What to do in Bilbao when it rains
Anyone arriving in Bilbao understands it straight away: here, the weather is not a detail, it’s part of the city’s character.
The rain comes and goes, often without warning, but it’s never a real problem. At most, it’s an invitation to step inside somewhere and discover what happens indoors. And on this front, Bilbao is more than ready.
In this travel diary, we’ll take you to all the “covered” places in Bilbao, where you can enjoy a wonderful day without worrying about the weather outside.
And I assure you, Bilbao, once again, will not disappoint you!
Here are a few practical tips for visiting Bilbao. They are simple, but they can help you organise your trip more effectively, save time and experience the city at a pace closer to that of the locals.
How to get to Bilbao
- By plane: Bilbao Airport is located in Loiu, around 12 kilometres from the city centre, and is the main airport serving the Basque Country. To check flights, services and up-to-date information, visit the official Bilbao Airport website. To compare airlines, dates and prices, I also use Google Flights. The Bizkaibus A3247 connects the airport with Bilbao and makes several stops in the city centre, including Alameda Recalde and Gran Vía, before reaching Bilbao Intermodal. The journey takes approximately twenty minutes, although it may take longer when traffic is heavy. For up-to-date information about stops and connections, you can also consult the Bilbao Tourism page dedicated to the airport connection.
- By train: the main railway station is Bilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto, which is centrally located and convenient for walking to the Ensanche and the Old Town. Bilbao is connected mainly with Madrid and Barcelona by the long-distance services operated by Renfe. To compare the different railway options, I also use Trainline and TrainPal.
- By long-distance coach: coaches connect Bilbao with Madrid, Barcelona, San Sebastián, Vitoria-Gasteiz and many other Spanish cities. Many services are operated by ALSA and arrive at Bilbao Intermodal, near San Mamés. The station is connected with the rest of the city by metro, tram, Cercanías trains and city buses.
- By car: Bilbao is well connected with the rest of Spain and the other Basque cities, but you do not need a car to visit the centre. Traffic, paid car parks and regulated access areas can make it more of a problem than an advantage. When arriving by car, consider using the park-and-ride facilities near Leioa, Etxebarri and Ansio-BEC metro stations. You can leave your vehicle outside the centre and continue by public transport. Information and conditions are available on the official page dedicated to parking in Bilbao. As I visited during the Aste Nagusia, I ended up parking, whether I liked it or not, in the car park at Zubiarte Shopping Centre, close to the Guggenheim. We paid approximately €45 for three nights.
How to get around Bilbao
- On foot: Bilbao is a very pleasant city to explore on foot. The Old Town, Mercado de la Ribera, Arriaga Theatre, the Ensanche, the Guggenheim Museum and the Abandoibarra area can all be linked by a long walk beside the river. The centre is not enormous, but bear in mind that some attractions are located on opposite sides of the river and the city also has several hilly neighbourhoods.
- By metro: the Bilbao Metro is particularly useful for longer journeys and for reaching places in the metropolitan area such as Getxo, Portugalete and Santurtzi.
- By tram: the tram passes through some of the city’s most interesting areas and can be useful for reaching the Guggenheim, Abandoibarra, San Mamés, Mercado de la Ribera and the edge of the Old Town. You can check maps, stops and timetables on the official Bilbao tram website.
- By city bus: the Bilbobus network serves the city’s different neighbourhoods and is particularly useful for areas not directly reached by metro or tram.
- By bus around Bizkaia: to reach places outside the city, such as the airport, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Gernika, Bermeo or other destinations in the province, consult the Bizkaibus routes. Always check the exact stop, route number and timetable for the day, as services may be less frequent on Sundays and public holidays.
- By local train: Euskotren and Renfe Cercanías trains make it possible to reach several destinations in the metropolitan area and throughout Bizkaia. You can check routes and timetables on the official Euskotren and Bilbao Cercanías websites. Euskotren also connects Bilbao with San Sebastián-Donostia, but the journey is quite long. For a direct journey between the two cities, the bus is generally faster.
- By the Artxanda funicular: to see Bilbao from above, take the Artxanda Funicular. The lower station is in Plaza del Funicular, a few minutes’ walk from the Zubizuri bridge. The journey takes only a few minutes, and services normally depart every fifteen minutes.
- With the Barik card: when planning to use public transport frequently, it may be worth buying a Barik card. It is a rechargeable card accepted on the main forms of public transport in Bizkaia, including the metro, tram, Euskotren, Bilbobus and Bizkaibus. It generally offers lower fares than repeatedly purchasing single tickets. One little-known advantage is that the anonymous Barik card can be used by several people travelling together. Simply validate the card once for each passenger. With the official Barik NFC app, you can check the balance and top up the physical card with a compatible phone.
