Know Before You Go: Bilbao

Bilbao Airport (BIO) is located about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) outside the city center. The most affordable transport option is the A3247 bus, which runs approximately every 15 to 20 minutes and costs around €3. The ride into the center takes about 25 minutes. Taxis cost between €20 and €30, depending on your destination. Rental cars are available, but usually not necessary for getting around the city.

Central Bilbao is compact and easy to explore on foot. The Old Town (Casco Viejo) and the modern riverfront, in particular, are very pedestrian-friendly. Bicycles are becoming increasingly popular, and there are well-established bike paths along the Nervión River.

In Bilbao, you can often leave your wallet in your pocket: card payments are standard, even for coffee to go. Contactless payments via smartphone or smartwatch work smoothly almost everywhere. Only in traditional pintxos bars can cash occasionally be more practical. 

Shops are usually open between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., often with a lunch break between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Supermarkets are open all day and close around 9 p.m. Restaurants serve lunch starting around 1:30 p.m.; dinner rarely begins before 8:30 p.m. Sundays are quieter in many places, with limited opening hours. 

These short phrases will help you to communicate: 

“¡Kaixo! (pronounced: Kai-sho) Una mesa, por favor.” – Hello! A table, please.  

“¿Me pones un Txakoli? (pronounced: Tscha-ko-li)” – Can I have a Txakoli (local white wine)? 

“¡Eskerrik asko!” – Thank you very much! 

The iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is considered the catalyst for what's known as the “Bilbao Effect,” an example of how a single building can transform an entire city both economically and culturally. Designed by Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum instantly brought Bilbao into the spotlight of the international art scene. Nevertheless, the city remains deeply rooted in Basque tradition – an exciting duality that is reflected in everyday life and cuisine.