Plan a CruiseYour ship will dock in Getxo, an attractive seaside town situated next to a leisure marina. Getxo itself offers natural beauty with spectacular cliffs, stately mansions, a charming Old Port, and the historic Bridge of Biscay (Puente Colgante), the world's oldest transporter bridge, built in 1893. The new cruise terminal in Getxo features a tourist desk and free, though rather slow, WiFi.
Bilbao city center is approximately 20 km away. Once an industrial port, Bilbao has transformed into a vibrant European destination, largely thanks to the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Beyond its modern architecture, Bilbao boasts a lively 14th-century Old Town (Casco Viejo) filled with history and gastronomic delights.
Getting Around from the Port
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From the Pier in Getxo: You can explore Getxo directly from the pier. An 800-meter walk takes you to a beach and a beautiful promenade lined with mansions. The nearest Metro station, Neguri, is a pleasant 20-minute walk from the ship. To reach it, walk past the marina, turn right to follow the mansions along the promenade, then turn left at the first intersection; the Metro station will be visible ahead.
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To Bilbao City Center (20 km away):
- Cruise Line Shuttle: Many cruise lines offer a shuttle service to Bilbao, typically costing around 15 Euro per person. Shuttles usually drop passengers off at Plaza Moyua, a central location in Bilbao. Important note: Some cruise lines may only announce their shuttle service the night before to encourage booking their own excursions.
- Metro: From Neguri Metro station in Getxo, a 2-zone ticket to Bilbao costs approximately 2 Euro each way. Take the Metro (ensure you are on the correct track, typically the "opposite track" from the station entrance) to Moyua station. This journey takes about 20 minutes. From Plaza Moyua, the acclaimed Guggenheim Museum is an easy 10-minute walk.
- Important for return: When returning to Getxo by Metro, ensure you board the correct line heading towards Plentzia. There are two routes that converge downtown; taking the wrong one will lead you to the opposite side of the river once outside the city center.
- Taxi: A taxi from Getxo to Bilbao city center costs approximately 30 Euro and offers the fastest direct route.
- A tourist office in Bilbao is conveniently located at Plaza Ensanche, near the Guggenheim Museum.
Attractions and Activities
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Explore Getxo (at the Port):
- Stroll the Promenade: Enjoy a walk along the mansion-lined promenade and relax on the local beaches.
- Visit the Old Port: Discover the charm of Getxo's historic fishing port.
- Bridge of Biscay (Puente Colgante): Marvel at the world's oldest transporter bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an engineering marvel from 1893.
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Discover Bilbao City Center:
- Guggenheim Museum: An absolute highlight, this imaginatively designed modern art gallery is an architectural masterpiece itself. It offers discounted entry for visitors aged 59 and over (proof of age required). Note: The Guggenheim is closed on Mondays.
- Casco Viejo (Old Town): Wander through the narrow, winding alleyways of this 14th-century district. Key sights include the Gothic Cathedral of Santiago, the historic Bridge and Church of San Anton, and the arcaded Plaza Nueva. This area is also perfect for sampling local tapas, known as "pintxos."
- Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts): Home to one of Spain's most important art collections.
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus: A double-decker bus tour offers a convenient way to see the city's main attractions. Note: These buses do not operate on Tuesdays.
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Day Trips from Bilbao:
- San Sebastián: A beautiful resort city located about 109 km (69 miles) east of Bilbao, roughly a 1-hour 20-minute drive.
- Guernica: Visit this town, famously bombed during the Spanish Civil War in 1937, an event that inspired Pablo Picasso's renowned painting "Guernica."
Dining
- Bilbao Old Town (Casco Viejo): This area is famous for its exceptional local bars and restaurants where you can indulge in traditional Basque tapas, known as "pintxos."
- Moyua Area (Bilbao): Find many sidewalk cafes perfect for enjoying a coffee or a quick bite while observing city life.
Shopping
- Moyua Area (Bilbao): This is the commercial heart of Bilbao, featuring numerous shops and large department stores. These larger stores typically open from 10:00 to 21:00 or 22:00, and some may even open on Sundays.
- Bilbao Old Town: Explore the large indoor market, which provides a fascinating insight into local food culture and is a great place to find local specialties.
- General Shopping Hours: Most shops operate Monday through Saturday, from 9:30 to 13:30 and from 16:30 to 20:00. In coastal cities during high season, shops may remain open past 22:00.
Safety
There are no specific safety concerns for independent cruise passengers in Bilbao or Getxo beyond exercising general caution as you would in any urban area.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Euro (EUR), divided into 100 cents.
- Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents; 1 and 2 Euro.
- Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Euro.
- Language: Spanish is the official language. In the Basque Country, Euskera (Basque) is also widely spoken.
- Communication: For emergencies, dial 112 free of charge. This service is available throughout Spain and can often be provided in English, French, and German in tourist areas. Free, excellent WiFi is also often available on the open aft decks of your ship, courtesy of the Port of Bilbao.