Cheap city break Bilbao

When is the best time to go?

May, June, September and October are ideal: 16 to 23 degrees, less rain and pleasant terraces without the summer crowds. Bilbao has an oceanic climate, so bring a layer and a rain jacket year-round. Want the biggest party? During Aste Nagusia (22 to 30 August 2026) the city erupts for nine days of free concerts and fireworks, but hotel prices run 40 to 60 percent higher.

The best areas in Bilbao

• Casco Viejo The old town with the Zazpi Kaleak (Seven Streets), pintxos bars and the Mercado de la Ribera.
• Abando / Ensanche The business core around Gran Via and Plaza Moyua, central and walkable to the Guggenheim.
• Abandoibarra The modern riverside with the Guggenheim and the Euskalduna conference hall.
• Bilbao la Vieja Hip, edgy district across the river, full of galleries and affordable bars.
• Deusto Quieter and student-friendly by the university, with cheaper restaurants.

Top 5 things to do in Bilbao

• Guggenheim Museum Frank Gehry's iconic titanium building, €15 (online booking recommended; reduced €7.50 for students and 65+; free Tuesdays 18:00-20:00). The outdoor sculptures (Jeff Koons' Puppy and Louise Bourgeois' Maman) are always free to see. Tip: the Artean Pass (€18) covers both the Guggenheim and the Museum of Fine Arts (currently free due to renovation).
• Pintxos crawl in Casco Viejo A txikiteo from bar to bar: about €13 for three pintxos with a caña (small beer).
• Funicular de Artxanda Funicular up to the panorama over the city, around €2.50 one-way or €4.50 return.
• Mercado de la Ribera The largest covered market in Europe along the river, free to visit.
• Vizcaya Bridge (Puente Colgante) UNESCO transporter bridge in Getxo; crossing on the hanging gondola costs about €0.50.

Insider tip: use Bilbao as a base for the Basque coast. Bizkaibus A3515 runs to Bermeo for San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (the Game of Thrones 'Dragonstone' steps, free to climb), and the ALSA bus reaches San Sebastian, the pintxos capital, in 1 hour 20 from around €7.

More museums in Bilbao

Beyond the Guggenheim, Bilbao has a surprisingly rich museum scene, mostly free or very affordable.

• Museo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum) One of Spain's best art museums, with over 6,000 works from El Greco to Francis Bacon. Free admission until major renovation works are complete (as of 2025). Opening hours: Mon and Wed-Sat 10:00-20:00, Sun and public holidays 10:00-15:00; closed Tuesday.
• Basque Museum (Euskal Museoa) Founded in 1921, focused on the prehistory, archaeology and history of the Basque Country. Adults €3.50, seniors and students €2, under 12 free; free for everyone on Thursdays. Mon, Wed-Fri 10:00-19:00; Sat 10:00-13:30 and 16:00-19:00; Sun 11:00-14:00; closed Tuesday and public holidays.
• Itsasmuseum (Maritime Museum) Housed in the former Euskalduna shipyard on the Nervion riverbank. Adults €6, students and seniors €3, children free. Opening hours: winter Tue-Fri 10:00-14:00 and 16:00-18:00; Sat-Sun 10:00-20:00.
• Azkuna Zentroa Former wine warehouse renovated by Philippe Starck: 43 unique column capitals support a swimming pool on the top floor. Hall access free; pool entry paid. Worth seeing for architecture fans alongside the Guggenheim.

The Artean Pass (€18) gives access to both the Guggenheim and the Museo de Bellas Artes, saving you more than €7 compared to buying separately.

Flights + transport from the Netherlands

From Eindhoven you fly direct to Bilbao (BIO) in about 2 hours with Transavia (around 3 times a week, from €49). From Schiphol you fly with Vueling, also around 2 hours.

The airport sits 9 km outside the city: Bizkaibus line A3247 takes you to the centre (Plaza Moyua and the Termibus station) in 20 to 25 minutes for €3. In the city a metro ride costs €1.65 to €2.70, or €0.85 to €1.85 with a Barik card.

What does a trip to Bilbao cost?

Hostels from €20, mid-range hotels €70 to 120, apartments around €85 per night. Eating is an experience: a pintxo costs €2 to 3, a menu del dia €13 to 16, dinner around €25. For 3 days budget from €330 per person including a direct flight.

Day trips from Bilbao

Bilbao makes an excellent base for the Basque coast and surroundings. The ALSA bus takes you to San Sebastián (Donostia) in 1 hour 20 minutes for around €7. The city is considered Spain's culinary capital with the highest density of Michelin stars per capita. A pintxos crawl through the Parte Vieja neighbourhood is unmissable.

Bizkaibus line A3515 from Bilbao reaches Bermeo in 45 minutes, the closest town to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: the island hermitage with 241 steps made famous by Game of Thrones. Entry is free but advance booking is required (free via the Basque Government website). Plan a full day and stop at Bakio beach on the way back.

For wine enthusiasts, Rioja Alavesa offers a surprising mix of vineyards and medieval villages just 1 hour away. Laguardia and Elciego, home to the Frank Gehry-designed Bodegas Marqués de Riscal, are architecturally just as remarkable as the Guggenheim itself.