Travel guide · Spain
Bilbao: what to see and when to go
Bilbao turned a former industrial port into one of Spain's most stylish cities, with Frank Gehry's titanium Guggenheim at its heart and a lively old quarter of pintxo bars. The Basque coast, green hills and fishing villages are all within an hour.
What to see and do in Bilbao
Guggenheim Museum
Gehry's curved masterpiece on the river, with Jeff Koons's Puppy outside and big modern art within.
Casco Viejo
The Seven Streets, the oldest part of town, with the Ribera market and bars with pintxos lined up on the counter.
Along the Nervión
A riverside walk past bridges and modern landmarks, including the Zubizuri footbridge.
Artxanda funicular
A short ride up for a panoramic view over the whole city and valley.
Gaztelugatxe and the coast
A day trip to the island hermitage linked by a stone bridge, and the fishing villages nearby.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Jul – Aug.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 1 hr, 45 min | ≈ €110 · See flights |
| New York | 8 hr | ≈ €470 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 12 hr, 30 min | ≈ €590 · See flights |
| Dubai | 7 hr, 45 min | ≈ €460 · See flights |
| Singapore | 15 hr | ≈ €650 · See flights |
| Sydney | 23 hr | ≈ €840 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €380 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Spain
- Currency
- Euro
- Good for
- food · city · culture
- How long to stay
- 2–3 days
- Where to stay
- Casco Viejo for atmosphere and pintxos; Abando or Indautxu for a quieter, central base near the Guggenheim and shops.Find a place to stay in Bilbao
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Bilbao, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €110 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in Bilbao (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
Links open a sample search (Fri, Jul 2 – Sun, Jul 4, 2 people): change it on each site. If you book through these links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep improving diceando. Legal notice
Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Bilbao and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Jul – Aug. Average highs range from 13° in January to 26° in August.
How many days do you need in Bilbao?
2 to 3 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in Bilbao cost?
Accommodation runs at around €90 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €380 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 1 hr, 45 min.
Where should you stay in Bilbao?
Casco Viejo for atmosphere and pintxos; Abando or Indautxu for a quieter, central base near the Guggenheim and shops.
