Bilbao in winter offers a unique travel experience—modern art, historic charm, pintxos galore, and yes, lots of rain. This Basque city stays mild but wet during the colder months, so smart layering and waterproof gear are essential. From the Guggenheim Museum to the old town (Casco Viejo), your winter outfits should be as practical as they are stylish.
Expect grey skies, cool temperatures, and plenty of cobblestone walks. The locals are effortlessly chic, often layering coats, scarves, and boots for that unmistakable Basque look. Bring cozy, rain-resistant pieces that transition well from day sightseeing to evening tapas.
Whether you’re exploring modern architecture or hopping pintxo bars, your Bilbao winter packing list should balance warmth, water protection, and casual elegance.
📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Bilbao in winter. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
- 🌡️ Average temps: 6–14°C (43–57°F)
- 🌧️ Frequent rain—Bilbao is one of Spain’s rainiest cities
- 💨 Humid, damp air—layers need to be breathable and water-resistant
- 🧳 Ideal for city strolls, art museums, food tours, and day trips
What to Pack for Bilbao in Winter
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- 🧳 Carry-on suitcase – Lightweight with spinner wheels for cobbled streets
- 🧵 Packing cubes – Separate wet-weather gear and city clothes
- 👞 Shoe bags (2) – Store damp or muddy shoes
- 🧼 Toiletry bag – Waterproof and leakproof
- 📁 Document holder – For ID, reservations, and tickets
- 👜 Foldable tote – Perfect for local markets or pintxos hauls
- 🧺 Laundry kit – Useful for longer city stays
- ⚖️ Luggage scale – Avoid airline fees
- 🔒 TSA lock – Secure your gear
- 🎒 Waterproof daypack – Keep essentials dry while exploring
- 🧻 Travel towel – Handy for gym or rental accommodations
- 🛏️ Neck pillow – Great for train or plane travel
- 😴 Sleep mask – For long flights or bright streetlights
👗 Clothes
- 👕 Long-sleeve tees (3–5) – Great for layering
- 👚 Blouses or lightweight knits (2–3) – Dressy but comfy
- 🧥 Sweaters (2–3) – Wool or thermal for insulation
- 🧥 Blazer or cardigan – Stylish indoor option
- 👖 Jeans or trousers (2–3) – Dark, water-resistant fabrics preferred
- 👗 Dresses (1–2) – Pair with tights and boots
- 🧥 Waterproof coat – A must for rainy days
- 🏃 Activewear – Great for casual or day trips
- 🛌 Pajamas – Midweight for cool, humid nights
- 👙 Swimsuit – For hotels with pools or saunas
- 🩲 Underwear (daily) – Comfortable and breathable
- 🧦 Wool socks (5–7) – Keeps feet dry and warm
- 🧤 Tights/leggings (1–2) – Useful for layering
💆 Skincare
- 🧴 Cleanser – Gentle for humid winter skin
- 🧪 Toner – Balance moisture in a damp climate
- 🧴 Moisturizer – Creamy for wind and rain
- 🌞 Sunscreen – Needed even on cloudy days
- 🧼 Makeup remover – Balm or wipes
- 🧽 Exfoliator – Keep skin smooth in city air
- 👁️ Eye cream – Hydration for tired eyes
- 💦 Facial mist – Refresh between museums and tapas
- 😷 Sheet masks (1–2) – Restore after travel
- 💋 Lip balm – Wind and chill protection
- 🎯 Spot treatment – Just in case
💄 Makeup
- 💄 Tinted moisturizer – With SPF and hydration
- 🕳️ Concealer – Brighten rainy-day under-eyes
- 🧼 Powder – Keep shine down in humidity
- 🌸 Cream blush – Adds color and glow
- ✨ Highlighter – Subtle radiance for gray skies
- 🌞 Bronzer – Bring warmth to your look
- 🎨 Neutral eyeshadow palette – Versatile tones
- ✏️ Waterproof eyeliner – Rain-ready
- 👁️ Mascara – Smudge-proof essential
- 💎 Brow gel – Tame in damp air
- 💋 Lipstick/tint (2–3) – Moisturizing and stylish
- 💦 Setting spray – Lock in your look
- 🖌️ Brushes – Travel set only
💇 Hair Care
- 🖌️ Brush or comb – Compact and anti-static
- 🪢 Hair ties + clips – For misty days
- 🧴 Shampoo/conditioner – Moisture-rich formulas
- 🌬️ Dry shampoo – Perfect for travel days
- 🔥 Heat protectant – If styling indoors
- 🌊 Styling cream – Prevent frizz in humidity
- 💨 Mini dryer – Confirm voltage compatibility
- 🧊 Straightener or curler – Optional
- 💧 Hair oil or serum – Control frizz and dryness
- 🎀 Accessories – Headband, scarf, or clips
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- 👢 Waterproof boots – Stylish and functional
- 👟 Walking shoes – With solid grip for slick streets
- 🥿 Flats or loafers – For evenings out
- 🧣 Scarf – Wool or thermal blend
- 🧤 Gloves – Touchscreen-friendly if possible
