Bilbao

From the airport

Bus: Buses go to the city every 30 minutes and it is a the 20-minute journey.

Shop

It is not easy to define Colmado Iberico: it is a bakery, cake shop, delicatessen and wine store all rolled into one.
If you are looking for a present for the folks back home, or a treat for yourself, pop into Chocolates Saint Gerons, a master chocolatier since 1850.

Within the Guggenheim Museum, you will find an impressive collection of books and documents on 20th-century art. The library is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am-1pm and 3.30pm-6.30pm.

The area around the Old Quarters and Seven Streets is the beating heart of the city. Cobbled streets and squares, bars, restaurants, cafes and shops galore.

Wednesday is discount day in Bilbao. The Bellas Artes Museum is free, lots of cinemas have reduced price tickets and homemade pastries at La Casa Vasca are two-for-one.

The Old Quarter of Bilbao is where it is happening, especially in August when the city celebrates its annual fiestas. The Plaza Nueva and Plaza de Unamuno are lined with bars and restaurants.

Day trip

Guernica. Picasso made this town famous with his historic painting of the same name. About 30 kilometres from Bilbao, Guernica is good choice for a day trip. Visit the Peace Museum or legendary oak tree, where the ancient Basque laws were signed. Try to time your visit with market days on Monday and Saturday.
Castro Urdiales. This lively seaside town is about a 30-minute bus ride from Bilbao. Castro has plenty of good bars, restaurants and cafes, as well as a couple of sandy beaches and a fishing port.