- By bicycle: in good weather, you can combine walking with a few bicycle journeys, particularly along the river and in the flatter areas. Some neighbourhoods are built on hills and can be quite demanding. The municipal electric bike-sharing service is Bilbaobizi. You can register in person at the Bilbaobizi Office, on the ground floor of Bilbao Intermodal station, or, more simply, download the Bilbaobizi app. Create an account, enter your personal details and payment method, and then choose the most suitable subscription. The occasional subscription, costing €10, is normally the most suitable option for visitors staying in Bilbao for only a few days. The service is normally available every day, although some docking stations may be temporarily suspended during major festivities. This happened to me during the Aste Nagusia.
- By sightseeing bus: the Bilbao City View service can be useful for getting an initial overview of the city. Honestly, Bilbao is fairly compact, so I do not think it is essential, except perhaps when travelling with children.
How to plan a trip to Bilbao
- Two or three days are enough for a first visit. In two days, you can explore the Old Town, Mercado de la Ribera, the Ensanche, the Guggenheim Museum and the area beside the river. With a third day, you can go up to Artxanda or organise an excursion to Getxo, Portugalete or another nearby destination. When using Bilbao as a base for exploring Bizkaia, allow at least four or five days.
- The day begins later than in many other European cities. Early in the morning, the streets can still feel quiet and many shops do not open before 10:00 am. You can use the early hours to walk beside the river, photograph the Guggenheim from outside or enjoy a relaxed breakfast, leaving museums, markets and shops for later in the morning.
- Lunch is generally served from 1:30-2:00 pm, while dinner often begins from 8:30-9:00 pm onwards. Pintxo bars tend to have more flexible opening hours than restaurants and often allow you to eat something at other times of day.
- In Bilbao, you eat pintxos, not simply tapas. One of the best ways to discover the local cuisine is to create a small route through the bars of the Old Town, Plaza Nueva, Ledesma and other areas popular with local people. You do not need to order everything in the same establishment: people normally have one or two pintxos with a drink and then continue to another bar.
- It is better to book the best-known restaurants. Bilbao has an important gastronomic tradition, and some establishments fill up quickly, especially at weekends, during public holidays and around major events. Traditional pintxo bars do not normally take reservations, while it is advisable to book restaurants, tasting menus and particularly popular venues in advance.
- Some cultural venues may offer free admission days, discounts or promotions, but the conditions vary. Always check opening times and admission prices on the official websites.
- Bilbao and Bilbo refer to the same city. Bilbao is the Spanish name, while Bilbo is the Basque name. Stops and signs may also appear in both languages. The Old Town may also be shown as Alde Zaharra, while Casco Viejo metro station often appears as Casco Viejo/Zazpikaleak.
- To explore the surrounding area, you can also consider an organised tour. I always check the activities available on GetYourGuide or Civitatis, particularly when I want to visit several places in the same day without using a car.
- During the Aste Nagusia, book well in advance and perhaps stay outside the Old Town, or you may not sleep until five in the morning. The festival normally takes place during the second half of August and fills the city with concerts, performances, fireworks, food-related events and traditional txosnas. Check for updates and the programme on the official Bilbao website by searching for “Aste Nagusia”. During the festival, an app is normally released for visitors to download.
- Make use of the public Wi-Fi network. Free access points are available in several squares, tourist areas and municipal buildings. Simply look for Bilbao WiFi among the networks available on your phone.
- Consider buying the Bilbao Bizkaia Card, which should not be confused with the Barik card, as the latter is primarily a rechargeable transport card. The Bilbao Bizkaia Card is a personal tourist card that includes transport and other cultural or tourist benefits. Before buying it, compare the price of the card with the actual cost of the journeys and activities you have planned.
When to visit Bilbao
- Spring is a good time to visit Bilbao. Temperatures are generally mild, the vegetation is very green and the city is less crowded than during the main summer months. Rain remains possible and the weather can change quickly, so always carry something waterproof.
- Summer offers long days, generally pleasant temperatures and numerous events. July and August are, however, the busiest and most expensive months. Rain cannot be ruled out even in summer. August is particularly lively during the Aste Nagusia, but travellers looking for peace and quiet may prefer another time.
- Autumn can be particularly atmospheric. September often still offers pleasant temperatures, while October brings fewer visitors and intense colours to the parks and surrounding green areas. It is an excellent time to combine culture, food and nature, provided you are prepared for the possibility of rain.
- Winter is generally wetter and windier, although temperatures in the city are not normally extreme. It is an interesting period for visiting museums, markets and gastronomic venues with fewer tourists, although the days are shorter and the damp cold can feel quite biting.
