Bilbao is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is May–October, when the weather is mild and perfect for exploring. If you love local festivities, don’t miss the Aste Nagusia (Bilbao’s biggest festival in August), featuring concerts, fireworks, and Basque cultural events. Winters are cool and rainy, but still enjoyable with Bilbao’s cozy pintxos bars and museums.

While the Guggenheim Museum, Casco Viejo, and La Ribera Market are must-sees, don’t miss:

• Azkuna Zentroa – A cultural center inside a former wine warehouse, featuring stunning architecture and an artistic rooftop swimming pool with a glass bottom.
• Mercado de la Ribera Jazz Nights – A secret spot for great live music, food, and a lively local atmosphere.
• Artxanda Viewpoint – Take the funicular for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
• Museo de Bellas Artes. This museum holds an impressive collection that includes masterpieces from El Greco, Goya, Gauguin, Francis Bacon, Chillida and many others. For anyone into art, this is a Must do! 

Bilbao is a foodie paradise, famous for its pintxos (Basque tapas), fresh seafood, and world-class wines. Here are the top dishes and drinks you must try.

• Bacalao a la Vizcaína
  A Bilbao specialty and a dish well-known across Spain. This simple, yet delicious dish, features salt cod in a rich red pepper and tomato sauce, a staple of Basque home cooking. 2 fantastic places to try this dish are: Zortziko or Los Fueros.
• Txuleton (Basque Beef Steak)
  This is a must for meat lovers! The Txuleton is a thick, aged Basque steak, cooked over an open flame and served rare. We love txuleton at Asador Etxebarri (one of the best grills in Spain! but 30 minutes drive from Bilbao) or La Viña del Ensanche in Bilbao city center.
• Marmitako
  Another well-known name in Spain that makes everybody think of Bilbo, it is a truly comforting Basque fisherman’s stew, made with tuna, potatoes, peppers, and onions, traditionally eaten by sailors at sea. Try it at Txakoli Simón; 20 minutes drive, a typical Basque Caserio, with great views, and where you can also enjoy excellent txuleta and txacoli white wine. 

Pintxos – The Heart of Basque Cuisine. Pintxos are small, gourmet bites, usually served on bread and held together with a toothpick. Some classics include:

Gilda – A simple but iconic pintxo with olives, anchovies, and pickled green peppers.

Txangurro – Basque-style spider crab, often served as a pintxo or baked in its shell.

Bacalao Pil-Pil – Salt cod in a delicious garlic and olive oil sauce.

• Wine. You will find lots of Rioja red wine and Txakoli white wine in most bars and restaurants.  Txacoli is a slightly sparkling, dry white wine is unique to the Basque Country and pairs perfectly with seafood and fish pintxos.

Bilbao is family-friendly, with plenty of activities for kids:

• Guggenheim’s outdoor art installations – Giant sculptures like Puppy (the flower-covered dog) and the giant spider are fun for children.
• Bilbao Maritime Museum – Interactive exhibits about the city’s seafaring past.
• Euskalduna Park – A great spot for kids to play, near the riverfront.
• Doña Casilda. Another excellent (old style, decorated park) near the Guggemheim museum
• San Mames. Scoccer fans cannot miss one of Spain´s most iconic stadiums

Bilbao is hilly, but public transport (trams, funiculars, and elevators) makes getting around easy.
The Guggenheim, museums, and major attractions are all wheelchair-friendly.

Bilbao is a very safe city, even at night. However:

Be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas like Casco Viejo and the metro.
The weather can change quickly, so always bring a light rain jacket.