What's the biggest scam to avoid in Bilbao?

Pintxos-bar pickpocketing in the Plaza Nueva crush — bags placed on bar floors or hooks get lifted during the standing-and-eating culture. Bag strap across the body, front pocket only. The other recurring issue is bilingual menus in 5 languages signalling tourist-trap bars; locals stick to spots like Gure Toki, Sorginzulo, and Café Bar Bilbao where pintxos run €2.50-4 and quality is high. There's no significant scam culture beyond this.

Common Tourist Scams in Bilbao (and How to Avoid Them)

By The Kakapo Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-05-06 · Part of the Bilbao safety guide

Casco Viejo and Plaza Nueva — pintxos and pickpockets

The Siete Calles: the seven medieval streets of the old town. Walkable, lively, safe.
Plaza Nueva: the colonnaded square that turns into a pintxos crawl after 8pm. Crowded — keep your phone in a front pocket. Bag in front, especially during txikiteo (pintxos round).
Pintxos prices: €2.50-€4 each. A small Rioja or Txakoli (~€2). Counter culture: order, eat standing, pay at the end (honour system).
Best non-touristy bars: Gure Toki, Sorginzulo, Café Bar Bilbao. Avoid the obviously-touristy "menu in 5 languages" places.
Late-night Casco Viejo: very safe to walk.

FAQ

What's the biggest scam to avoid in Bilbao?: Pintxos-bar pickpocketing in the Plaza Nueva crush — bags placed on bar floors or hooks get lifted during the standing-and-eating culture. Bag strap across the body, front pocket only. The other recurring issue is bilingual menus in 5 languages signalling tourist-trap bars; locals stick to spots like Gure Toki, Sorginzulo, and Café Bar Bilbao where pintxos run €2.50-4 and quality is high. There's no significant scam culture beyond this.

Read the full Bilbao safety guide — score breakdown, every neighbourhood, all 4 sources →

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Sources

Scores are the Kakapo Safety Index — compiled from government travel advisories and public crime, health and transit data. All data sources.