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World Travel Guide > Guides > Europe > Spain > Bilbao

Local time Bilbao

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the IDs1375Bilbao Airport
Places in Bilbao

Bilbao Events

Gau Zuria/White Night

This event pulls together an extensive programme of art, theatre, music, literature and light shows all across Bilbao.

Date: 17 June 2022 - 18 June 2022
Venue: Various.
Cost:

Various.


Bilboko Kalealdia

This is a street theatre and performing arts festival taking place around the Old Quarter and Gran Vía. Expect puppet shows, dance performances and circus acts, among others.

Date: 27 June 2022 - 02 July 2022
Venue: Various.
Website: http://bilbokokalealdia.eus/web/en

Bilbao Triathlon

This annual contest sees participants try and outdo one another as they swim some 1.9km along the river, before jumping on two wheels for an 82.5km bike race and finishing with a 21km running contest.

Date: 24 September 2022 - 24 September 2022
Venue: Throughout the city.
Website: http://bilbaotriathlon.com
Cost:

Free to spectate.


Bilbao Night Marathon

This event, said to be Europe's only night-time marathon, offers different races for professionals and amateurs alike.

Date: 22 October 2022 - 22 October 2022
Cost:

Free to spectate.


Euskalgym International Gymnastics Gala

This international gymnastics gala welcomes top athletes from around the world for a day-long rhythmic gymnastics competition.

Date: 01 November 2022 - 30 November 2022
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Bilbao Exhibition Centre
Website: http://www.euskalgym.com
Cost:

Various.


Bilbao International Festival of Documentary and Short Films

This red-carpet event features a varied programme.

Date: 11 November 2022 - 18 November 2022
Venue: Arriaga Theatre and various cinemas across Bilbao.
Website: https://zinebi.eus/
Cost:

Various.


St Thomas Day

St Thomas Day is a great gastronomic feast in Bilbao, with many stalls selling traditional products produced by local farmhouses (baserritarras). Keep a lookout for txistorra (fresh chorizo-like sausage) and txakoli (local wine).

Date: 21 December 2022 - 21 December 2022
Venue: Various.
Cost:

Free


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Featured Hotels

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Zabalburu

This budget offering is clean and comfortable and offers a good buffet breakfast. Situated in a fairly central location, in downtown Bilbao, there are a slew of funky rooms to choose from, all of which have been decorated to represent a different building in the city. Most points of interest are within walking distance and the hotel itself runs a photography tour of Bilbao. Other extras include bicycle rental, ironing and laundry services, TVs in rooms, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour bar. It also has a secure garage for those travelling with vehicles.

Iturrienea Ostatua

Iturrienea Ostatua is a pension in Bilbao's Old Town that's chock-a-block with colour and character. It has restored antique furniture throughout and great attention to detail has been paid to the decoration of the 21 bedrooms. The lovely exposed stone walls and oak beams give this place its charm and all in all, it represents very good value. In decent weather, breakfast can be served in the garden.

Miró Hotel Bilbao

Devised by famous fashion couturier, Antonio Miró, this modern boutique hotel combines functional design and personalised service to great effect. It's a tasteful establishment with great views of Bilbao, and it offers guests access to its spas and gym on a complimentary basis. There are 50 minimalistic rooms to pick from and many come with views of the Guggenheim. All, though, have large TVs, colossal beds and chic marble bathrooms.

Hotel Bilbao Jardines

This pleasant, comfortable and reasonably priced 2-star hotel is located in the heart of the historical centre of Bilbao, next to the cathedral and the Arriaga Theatre. It offers good service, spectacularly clean rooms and a very relaxed ambience, so the dated quilts and covers can be easily overlooked. What's more, most rooms come with a bath and shower and have decent sized TVs. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.

Hotel Lopez de Haro

A favourite with celebrities, up to and including the Dalai Lama, this is one of the best top-class hotels in Bilbao. You’ll find free Wi-Fi, a complimentary gym-spa, a champagne bar and an opulent selection of rooms and suites. The location, too, is handy for the city centre and the Guggenheim Museum. The staff are incredibly helpful, the breakfast is excellent and the soft drinks and chocolates in the mini-bar are included in the price.

Hotel Carlton

A favourite of Ernest Hemingway, Ava Gardner and many a bullfighter, Hotel Carlton is a Bilbao institution. It is set in a grand neoclassical building with a restaurant and a 1930s-style bar. Drenched in history (it was the Euskadi government's headquarters during the Civil War), it's a splendid and very elegant hotel. Discount prices are available online if you book well in advance.

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