Information about flights to Bilbao
Big enough to keep you entertained but small enough to enjoy at a relaxing pace, the undeniably Spanish Bilbao doesn't disappoint. With restaurants, cafés, beautiful buildings and gorgeous scenery, there's plenty to keep you entertained. You can walk around the whole city easily in a day, meandering through the Old Town, enjoying its quaint shops, stunning churches and traditional tapas bars.
Sightseeing
Flights to Bilbao are readily available from Stansted, Glasgow, Birmingham and Manchester airports, flying directly into Bilbao Airport. Take the BizkaiBus from outside the arrivals hall which departs every half hour (€1.45 a ticket) straight into the heart of the city.
Architecture and museums
Bilbao is the largest municipality of the Basque County, with one million inhabitants. It was one of the first towns founded in the 14th century and an ancient settlement was found on the top of Mount Malmasin. Bilbao's beautiful history is reflected in the buildings that still stand in the Old Town today, and with Catedral de Santiago at its heart, it’s a place not to be missed. Enjoy one of the best gallery experiences at the Guggenheim Museum, with surprises both inside and out. The building itself is simply spectacular, with its endless array of curving arcs reflecting in the sunlight, and inside you’ll find many fantastic exhibits, along with a café when you need a break. For those that enjoy traditional culture, Bilbao's Fine Arts Museum is a must. With a surprisingly rich collection of Spanish and Basque paintings and sculptures, this museum is perfect for those that love to do more than just relax while they’re away from home.
Market
Casco Viejo, located in the Old Town, is an open-air food market. Really absorb that infectious Spanish attitude whilst strolling through streets filled with boutiques, traditional shops and tapas bars - a blissful way to spend your time in this astounding city.
Food and drink
There is extensive gastronomy, with both sea and land food present in Bilbao. Its proximity to the sea is well reflected in its culinary customs. Many restaurants serve delicious, traditional food such as 'Bacalao al pil-pil', a slow-cooked dish served with olive oil, potatoes and bread. Of course, you will find the expected tapas and pinchos served with your drinks at bars, as well as plenty of regional cuisine.
Nightlife and bars
Bilbao boasts a lively and fun late-night culture for eating, drinking and entertainment. The Old Town and Abando are packed with bars, eateries and clubs. Café Bar Bilbao is typical of the city, and with its chequered floor, tiled walls and traditional selection of pintxos, you can relax and really mix with the locals. Cotton Club is an excellent venue for dancing, with a mixture of DJs and live pop and rock groups at the weekends and an immense selection of rums and whiskeys.
