Bilbao, Spain
Welcome to Bilbao, the vibrant heart of Spain's Basque Country and a premier destination for cruise lines like P&O Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises. A once-industrial powerhouse, Bilbao has reinvented itself as a world-class center for art, architecture, and gastronomy. Passengers are drawn to its stunning blend of avant-garde design, exemplified by the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and the timeless charm of its historic Old Town. It's the perfect port for travelers seeking a unique cultural experience, from tasting delicious pintxos to exploring the verdant Basque coastline.
For more information on Bilbao, visit our sister site Amazing Atlas to read the Bilbao City Guide
The undisputed star of Bilbao is the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a masterpiece of modern architecture designed by Frank Gehry. Its shimmering titanium curves are as famous as the contemporary art housed within. Just a short metro or taxi ride away is the Casco Viejo, or Old Town, a maze of charming narrow streets packed with pintxos bars, unique shops, and historic buildings like Bilbao's Santiago Cathedral. For breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills, a ride on the Artxanda Funicular (Funicular de Artxanda) is an absolute must. All of these sights are easily accessible from the port via a 20-30 minute transfer to the city center.
Last updated on February 12, 2026
A poignant and powerful excursion from Bilbao is a visit to Guernica (Gernika), the town famously depicted in Picasso's masterpiece, located about a 45-minute drive away. Here you can explore the history of the Basque people and the tragic bombing that inspired the painting. Alternatively, explore the stunning Basque coastline with a trip to the charming fishing village of Getaria, about an hour's drive west. Known for its grilled fish restaurants, vineyards producing Txakoli wine, and the Balenciaga Museum, it offers a picturesque coastal escape.
Last updated on February 12, 2026
Cruise ships dock at the Getxo cruise terminal, located approximately 12 miles (20 km) from the heart of Bilbao. Due to this distance, transportation is required to reach the city's main attractions. Cruise lines typically offer shuttle bus services, often for a fee, directly to a central point in Bilbao like Moyua Square (Plaza Moyúa). Taxis and public transport are also readily available. The terminal itself is modern but has limited amenities; however, the pleasant town of Getxo with its shops and cafes is nearby.
Last updated on February 12, 2026
The official currency in Bilbao and throughout Spain is the Euro (€). US dollars are not accepted for transactions. Credit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. For cash, ATMs (cajeros automáticos) are abundant throughout the city and at the port. It's advisable to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards abroad.
Last updated on February 12, 2026
Bilbao is considered a very safe city for tourists to explore. Standard precautions against pickpocketing should be taken, especially in crowded areas like the Casco Viejo, on public transportation, and around major tourist sites. There are no specific areas that tourists need to avoid. It is generally safe to explore independently, and the city's efficient public transport makes it easy to navigate. As always, remain aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure.
Last updated on February 12, 2026
Bilbao has a mild oceanic climate, characterized by frequent rainfall year-round. During the main cruise season from spring to autumn, you can expect mild to warm temperatures. Summer (June-August) temperatures average between 64-77°F (18-25°C), while spring and autumn are cooler, ranging from 55-68°F (12-20°C). Regardless of the season, it is essential to pack layers and a waterproof jacket or umbrella, as rain showers can be unpredictable. The weather is generally pleasant for sightseeing, but always be prepared for changing conditions.
Last updated on February 12, 2026
Since the cruise port is in Getxo, transportation into Bilbao is necessary. Most cruise lines provide a shuttle service for a fee. Taxis are available at the terminal for a 20-30 minute ride to the city center. A highly recommended option is the efficient Metro Bilbao. A short taxi ride or a 20-25 minute walk from the pier will take you to a metro station like 'Neguri', from which it's a direct line to central Bilbao stops like 'Moyua' or 'Casco Viejo'. Once in the city, the main sights are quite walkable, and the tram system is excellent for connecting areas like the Guggenheim with the Old Town.
Last updated on February 12, 2026
Bilbao offers fantastic shopping opportunities for every taste. The main shopping artery is the Gran Vía, lined with international brands, Spanish department store El Corte Inglés, and high-end boutiques. For a more traditional experience, explore the narrow streets of the Casco Viejo, where you'll find artisan shops, local crafts, and gourmet food stores. Look for local specialties like Idiazabal cheese, Txakoli wine, and classic Basque berets (txapelas). Prices are fixed in shops, so bargaining is not customary.
