What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Bilbao?

Bilbao is a beautiful city situated on the coast of northern Spain, in the Basque Country region. The city has a rich culture, stunning architecture and plenty of activities, making it a popular tourist destination all year round. When it comes to determining the best time of year to visit Bilbao to make sure you get the most out of your trip, it really depends on your budget, preferences and what type of atmosphere you’re looking for. If you’d like to get an idea of what each season in Bilbao is like, this guide will provide you with all the details you need.

Spring in Bilbao

The months of March, April and May mark the official start of the spring season in Bilbao and typically see the weather slowly getting warmer each month. During this period, most days will see mild temperatures, making it a great time for sightseeing and exploring the city. Rainfall is less likely during spring than over summer or autumn and the city tends to be quite dry. As spring arrives, the days get longer and the city begins to come to life with outdoor activities and festivities filling up the calendar. Festivals such as Aste Nagusia, Semana Grande and the Mundaka Film Festival all take place during this time. Visitors can also expect plenty of outdoor art and music events running throughout the city throughout spring.

Summer in Bilbao

Summer in Bilbao runs from June to August and throughout these months, temperatures tend to remain high, although the humidity is usually low. This is the peak tourist season for Bilbao, so visitors can expect lots of crowds when visiting popular attractions such as the Guggenheim Museum or the Estuary of Bilbao Walkway. During summer is when you’ll be able to enjoy some of Bilbao’s iconic festivals such as Semana de Arte Contemporaneo de Putxet (a contemporary art exhibition held at the magical La Salve Bridge) and Los Bares del Lago (a bar and restaurant boat tour along Ria del Nervion). It’s also a great time to visit a beach near Bilbao, such as Playa de Urdad Raia or San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

Autumn in Bilbao

In autumn (September, October and November), Bilbao’s temperatures begin to cool down into the late teens and early twenties Celsius. Most days typically still remain sunny, but its also expected that rain does increase over this period. Bilbao celebrates its “Day of the Virgin of Begona’ in September, with plenty of activities taking place throughout the city. Autumn is also the perfect time of year to visit any cider houses that invite tourists to help in performing traditional folk dances and cider tapping.

Winter in Bilbao

December, January and February see extremely cold temperatures in Bilbao, often dipping as low as 5-6 degrees Celsius during the middle of winter. Despite this, winter is a great time to visit if you’re looking for fewer crowds, lower prices on accommodation and a unique atmosphere in typical Spanish winter towns. Visitors are able to explore the nearest ski slopes within a 45 minute drive from Bilbao and experience our traditional Christmas and New Year celebrations, during which plenty of activities are organised by each local neighbourhood their town squares transformed into light spectacles. Winter visitors can also join a Pintxos crawl at some of Bilbao’s most renowned tapas bars to explore their delicious local cuisine and craft beer culture.

Conclusion

Overall, each season in Bilbao has something great to offer depending on your preferences and budget; from lively festivals to beautiful beaches and ski-resorts to Christmas markets! But if we had to choose the best time of year to visit Bilbao, we’d recommend spring or early autumn when the weather is still mild yet there will be fewer crowds. To find out all about what your trip to Bilbao could look like by browsing our Bilbao experiences on Eskapades.

Insider’s Guide to Bilbao: Uncovering Hidden Gems and Cultural Experiences

Are you planning to visit Bilbao, the vibrant city located in northern Spain? Whether you’re an artist, a foodie, or someone who loves culture and history, Bilbao has something for you. It’s not just the famous Guggenheim Museum; this city has a rich and fascinating history, a lively cultural scene, and a unique culinary tradition. In this insider’s guide, we’ll introduce you to some hidden gems, local traditions, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Discovering Hidden Gems: Local Attractions Beyond the Tourist Spots

While there’s no denying that the Guggenheim Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Bilbao, there are plenty of other places that are worth exploring. For example, the Casco Viejo (old town) is a charming, labyrinthine neighborhood that transports you back to medieval times. Here, you can wander through narrow alleys adorned with colorful shops, sample pintxos (a kind of Basque tapa), or watch locals engaged in their daily life.

Another hidden gem worth checking out is the Alhóndiga Bilbao. This former warehouse, designed by Philippe Starck, has been transformed into a cultural center that houses a cinema, library, gym, swimming pool, and restaurants – all under one roof.

Exploring Bilbao’s Food Scene: A Culinary Adventure

Bilbao boasts a unique culinary tradition that is famous throughout Spain and beyond. Basque cuisine is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients, and simple, yet flavorful recipes. When in Bilbao, don’t miss the chance to savor the seafood, especially the cod (bacalao) and the baby eels (angulas).

You can enjoy these dishes at a range of dining spots, from traditional tabernas to Michelin-starred restaurants. Txakoli (a local white wine) and cider are the perfect accompaniments to the meal.

Fun fact: Pintxos is a Basque tradition, which is similar to tapas. Unlike tapas, they often come with a toothpick stuck in the top, with each color of the toothpick corresponding to a different price. Don’t forget to tally your toothpicks so you know how much to pay!

Immersing in Bilbao’s Culture: Festivals, Music, and Art

Bilbao has a vibrant cultural scene that reflects its Basque heritage. The city hosts a series of events throughout the year, ranging from the Festival of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, where rival groups get together to demonstrate their strength, to the International Puppet Festival, where puppeteers come from all over the world to participate.

In addition, Bilbao has a rich artistic tradition, which is reflected in the numerous galleries and museums scattered throughout the city. From the iconic Guggenheim Museum to the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, you can discover the works of contemporary and traditional artists.

Finally, Bilbao is synonymous with music. Besides the typical Basque music, you can catch several concerts during the Bilbao BBK Live Festival or the Jazzaldia Festival.

Uncovering Bilbao’s Fascinating History

Bilbao has a long and storied history, which spans centuries. The city’s medieval origins are still visible in its narrow, winding streets and towering cathedrals. However, its modern history has been shaped by the mining and steel industries that sprang up in the 19th century.

One of the most interesting spots to explore Bilbao’s history is the Euskal Museoa (Museum of Basque History). Here, you can learn about the Basque language, customs, and traditions, and how they have evolved over time.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unique Experiences in Bilbao

Finally, if you’re looking for some unforgettable experiences in Bilbao, we’ve got a few suggestions. For instance, you can take a cable car to Mount Artxanda, which offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding hills. You can also visit the Abando Train Station, a magnificent building that combines neo-baroque and neo-plateresque styles.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at Basque pelota, a traditional game that is similar to squash but played with bare hands. Or take part in the traditional cider house ritual, where you gather with fellow diners to drink cider from huge barrels and feast on grilled steak.

In conclusion, Bilbao is a city that has a lot to offer, from architectural wonders and cultural experiences to culinary delights and fascinating history. To make the most of your visit, explore beyond the tourist spots, talk to locals, and immerse yourself in the city’s unique traditions. We hope this guide has inspired you to fall in love with Bilbao and experience it like a true insider.