Bilbao is a dog-friendly city and, if you never go anywhere without your best friend, you’ve every reason to be excited. We’ll also tell you this: travelling to Bilbao with your pet is easy. Very easy. All you need is a little organisation and, so you don’t have to waste time figuring everything out, we’ve done the homework for you.

Let’s start with the aesthetic side of things, which in Bilbao also happens to be extremely practical: pack their raincoat. You won’t want the rain to ruin your walk, or to be the only one looking stylish in the photos. Once the outfit is sorted, it’s time to focus on the essentials for your peace of mind. Check their pet health record to make sure all compulsory vaccinations are up to date and make sure the details linked to their microchip are current. It’s also worth adding an ID tag to their collar with a phone number where you can be reached during the trip. And before you set off, do one quick search: find an emergency vet. You probably won’t need one, but if you do, your future self will thank you.

We know you’ll want to walk and spend plenty of time outdoors, but for those moments when your companion starts to look tired, it’s good to know that dogs can also use public transport in Bilbao. You’ll love travelling on the tram, where dogs of all sizes are allowed: they simply need to be kept on a lead and should avoid peak times.

Dogs are also welcome on the Bilbao Metro. There are, however, a few rules to follow: dogs weighing less than 8 kilos must travel on a lead, in their owner’s arms or inside a pet carrier, and they are not allowed to sit on seats or touch the floor. Dogs weighing more than 8 kilos must wear a muzzle, be kept on a lead no longer than 50 centimetres and cannot travel in either the first or last carriage. They are also not allowed on escalators or during peak times, or on Friday and Saturday nights.

Mount Artxanda, with its views over the city, is one of Bilbao’s must-sees, and you can explore it comfortably with your dog: the funicular that takes you to the top has a compartment where pets are allowed. Your furry friend will simply need to stay on a lead.

Three minutes, the length of the journey, is all it takes to swap tarmac for greenery. Once at the top, with one eye firmly on the views stretching out before you, set off for a walk. Artxanda forms part of Bilbao’s Green Ring and has several recreation areas where you can enjoy a picnic while your dog cools off at one of the fountains.

And if there’s one walk that seems made for discovering Bilbao with your dog, it’s the route along the estuary. Once the city’s industrial backbone, it has become one of Bilbao’s great open spaces. The route takes you past green areas, contemporary architecture and some of the city’s most iconic sights. And of course, don’t miss the chance to stop at the Guggenheim Museum. Dogs may not be allowed inside, but we’re sure your companion will want to say hello to Puppy, Jeff Koons’ enormous flower-covered dog sculpture.

Bilbao has several parks with designated dog exercise areas where dogs are allowed off the lead at certain times of day. Right in the heart of the city, it’s worth knowing about the ones in Doña Casilda Park and Etxebarria Park. They’re ideal when your dog needs to burn off some energy and get away from the pavement for a while. From November to May, they can use these areas from 7 pm to 11 am; from June to October, from 8 pm to 11 am.

The Old Town and its pintxos bars are an essential part of any trip to Bilbao, although if you’re travelling with a dog, we recommend avoiding peak times: it’ll be less crowded, you’ll have a better chance of finding a table on a terrace and there’ll be less chance of your companion spotting scraps of food on the ground. If you fancy slowing the pace, you can head to Espacio Open. This former biscuit factory has been transformed into a cultural centre. Its café, the Jardín Secreto, is a little oasis with a laid-back atmosphere where you can stop for a drink and where pets are welcome.

At Sercotel hotels in Bilbao, we don’t want anyone to be left at home. That’s why Sercotel Ayala, Sercotel Arenal Bilbao and Sercotel Coliseo Bilbao are all pet friendly. Our central locations are ideal for saving your furry companion from unnecessary journeys. When you arrive, their pet-friendly welcome kit will be waiting, helping them feel just as at home as you do. Just remember to let us know before booking that you’ll be travelling with a pet. That way, our reception team can check availability for the service, confirm that your dog or cat meets the applicable weight limit and let you know about any conditions or additional charges.