Bilbao Cruise Guide

Bilbao is Spain's sixth-largest city, its biggest port and the main industrial centre in the north of the country. It is also the predominant city in the Basque region and a focus for Basque culture.

Modern architectural masterpieces such as the Guggenheim Museum and the Euskalduna Palace congress centre have helped to attract tourists and business delegates alike to the city. They have also contributed to the opening up of Bilbao's urban space, allowing the city to breathe again after decades of industrial congestion. Basque cuisine is among the best in Spain, and Bilbao boasts some of the region's leading restaurants.

Bilbao is a striking city, set on the winding River Nervión, and surrounded by green hills. Its regeneration owes a lot to the Guggenheim Museum, but there are plenty of other attractions drawing tourists to the city, including some fine museums. The Old Town (Casco Viejo) is a must see, with its bustling streets lined with ancient mansions, small boutiques and bars, its arcaded Plaza Nueva and gothic cathedral. 

Highlights:
• A trip on the funicular railway up Monte Artxanda for a panorama of the city.
• Guggenheim Museum: This astonishing architectural masterpiece is home to avant-garde and contemporary art, but the real star is the building itself.
• Fine Arts Museum: One of Spain's principal museums of art and sculpture
• Catch a concert or musical at the Euskalduna Palace.
• Riverside Market: Visit in the morning to see a cornucopia of the freshest fish, cheese, fruit and vegetables
• The views from the Puente Colgante transporter bridge, built 1893, spanning the River Nervión.

Bilbao Tourist Board 
Plaza Ensanche, 11
Tel: (34) 944 795 760.
Website : www.bilbao.net/bilbaoturismo

High street shops and department stores are on Gran Via. For individual shops, look in the Old Town. Zubiarte (Calle Lehendakari Leizaola 2) is a newish shopping centre in which exclusive design and avant-garde architecture blend. Look out for Basque craft items, from pottery and crystal to leather products and traditional furniture, plus Basque berets. Basandare (Calle Iparraguirre 4), near the Guggenheim Museum, is a good option, as is the museum shop.

Bilbao is at the heart of Basque Country which is the culinary pride of Spain. It has the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants and famous chefs in all Spain. Try the seafood, salted codfish (bacalau) and regional tapas (known as ‘pintxos' in Basque Country).

Bilbao is warmest between June and September when the average temperature is 25°C (77°F). April, May and October are comfortably warm. Expect rain all year round, particularly October through April with the latter being the wettest month of the year.

Bilbao.

1.5km (0.9 miles).

10 minutes.

Spain

GMT - 1.

Euro = 100 cents.

Euskera (Basque) and Spanish. Both languages are spoken in public and shown on street signs.

Europe.

354,000.

Parliamentary monarchy since 1978.

There is no official religion, but the majority of the population is Roman Catholic.

Smoking is still permitted in some bars and restaurants but even where bans are notionally in place the law may be flouted.

Tipping: Some restaurants include the service charge in the bill. Tipping is discretionary - around 10% in restaurants and for taxi drivers and guides.