Making the most of Bilbao
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships berth at an attractive Getxo location beside the leisure marina. The beach and mansion-lined promenade are an 800-metre walk away.
The new cruise terminal has a tourist information desk and complimentary Wi-Fi, although the connection is fairly slow.
Getxo welcomes visitors to an appealing seaside setting, where spectacular cliffs can sometimes stretch dramatically out into the water.
Bilbao lies about 20 km inland, and most cruise companies provide shuttles. Services finish at Plaza Moyua, an easy walk from the Guggenheim, and cost around 15 Euro. Some operators announce transport only on the previous evening to avoid affecting excursion sales.
Bilbao centre is 20 min from Getxo on the excellent metro. Neguri, the closest station, involves a pleasant but substantial 20 minute promenade walk: pass the marina, turn right beside the mansions, then left at the first junction and continue to the station. Purchase a 2 zone ticket from the machine for about 2 euros each way. Take the opposite platform towards Moyua, the same square used by shuttle buses, then walk 10 minutes to the Guggenheim.
For the return metro, board the correct service towards Plentzia. There are 2 routes that share downtown track before separating; choosing the wrong one leaves you on the opposite side of the river outside the city.
When saving valuable time matters, take a taxi for approximately 30 euro.
Check the cruise terminal’s mapped location.
Explore the available hotels in Bilbao.
Getxo, home to the new cruise berth, has ranked among the Basque Country’s foremost residential districts for more than a century. Beyond its natural beauty, visitors can walk past grand mansions, wander the Old Port’s narrow lanes and admire the world’s oldest transporter bridge. Built in 1893, the Bridge of Biscay is contemporary with the Eiffel Tower and shares its elegant lines.
Northern Spain’s Basque city and cruise port of Bilbao became one of Europe’s most popular destinations after the imaginative Guggenheim modern-art gallery opened. The building itself is an avant-garde architectural artwork and closes on Mondays. Visitors aged 59+ receive a discount but must show proof of age.
Before the Guggenheim, Bilbao was primarily an industrial city, yet its energetic old town dates to the 14th century. Casco Viejo’s winding alleys contain many outstanding bars and restaurants for sampling tapas.
The Old Quarter forms the heart of this working port city, with Renaissance, Baroque and modernist buildings lining narrow streets. Principal landmarks include the Gothic Cathedral of Santiago from the late 14th century, the Bridge and Church of San Anton, and the arcaded Plaza Nueva.
Further attractions include Plaza Nueva and the Gothic Cathedral de Santiago. Across town, Museo de Bellas Artes contains one of Spain’s most important art collections.
Getting around
See Bilbao from another perspective aboard a double-decker sightseeing bus covering the city highlights. Services do not operate on any Tuesday.
Getxo itself has visitor appeal and straightforward access to several beaches.
Nearby places
San Sebastián is an attractive resort city east of Bilbao port, at a distance of 109 km/69 miles and around a 1-hour 20-minute drive.
Guernica was subjected to Nazi aerial bombing during the Spanish Civil War on April 26, 1937. The event inspired Pablo Picasso’s Guernica, in which the artist portrayed the suffering.
Food and shopping
Moyua is Bilbao’s central shopping area, with department stores, numerous retailers and pavement cafés.
A large covered market in the old town is consistently enjoyable to visit. Observing what residents buy provides an insight into local food culture.
Money
The local currency is the euro.
One euro contains 100 cents. Eight coins are issued: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent pieces, plus 1 and 2 Euro coins. Seven banknotes come in values of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euro.
Staying connected
Spanish is official throughout the country, alongside regional languages: Catalan in Catalonia, Galician in Galicia, Euskera/Basque in the Basque Country, Valencian in the Valencia Region and a distinctive Catalan variety in the Balearic Islands.
The ship’s open aft decks receive excellent complimentary Wi-Fi supplied by the Port of Bilbao.
For emergencies, dial 112 free of charge anywhere in Spain. Assistance is provided in Spanish and, in selected visitor areas, English, French and German.
Opening Hours and
Shops and businesses most commonly open Monday to Saturday from 9.30 to 13.30, then from 16.30 to 20.00.
Large malls and department stores generally trade continuously from 10.00 until 21.00 or 22.00, with occasional Sunday opening.
During the high season, shops in coastal cities often remain open beyond 22.00.
Pharmacies usually open from 9.30 to 13.30 and again from 16.30 to 20.00. Major cities have some pharmacies trading 24 hours, and a rotating late-opening schedule is printed in newspapers and displayed at every pharmacy.
Museums are generally shut on Mondays.
Consult the national holiday calendar.