Bilbao Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Bilbao.
Healthcare System
Spain has an excellent public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud), and Bilbao benefits from high-quality medical facilities. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access public healthcare, while non-EU visitors typically need private insurance or must pay for services.
Hospitals
Main hospitals include Hospital Universitario de Basurto (public, comprehensive services), Hospital Universitario de Cruces (major public hospital in Greater Bilbao), and IMQ Zorrotzaurre (private hospital). The private Clínica IMQ Colón in the city center is popular with international visitors. Emergency departments (Urgencias) are available 24/7.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacias) are marked with green crosses and are widely available throughout Bilbao. At least one pharmacy in each district operates 24-hour duty rotation (farmacia de guardia). Pharmacists are knowledgeable and can provide advice for minor ailments. Many over-the-counter medications available elsewhere require prescriptions in Spain. Common medications are readily available, though brand names may differ.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for non-EU visitors, as medical costs can be expensive without coverage. EU citizens should carry their EHIC card. Private insurance often provides faster access to English-speaking doctors and private facilities.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring copies of prescriptions with generic drug names, as brand names differ in Spain
- The EHIC card covers necessary medical treatment but not repatriation or non-emergency care
- Private clinics offer faster service and more English-speaking staff but are more expensive
- Tap water in Bilbao is safe to drink and of high quality
- For minor issues, pharmacists can often recommend over-the-counter solutions without needing a doctor visit
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing is the most common crime affecting tourists in Bilbao, though less prevalent than in Barcelona or Madrid. Thieves target distracted tourists in crowded areas, on public transport, and at outdoor cafés.
Occasional incidents of bag snatching from outdoor café tables or by motorcycle/bicycle thieves, though relatively rare in Bilbao compared to other Spanish cities.
Rental cars and vehicles with foreign plates are sometimes targeted for break-ins, especially if luggage or valuables are visible inside.
Bilbao has a vibrant nightlife and pintxos bar culture. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to accidents, poor decision-making, or becoming a target for theft.
The Basque Country has a history of political activism, and peaceful demonstrations occasionally occur, particularly around Basque independence issues or labor disputes. These rarely affect tourists but can cause traffic disruptions.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for directions with a map, dropping coins) while an accomplice steals your wallet, phone, or bag. Sometimes involves someone pointing out 'bird droppings' on your clothing.
Some unlicensed taxi drivers or legitimate drivers may take longer routes, claim the meter is broken, or add unauthorized surcharges to inflate fares for tourists.
Some tourist-oriented restaurants may add items you didn't order, charge for bread or olives that seemed complimentary, or inflate prices beyond the menu.
People approach tourists asking them to sign petitions for charitable causes, then demand donations or use the distraction for pickpocketing. Less common in Bilbao than other Spanish cities but still occurs.
