This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you are better prepared for what to expect, what not to expect and can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Bilbao. To help you make friends with Bilbao before you visit, we've included a few helpful and fun things you should know about the area. Enjoy!
Bilbao is located in Spain's beautiful Basque Country in the northeast, not far from the coast and a couple of hours from Santander to the west and San Sebastian to the east. Bilbao is a lively city with friendly locals, great food, and excellent nightlife. It's also got a great arts and music scene and many great sights for visitors to enjoy. Set surrounded by lush green hills, Bilbao has a higher elevation than a lot of the rest of the country, so it can have a more mild and temperate climate and is not as harsh in summer.
Bilbao is a museum lovers' paradise -- the city centre is packed with an excellent selection of museums and art galleries. Along the riverfront, the Guggenheim Museum building is a striking modern creation that glints in the sunlight and looks spectacular at sunset. The gigantic spider sculpture on the waterfront side of the museum and the huge puppy made of flowers on its opposite side are two of the most famous sights around town ... and that's before you've even entered the building!
Hostels in Bilbao are all centrally located and in easy walking distance of bus and train stations; if you're arriving by plane, the shuttle bus from the airport will drop you within walking distance of the hostels in Bilbao. Bilbao hostels offer dorm and private rooms, plus many include free breakfast and Wi-Fi and often have balconies and great common areas to meet fellow travelers.
You won't get bored in Bilbao, with excellent nightlife and music venues to keep you entertained, plus plenty of churches and lovely architecture throughout town.
Written by local enthusiast for Bilbao hostels
michael cowgill
