Bilbao, Spain

The most iconic attraction in Bilbao is the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture designed by Frank Gehry. The museum houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art and is about a 20-30 minute drive from the cruise terminal.

A visit to the Casco Viejo (Old Town) is essential for experiencing the city's historic heart. Known as 'Las Siete Calles' (The Seven Streets), this area is filled with charming narrow streets, traditional shops, and countless bars serving local pintxos. Nearby, you'll find the Mercado de la Ribera, one of Europe's largest covered markets, offering a vibrant glimpse into local life and cuisine. For the best panoramic views of the city, take the Funicular de Artxanda to the top of a nearby hill.

A popular day trip from Bilbao is to the elegant coastal city of San Sebastián, located about 62 miles (100 km) to the east. The journey takes approximately one hour by car or bus. San Sebastián is renowned for its beautiful beaches, such as La Concha, and its world-class culinary scene, particularly its pintxos bars.

Another significant nearby destination is the historic town of Guernica (Gernika), about 22 miles (35 km) from the port. It holds deep cultural importance for the Basque people and is famous as the subject of Pablo Picasso's masterpiece painting depicting the 1937 bombing. For dramatic coastal scenery, visitors can travel to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a stunning hermitage perched atop a rocky islet, located about 22 miles (35 km) from the port.

Cruise ships visiting Bilbao dock at the Port of Bilbao's dedicated cruise terminal, located in the coastal town of Getxo. This is approximately 12 miles (20 km) northwest of Bilbao's city center. Due to the distance, it is not feasible to walk to the main attractions.

Passengers must use transportation such as cruise line shuttles, taxis, or public transport to reach the heart of Bilbao. The cruise terminal itself has modern facilities including a passenger waiting area and a tourist information desk, but the immediate surrounding area is primarily industrial and lacks significant shops or restaurants. Ships typically dock directly at the pier, so tendering is not required.

The official currency in Bilbao is the Euro (€). US dollars are not typically accepted for transactions, so it's necessary to use Euros for all purchases.

You can withdraw Euros from the numerous ATMs (cajeros automáticos) found throughout the city center; this is often the most convenient way to get local currency. Credit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, and hotels. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases at markets or cafes.

Bilbao is considered a very safe city for tourists, with low rates of violent crime. Visitors can comfortably explore the main tourist areas and the city center independently. The primary safety concern is petty crime, such as pickpocketing, which can occur in crowded areas.

It is advisable to be vigilant with your belongings, especially in the Casco Viejo (Old Town), on public transport, and around major tourist sites like the Guggenheim Museum. There are no specific areas that tourists need to avoid. Using common sense and being aware of your surroundings is generally sufficient to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Bilbao features an oceanic climate characterized by mild temperatures and regular rainfall throughout the year. During the main cruise season from spring to autumn, visitors can expect pleasant weather. Summer (June to August) temperatures are typically warm, averaging between 60°F and 77°F (16°C to 25°C), and are rarely excessively hot.

Rain is a possibility in any season, giving the region its lush, green landscape. It is always wise to pack a light rain jacket or an umbrella. Dressing in layers is recommended as the weather can change throughout the day. The region is not affected by a hurricane season.

Several transportation options are available to get from the cruise port in Getxo to Bilbao's city center. Taxis are readily available at the cruise terminal, offering a direct but more expensive journey of about 20-30 minutes.

Cruise lines often provide shuttle bus services for a fee, which drop passengers at a central location in the city. For a more local experience, you can use public transportation. This involves taking a local bus from near the port to a station on the Metro Bilbao network, which provides efficient access to key areas like the Casco Viejo and the Guggenheim Museum.

Bilbao offers excellent shopping opportunities for cruise passengers. The city's main shopping artery is the Gran Vía Don Diego López de Haro, which is lined with department stores, international brands, and upscale boutiques. For a more traditional and unique shopping experience, explore the narrow streets of the Casco Viejo (Old Town), where you'll find independent shops selling local crafts, clothing, and Basque souvenirs.

Popular local items to purchase include Basque linens, traditional berets known as 'txapelas', and gourmet food products like Idiazabal cheese and Txakoli wine from the Mercado de la Ribera. Prices in stores are fixed, and haggling is not part of the local culture.