The transportation card provided by the Bilbao tourist office included two free guided walking tours of the city. I am not a big fan of guided tours, but the tourist rep seemed so genuinely aggrieved by my demurral,  I caved and accepted both signups, even though I knew I’d at most make it through one.

The hop on/hop off bus worked so well in Toledo, I looked forward to riding it again to get to know Bilbao. I was informed, though, at the conveniently located tourist office (directly across from the train station) that the bus (note “the” bus) had broken down and was not in service.