All public transport in Bilbao is very cheap, clean and regular.
The bus from the airport runs every 30 minutes, costs 1.30 euros to the bus station (termibus) and you pay on the bus. It will cost you between 25-30 euros in a taxi.
On the regular buses you can get single or return tickets which you purchase from the individual bus stops. Tickets have to be validated there before you get on the bus. It's easy to understand after the first go.
On the metro it is exactly the same, the machines have all the destinations and it is a touch screen process in various languages. The longest trip we could take on the metro only cost 3.40 euros return. Tickets have to be validated at the same machines.
You can purchase a Bilbao Card from various places which covers all public transport in Bilbao itself but you will need to pay more for trips further out. The cards can be bought for a single day but there are other time periods.

www.termibus.es/index.php?idi=en
Google map: bit.ly/tOrwmQ

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I have recently returned from a long weekend learning to surf on amazing beaches just outside Bilbao with the surf-school Wellentime. It’s run by Holger, a friendly German chap, and the instructors are all colourful locals with a passion for surfing and an infectious enthusiasm. Although one of them, Danny, is apparently one of Spain’s top surfers, he seemed genuinely overjoyed when I first managed to stand up (just about) on the board (and not immediately fall off). I found it so helpful to have that encouragement to motivate my aching limbs back into the waves for another go.
The setting was fantastic – the beach’s name roughly translates as the ‘wild beach’ and like a lot of the coastline there it is low-key and unspoiled.
The surf lessons were up until lunchtime, so in the afternoon you can hop on the metro to the centre of Bilbao. It’s a really interesting place to explore – a working city that’s less touristy than other parts of Spain with a really nice relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy fabulous pintxos (the local, unique and utterly delicious form of tapas) in the early evening. The Guggenheim is amazing – you’ve really got to see it to appreciate the unique architecture. And the artworks inside are brilliant.
The Wellentime guys shuttle you from your accommodation to the beach and make the whole experience so enjoyable and hassle-free. They make sure it all goes smoothly but leave you do your own thing in your free time.

www.en.wellentime.com
c/o Camping Gorliz
Uresarantse s/n 48630 Gorliz (Bilbao) Spain
+34 610 779 340

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The Guggenheim is such a contrast in an otherwise old and somewhat industrial Bilbao. Ultra modern and unmistakable building - both inside and out, it should not be missed. After your visit, wander down from the Guggenheim to the 'old town' for great old buildings that house terrific traditional tapas bars and cafes where you can sit and watch the world go by whilst dipping your churros into some thick hot chocolate!

Avenida Abandoibarra, 2 48001 Bilbao
www.guggenheim-bilbao.es/?idioma=en
Google map: bit.ly/ehPguS

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If you know traditional Spain and industrial Bilbao in the Basque Country, the MiroHotel will come as complete surprise. Although, sitting across the road from Frank Gerhy's Guggenheim Art Museum maybe it shouldn't because it fits right in. Designed by fashion designer Antonio Miro this boutique hotel is a haven of art and relaxation. Although it is new it has traditional Spanish values and is friendly and relaxed. The view is pretty fantastic too. From our window we had a view of the Guggenheim and the hills beyond.

www.mirohotelbilbao.com
Alameda Mazarredo,77, 48009 Bilbao
+34 94 6611880
info@mirohotelbilbao.com

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Coastal suburb of Bilbao, great place to stay if you have a car, easy parking yet only 20 minutes on metro to centre. A lot cheaper than city centre places. Has lovely beaches and excellent base to wander further afield eg Gernika and beaches at Plentzia/Gorliz/Vizcayan coast.

Two town centres clustered around Las Arenas and Algorta metros, Pension El Abra is good place to stay near Arenas. Try out Ereaga beach and walk to cute whitewashed Puerto Viejo for eats at lunchtime. Get a Creditrans for the metro, almost halves cost of tickets and is also valid for city centre funiculars and 'hanging' transporter bridge across the river to Portugalete - worth seeing in its own right!

Getxo, Vizcaya, nr Bilbao. Metro: Las Arenas/Algorta

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A small and reasonably priced hotel on a quiet sidestreet, which is just across the bridge from the bustling Casco Viejo (old town). The rooms were clean and the staff were very friendly and helpful.

C/Amistad, 2, Bilbao 48001
www.hostalbegona.com
(34) 94 423 0134
Abando underground/railway station

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Bilbao is a bit of nightmare for vegetarians; usual staples such as potato and mushroom tapas are rarely served and there's only so many portions of tortilla you can stomach.

This place would be welcome even if the food weren't as good as it is. Its lunchtime menu is a bargain at 10.50 euros - and the food is fabulous, really filling fare making full use of the wonderful local produce and, unlike so many other vegetarian restaurants, it serves great desserts - no worthy dried fruit compote, you can go for the full-on chocolate blow out.

Fernandez del Campo 7; tel 64 422 32 55

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