Parking in Bilbao

• Parking de Rotación (Rotating Car Park) (48010) is open 24/7, close to the Azkuna Zentroa and the central district of Indautxu, the city’s leisure area.
• Parking Arenal (48005) is open 24/7, close to the Old Town.
• Public Street Parking (OTA-TAO) is available from 09.00-13.30 and 15.00-20.00 Monday to Friday (and Saturday in central zones). There are 12 zones and they are painted according to maximum time for parking - blue for two hours and green for five hours.

Key roads in Bilbao

• The E70 connects the coast of the Bay of Biscay, the cities of Santander and Gijon with Eibar, Bordeaux and San Sebastian.
• The AP68 is a toll road motorway and connects Bilbao with southern Spain and the Mediterranean coast.
• The BI-625 and N-637 roads circle the city to the east forming a half-ring, completed by the N-634 and A-8 to the west.

How to get from Bilbao to San Sebastian

It takes one hour and 15 minutes to drive the 61.9 miles from Bilbao to San Sebastian

1. Leave the car park at Azkuna Zentroa.
2. Join the A-8 going west and keep on this road until the S-10.
3. Keep left to continue on the S-10.
4. The S-10 will take you into the city, follow the signs to reach Alfonso XIII Paseo Pereda in central Santander.

How to get from Bilbao to Vitoria-Gasteiz

Bilbao is just an hour’s drive from Vitoria-Gasteiz. Join the N-634 and follow until you see signs for the E-70. Next, follow the AP-68 and then the N-622 to Gasteiz. Continue following signs for Gasteiz and Portal de Foronda Kalea to get into the heart of the city.

Best places to stay in Bilbao

Vincci Consulado de Bilbao

Mazzarredo Zumarkalea, 48009, Bilbao

A relatively new hotel encompassing sleek style and a nautical design. It’s in the heart of Bilbao and perfect for exploring the city before coming back to eat classic cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant. With rooms that have views overlooking some of the most cultural buildings in Bilbao, it makes for an unbelievable stay in the city.

Pension Luxury Lo Bilbao

Ekain Cuevas Kalea 3 nº3 1ªplanta, 48005, Bilbao

A stone’s throw away from the Arriaga Theatre and conveniently situated in the Old Town, this hotel is a beautiful example of Spanish architecture from days gone by. The hotel mixes classical with the modern to produce the ideal location for your city break.  

Hotel Gran Bilbao

Aevenida Indalecio Prieto, 1, 48004, Bilbao

A modern hotel with stunning views of the city and the mountains, the Hotel Gran Bilbao is the choice for art-lovers. With rooms showcasing some contemporary art, and various pieces proudly displayed in the communal areas, it really is a wonder to behold. Located near the historical section of the city, you’ll never run out of things to photograph.

Best places to eat in Bilbao

Perita

Diputacion, 1, 48009, Bilbao

This restaurant is perfect for travellers in Bilbao. Serving up traditional Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on seafood, this friendly little bar and restaurant is a must-see for shellfish lovers.

Bar Roma

Marcelino Oreja, 7 Indautxu square, 48010, Bilbao

A quaint little place just off the tourist trail, this has everything you need for a perfect afternoon of watching the world go by with Pintxos. With gluten-free and vegetarian options, Bar Roma is a hidden gem.

Casa Leotta

Juan De Ajuriaguerra, 14, 48009, Bilbao

Casa Leotta is rated one of the best Italian restaurants in Bilbao and serves up delicious pasta and pizza dishes that patrons love. With other Mediterranean dishes on the menu and sweet desserts, this is the place to stop for lunch when exploring builds up an appetite.

Best things to do in and around Bilbao

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Avenida Abandoibarra, 2 48009 Bilbao

Part of the Guggenheim Foundation museums, this fantastic building was opened in 1997 and since then has been a major contributor to artistic and cultural regeneration in Bilbao.

There are regular exhibits and new touring ones being showcased all the time, it’s best to book to avoid overcrowding. It’s also perfect for families as under 18s get in for free.

Arriaga Theater

Plaza Arriaga, 1 48005 Bilbao

Built in 1890, this Neo-baroque style opera house is home to various different arts including dance, opera, live music and theatre. It was destroyed by floods in 1983 and reopened in 1985 to great fanfare. A wonderful place for live performances.

Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall

Avda. Abandoibarra, 4 48011 Bilbao

With an auditorium, theatre, an exhibition hall, and a commercial gallery, this is the epitome of arts and culture. Housed by the Estuary of Bilbao, it is the home of the Bilbao Symphony orchestra and hosts the opera season. There are hundreds of shows to choose from each year so you’re sure to find something for you.