Hotels near Bilbao Airport - BIO, Bilbao

A great neighbourhood to experience authentic life in another country and culture. Weekends are festive in the area with lots of activity at the local bars and cafes. Not many tourists around though... more elderly population noticeable.

We had no preconceived idea of what Bilbao would be like. Only went to see the Guggenheim etc but was amazed at the cafes, bars, pastry shops, fashionable people, clothing stores. Would love to go back for another stay!

Lots of excellent restaurant along with smaller bars and pubs. Walkiing along the river was relaxing and visually appealing. Guggenheim is a prime location for a visit. 30 minute walk along the river from our hotel.

Beautiful city, lots to explore and a long weekend is doable but so much to explore, beaches only 35 minutes away on the metro. Great shopping a lovely bars, cafes and restaurants to explore. Get barik card travel so cheap. Card is €3 to buy and top up are minimum of €5, two travellers can get round the whole weekend on around €10 You can have up to 9 travellers on one card you just tap them in and then tap again.

Go Guggenheim for a few hours, arty and droog friendly. Dont take taxi from airport, 41 euros is a rip off. I know Bilbao has changed a lot since the drug induced 1980's, but really how much food does the taxi man need to feed the monkey.

Bilbao is lovely for those who appreciate art and good food more than a sun-and-sea holiday. Because, remember, this is *northern* Spain, which is Ireland-like in temperature and precipitation. Bring an umbrella and some water-resistant shoes! In the height of summer, that's actually a plus, so do consider it as an alternative to the too-hot Mediterranean. For a weekend city-break, Bilbao's ideal: I'd have a harder time enjoying a full week, though, honestly. You can enjoy the Guggenheim in a few hours (it's huge, but so are its sculptures and installations). Like in much of Atlantic-facing Europe, the weather is all over the place, but generally rainier than sunny, which may wear you down after a while. And the famous pintxos are fresh and delicious, but you will get tired of the same series of them, eventually. Bilbao, like Spain, generally, isn't super vegetarian-friendly. Lots of meat, seafood, carbs, and preserved peppers and very few fresh veggies in the cuisine. That extends, especially, to breakfast, which is more "Continental" and of the bread and pastries variety. I did find myself pining for salad or any kind of fiber, generally, after a few days! The wine scene is more diverse and interesting than beer or cocktails, and at very reasonable prices. You can find an excellent cup of coffee and the fika options are excellent for any Scandinavians who are into pastries with their afternoon cup! If you're staying longer than a day or two, do take advantage of the buses or metro to take some side-trips to San Sebastian or the coast to get a little more variety in your backdrop. (San Sebastian has a lively seaside and beautiful architecture, but that charm comes with high costs: it's maybe the most exclusive area in Spain). And get and use the "Barik" card to get around on the excellent public transit, including the cheap bus to/from the airport.