- In my opinion, the best times to visit Bilbao are May to June and September to early October. The days are fairly long, temperatures are pleasant and visitor numbers are generally lower than in August.
- The Christmas period can also be a good opportunity to discover Bilbao. The city is illuminated and decorated, markets and events are organised, and food becomes even more important in local life. Bring warm clothes, a waterproof jacket and footwear suitable for the rain.
Bilbao’s Museums: An Unmissable Cultural Refuge
When the rain turns the Nervión grey, Bilbao responds with one of the richest museum offerings in Europe. More than twenty temples of culture await you in warmth and shelter. Ticket prices are generally affordable—except perhaps for the Guggenheim.
The 5 Must-Sees (+2) are:
- Guggenheim Museum: The steel titan designed by Frank Gehry, with its contemporary art exhibitions, will keep you busy for hours. With 1.2 million visitors a year, it’s a sure thing.
- Museo de Bellas Artes: The perfect antithesis—10,000 works from the Middle Ages to Chillida, in an intimate atmosphere. In February 2026 it is free to enter, although access is limited due to renovation works.
- Itsasmuseum: Not just any maritime museum. Here you can step aboard real ships and experience the history of the Port of Bilbao. When I visited, it was partially closed for restoration.
- Euskal Museoa: To truly understand the Basque soul, this is the right place, right in the heart of the Casco Viejo.
- Museo Arqueológico: A journey into the prehistoric past of the Basque Country, both fascinating and accessible.
- Museo de Arte Sacro: A small gem offering a journey through Basque iconography. Free admission on Tuesdays.
- San Mamés Tour: Museum + stadium of the Athletic Club. Even if you’re not a football fan, it’s very well done.
Few people know this, but there is a red thread — or rather, an iron thread — linking the industrial history of Bilbao to its football myth.
It’s no coincidence that San Mamés Stadium, or the bars during match days, resound with the powerful chant “¡Alirón, alirón, el Athletic campeón!” every time the Athletic Club wins.
This word has a unique origin, rooted in the region’s iron mines and its close commercial ties with England. In the late 19th century, British engineers working in the mines marked the purest and richest veins with the words “All iron”.
Basque miners adopted that lucky sign, pronouncing it exactly as it was written: “A-li-rón”. From an expression of joy in the tunnels that received this mark, it became the victory cry of the working-class city’s team: a true sound bridge between the industrial past and the sporting present.
Another curiosity about the Athletic Club: it is the only team in the world that fields only players born or raised in the Basque Country. It’s a choice of identity, an unwritten pact with its people.
So the next time you hear “¡Alirón!”, remember that the chant doesn’t just celebrate a goal. It tells a story of mines, community, and pride: it is the true sound of Bilbao.
Teatro Arriaga
Even just visiting it during the day is worth it, but if you manage to fit in an evening performance, a rainy day suddenly becomes elegant.
Inspired by the Opéra Garnier in Paris, the Teatro Arriaga is a triumph of eclecticism that dominates the square. Its façade is a story carved in stone: an attic level crowned by a clock, polygonal towers, and above all, balconies supported by caryatids and atlantes. These sculpted figures, with their generous and maternal shapes, earned the theatre the affectionate popular nickname “Casa de Maternidad” (Maternity House).
Yet behind the historic façade lay a surprisingly modern soul for the late 19th century. It was one of the most advanced buildings in Europe: equipped with electric lighting at its inauguration (abandoning gas) and even a telephone service that, for 15 pesetas, allowed wealthy citizens to listen to the opera comfortably from home. A true forerunner of 19th-century streaming!
Originally called “Nuevo Teatro de Bilbao,” in 1902 it received its definitive name in honor of the local genius Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga. A prodigious composer, nicknamed the “Spanish Mozart,” whose brilliant life ended at just 19 years old.
The theatre’s history has not been easy: a devastating fire in 1914 and a severe flood in 1983 destroyed its original interiors. Subsequent renovations successfully preserved its soul: today it features a horseshoe-shaped auditorium (following the Italian tradition) that can host 1,200 spectators, with iron supporting structures that echo the resilience of the city.
Today, the theatre is more alive than ever. It hosts a prestigious program of opera, ballet, and drama, and offers guided tours to discover its secrets, from the gilded foyer to the underground areas. A symbol of elegance that has survived fire and water, keeping intact its role as a cultural beacon for Bilbao. Visit its official website!
The main balcony of the façade is the “stage zero,” the official and emotional starting point of the Aste Nagusia, Bilbao’s Great Week.