Last updated on February 12, 2026
Discover beautiful Bilbao and its amazing Basque cuisine on a 3-hour pintxos tour with a local, 100% Basque guide. You'll explore the 700-year-old streets of the Old Town, visiting five different bars to sample pintxo styles from traditional to modern. Each tasting is expertly paired with an excellent complimentary wine, such as a red from La Rioja or a sparkling white Txakoli from the Basque Coast.
Join a passionate foodie guide on a high-quality, small-group tour through three of Bilbao's most historic neighborhoods. This experience for demanding foodies features a tasting of at least eight top traditional and modern pintxos, all paired with a lovely variety of local drinks from wines to vermouths. As you walk from bar to bar, you will learn about Basque history and discover the local rules for ordering the best food on your own.
Enjoy a calm and personal tour of the most beautiful places on the Biscay coast. This is a private experience, so you will travel with only your party and the guide, with convenient pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation. The itinerary includes the stunning site of Gaztelugatxe, which can either be admired from viewpoints or visited via a climb that requires a significant effort.
Discover Spain's premier winemaking region on this tour from Bilbao to La Rioja, where you will visit three top wineries. You will taste the bold red and white blends that put the region on the map, from estates that rate over 90 Parker Points. This tour also features a chance to admire stunning winery architecture, including one designed by Frank Gehry, and a guided walking tour of the medieval walled town of Laguardia.
Step into the heart of Basque gastronomy on a 3-hour pintxos tour in an intimate group of no more than six people. Your local guide will lead you through the narrow streets of the Casco Viejo to a curated selection of both well-known and secret local bars. This tour offers enough food for a full meal, including six pintxos and four drinks like ice-cold txakoli and premium Rioja wines.
Learn to cook traditional pintxos in a hands-on class led by a local Basque chef. You will get to mix, stir, and chop local ingredients as the chef guides you through each step, all while sipping on wine from the open bar. After preparing four different pintxos, you will enjoy the fruits of your labor alongside a complimentary charcuterie and cheese board, plus a dessert.
Learn to cook with passionate travelers like yourself in this authentic Basque cooking class. You will use only seasonal products sourced directly from the market to prepare your dishes. After the fun, hands-on cooking session, you will enjoy the meal you created paired with lovely local wine in our private dining rooms.
Explore the attractive Biscay coast, starting in Gernika to learn of its historic bombardment and Picasso's impressive painting. Your journey continues through the fishing villages of Mundaka and Bermeo before ending at the incomparable islet of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. This famous Game of Thrones location offers a special, memorable view after you climb its 241 steps.
Join a true hands-on cooking class where every participant prepares a full menu, from starters and paella to the iconic Burnt Basque Cheesecake. Held in a small group of no more than 12, the class takes place in a professional cooking school in downtown Bilbao, just across the river from the Guggenheim. The experience concludes as you sit down in a private dining room to enjoy everything you've cooked, paired with three glasses of local wine.
Enjoy a flexible two-hour private tour that combines Bilbao's city highlights with the world-famous Guggenheim Museum. The experience is designed as half city discovery and half museum visit but can be customized to spend more time on your preferred activity. Your guide will adapt the route to your interests, whether you wish to see modern landmarks, explore the Old Town, or delve deeper into the museum's art.
Discover local food with a passionate Basque foodie guide who will take you from bar to bar, avoiding tourist traps. The tour includes numerous pintxos with five wine pairings, and can be personalized to accommodate all allergies and dietary restrictions. While you eat, you will learn about Basque history and culture, and the route can be adapted depending on if you prefer more walking or more eating.
Take a full-day, English-speaking tour from Bilbao to the renowned Rioja wine region, with all transportation included. You will enjoy a complete guided visit and tasting at Marqués de Riscal and a tasting at the iconic Ysios winery, both celebrated for their excellent wines and world-renowned architecture. The day also includes a visit to one of Rioja's beautiful medieval villages, where a tapas lunch is provided.
Enjoy a premium day tour from Bilbao to La Rioja with a local guide and private transport to savor wines at their source. You will visit two different wineries, one small and one mid-sized, to compare traditional methods with modern innovations and enjoy a guided tasting. The tour continues in medieval Laguardia with a walk through its cobbled streets, a visit to its underground cellars, and a light pintxos lunch paired with local wines.
