Bilbao, Spain Cruise Port Guide Info

The largest city in northern Spain and the most important seaport in the north of the Iberian Peninsula, Bilbao has had a long maritime history and tradition dating back to the early 14th century. The cruise terminal is located in the town of Getxo, around 15 kilometers away from Bilbao Old Town and the historical center of the city. 
Cruise ship passengers can choose between staying in Getxo (Playa de Ereaga, the city beach, and the town center are within walking distance from your cruise ship. Normally, there is a complimentary shuttle bus provided to take you from the terminal to the marina from where you can walk to the town), or take a shuttle bus to Bilbao city center. 
The drive to Bilbao city takes about 20-30 minutes, and the drop off point is near the Guggenheim museum, the main attraction of the city and one of the most visited art museums in Spain.

Guggenheim Museum is housed in a massive complex of interconnected buildings entirely made of glass, titanium, and limestone, and boasts an impressive collection of the 20th and 21st centuries’ contemporary art masterpieces. 
The two most famous and most photographed sculptures of the museum are Jeff Koons’ 12 meters high floral “Puppy” sculpture, and Louise Bourgois’s “Maman”, a 10 meters tall sculpture of a spider, entirely made of marble and stainless steel. 

The museum is located around 1.5 kilometers (a 20-minute walk) from Las 7 Calles, or “Seven Streets” – the historical heart of the city. Plaza Nueva, one of the busiest and liveliest squares of the Old Town (also referred to as Casco Viejo), is packed with traditional tavernas and tapas bars serving delicious food for a very reasonable price. 

From there, you can explore on foot the bustling streets of the old quarter, its shops, markets, restaurants, monuments, and main historical landmarks.

One of them is the Santiago Cathedral, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Biscay, dating back to the 14th century, and another one is Iglesia de San Nicolas, the 18th-century Baroque church located a 5-minute walking distance from the Cathedral.

There are many things to do and see in Bilbao, and it’s up to you to choose based on your preferences. This article is written by Adventour Begins for Cruise Dig. For more please visit PORT OF BILBAO CRUISE GUIDE (SPAIN), THINGS TO DO, SHORE EXCURSIONS