Exercise Increased Caution
“Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in Spain due to terrorism and civil unrest.”
Updated Mon, 12 May 2025
Full advisory →Is Bilbao safe? 🇪🇸
Spain · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Bilbao scores 84/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Bilbao is a low‑risk destination for visitors, with petty theft as the primary safety concern. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Bilbao 🇪🇸
Spain · Assessed 29 July 2026
84
/ 100
Yes — generally safe
Safer than ~91% of countries
What drives this score
Crime84/100GoodCrime index 48.8 / 100 · city-level
Sentiment86/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories72Good
Stability75Good
Health76Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
No advisory against travel
“Wildfires in Madrid and Avila Spanish authorities have declared a national emergency because of wildfires in parts of Madrid and Ávila. There are also reports of wildfires in other inland areas of Spain.”
Updated 2026-07-26T10:37:34Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Spain: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-07-24T05:01:59.364592-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Homicide rate
0.7 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6Spain0.7World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
97
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging and armed robbery against tourists are rare; incidents are limited to isolated street altercations in peripheral neighborhoods after dark
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing is common in crowded venues like the Guggenheim, Ribera Market, and on public transport; use anti‑theft bags and keep items secured
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
86/100
Reported feel84Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors generally feel safe walking during daylight and in central districts, with only minor concerns about petty crime after dark
Yes — Bilbao is a low‑risk destination for visitors, with petty theft as the primary safety concern.
Bilbao’s composite safety index of 83 reflects strong overall safety, but recent wildfire alerts and localized protests raise situational awareness. Visitor‑reported feeling of safety remains high, though isolated incidents of civil unrest have occurred.
Recent developments
- Jun 2026Pro‑Palestinian protest at Bilbao airport turned violent, with police using force against demonstrators; no injuries reported but heightened police presence— The Jerusalem Post
- May 2026Multiple wildfire alerts across northern Spain, including a red‑level fire 232 km away, prompting regional air‑quality warnings— GDACS / USGS
- Jun 2026Extreme heat wave with temperatures reaching 34 °C, leading to health advisories for outdoor activity— PBS
Common scams
- Pickpocketing in crowded areas such as the Guggenheim Museum and Ribera Market
- Taxi overcharging and unlicensed rides
- Fake police or security personnel demanding documentation
Full briefing
Bilbao is generally safe for travelers, but the data shows a moderate risk of pickpocketing in busy spots such as the Guggenheim Museum and Ribera Market, and a low risk of violent robbery. Recent incidents include a pro‑Palestinian protest at the airport in June 2026 that led to a heavy police response (The Jerusalem Post) and several wildfire alerts across northern Spain, including a red‑level fire 232 km away (GDACS/USGS). The city also experienced an extreme heat wave in June 2026, with temperatures hitting 34 °C (PBS). Overall, visitors report feeling largely secure during daylight hours in central neighborhoods, though they should stay vigilant with belongings and avoid poorly lit peripheral areas after dark.
The current situation calls for heightened awareness of petty theft and occasional civil unrest. Keep your valuables secured, use only licensed transportation, and monitor local news for any sudden protests or environmental alerts. Emergency services are readily accessible — dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire assistance, and note the locations of nearby hospitals such as Basurto University Hospital. By following these precautions, you can enjoy Bilbao’s cultural attractions while minimizing safety concerns.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Bilbao districts for visitors: 4 safer, 3 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Bilbao safety map.
MiribillaavoidHillside district with sporadic reports of anti-social behavior and lower police presence; avoid after dark.
Casco ViejocautionHistoric old town; generally safe day and evening but pickpocketing reported in crowded areas around major sights.
San FranciscocautionSteep alleys can feel isolated after dark; footsteps echo, exercise caution at night despite daytime safety.
Bilbao La ViejacautionTrendy area with nightlife; generally safe but petty theft possible in crowded bars and streets after dark.
AbandosaferModern commercial district; well-lit, strong police presence, busy atmosphere, very safe for tourists day and night.
AbandoibarrasaferCentral business district with Guggenheim Museum and transport hubs; very safe with modern infrastructure, standard vigilance for pickpockets advised.
SantutxusaferUniversity district across the river; youthful atmosphere, good lighting, regular police patrols, generally safe.
IndautxusaferResidential area with good infrastructure and lighting; low crime reports, suitable for visitors.
07 · After Dark
Is Bilbao safe at night?
78% of people in Spain say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2013).
Mugging and armed robbery against tourists are rare; incidents are limited to isolated street altercations in peripheral neighborhoods after dark
After dark, be most careful around Miribilla, Casco Viejo, San Francisco, Bilbao La Vieja. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Bilbao's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight84
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight84
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight83
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight84
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight82
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight83
09 · Questions
Bilbao safety FAQ
Is Bilbao safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Bilbao is a low‑risk destination for visitors, with petty theft as the primary safety concern. Bilbao’s composite safety index of 83 reflects strong overall safety, but recent wildfire alerts and localized protests raise situational awareness. Visitor‑reported feeling of safety remains high, though isolated incidents of civil unrest have occurred. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Which areas of Bilbao should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Miribilla as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Bilbao?
- Pickpocketing in crowded areas such as the Guggenheim Museum and Ribera Market
- Taxi overcharging and unlicensed rides
- Fake police or security personnel demanding documentation
How does Bilbao compare with other places in Spain?
Bilbao ranks #6 of 9 Spain destinations we've assessed, scoring 84/100. See the Spain safety overview for the full list.
How is this Bilbao safety score calculated?
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
More Spain reports
6 reportsNearby destinations
4 reportsSimilar safety profile
4 reportsBrowse the Spain safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: bilbao.json (CC BY 4.0).