routes along the northern coast toward Santander and Oviedo, providing a slower but picturesque way to travel through northern Spain. Within the Basque Country, Euskotren services offer convenient connections to smaller towns and coastal destinations.

Getting to Bilbao by Car

Driving routes: Bilbao is well connected by road, with a network of major highways linking it to the rest of Spain and southern France. The AP-8 motorway runs east–west along the Basque coast from Irún (near the French border) through San Sebastián and on to Bilbao, while the A-68 connects the city southward toward Zaragoza and Madrid.

Toll roads and travel times: Many of these routes are toll roads, so drivers should be prepared for moderate fees, though the roads are well maintained and scenic. The drive from Madrid takes about four and a half hours, while the journey from San Sebastián or Santander can be done in around one hour.

Parking and navigation: Once in Bilbao, it’s advisable to park in designated car parks near the centre and explore the city on foot or by public transport, as the old town has limited access for vehicles. The city’s road system is well signposted, and most hotels provide parking or can guide visitors to nearby facilities.

Travelling around Bilbao

Bilbao has a modern and efficient public transport system that makes getting around simple and affordable. The Bilbao Metro is clean, fast, and runs through most of the city’s key districts, extending out to coastal areas such as Getxo. Trams operated by Euskotren provide a scenic route along the riverfront, while a network of city buses covers routes not served by the metro. Taxis are reliable, and cycling is increasingly popular thanks to dedicated bike lanes and the city’s public bike-sharing system, Bilbaobizi. Walking remains one of the best ways to experience Bilbao’s character, particularly in areas like Casco Viejo and along the riverside promenades.