INSIDER TIPS

Kalimotxo is a drink that’s popular across the Basque region. Improbable though it sounds, it’s made by mixing equal parts cola and red wine, and tastes much as you’d expect.

Locals rarely order more than one pintxo per bar, although no one’s going to object if you choose to stay put and try multiple options.

The Guggenheim Museum

Bilbao is closed on Mondays, but otherwise opens from 10:00 to 18:00. Coming later in the day is a good way of beating the crowds.

If you’re travelling by car, the underground Arenal Casco Viejo car park is centrally located and has reasonable daily parking rates.

Street scene in the city’s colourful

Old Town; gildas at Gure Toki pintxo bar; perfect for late-night snacks, Café Iruña opened its doors in 1903

Getting there and around

Bilbao is typically served by non-stop flights from London and Manchester, with airlines such as British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair and Vueling. Aer Lingus flies direct from Dublin. ba.com easyjet.com ryanair.com vueling.com aerlingus.com

Average flight time: 2h.

Brittany Ferries sails between Bilbao and Portsmouth and Rosslare, with up to three sailings a week in each direction. There are also sailings between nearby Santander and Portsmouth (three times a week, both directions) and Plymouth (once a week, both directions). brittany-ferries.co.uk

Average sailing time: 24h.

Bilbao is easy to cover on foot, but its metro and tram system is efficient. Fares start from €1.60 (£1.40) and €1.50 (£1.30) respectively. The airport is easily reached by public transport.

When to go

Late spring and autumn are the best times to visit, avoiding the intense heat and high prices of the peak summer months and the wetter days of winter and early spring.

Places mentioned

Los Fueros. losfueros.com Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. guggenheim-bilbao.eus

Café Bar Bilbao. bilbao-cafebar.com Bohemian Lane. bohemianlanebilbao.com

More info

Bilbao Tourism bilbaoturismo.net

How to do it

has ferry-andhotel packages, at Bilbao’s four-star Hotel Abando, from £389 per person, including a four-berth cabin with return sailings. brittany-ferries.co.uk

has four nights at the four-star NYX Hotel Bilbao in December on a room-only basis, from £233 per person, including flights and flight amendments. loveholidays.com