Planning a trip to Bilbao in Spain and wondering what there is to see and do in the city? Or maybe you are not sure if Bilbao is worth visiting and want to get a better idea of what to expect? In this guide, we share the main attractions and best things to do in Bilbao for first-time visitors, as well as our observations and experience-based tips. Take a look!
Let’s cut straight to the chase and start with what makes Bilbao so special and why you should visit.
The biggest city in the Basque Country, Bilbao has undergone an incredible transformation in recent decades. It’s remarkable to see how a grey industrial town turned into a vibrant city and became one of the top tourist destinations in northern Spain.
Best known to art lovers for its impressive Guggenheim Museum and to football fans as home to the iconic Athletic Bilbao club, Bilbao has a lot more to offer than it looks at first sight!
With its charming Old Town (Casco Viejo), revitalized riverfront, vibrant culinary scene, and unique blend of modern innovation and traditional Basque culture, Bilbao is absolutely worth visiting! Whether you are an art lover, a foodie, or simply seeking to explore lesser-known places that aren’t overrun by tourists (yet), Bilbao will not disappoint.
However, if you want to uncover the best that Bilbao has to offer, you have to look deeper (and explore beyond Guggenheim!). We hope that this guide showcasing the best things to do in Bilbao will not only inspire you to visit but also help you experience the very best of this unique city.
Read on for our tips on what to see and do in Bilbao (we also included a map indicating all the top spots!)
Top 3 Experiences in Bilbao (Our Favorites):
Here are the very best things to do in Bilbao:
1. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
The Guggenheim Museum is Bilbao’s most iconic landmark. Designed by the renowned Canadian architect Frank Gehry and opened in 1997, this contemporary art museum is as famous for its architecture as for its impressive art collection.
The impact of the Guggenheim Museum on Bilbao was so big that it helped to leave its industrial past behind and transition into the modern vibrant city it is today. It also put Bilbao (and with it the entire Spanish Basque Country) on the radar of millions of visitors from all over the world.
Many people travel to Bilbao just to see the Guggenheim Museum. And indeed, the titanium-clad structure is absolutely impressive. However, if you do some research online, you will also find opinions saying that it’s not worth visiting inside… I wouldn’t agree with that.
If you come to Bilbao, then visiting the Guggenheim Museum is a must-do! It’s not a big museum and the collection is quite limited, but it features some amazing works by famous contemporary artists. We saw many of the same names as on our recent visits to MoMA in New York City or The Broad in Los Angeles. In addition, they often have some really good temporary exhibitions.
We visited the Guggenheim Museum with our teens and they were also quite intrigued about some works. As always with art, and especially modern art, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We may not always understand it, but it’s good to open your horizons and see something different once in a while. So I say go and check it out!
Practical info: The museum is open every day except on Mondays. Under-18s visit free of charge and there are big discounts for students and seniors. You can book tickets in advance, but it’s not an absolute must. We heard that it can sometimes get very busy at the ticket desk so we bought our tickets online while walking to the museum, but there was no queue when we visited at the beginning of July. For tickets and other info, see the official website.
Good to know: Count about 1 hour for a visit inside, and don’t forget to check out all the artwork outside too (more info about it below).
TIP: If you want to learn more about this unique museum and all the art inside and outside, consider booking a guided tour. There are daily tours starting at different times, so it’s easy to find one that fits your itinerary.
2. Puppy, Maman & Other Art Installations at Guggenheim
In addition to the remarkable architecture and all the art inside the Guggenheim Museum, there are many amazing artworks to be found outside the museum. These are free to visit and a must-do in Bilbao!
You can’t really miss the giant flower-covered Puppy sculpture by American artist Jeff Koons. It greets you as you walk toward the entrance of the museum and is one of the most photographed Bilbao landmarks. What makes it even more special is that the Puppy has a different ‘coat’ in different seasons.
Just as impressive is the Maman sculpture by Louise Bourgeois. You can find this gigantic 9-meter spider at the back of the museum, by the river.
Other remarkable artworks include Fire Fountain by Yves Klein, Fog Sculpture by Fujiko Nakaya, and Tall Tree & The Eye by Anish Kapoor.
The arch on top of La Salve Bridge over River Nervion is also a piece of art related to the museum. This colossal Red Arc by French artist Daniel Buren was added to an existing bridge at the 10th anniversary of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
Good to know: Some of these installations – like the fire or the fog – are only visible at certain times of the day. The fog is normally activated every hour on the hour and the fire – after dark. The red arch is also lit up in the evenings for a few minutes every hour.
