Cheap city break Bilbao
Bilbao pairs the headline-grabbing Guggenheim with a medieval old town, the best pintxos in Spain and green Basque mountains. Direct flight from Eindhoven, 3 days from €330 per person.
✈️ Plan your trip to 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 museum, €15 (reduced €7.50; free Tuesdays 18:00-20:00). The Puppy dog and Maman spider outside are always free.
- 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.
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.
Plan better with these guides
Practical tips to get more travel value from the same budget:
Frequently asked questions about Bilbao
When is the best time to visit Bilbao?
May, June, September and October: 16 to 23 degrees, less rain and pleasant terraces without the summer crowds.
Which area is best to stay in Bilbao?
Casco Viejo for atmosphere and pintxos, or Abando for a central base within walking distance of the Guggenheim.
How do I get to Bilbao from the Netherlands?
Direct from Eindhoven with Transavia in about 2 hours, or from Schiphol with Vueling. From the airport Bizkaibus A3247 reaches the centre in 20 minutes for €3.
What does a Bilbao city break cost?
From €330 per person for 3 days including a direct flight; hostels from €20 and mid-range hotels €70 to 120 per night.
🗺️ Where do you want to stay in Bilbao?
Hotels, holiday homes and hostels in Bilbao on the map. Click a pin for live prices and instant booking.
Interactive map from our partner Stay22. Loads only when you click.