Summer (June-August) can get busy. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Even winter (November-March) can be enjoyable, though expect some rain.

The Casco Viejo (Old Town) is great for atmosphere and pintxos hopping, but can be noisy. Abando (the city center) offers a mix of convenience and modern amenities. Indautxu is a more residential area, but still well-connected.

Bilbao Airport (BIO) has direct flights from many European cities, and some international connections as well.

Bilbao itself isn’t on the coast, but there are several beaches within easy reach by metro or bus. Getxo (reachable by metro) has several beaches, including Ereaga and Arrigunaga. Sopelana (also reachable by metro) is popular with surfers.

Bilbao has made significant strides in accessibility. The modern areas, including the Guggenheim and much of the riverfront, are generally well-equipped with ramps and elevators. The metro system is largely accessible. However, the Casco Viejo, with its narrow, cobblestone streets and uneven terrain, can be challenging. It’s best to research in advance.

Bilbao is the biggest city of the Basque Country, a region in northern Spain with its own culture and language, Euskera. It’s an industrial port town that’s been given new life, nestled in a valley surrounded by green mountains, by the Nervión River estuary that flows into the Bay of Biscay.

Bilbao is a city that’s reinvented itself. Yes, there’s the iconic Guggenheim Museum, but also explore the Casco Viejo (Old Town) with its narrow streets and pintxos bars. Walk along the river, take the funicular up Artxanda Mountain for panoramic views, and soak up the Basque atmosphere. And, of course, eat. A proper pintxos crawl is practically mandatory.

Bilbao has a mild, oceanic climate. You can expect rain throughout the year, but it’s nothing too rough. Summers are warm, with average highs around the low 70s°F. Winters are cool, with highs in the 50s and lows in the 40s.

Bilbao is generally more affordable than other major European cities, but it’s not as cheap as some parts of Spain. Pintxos, or small bites, can be a budget-friendly way to eat, with each one costing around 2-4 euro. A sit-down meal might be 20-50 euro per person, with high-end gastronomy on offer as well. A 3-star hotel can range from 70-150 euro per night.

Bilbao is a very safe city with low crime. As always, be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night, but generally, you can feel comfortable explorin

Pintxos have it all. These are the Basque take on tapas – small, elaborate snacks, often served on a slice of bread and held together with a toothpick. Beyond pintxos, try the grilled txuletas (beef steaks, often aged), and the traditional dishes like bacalao al pil-pil (cod in a garlicky olive oil sauce), txipirones en su tinta (squid in its own ink), or marmitako (a hearty tuna stew). And don’t forget the Basque cider and wines – Txacolí and Rioja Alavesa!

Spain’s COVID-19 restrictions have largely been lifted. Always check the latest guidelines from both the Spanish government and your home country before traveling.

Americans can visit Spain for tourism without a visa for up to 90 days.

For a casual pintxos experience, wander through the Casco Viejo and hop from bar to bar – try Gure Toki or a local-looking bodega. For a more formal meal, consider any of the great traditional classics like Los Fueros, Porrue or La Despensa de Etxanobe. For a splurge, you can always count on the several Michelin-starred spots in town like Mina or Zarate. Though, we are partial to the more low key when it comes to contemporary, like Lucky Baster. But remember, some of the best food is found in Bilbao’s unassuming bars.

Bilbao is a family-friendly city. There are parks, playgrounds, and the Guggenheim itself can be engaging for kids. The pintxos culture we’ve been going on about can be surprisingly kid-friendly – there’s usually something for everyone. The metro and tram make getting around easy.