Hire Car Bilbao Tips, Experiences & Comparison

Discover Bilbao by Hire Car

Bilbao, capital of the Basque province of Vizcaya in Spain and located at the mouth of the Nervión River, is considered an important industrial, commercial and port city.

It is also a Catholic episcopal see and is home to two universities. However, not only students and sailors are attracted to this Spanish city, but also tourists.

Because, although the city was less of a tourist attraction in the country in the past, Bilbao has developed in an exemplary manner in recent years and now has a lot to offer its visitors, such as the Zubizuri bridge, which is shaped like an inflated sail.

Old town of Bilbao

But it is not only with these newer buildings that Bilbao can convince, but also with its old town. Characteristic for this are narrow streets and alleys and of course the cathedral from the 14th or 15th century.

And art lovers also get their money’s worth in this Spanish city: the Museo Guggenheim Bilbao belongs to the avant-garde architecture of the 20th century and is considered an important monument of this direction due to its spectacular building.

With a hire car you can also explore Portugalete, a port town in the west of Bilbao. This is known for its special cable car ferry that connects the riverbanks of the Nervión. A ride on this ferry is not to be missed!

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Bilbao – Unknown Beauty

Start your stroll at the city’s most famous recent structure, the Guggenheim Museum. The spectacular building’s cornerstone was laid in 1993, and construction was completed in 1997.

The 11,000-square-meter space showcases contemporary 20th-century art. The construction of the museum is particularly captivating to visitors.

From the outside, it looks as if a spaceship has landed in the city. The building was designed by Frank Gehry. After visiting the museum, you can take a little flying lesson.

Visit the World Heritage Site in Bilbao

Climb the world’s oldest suspended ferry. It hangs below the Biscay Bridge and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. Now, if you’re feeling peckish, check out the world’s largest indoor market, La Plaza.

Here you will find delicacies from close by and from all over the world. The old town is also worth a visit. We recommend a visit to the Catedral de Santiago.

It was built in the 14th century in the Gothic architectural style and impresses with its size alone. Enough sightseeing – it’s time to stroll through the narrow streets and enjoy some tapas and some wine in a bar. This is how you experience the real Bilbao.

Exploring the surroundings

You can reach the charming town of Donostia-San Sebastian in about 90 minutes via the E-70 and the S-10. A stroll through the old town will inspire you.

The town was built in 1813 after a big fire. In the alleys, many cozy restaurants, nice bars and interesting boutiques compete for the favor of tourists.

But you should also visit the baroque basilica of Santa Maria del Coro. It was built in 1750 and is the oldest church in the city. After visiting the city, you can drive along the coast. There are beautiful beaches to be discovered everywhere, interrupted by spectacular cliffs. On many, surfers show off their daring feats.

Finding the good restaurant

Because Bilbao is not overrun with tourist crowds, it is easy to find a typical restaurant. Just make sure that the menu is only available in Spanish.

If the place is also frequented mostly by locals, you’re in the right place. We recommend Gure Toki, a quaint eatery in the old town. Here you get the pintxos, the Basque tapas, in best quality and rich selection.

Find the beautiful hotel

Bilbao can boast a few design hotels. The Lopez de Haro Hotel has plenty of flair, pleasant rooms and good service.