Car Rental Bilbao

Bilbao’s historic charm and spectacular mountain backdrop makes driving through its streets a dream.

From the beautiful nearby coast to the heart of the Old Town, there is always a way to find wonder in Bilbao.

The city centre is within easy reach of all major routes and the airport is just ten minutes away by car. Simply take the N-637 towards Barakaldo, before exiting onto Artxanda-Salbe Tunela and crossing the artistic La Salva bridge. In this crisp and modern neighbourhood you’ll find the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, as well as a superb selection of international eateries.

As the Nervion River stretches south, Bilbao’s architecture becomes colourful and cobblestone streets lead into the heart of the Old Town. In these parts, you’ll find traditional Pintxos bars and a lively market square.

Use Bilbao’s network of one-way streets and roundabouts to reach the cultural centre near Indautxu and Abando. Once you’ve parked up, on the river’s eastern banks you’ll find the city’s oldest area – colloquially known as the ‘Seven Streets’ – with buildings dating back to the 15th century, plus a 14th-century cathedral and several impressive museums. To sample Bilbao’s creative quarters, head west across the river and then south to La Vieja.

The centre is simple to navigate, but some bridges in central Bilbao form part of a one-way system, so plan your journey with care. Bilbao does have some street parking but a lot of it is ‘blue zone’ with a maximum stay of two hours. It does however have many convenient parking lots, including several clustered near the outskirts of the trendy Abando district, with parking at an average cost of around €2 per hour.

Many streets in central Bilbao operate under a 30 km/h speed limit unless otherwise signed, with the exception of some roads leading towards suburban residential districts. If you plan to venture from Bilbao to one of the quaint towns nearby, or further still to San Sebastian, expect to encounter tolls. Remember to take a ticket from the booth when you join the highway, then settle the bill by cash or card when you exit.

The maximum legal speed limit on Spanish highways, known as the Autopista, is 120 km/h, but always check the signs for the route that you are on.

Historic and with a distinct culture, Bilbao is an enticing city with an incredible legacy in sport, architecture and art.

This autonomous part of Spain has its own language and identity, with an atmosphere that feels a world apart from the likes of Barcelona or Madrid.

Witness the wonders of the Guggenheim

Soon after its launch, the Guggenheim Museum gained fame worldwide - and is a treasure trove of modern art. Housed in an iconic, futuristic titanium, glass and limestone building on the river bank, here you can journey through sensory displays of colour, sculpture and light.

There are also many classes and activities on offer, including the adults-only Art After Dark series. Here members can explore the museum’s exhibitions after closing time with a lively bar, where European DJs are spinning the decks. This next generation exhibition centre took the world by storm in 1997, and the Guggenheim is still attracting thousands of visitors every single day.

If your experience here ignites a hunger for more great works, the nearby Museum of Fine Arts makes a great traditional accompaniment. You’ll also find a collection of smaller, independent galleries in the city’s historic quarters.

Retail with a medieval twist

The old quarter is known for its impressive medieval architecture, but it is also a great place for browsing boutiques and indulging in a spot of retail therapy. Some of the best stores in this part of town are wonderfully traditional, with small fashion businesses, traditional bakeries and handmade craft stores.

If you prefer to taste the high life, venture to the Plaza Moyua, where luxury stores line the metropolitan streets. Here you’ll be able to find upmarket options supplying goods from leading designer brands like Stella McCartney, Jil Sander and Marc Jacobs. Park your rental vehicle and stroll along the Gran Via to find local fashion at its finest.

Dine on the Plaza Neuva

This Neoclassical meeting place is more than just a great spot to grab your souvenir photographs. In fact, the regal square is lined with restaurants, cafes and bars, including high-end eateries and places the locals love.

Pintxos is this region’s dish of choice. As the Basque Country’s answer to tapas, these snack-sized bites are made with fresh seafood, meats, cheeses, bread and fragrant spices. They are often enjoyed in Bilbao’s rustic bars, where a stack of delicious flavours are held together by cocktail sticks on the countertop.

Experience the Basque Country’s sporting spirit

Soccer is the sport of choice in Spain, and despite its distinctive sense of culture in many respects, the Basque capital is no exception here.

Athletic Bilbao is the popular team, with its own colossal stadium and a dedicated museum. Whether you want to experience the passion of a live game or immerse

The region has its own unique sporting traditions, too – including games you’ve probably never heard of. Head to a seasonal Herri Kirolak event to see rural traditional court sports like Basque Pelota in action. The age-old activity is similar to a game of squash or handball, but with its own unique qualities.

The Aste Nagusia Festival is also a must-see – a nine-day summer sporting carnival starting on the first Saturday after the 15th of August, with fun and flames helping the event forge its place near the top of the city’s already extensive calendar.

If you decide to venture further afield, you’ll find even more to enjoy with a day trip to stylish San Sebastian, historic Pamplona, or elegant Santander.

Rent a car in Bilbao to discover a wealth of excitement and Basque Country delights, and all that the wider regions of Northern Spain have to offer.