There is one thing and one thing only that makes Bilbao a good short break destination and that is Bilbao’s landmark – the Guggenheim. Towering over Bilbao, this angular steel edifice shimmers like gold in the mid-day sun attracting visitors including gay travelers from all over the world to this part of the Basque region.
This is not to say that Bilbao doesn’t have its fare share of gay nightlife. Several gay hangouts are situated in the San Francisco district, located just across the Merced Bridge in the pedestrian area of the Casco Viejo. By day the cobblestone streets fill up with gorgeous cafes and as night approaches the area gives way to a lively nightlife.
The scene is small but offers a mix of culture and scene with its dozen or so gay bars, clubs and saunas to visit.
Just remember though that you came for the Guggenheim and that anything else is a plus in what just ten short years ago was a pretty run down industrial region and port.