Travel to Bilbao, Spain - Bilbao Travel Guide

Our Editorial team's advice

The Basque capital, Bilbao, is a very industrialised port city. However, it has conserved a particular charm that is revealed in the small alleys of the old city, around the Plaza Nueva, on the right shore of the Nervión river. The Cathedral, the Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Basque Archaeological, Anthropological and Historical Museum compose the main cultural attractions of the city. West of Bilbao, the village of La Reineta, accessible by a funicular, offers a wide view over the ancient docks. On the eastern shore of the estuary, Algorta is an elegant seaside resort.

To see

Bilbao has managed to maintain a particular charm that can be seen in the small streets of the old city, around the Plaza Nueva on the right bank of the Nervión river. Its cathedral, the Guggenheim Museum, the Fine Arts Museum, and the Basque Archaeological, Anthropological and Historical Museum are the city's main cultural attractions.

To do

West of Bilbao, the village of La Reineta, which can be accessed via a cable car, offers an expansive view over the ancient docks. On the eastern side of the estuary lies Algorta, an elegant seaside resort.

In pictures

The Basque capital, Bilbao, is a very industrialised port city. However, it has conserved a particular charm that is revealed in the small alleys of the old city, around the Plaza Nueva, on the right shore of the Nervión river. The Cathedral, the Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Basque Archaeological, Anthropological and Historical Museum compose the main cultural attractions of the ...

The Royal Academy of the Basque Language that looks over Plaza Nueva is a beautiful example of Belle Époque architecture.

The 'Maman' sculpture by Louise Bourgeois and the 'Arc Rouge' by Daniel Buren are two examples of artistic revival in Bilbao.

This building conceived and designed by Frank Gehry symbolises the shipbuilding industry through its shape and the materials used.

This huge sculpture of a West Highland White Terrier covered with flowers proudly stands before the Guggenheim. It has become a mascot for Bilbao.

Bilbao : view all photos

To think about

The shops and banks tend to be located around the Gran Via. The most emblematic, not-to-be-missed buildings are the Arriaga Theatre and Santiago Cathedral. This is where the market is held every Sunday, as well as the celebrations for the Santo Tomás festival.

To try

The best place to try different pintxos is in the old town (and notably 'Siete Calles', which has plenty of restaurants).

Weather Bilbao

These indicators are used as a set of criteria to predict overall weather conditions in Bilbao . The different indicators are there to help you prepare for your trip to Bilbao so you can make plans based on the weather forecast, whether it be a trip to the beach, walking, visiting attractions and museums or winter sports... Here you'll find a precise, overall weather score for each week in Bilbao , which takes into account temperature indicators, bad weather predictions, sunshine levels and wind speeds.

Weather January

Overall rating 34/100

Temperature indicators 0% Very cold
Maximum temperature not to exceed 16°C, the perceived temperature is <30°.
Bad weather indicators 64% Light showers
Light showers - averaging between 10.5mm and 17.5mm per week.
Sunbathing indicators 44% Sunny intervals
Cloudy with sunny intervals (40% to 60% cloud cover).
Wind indicators 68% Light wind
Light winds (between 6mph and 12mph).
Humidity indicators 64% Normal
Slight feeling of discomfort due air humidity registering higher than 65%.