Is Bilbao Safe in January 2026?

Some pintxos bars in the Casco Viejo charge tourists significantly above the standard price per pintxo, particularly in the busiest streets around Las Siete Calles. Standard pintxos cost €2–3 each; tourist-facing bars may charge €4–6 without clear menu pricing. Bars may also charge for items placed on the bar that the customer did not explicitly order or touch.

How to avoid: Choose bars where locals are present and eating. Look for clearly posted prices. If no prices are displayed, ask before taking anything from the bar counter. Bars on side streets away from the main tourist flow typically offer better value.

Bus and metro stations in Bilbao, particularly Abando train station and the Casco Viejo metro stop, see distraction-based pickpocketing. Thieves work in teams, with one person creating a distraction (asking for directions, dropping items) while another targets pockets or unattended bags. The concentration of travelers with luggage makes these areas attractive to thieves.

How to avoid: Keep bags in front of you at all times in stations. Do not place luggage on the floor unattended. Be alert to anyone who approaches you unexpectedly or seems to be watching your movements. Use inside jacket pockets for wallets and phones when possible.

Bilbao's metro and Euskotren tram lines serving the tourist corridor between the Guggenheim and Casco Viejo see organized pickpocketing during peak hours. Thieves use crowd pressure at doors and turnstiles to access bags and pockets undetected. The Guggenheim station and Casco Viejo stop are the highest-risk boarding points.

How to avoid: Use a zipped bag worn in front of your body on public transport. Be alert at turnstiles and doors where crowding is intentional. Keep phones in an inner pocket rather than a rear pocket.

Some taxi drivers at Bilbao Airport overcharge tourists by taking longer routes or quoting flat rates above the metered fare. The official metered fare from Bilbao Airport to the city centre is approximately €25–30 during the day, rising with nighttime and weekend surcharges. Drivers may claim traffic conditions or special airport supplements to justify higher fares.

How to avoid: Use only taxis from the official rank at Bilbao Airport arrivals. Confirm the meter is running before departure. The airport metro line (Line 3) connects to the city centre for approximately €1.60 and is the most reliable option for budget travelers.

Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists in Bilbao and request to inspect their wallets or ID cards, claiming they are checking for counterfeit currency or verifying identity. The UK FCDO and multiple travel forums document this scam operating across Spain, including the Basque Country. A common variation involves a friendly stranger engaging the tourist first, with the fake officer arriving shortly after — the two are working as a team. Once the wallet is handed over, cash is palmed or the wallet is swapped.

How to avoid: Genuine Spanish police officers conducting street checks ask to see identification documents only — never your wallet or purse. If approached by someone claiming to be plainclothes police, ask to see an official badge number and insist on walking together to the nearest police station. Legitimate officers will comply; imposters will back off.