- 🎩 Hat or beanie – For warmth and style
- 🕶️ Sunglasses – Glare can surprise you
- 💍 Minimal jewelry – Less is more when traveling
- ⌚ Watch – Stay on time without your phone
- 👜 Crossbody bag – Anti-theft style preferred
- 🌂 Compact umbrella – A true Bilbao essential
📑 Documents & Essentials
- 🛂 Passport + backup copy – Always carry
- 📄 Visa (if required) – Spain is in the Schengen zone
- 🪪 Driver’s license – Optional, but good ID backup
- 🩺 Travel insurance – Include health & trip coverage
- 🎫 Tickets – Trains, museums, and tours
- 🗺️ Itinerary – Printed and digital
- 💳 Euros + card – Bilbao still values cash
- 📍 Offline maps – Especially for the old town
- 🧾 Receipts – For returns or expense tracking
- 🖊️ Notebook + pen – Notes or journaling
- 👛 RFID wallet – Security on public transport
- 💎 Keep valuables minimal and in carry-on
🚑 First Aid
- 🩹 Blister plasters – City walking = foot care
- 🧻 Antiseptic wipes – Handy and compact
- 🩺 First aid mini kit – Include basics like gauze
- 🩸 Period supplies – Pack what works for you
- ✂️ Tweezers + scissors – Compact tools
- 🌡️ Thermometer – Optional for peace of mind
- 🧴 Cotton swabs/pads – Multi-use item
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- 💊 Prescription meds – Enough for the trip
- 😷 Pain relief – For travel aches or colds
- 🤧 Allergy meds – Humid air can trigger reactions
- 🚢 Motion sickness pills – Bus or boat travel
- 💊 Daily vitamins – Immune boost
- 🧼 Hand sanitizer – Carry always
- 🧻 Wipes – Surfaces or quick clean-ups
- 🦟 Bug spray – Unlikely needed in winter
- ❤️ Contraceptives – If relevant
- 👁️ Eye drops – For wind or dry air
- 🪞 Mirror – Small and useful
- 🪥 Toothbrush/paste – Travel-sized
- 🧵 Floss – Easy to forget but essential
- 🧴 Deodorant – Solid is travel-safe
- 🪒 Razor – With travel guard
- 💅 Nail kit – File, clippers
- 🌸 Perfume – Rollerball or mini spray
- 🧻 Pocket tissues – Especially useful in public toilets
📱 Tech & Electronics
- 📱 Smartphone – GPS, camera, translator all in one
- 💻 Tablet/laptop – Optional but useful for remote work
- 📷 Camera – Capture Guggenheim and old town
- 🔌 Chargers – Phone, power bank, etc.
- 🔋 Power bank – Explore all day worry-free
- 📎 Cable organizer – No more tangles
- 🔌 EU adapter – Spain uses Type C/F plugs
- 💽 Backup drive or cloud – Save your photos
- 🗺️ Offline maps and travel apps – Download in advance
- 📶 eSIM/SIM – Avoid roaming fees
- 📖 E-reader – Great for downtime
- 🎧 Headphones – For walks, flights, or cafés
- 📱 Waterproof phone case – Bilbao rain protection
🎧 Entertainment
- 📚 Book – Great for cafés or trains
- 🎬 Downloaded movies/shows – Wi-Fi may vary
- 🎧 Podcasts & playlists – Pintxos and vibes
- 📓 Journal – Capture memories
- 🎲 Cards or mini games – Travel fun
- 📰 Magazines – Lightweight and easy to carry
🎁 Extras
- 🥨 Snacks – Keep hunger at bay between pintxos
- 💧 Water bottle – Stay hydrated on the go
- 🛍️ Market bag – For local goods or groceries
- 🧼 Detergent sheets – For washing socks or tees
- 🧵 Sewing kit – Loose buttons happen
- 📣 Safety whistle – Good for solo travelers
- 🧽 Lint roller – Great for dark clothes
- 🦶 Footrest – Comfort for long travel days
- 👃 Shoe deodorizer – Damp shoes = smells
- 🌙 Sleep aid – Adjust to time zone or noisy rooms
🌍 Travel Tips
- ✈️ Review airline bag policies
- 📲 Download Bilbao Metro + Euskotren apps
- 🏨 Confirm all bookings and arrival plans
- 👕 Put day-one outfit on top of bag
- 💼 Keep essentials in your personal item
- 📸 Photograph your bag for ID
- 🏦 Let your bank know you’re abroad
🛂 Visa Tips
- 📆 Apply early if you need a Schengen visa
- 🖨️ Print your bookings and insurance
- 🖼️ Bring passport photos just in case
- 🎟️ Keep proof of return/onward travel
- 🔍 Learn customs rules if bringing gifts/food
⭐ Must-Haves
- 🛂 Passport + visa (if needed)
- 🧥 Waterproof coat
- 💳 Cards + cash (euros)
- 🎒 Day bag
- 📱 Phone + charger + EU adapter
- 🧤 Scarf + gloves
- 💧 Water bottle
- 💊 Medications
- 🗺️ Travel apps/maps
👍 Good-to-Have
- 💧 Hydration pack – For day hikes
- 🧺 Travel steamer – For wrinkle-free outfits
- 😴 Sleep mask + earplugs
- 🎧 Quality headphones
- 🧣 Blanket scarf – Stylish and cozy
- 🦴 Neck pillow – For flights or buses
- 🏷️ Luggage tag – Easy ID
- 🌂 Backup umbrella – You’ll need it
- 📶 SIM/eSIM – Local data without roaming
- 🛍️ Extra tote – For souvenirs and snacks
