Bilbao

Bilbao has a past as an industrial city and used to be kept in the shade of tourism. Those days belongs to the past as the city has gone through a mayor image change the last decade, and it can now proudly present itself as a very attractive tourist destination.

The Guggenheim museum has provided the city with a huge cultural offer and even football is part of the culture for the locals. Going out for pintxos and a drink before the game, is the best way to meet with friends & family and the fun continues on the centric stadium. A bad restaurant would never survive in Bilbao. The locals are used to the best ingredients, and would never make the mistake to return to a place that is not up to the standards.

Both J.R.R Tolkien and Shakespeare uses references to Bilbao in their literary masterpieces, and there’s a lot more to the city than its historical steel and coalmine industry. How come the Guggenheim ended up in a small city in Northern Spain? Join us and discover the mystery.

Population

Approx. 345.000

75 HOTELS

More than 7,500 beds

AIRPORT

1 terminal - 13,2 km to city centre

CLOSE BY DESTINATIONS

San Sebastian, Rioja, Vitoria, Santander

Most famous attraction

Guggenheim museum

RECOMMENDED FOR

Groups under 150 pax

Most popular activity

Pintxos Tour

SUNNY DAYS A YEAR

238 days

Activities

Penny for Ania’s thoughts on the city:

I think I should leave this city to Elin – she literally thinks she lived there in previous life.

Penny for Elin’s thoughts on the city:

I’m not sure I have reasons to believe in reincarnation, but I’m pretty sure I must have lived in Bilbao in an earlier life. Without really knowing why, it’s by far my favorite city in Spain. Maybe it’s because of the green surroundings, the unique entrance by the Guggenheim or the way of life of the Basque. I simply adore when I see an elderly couple out for pintxos and a glass of xacoli, standing on the pavement, eating, like the years haven’t past. OK, so you don’t get the Mediterranean breeze or the sunny weather, but you do get the warmth of the people and the best food ever. This is paradise for foodies or gourmet seekers and you can find aspiring Michelin star restaurants with reasonable prices. I highly recommend going on a daytrip to Getxo, Guernika and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (Game of Thrones set). Amazing green nature and cliffs that makes your feet tremble. I usually don’t wear souvenir t-shirts, but I might consider wearing one saying: I LOVE BILBAO