Best Time to Visit Bilbao
Bilbao is a vibrant city known for its blend of industrial heritage and modern architecture, set along the Nervión River.
Discover Bilbao
Bilbao, located in the Basque Country in northern Spain, has transformed from an industrial hub to a cultural hotspot. The city is famous worldwide for the Guggenheim Museum, a stunning contemporary art museum housed in a titanium-clad building designed by Frank Gehry. Bilbao’s old town, Casco Viejo, offers charming narrow streets filled with traditional shops, pintxo bars, and lively markets like Mercado de la Ribera. The city also boasts a rich Basque culture, renowned cuisine, and beautiful riverfront promenades. With its proximity to the coast and surrounding green mountains, Bilbao provides a unique combination of urban experiences and access to nature.
Tips to travel to Bilbao
- Book Guggenheim Museum tickets online in advance.
- Try local Basque pintxos at traditional bars in Casco Viejo.
- Bring comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets.
Bilbao musts
- Guggenheim Museum
- Casco Viejo
- Mercado de la Ribera
- Mount Artxanda views
- Basque cuisine
Clima por Meses
Temperatura Media (°C)
Precipitaciones (mm)
What to do in Bilbao
Guggenheim Museum
Visit this iconic modern art museum; consider booking tickets online to avoid queues and allocate at least 2 hours for the exhibits.
Casco Viejo (Old Town)
Stroll through the historic district, enjoy pintxos at local bars, and visit landmarks like Santiago Cathedral.
Mercado de la Ribera
Explore Europe’s largest covered market for fresh produce, local delicacies, and Basque specialties.
Mount Artxanda
Take the funicular to the summit for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Ría de Bilbao Riverwalk
Enjoy a scenic walk along the riverbanks lined with modern architecture and public art.
Best months to visit Bilbao
Los meses ideales son May, June, September, October por sus temperaturas agradables, menos precipitaciones y condiciones perfectas para actividades al aire libre.
• Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures and blooming parks make it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
• Summer (June–August): Warm and pleasant weather, perfect for exploring the city and nearby beaches.
• Autumn (September–November): Comfortable weather with cultural festivals and fewer tourists.
• Winter (December–February): Cooler temperatures and more rainfall, but great for indoor museum visits and cozy dining.
How many days to visit Bilbao?
Bilbao in 1 day
Morning visit to the Guggenheim Museum. Afternoon walk through Casco Viejo, stopping for pintxos and visiting the Santiago Cathedral. Evening stroll along the Ría de Bilbao riverwalk.
Bilbao in 2 days
Day 1: Follow the 1-day itinerary. Day 2: Visit Mercado de la Ribera in the morning, then take the funicular up Mount Artxanda for city views. Explore local shops and dine at a Basque restaurant in the evening.
Bilbao in 3 days
Days 1 & 2 as above. Day 3: Take a day trip to the nearby coastal town of Getxo or explore the surrounding Basque countryside.
FAQ about Bilbao
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