More about Bilbao
Why go to Bilbao?
Visit a world-class Guggenheim museum and some of the best tapas bars in Spain
Ships dock in ports that are more than 6 miles from the city; you'll have to take a shuttle
Cultural attractions abound (and are mostly within walking distance) in this industrial port city
Bilbao Cruise Port Facilities?
There is little reason to linger in Santurtzi, the container port and terminal for ferries to/from England, though basic services are available there, including ATM's, tourist information and a few souvenir shops. The new terminal will also have basic services for visitors, while the immediate neighborhood, Getxo, is an affluent suburb with a large marina and popular beaches.
Good to Know?
Basque and Spanish Language street signs are often both in use, so you may think you are in the right place on your map, only to find that the sign is in Basque, rather than Spanish. Keep looking, and you'll often find a translation nearby. Pickpockets are a problem, though no more so than in most European cities.
Getting Around?
Most cruise lines will provide a shuttle into Bilbao, usually to the plaza in front of the opera house at the edge of the old city center. Some lines charge for this service. The independent-minded can walk to the Bilbao Metro at Neguri Station (Line 1) in Getxo. In addition, Bilbobus routes 3411 and 3413 operate into Bilbao center from Getxo. Both stops are 10 to 15 minutes' walk from the ship. Nearly all the city center's principal sights are within walking distance.
Local transit includes the metro, Bilbobus (city bus) and EuskoTran (city tram). Creditrans is a reduced-fare debit card that can be purchased at transit stops for 5, 10 or 15 euro and can be topped up after the initial purchase. The BilbaoCard day pass provides low fares as well as discounts to museums, shops, attractions and some restaurants. The most useful transit line runs along the Nervion River, parallel to the river walk, with stops at Teatro Arriaga (opera house) and the Guggenheim Museum. Walking from the opera house to the Guggenheim will take about 25 minutes.
Taxis are available at the port and within the city. The green light atop the cab indicates it is available. Renting a car is not recommended, as the hilly topography makes driving very confusing.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
The official currency is the euro and ATM's can be found throughout the city. Many have an English-language option; look for the British flag. Not all the push-button steps may be translated into English, though generally most automatic tellers use the same system. You'll want some euros for small purchases, such as tapas, drinks and transit fare.
Language?
Spanish and Basque are the principal tongues, and most Basques also speak Spanish. English is widely understood, except at some restaurants and tapas or pinchos (pintxos in Basque) bars. Ask for an English menu along with the Spanish version to build up your vocabulary. Bilbao in Spanish becomes Bilbo or affectionately Botxo (referring to the hole in which the city sits surrounded by high hills).
Where You're Docked?
Cruise ships dock in Getxo or the commercial port of Santurtzi, located on opposite sides of the Ria de Bilbao (also called the Nervion) from each other. Both are about 10 kilometers (just more than six miles) from the city center. There is also a cruise terminal on the Getxo side.
