Car Hire Bilbao

If you're arriving via Bilbao Airport, it’s just a 13km drive reach the city's heart, using the N-637 southbound.

Once you've reached the centre, you can use the Puente de La Salve, an iconic bridge that takes you over the Nervion and all the way to the Federico Moyua Plaza – a flower-adorned public square that is the epicentre of the Abando district.

From here, you should be able to find one of several underground carparks serving the city centre – with prices for leaving your vehicle varying from location to location. On-street pay and display parking is also available, though some of these spots are reserved for residents only.

To the southwest of the city is the Autovía A-8 autopista, a major route that runs along the outer edges of Bilbao and into the area's magnificent mountain scenery. Meanwhile the Autopista AP-68 links Bilbao with the historic city of Burgos and, further south, with Spain’s capital Madrid.

Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, with overtaking on the left. Many major routes include tolls – so it’s always worth bearing this in mind when travelling further afield.

Speed limits on Spanish motorways are typically a maximum of 120km/h, and the limit on dual carriageways is usually 100km/h, but this generally falls to 90kmh on rural single carriageways and 50km/h in towns and cities, unless otherwise signed. Always keep an eye on signs for the route that you are on.

From architectural gems to artistic masterpieces, Bilbao is a city steeped in cultural heritage.

There's also a thriving local food scene and attractive coastline, all framed by the rugged rolling beauty of the Basque Mountains.

Artistic licence

For an authentic and unforgettable experience of Bilbao’s rich cultural offering, a visit to the globally-renowned Guggenheim Museum is essential. An architectural triumph with a striking titanium exterior, designed by architect Frank Gehry, it was opened in 1997 by the then king of Spain, Juan Carlos I.

Inside you'll find an impressive array of modern art by the likes of Andy Warhol, Willem de Kooning and Yoko Ono.

The museum is located on the southern bank of the River Nervion, surrounded by scenic parks. Tickets can be booked online, and entry for kids under the age of 12 is free.

Cultural gems and culinary treats

The city boasts a rich variety of museums and galleries dotted around its central areas. The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, located just off the bustling Euskadi Plaza, contains an excellent collection of Spanish, Basque and wider European art from the Middle Ages onwards.

Also worth a visit is the arts and cultural centre of Azkuna Zentroa, found further south at Arriquíbar Plaza. It's housed in the wonderfully restored former municipal wine exchange, while there's also a swimming pool inside.

Another highly-regarded museum is the Euskal Museoa, which documents the fascinating history of the Basque region.

The cobbled streets of Bilbao offer a seemingly endless collection of restaurants, bars and cafés too, serving up tastes of traditional Basque cuisine. A good place to start is across the river to the east, at Plaza Nueva. Here you'll find a dizzying array of eateries lining the narrow streets, many serving delicious seafood and meats cooked over hot charcoal.

Meanwhile, further south and towards the river bank, Mercado de la Ribera is the largest covered food market in Europe. Frequented by locals and visitors alike, it boasts huge arrays of fresh produce, alongside numerous lively restaurants and bars, and offers a serene river-view setting.

The great outdoors

Few cities boast outdoor spaces as spectacular as Bilbao. Even within its most urban areas, you'll find picturesque parks and plazas perfect for unwinding. Among the most popular is the Parque de Doña Casilda de Iturrizar, set on the south bank of the Nervion.

Further afield, you can drive a short distance to the foot of Artxanda, a mountain offering magnificent views of the city and beyond. Here a funicular railway will take you to the top, where you'll also find restaurants and bars. Meanwhile, a short 15-minute drive north takes you to Getxo, a charming coastal town with some wonderful beaches.

Hiring a car in Bilbao means all this and more is within reach. Reserve your vehicle today and start planning your Basque adventure.