Hotels near Bilbao Airport - BIO, Bilbao

A great neighbourhood to experience authentic life in another country and culture. Weekends are festive in the area with lots of activity at the local bars and cafes. Not many tourists around though... more elderly population noticeable.

Bilbao is lovely for those who appreciate art and good food more than a sun-and-sea holiday. Because, remember, this is *northern* Spain, which is Ireland-like in temperature and precipitation. Bring an umbrella and some water-resistant shoes! In the height of summer, that's actually a plus, so do consider it as an alternative to the too-hot Mediterranean. For a weekend city-break, Bilbao's ideal: I'd have a harder time enjoying a full week, though, honestly. You can enjoy the Guggenheim in a few hours (it's huge, but so are its sculptures and installations). Like in much of Atlantic-facing Europe, the weather is all over the place, but generally rainier than sunny, which may wear you down after a while. And the famous pintxos are fresh and delicious, but you will get tired of the same series of them, eventually. Bilbao, like Spain, generally, isn't super vegetarian-friendly. Lots of meat, seafood, carbs, and preserved peppers and very few fresh veggies in the cuisine. That extends, especially, to breakfast, which is more "Continental" and of the bread and pastries variety. I did find myself pining for salad or any kind of fiber, generally, after a few days! The wine scene is more diverse and interesting than beer or cocktails, and at very reasonable prices. You can find an excellent cup of coffee and the fika options are excellent for any Scandinavians who are into pastries with their afternoon cup! If you're staying longer than a day or two, do take advantage of the buses or metro to take some side-trips to San Sebastian or the coast to get a little more variety in your backdrop. (San Sebastian has a lively seaside and beautiful architecture, but that charm comes with high costs: it's maybe the most exclusive area in Spain). And get and use the "Barik" card to get around on the excellent public transit, including the cheap bus to/from the airport.

I have been traveling for several decades, seeing places from different corners of the world. With this experience, I can say that Bilbao is one of the most beautiful cities I have visited, both in terms of appearance and vibe.

I was a little disappointed with the Guggenheim museum from inside. I have been to many museums around the world and in Spain. This was my least favourite. Some of the exhibits were closed due to renovations. The Erriberako Merkatua (the fresh food market) was also very disappointing. I found the restaurants were always very full with very few employees to serve you. To be seated often the wait was 20 minutes. The street signs were not clear and google maps when walking, was very poor. Many of the locals did not speak good English. I had brushed up on some Spanish before going. Most importantly, since I did quite a lot of shopping I was not made aware that for the VAT refund you had to get a DIVA form from each store. I lost a lot of money as at the airport the form was essential. This is the system all over Spain.

I was so impressed with Bilbao - a truly beautiful city and a masterclass in urban regeneration. Once an industrial powerhouse of shipbuilding and steelmaking, the city has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub while still honouring its past. The Guggenheim Museum is nothing short of breathtaking — a stunning architectural icon that amazes from every angle, with exhibitions that are just as captivating inside. Bilbao’s culinary scene is exceptional, too. Its renowned pintxos — delicious bar snacks best enjoyed paired with local wines — perfectly capture the city’s flavour and spirit. A visit to Bilbao is an inspiring blend of art, history, and gastronomy.

Bilbao is a lovely town. Friendly, calm. I liked climbing the hills around it. The Old Town is good if you like pintxos and the busy touristy sort of atmosphere. The river is the focus of the town and, of course, the Guggenheim. It is worth going up the funicular and checking out the area at the top. The Extebarria Park was my favourite place. And you can find good coffee in Bilbao!