Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country, with over 370.000 inhabitants. The metropolitan area as a population close to 1 million, and is dispersed along the Nervión River banks.

This city, situated on the Estuary of Bilbao is very industrial and has a very important seaport. But besides that, this city combines a traditional historic centre (Casco Viejo) with modern architecture buildings, such as the Guggenheim.

REASONS TO GO

The Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim in Bilbao

The typical pintxos, the new experimental and avant-garde cuisine and the Rioja wines

Open air activities: the music festivals, the beaches and the surf, the mountains and the hiking

ORIENTATION

Bilbao is placed on the northern Spain, in the Cantabric Sea. The city is surrounded by two small mountain ranges: Artxanda and Pagasarri.

It is bordered on the north by the towns of Sondika, Erandio and Derio and on the south there is Arrigorriaga and Basauri. In the west we find Barakaldo and Alonsotegi and in the east, Etxebarri and Zamudio.

BEST TIME TO GO

Bilbao has an oceanic weather, usually mild and without excessive temperatures.

A good time to visit the region, avoiding all the August confusion, would be in early autumn. Temperatures will stay between the 16 and 21ºC and the sea is still pleasant enough to go for a swim. It is also the harvest time in the Rioja region.

HOW TO GET THERE

Bilbao Airport is located 8 km from the city centre. You can catch the Bizkaibus: it leaves every 30 minutes and costs less than € 2. A taxi ride to Bilbao’s centre will cost around €25.

TRAVELLING AROUND

Bilbao is quite compact and easy to visit walking: 30 minutes walking along the river separate the Guggenheim Museum and the Old Town (Casco Viejo).

The public transportations are also very effective. You can buy the CrediTrans. For a few journeys it is worth it and is valid on all transports.

INFO

http://www.bilbao.net/bilbaoturismo