From there, on the Saturday that kicks off the nine days of festivities, the famous Txupinazo (opening rocket) is launched. And immediately after, Marijaia, the symbolic queen of the festival, appears with her arms raised in joy.
That moment triggers an explosion of energy in Plaza del Arenal, which fills with a celebrating crowd, tossing thousands of plastic cups into the air (the symbolic txikiteo), while the anthem “Badator Marijaia” echoes for the first time.
So yes, if you visit Bilbao during Semana Grande, this place is not just a beautiful building: it is the beating heart from which the organized and joyful madness that sweeps through the city begins. It is the epicenter of collective emotion.
Old Concordia Station
The Old Concordia Station (now part of Abando) overlooks the Ría and once welcomed its travelers with the Teatro Arriaga standing proudly opposite. The station is built in English railway style, and its iron-and-glass façade is one of the earliest examples of this architecture in Spain.
But that’s not what fascinates travelers like us. Beneath it once stood the baraja, the old informal sardine market, whose arches leaning against the river can still be seen today. There’s a famous folk song, “Desde Santurce a Bilbao,” which tells the story of a sardineira walking “por toda la orilla” (along the Ría), with her skirt rolled up, corset tight, basket on her head, selling sardines from Santurtzi door to door.
But the truth is, I’ve brought you here for another reason. You don’t need to rush in to catch a train, I promise. Step inside and head toward the ticket area of the new station. Look up. Above you stretches an enormous stained-glass window celebrating the Basque industries: the sea, mining, and steel. It’s a monumental artwork that greets thousands of travelers every day—yet very few truly notice it.
For those looking for something unusual, visit a “ghost” station: get off at Euskalduna (Line 1). Without spending a single euro, you can admire the spectacular underground architecture by Norman Foster, a true everyday work of art.
Although prehistoric and Roman traces (remains from 300 BC on Monte Malmasín) dot the area, the city’s real urban story begins in 1300, when it emerged as a strategic port.
Azkuna Zentroa
Azkuna Zentroa is much more than just a museum or cultural center. It’s a vibrant urban hub, a social and architectural experiment that’s perfect for a rainy day (or a sunny one). You can easily spend half a day—or more—here without getting bored and without getting wet: visit an exhibition, enjoy a coffee while looking at the suspended pool, watch a film, head up to the rooftop terrace, have lunch, and maybe even treat yourself to an hour of relaxation at the spa. It’s the quintessence of modern, creative, and social Bilbao.
Admire the Architecture and Public Art
- The Design by Philippe Starck: The building, a former wine warehouse dating back to 1909, was redesigned by the iconic French designer. Every corner is a surprise.
- The 43 Unique Columns: The central courtyard is famous for its 43 columns, each one different (made of marble, metal, illuminated, covered in books, even featuring a suspended pool…). It’s a permanent installation best experienced with your head tilted upward.
- The Suspended Pool (Plaza de la Piscina): A transparent swimming pool suspended 9 meters above the ground. You can swim while watching people walk beneath you (it’s part of the wellness center and requires paid access).
Experience Culture (Exhibitions, Cinema, Performances)
- Temporary Exhibitions: It regularly hosts major exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, photography, design, and social themes (often with paid admission).
- Cinema: Its movie theater (Atlan) offers a high-quality program: films in original version, themed cycles, festivals, and independent productions.
- Performances and Events: Since its opening, it has hosted concerts, dance performances, theater productions, and festivals. It serves as a stage for both the Basque and international creative scene.
Enjoy the Public Spaces (For Free)
- Stroll and Stay: The vast indoor spaces, with benches, steps, and lounge areas, are designed to be lived in. Locals spend time here reading, chatting, or working on their laptops. The atmosphere is informal and vibrant.
- Admire the Rooftop Terrace: Head up to the rooftop terrace. It offers a spectacular 360° view over Bilbao and is the perfect spot for a break. It also hosts a bar and a restaurant.
Wellness, Food, and Shopping
- Wellness Center and Gym: The Centro de Bienestar Islático offers a gym, swimming pool (the suspended one!), thermal baths, saunas, and treatments (paid access).
- Food and Drink: There are several options for every taste and budget:
- The Cafeteria for a quick coffee.
- El Tilo Gastro-Bar for pintxos and informal dishes.
- La Bistroteka for a more refined restaurant experience.
- The Rooftop Bar on the terrace for a drink with a view.
- Small Shopping Area: A few small shops sell design items, books, and local products.
Pintxos Bars
Now we’re really talking about flavor! In Bilbao, you don’t simply “eat” — you do the txikiteo (pronounced chic-chi-TEH-oh): a gastronomic pilgrimage from bar to bar, where each stop means a different pintxo and a small beer (zurito) or a glass of wine.
