Bilbao

The best season for a holiday is April-June, September-October. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.

In summer, the air warms up to an average of +26.0°C, during the day — up to +26.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.

In winter, the air temperature stays around +5.0°C, during the day — up to +12.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.

The rainy season falls on October-March. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.

A holiday for one person will cost around $142.00 (≈ 11 917 ₽ · ≈ 127 EUR) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.

Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $35.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $80.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $130.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $200.00 per night, an apartment — $100.00 per night, a villa — $170.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.

Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $16.00, dinner at a restaurant — $40.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.50, a 0.5L beer — $5.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.90. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.

a taxi from the airport — $35.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.50, a short taxi ride — $10.00, car rental — $55.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.

Among the main attractions are: Guggenheim Museum — The famous museum of contemporary art designed by Frank Gehry. A symbol of Bilbao's revival. One of the world's most recognisable buildings.; Old Town (Casco Viejo) — Seven historic streets with shops, pintxo bars and the Gothic Santiago Cathedral. The heart of old Bilbao.; Zubizuri Bridge — A pedestrian bridge over the Nervión River. An architectural landmark connecting the centre with the Uribitarte district.; Nervión River Promenade — A walk along the river with panoramic views of the city and the Guggenheim Museum. A popular spot for evening strolls.; Ribera Market — Europe's largest covered market, located along the river. A great place to buy local produce.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.

Be sure to try the local cuisine: Pintxos — The Basque version of tapas — small snacks on bread. Bilbao has hundreds of pintxo bars.; Bacalao a la vizcaína — Cod in a sauce of dried red pepper (choricero). A signature Biscayan dish.; Merluza en salsa verde — Hake in a green sauce of parsley, garlic and white wine. A classic of Basque cuisine.; Chorizo — Smoked sausage with paprika. A popular pintxo snack.; San Sebastián cheesecake — The famous Basque cheesecake with a caramelised crust.; Rioja wine — The famous Spanish wine, served with meat and fish dishes.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.

For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Old Town (Casco Viejo) — The heart of Bilbao with pintxo bars, shops and the cathedral. The best area for tourists.; Guggenheim Area (Abando) — A modern area with the museum, promenade and restaurants. Ideal for a cultural stay.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.

Visa: required (Schengen). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.

The nearest airport — Bilbao Airport (code BIO). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $35.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.

Currency — EUR. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $142.00 (≈ 11 917 ₽ · ≈ 127 EUR). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.

Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.

Nightlife is rated as high. There are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants that stay open until morning.

Nearby you can visit: San Sebastián — The gastronomic capital with La Concha beach. 1 hour away.; Vizcaya Bridge — A UNESCO site — the world's oldest transporter bridge. 20 minutes away.; Aralar Mountains — A mountain range with hiking trails. 1 hour away.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.