City in Basque Country, Spain
Is Bilbao LGBTQ+ friendly?
4/5Welcoming
Is Bilbao LGBTQ+ friendly?
Welcoming and relaxed, with a small, friendly scene around Casco Viejo; same-sex marriage is legal.
LGBTQ+ laws in Spain
Among the world's most accepting countries: Madrid Pride is huge, and Sitges, Torremolinos and Maspalomas are LGBTQ+ favourites. Villages are more traditional.
| Status | |
|---|---|
| Same-sex relationships legal | Yes |
| Same-sex marriage | Yes |
| Civil unions or partnerships | Yes |
| Legal gender change | Yes |
| Anti-discrimination law | Yes |
The scene in Bilbao
Where to go
- Casco Viejo
Events
- Bilbao Pride (June)
LGBTQ+ friendliness across Spain
| Place | Rating |
|---|---|
| Barcelona | 5/5 · Very welcoming |
| Madrid | 5/5 · Very welcoming |
| Valencia | 5/5 · Very welcoming |
| Mallorca | 5/5 · Very welcoming |
| Ibiza | 5/5 · Very welcoming |
| Tenerife | 5/5 · Very welcoming |
| Gran Canaria | 5/5 · Very welcoming |
| Costa del Sol | 5/5 · Very welcoming |
| Palma | 5/5 · Very welcoming |
| Las Palmas | 5/5 · Very welcoming |
| Maspalomas | 5/5 · Very welcoming |
| Sitges | 5/5 · Very welcoming |
| Seville | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Málaga | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Granada | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Lanzarote | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| San Sebastián | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Bilbao | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Alicante | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Fuerteventura | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Córdoba | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Marbella | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Menorca | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Cádiz | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Toledo | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Santiago de Compostela | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Benidorm | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Costa Blanca | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Costa Brava | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Salamanca | 4/5 · Welcoming |
Quick answers
Is Bilbao safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Welcoming and relaxed, with a small, friendly scene around Casco Viejo; same-sex marriage is legal.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Spain?
Yes.
Where are the LGBTQ+ areas in Bilbao?
Casco Viejo
More about Bilbao
Going to Bilbao solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Bilbao meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- ILGA World: legal frameworks
- BOE: Law 28/2022 (international telework visa)
- GOV.UK: Spain travel advice
- Metro Bilbao
- Bilbobus
- Bilbao Airport (Aena)
- Visit Bilbao
Ratings combine national law with local attitudes and the scene. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.