Pintxos are not just tapas: they are small culinary works of art, carefully balanced on slices of bread or served in small dishes, where tradition (like tortilla de bacalao or creamy croquetas) meets innovation. The best tip? Start around 1:00 PM or after 8:30 PM and simply follow the flow.
Here are 4 must-visit bars for a city tour through taste.
In the Casco Viejo, if it rains, you just need to stay under the arcades of Plaza Nueva:
- Café Bar Bilbao (Plaza Nueva, 6): here, tradition feels right at home. Authentic atmosphere, a constantly packed bar, and perfectly executed classic pintxos. Their quintessential “Bilbao pintxo” is the Gilda (olive, anchovy, and pickled chili — the very first pintxo in history), along with a plate of champiñones rellenos (stuffed mushrooms), best enjoyed with a chilled glass of Txakoli, the light and slightly acidic white wine of the Basque Country.
- Víctor Montes (Plaza Nueva, 8): just across the square, but a completely different experience. A historic and refined venue, with a wooden bar and shelves lined with antique bottles. Here, the pintxos are more elaborate. Ask for the foie a la plancha (grilled foie gras) or the prawn pintxos. Perfect for an elegant aperitif. Sit in the restaurant section if you’d like a full dinner of ultra-fresh fish.
In Abando, don’t miss:
- El Globo (Calle Diputación, 8): just a few steps from the Gran Vía, this is a modern temple of the pintxo. The bar counter is a triumph of creativity and color. Explore their innovative creations, often featuring raw fish, bold sauces, and contemporary presentations. Try their cod pintxo in any version and anything topped with Idiazábal cream (smoked Basque cheese).
- Ledesma N°5 (Calle Ledesma): the specialty of Ledesma N°5 isn’t a single dish, but a concept: top-quality ingredients transformed into modern, shareable plates, perfect for the venue’s informal atmosphere. Explore their inventive creations, often with raw fish, bold sauces, and stylish presentations. Try the croquettes, the must-have fried calamari, their cod pintxo in any variation, and even their burgers. I haven’t tried them myself, but they say they’re among the best in the city.
Whichever bar you choose and whichever pintxo you taste, I absolutely recommend following the ritual: step inside, order a drink, take a plate and help yourself to the pintxos from the counter (for the cold ones), or ask the waiter for the hot ones. Keep the toothpicks, as the staff will use them to count what you’ve consumed when it’s time to pay.
And if you still haven’t had enough, read Sabor a Bilbao: where to eat in Bilbao, between txikiteo and the flavors of one of the capitals of the Basque Country.
Travelling through the Basque Country means accepting one simple truth: the weather here is part of the adventure. Sunshine, wind and rain can alternate within just a few hours, so your suitcase needs to be ready for anything.
The best strategy is to dress in layers. Always carry a sweatshirt to wear over your T-shirt. I bought this waterproof and windproof jacket, and it was one of the most useful things I packed. Even in summer, the Atlantic wind can feel surprisingly sharp, so a lightweight scarf or a neck warmer never goes amiss.
Choose practical footwear. When leaving Bilbao to explore the coast, you will need comfortable walking boots for the coastal trails, as well as a pair of water shoes for the rockier beaches. Pack your swimming costume and a lightweight beach towel too. I bought this one so that I could always carry it with me when visiting seaside cities. The Atlantic may be cold, but the temptation to take a brave dip or walk with your feet in the water is always there.
Do not be deceived by the cool breeze: the sun can still burn your skin. A hat and high-protection sunscreen are essential. I always carry this sunscreen with me: it is small but very effective.
I almost forgot: pack a wind-resistant umbrella. I had a Samsonite umbrella with me, which survived two full days of rain, but a woman from Bilbao recommended one by Lendoo. She had it with her, and it looked very sturdy. You can find a similar umbrella with the same features here.
Complete your packing with a little useful technology: offline maps and a reliable weather app that you check regularly can make a real difference. As always, I also packed my power bank. It may seem like a minor detail, but it makes long days much easier, especially when you are using your phone’s navigation system to find your way and want to photograph all the most beautiful corners and moments of the trip. I was given this one and I am very happy with it. There are countless different models, but whichever one you choose, I strongly recommend taking one with you.
With these items in your suitcase, you will be ready to enjoy the Basque Country without too much stress, adapting easily to the changing weather and the rhythm of this distinctive region.
So don’t let the typical Basque txirimiri discourage you — that fine, persistent drizzle that soaks Bilbao and the Basque Country for more than 120 days a year. The city is ready to surprise you even in bad weather, revealing treasures that sunshine often wouldn’t let you discover!