Someone approaches offering to tie a 'free' friendship bracelet on your wrist, then demands payment once it's attached and difficult to remove. Rare in Bilbao but can occur near tourist sites.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Bilbao is walkable, but wear comfortable shoes as streets in Casco Viejo are cobblestoned and hilly
- Learn basic Spanish or Basque phrases; while many speak English, effort is appreciated
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Make copies of passport, insurance documents, and credit cards; store separately from originals
- Register with your embassy if staying for extended periods
- The Basque Country has its own language and culture; show respect for local identity
- Avoid discussing sensitive political topics, particularly Basque independence or ETA history
Transportation Safety
- The metro, tram, and buses are safe and efficient; validate tickets to avoid fines
- Watch belongings on public transport, especially during rush hours
- Bilbao's metro stations and trains are modern and well-monitored
- Walking is generally safe even at night in most areas, but stay in well-lit streets
- Use official taxi stands or apps; legitimate taxis are white with green lights
- If renting a car, be aware that Basque drivers can be aggressive; parking is challenging in city center
- The Bilbao Card offers unlimited public transport and museum discounts
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for valuables; most hotels are very secure
- Keep room doors locked and use deadbolts when inside
- Verify identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening door
- Know emergency exits in your accommodation
- Book accommodations in Abando, Indautxu, or Casco Viejo for convenient, safe locations
- Read recent reviews about safety and security before booking
Food and Water Safety
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Bilbao
- Food hygiene standards are very high; food poisoning is rare
- Pintxos (small tapas) sitting on bars are safe to eat; they're regularly refreshed
- Try local specialties without worry; Basque cuisine is renowned and restaurants are well-regulated
- Be aware that portions in Spain are often for sharing
- Restaurants may close between lunch (2-4pm) and dinner (8pm onwards)
- Always wash hands or use sanitizer before eating, especially after public transport
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave extra cash and cards in hotel safe
- Credit cards are widely accepted, but small bars may prefer cash
- Keep small bills for taxis and small purchases
- Be discreet when handling money; don't flash large amounts of cash
- Contactless payment is common and convenient for small purchases
Cultural Awareness
- Basques are proud of their distinct culture; don't refer to it as simply 'Spanish'
- The Basque language (Euskera) is co-official with Spanish; many signs are bilingual
- Dining is late by international standards: lunch 2-4pm, dinner 9-11pm
- Tipping is not obligatory but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated
- Dress is generally casual but neat; Bilbaínos tend to dress stylishly
- Sunday and Monday evenings can be quiet as many restaurants close
- During festivals like Aste Nagusia (August), the city is very crowded but festive
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Bilbao is generally very safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Spain ranks well for women's safety, and the Basque Country is particularly progressive. Street harassment is less common than in many other European cities, and women are commonly seen dining, drinking, and traveling alone. That said, standard precautions apply, especially at night in less crowded areas.
- Solo women travelers report feeling comfortable in Bilbao; the city is accustomed to independent travelers
- Avoid walking alone in isolated areas late at night; stick to well-lit, populated streets
- The Casco Viejo can be very lively at night with many women in groups; joining the pintxos scene is generally safe
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, leave
- Dress as you would in any European city; Bilbao is cosmopolitan and there are no strict dress codes
- Unwanted attention is less common than in southern Spain but can occur; firm 'no' is usually respected
- Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps at night rather than walking long distances alone
- Many hotels have female-only floors or rooms if preferred
- Spanish women often go out in groups; consider joining walking tours or social events to meet other travelers
- Emergency services are responsive and professional
- Locals are generally helpful if you need assistance; don't hesitate to ask shopkeepers or restaurant staff
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Spain has some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ rights in the world. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005, adoption rights are equal, and comprehensive anti-discrimination laws exist. The Basque Country is particularly liberal and LGBTQ+-friendly.
- LGBTQ+ travelers should feel comfortable being themselves in Bilbao
- The main LGBTQ+ scene is smaller than in Madrid or Barcelona but welcoming; bars and clubs are primarily in Casco Viejo and Indautxu
- Bilbao celebrates Pride (Aste Nagusia LGTBI) typically in June with parades and events
- Hotels and businesses are LGBTQ+-friendly; same-sex couples can request double beds without issue
- Lambda Bilbao is the main LGBTQ+ organization offering resources and organizing events
- Gehitu is the Basque LGBTQ+ association providing support and information
- While acceptance is high, as anywhere, use common sense in very late-night situations in isolated areas
- Transgender travelers will find Spain has progressive laws; gender marker changes are legally recognized
- PrEP and sexual health services are available through public health system
- The Basque Country's traditional culture is separate from attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people; don't assume conservatism
- Older generations may be less openly accepting but discrimination is uncommon
- Beach towns near Bilbao like Getxo are also LGBTQ+-friendly
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all visitors to Bilbao, even though it's a safe destination with excellent healthcare. While EU citizens have access to public healthcare with an EHIC card, this doesn't cover all situations. Non-EU visitors will face significant costs for medical treatment without insurance. Beyond health, insurance protects against trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen issues.
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