Experience the Basque coast on a small-group or private tour to San Sebastian and the charming fishing town of Getaria. In San Sebastian, stroll through the Old Town, sample select pintxos, and walk along La Concha Bay while your guide shares local history. The tour then continues to Getaria, a town known for txakoli wine and grilled fish, where you will explore the harbor and cobbled streets, with hotel pick-up and transport included.
Join a food and photography expert for a unique walking tour to five different bars for an experience of eating and drinking you'll never forget. This tour is a full meal, consisting of five sophisticated pintxos—from octopus to foie gras—and five expertly paired drinks like local cider or aged Tempranillo. Along the route, which includes a visit to the Ribera Market, your guide will share insights into the history and culture of the Basque Country.
Sample five top Spanish wines in a tasting led by an expert sommelier in a private room. The selected wines come from small, family-owned boutique wineries, allowing every sip to connect you directly with the winemaker. This intimate tasting is for small groups only, with a maximum of 12 people, and includes a light snack to accompany the wines.
Enjoy a very personal Basque cooking class led by a local chef who has worked in major Michelin-starred restaurants. During the class, you will learn stories about Basque people, dishes, and culture. You can relax while drinking wines and traditional drinks of Northern Spain and will also get to taste top-quality cheeses and extra virgin olive oils from the area.
El Salón de Mi Casa offers a unique haven for cat lovers, combining the comforts of a cozy cafe with the joy of interacting with adorable rescued cats. Unlike other cat cafes, we offer a truly relaxing atmosphere where you can read a book from our library or play a board game. Sessions are 60 minutes, but please note that children under 6 are not allowed, and special hours apply for children between 6 and 10.
Discover Bilbao's most beautiful places on a calm and enjoyable private tour with your own personal guide. This exclusive experience is for your group only, ensuring you travel without other people. The tour is flexible, allowing you to decide the type of food you want to eat, and includes convenient pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation.
Take a guided tour of the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao to discover Frank Gehry's spectacular architecture and revolutionary design. Your tour will highlight key works, including outdoor masterpieces like Jeff Koons’ “Puppy,” Richard Serra’s immersive “Matter of Time” series, and the permanent collection. See cornerstones of contemporary art by masters such as Mark Rothko and Andy Warhol, and enjoy all-day access to the museum with your ticket.
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Last updated on June 13, 2025
Cruise ships dock in Getxo, about 20km from Bilbao. Most cruise lines offer shuttles to Bilbao city center; alternatively, taxis or the nearby metro (Neguri or Gobela stations) can take you to attractions like the Guggenheim.
The iconic Guggenheim Museum and the charming Casco Viejo (Old Town) in Bilbao are must-sees, a short shuttle or metro ride away. Nearer the Getxo port, don't miss the UNESCO World Heritage Vizcaya Bridge (Puente Colgante).
Savor delicious pintxos (Basque tapas) and local Txakoli wine in Bilbao's Casco Viejo or find seafood restaurants in Getxo near the port. Look for bustling bars offering a wide variety of these miniature culinary delights.
The local currency is Euro (1 USD = 0.86 EUR). The currency is the Euro (€). ATMs are widely available throughout Getxo and Bilbao for cash withdrawals; using bank-affiliated ATMs is generally recommended over currency exchange offices for better rates.
Bilbao experiences mild, often rainy weather, especially in spring and autumn, with warmer summers. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring.
Yes, beautiful beaches like Ereaga and Arrigunaga are located in Getxo, very close to the cruise terminal and easily accessible by a short walk or taxi ride. They are perfect for a stroll or relaxing if weather permits.
Cruise lines offer convenient tours to the Guggenheim Museum or scenic coastal areas. Independent exploration of Bilbao is also easy via shuttle/metro, and the Vizcaya Bridge is walkable from the Getxo port.
For shopping, head to Bilbao's Gran Vía for department stores or the Casco Viejo for unique boutiques. Popular souvenirs include Basque crafts, local wines like Txakoli, and Guggenheim Museum memorabilia.
Consider a trip to the dramatic coastal hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe or the historic town of Gernika. The charming fishing village of Portugalete, on the other side of the Vizcaya Bridge, is also easily accessible.
Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, is credited with the 'Bilbao Effect,' a phenomenon where a single architectural masterpiece revitalized the city's economy and international image.
Cruises leaving from Bilbao during the the peak season of fall are much more expensive than the the low season of summer. Overall sailings from Bilbao are fairly expensive compared to other ports. Look at the diagram below for the average cost per day by month.
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