We’re currently on a winter motorhome adventure through Europe with our family. This blog post is about our first Motorhome stay in Bilbao. If you’re new to the blog, here’s a quick recap: my family of six, along with our dog, is spending the next few months traveling across Southern Europe in our motorhome. The kids are being home educated on the road, and our first stop is Spain.
After leaving Northern Ireland and travelling the length of Ireland from Belfast to Rosslare, then spending 31 hours on a Ferry, we wanted to stop moving for a couple of days. Our first stop straight off the ferry was the city of Bilbao, Spain.
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Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country, it sits along the Nervión River, and is surrounded by lush green hills, offering picturesque views and a mix of old and new architecture.
Highlights of Motorhome Stay in Bilbao
Motorhome Parking: The most conveniently located park-up for visiting Bilbao is called Area de Autocaravanas de Kobetamendi; the cost was 29 Euros without electric for a family of 6 and 33 Euros with electric. Maximum stay is 48 hours.
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Public Tranport: We travelled into the city by bus which was frequent and cheap; roughly 7 Euros in total for our family each way. Another benefit of the park up is that the bus stop is only a 5 minute walk outside it and the number 58 drops you right into town within 35 minutes. Note dogs must be in a bag to be allowed on public transport and not all bus drivers are happy with dogs on the bus at all.
Family Friendly: There are great parks in Bilboa and they are dotted all over the city. The city is compact and easy to get around.
Family Unfriendly: There are not a lot of public toilets, in fact we only found one temporary set that were out for the Christmas market. Small corner shops and even Supermarkets were not easy to find and when you are trying to eat on a budget buying from restaurants is not always desirable.
Top Attractions in Bilbao
Bilbao’s history dates back to the 14th century, but it’s in the last 30 years that it’s truly become a global destination. We did not make it to all these attractions. We choose to stay outside the Guggenheim and walk around the sculptures and to walk around the Old Town and sample the local pintxos.
In Bilbao, tapas are commonly referred to as “pintxos” (pronounced “peen-chos”). Pintxos are small snacks typically served on a piece of bread and often skewered with a toothpick. They are a popular part of Basque cuisine and can be found in many bars and restaurants throughout the city.
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Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Undoubtedly the crown jewel of the city, the Guggenheim Museum is a masterpiece of modern architecture designed by Frank Gehry. Its undulating, titanium-covered exterior makes it one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Inside, you’ll find a stunning collection of contemporary art, including works by renowned artists such as Jeff Koons, Richard Serra, and Andy Warhol.
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Plaza Nueva and the Gran Vía
The Plaza Nueva is a lively square in the Old Town where locals and tourists gather to enjoy a coffee or pintxos. It’s surrounded by neoclassical arcades, making it a perfect spot to sit and soak in the city’s atmosphere. From here, you can also stroll down the Gran Vía, Bilbao’s main shopping street, lined with boutiques, department stores, and cafes.
Casco Viejo (Old Town)
Bilbao’s Casco Viejo is the charming medieval heart of the city, where narrow cobbled streets and colorful buildings bring history to life. Here, you can visit the Santiago Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic structure, and explore the bustling markets at Mercado de la Ribera — one of the largest covered markets in Europe. Don’t forget to grab a bite of pintxos, small tapas-style dishes that are a staple of Basque cuisine.
Bilbao’s Bridges
The city is known for its impressive bridges, including the Puente de la Salve, which is just next to the Guggenheim Museum, and the Zubizuri, a futuristic white pedestrian bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava. These bridges not only serve as vital transport links but also contribute to the city’s architectural allure.
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My Impression of Bilbao
The park up in Bilbao had the best view I had ever seen, especially at night. The walk into the city from the park up is no problem going in as it is all down hill but we did not even attempt to walk back as it is about 5km and a steep climb. The buses are cheap and frequent. The city is compact and easy to get around. Some public toilets and affordable eating options for large families would not go amiss. Have you been to Bilbao? Tell me in the comments.
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