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Bilbao is a compact, walkable Basque city known for the Guggenheim, strong local identity, excellent food (pintxos), and efficient transport — plan around cultural norms, seasonal weather, and simple visa rules for Spain.
Visa & entry requirements
- Schengen rules apply: Bilbao is in Spain, part of the Schengen Area.
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: no visa needed.
- Many nationalities (US, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.) get visa-free entry for short stays (usually 90 days in 180 days). Check your government site and Spain’s consulate for specific rules and passport validity requirements (typically 3–6 months beyond departure).
- If you need a visa, apply at the Spanish consulate or visa center well in advance.
- COVID-19 requirements: none mandatory as of 2026, but verify before travel in case of changes.
Best time to visit
- Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) are ideal: mild weather, fewer crowds, and lively festivals.
- Summer (July–August): warm, more tourists, higher hotel rates, and cultural events; occasional rain.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): cool and rainy but fewer tourists and good hotel deals.
Safety tips
- Bilbao is generally very safe. Normal urban precautions apply: watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas, public transport, and bars.
- Avoid poorly lit isolated areas at night; stick to main streets and the riverside.
- Emergency numbers: 112 for police/medical/fire across Spain.
Local customs & etiquette
- Basque identity is strong; a few Basque words (hola/kaixo for hello) are appreciated but Spanish is widely spoken. Many locals speak Spanish; some speak Basque (Euskera).
- Dining: pintxos culture means standing or bar-seating for small plates; meals run later than in Northern Europe (lunch ~14:00, dinner from 21:00).
- Politeness: greet shopkeepers and servers; say “por favor” and “gracias.”
- Tipping: modest—round up or leave 5–10% in restaurants if service was good; small change for cafés/pintxos.
Currency & money
- Currency: Euro (EUR).
- Credit/debit cards widely accepted; carry some cash for markets, small bars, and rural spots.
- ATMs plentiful; use bank ATMs to avoid high fees. Notify your bank of travel to avoid card blocks.
Transportation
- By air: Bilbao Airport (BIO) is ~12 km from the city; metro, bus, taxi, and airport shuttle connect to the city center (~15–25 minutes).
- Public transit: efficient metro, tram, buses (Bilbobus). Single tickets, travel cards, and rechargeable Barik card for frequent use.
- Walking: central Bilbao is very walkable (Guggenheim, Old Town — Casco Viejo, the estuary). Expect some hills in surrounding areas.
- Taxis and rideshares: available; apps work but taxis are reliable and metered.
- Day trips: easy rail/bus access to San Sebastián, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Rioja wine region, and coastal towns.
Must-know tips & local insights
- Food: don’t miss pintxos in Casco Viejo and the area around Calle Ledesma; try bacalao (cod), txangurro (spider crab), and local Basque cider.
- Museums: Guggenheim is a must; also check Museo de Bellas Artes and the Bilbao Fine Arts museum for local works.
- Markets: Mercado de la Ribera is great for food and atmosphere.
- Festivals: Aste Nagusia (Bilbao’s big August festival) is lively; local saints’ days and cultural events happen year-round.
- Language signs: both Spanish and Basque often appear; English signage is common in tourist areas.
- Comfortable footwear: cobbled streets in the Old Town and riverside promenades.
- Weather: bring a light rain jacket year-round — Atlantic climate brings frequent showers.
- Reservations: book Guggenheim tickets, popular restaurants, and weekend hotels in advance during high season.
Quick checklist
- Check visa/passport validity and entry rules.
- Pack layers and a rain jacket.
- Buy a Barik card or metro tickets if planning public transit use.
- Reserve Guggenheim tickets and any special restaurants.
- Have some euros in cash and a working bank card.
Enjoy Bilbao’s food, architecture, and Basque culture — it’s compact, vibrant, and easy to explore.