Starting times might differ per season, so if you want to see some of these art installations in action, it’s best to ask for more info at the museum. For some reason, they don’t publish this info on their website.
3. Old Town
Bilbao’s Old Town (Casco Viejo) is the historic heart of the city. It’s located to the east of Nervion River, about 25 minutes walk from the Guggenheim Museum, and a world apart in terms of atmosphere.
Its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with historical sites, charming shops, and traditional pintxos bars (more about these later). It’s a wonderful area to explore on foot since most streets are pedestrianized and even bikes are not allowed in the biggest part of the old town.
One of the must-sees here is the Cathedral Basilica of Saint James, a stunning Gothic church dating back to the 14th century. If it’s open, take a look inside and check out the cloister and the garden.
Don’t miss the 19th-century Neoclassical Plaza Nueva Square. You can find many great eateries under its shady arcades.
Some other places you have to see in the old town include the Teatro Arriaga, the Church of San Antón, and the nearby Puente de San Antón, the oldest bridge in Bilbao. Be sure to check out the colorful buildings at Martzana Kaia on the other side of the river!
If you have lots of extra time, you may also want to check out the Archaeological Museum, the Basque History Museum, and the Bidebarrieta City Library.
4. La Ribera Market
La Ribera Market is one of Europe’s largest covered markets. The origins of this market go back to the 14th century. Located by the river in the old town, the current building dates from 1929 and has been beautifully restored.
With its unique architecture and diverse offerings, La Ribeira Market is not just a marketplace but a vibrant hub of local life and a great place for sampling Basque specialties.
On one side, you can find a food market with colorful stalls brimming with fresh seafood, meats, cheeses, and local produce. On the other side, there is a food court with various food stalls and eateries where you can enjoy a variety of pintxos and other local dishes in a lively atmosphere.
Good to know: La Ribera Market is open daily from 8 AM (Sundays from 11 AM) until midnight. For the food market, it’s best to visit in the mornings, but many bars and restaurants stay open almost all day. You can find more practical information and all opening times on this website (in Spanish or Basque).
5. Pintxos
No visit to Bilbao is complete without savoring the renowned Basque cuisine and the famous pintxos which are basically the Basque version of Spanish tapas. You will find them in local bars, cafés, and restaurants all over the region.
Pintxos are small, flavorful bites, typically served on a piece of bread topped with all kinds of ingredients. These could vary from cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables to local seafood like cod and anchovies, etc.
TIP: While there are tons of great restaurants all over the city, the best way to experience local Basque food is by joining a pintxos tour with a local guide. There are quite a few food tours to choose from with somewhat different angles – some focus on more local experiences and even take you to a market while others opt for more high-end experiences.
After some research (and also to fit with our itinerary), we opted for this highly-rated Basque food tour and it was the highlight of our visit to Bilbao! We explored several different neighborhoods, hopping from one pintxos bar to another – literally, tasting our way through the city. Everything was absolutely delicious and we got more than enough food (and drinks) for a full dinner.
PRO TIP: Do a food tour on the first day/evening when you arrive. It’s a great introduction to the city, plus, you can benefit from all the local tips for the rest of your stay.
Not sure how to plan your time? Check this out: How to See the Best of Bilbao in 1 Day
6. The Banks of the Nervión River
Bilbao’s riverfront has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now a vibrant space with modern architecture, green parks, and a series of walking paths and bike lanes.
One of the best things to do in Bilbao is stroll along the promenade, taking in the blend of old and new that characterizes Bilbao.
The nicest stretch to explore on foot is between the La Concordia Station and the Guggenheim Museum. Don’t miss the stained glass window inside the station and Zubizuri Bridge, plus various sculptures nearby.
To the south, check out the area around the earlier-mentioned La Ribeira Market and the colorful buildings of Martzana Kaia. In addition, check out the covered open-air market Gure Lurreko Merkatua. On Saturday mornings, there is a small farmers market here.
The river banks further north, beyond the Guggenheim Museum are also nice to explore – on foot or by bike. Check out the views from the pedestrian bridge Pedro Arrupe Zubia. The area around the Maritime Museum (Itsasmuseum Bilbao) and the museum itself are very interesting too as they give you a glimpse into the city’s past.
PRO TIP: There is no better way to see a lot of Bilbao in a short time than by taking a bike tour! There are several bike tours to choose from. Most of them offer similar itineraries and take you to many places mentioned above. Alternatively, you can also rent a bike and explore on your own, just be sure to ask for a map and some route suggestions.
We did this highly-rated city highlights bike tour first thing when we arrived in Bilbao. We covered lots of ground in 2 hours and it gave us a good overview of the city. Plus, the guide shared lots of extra tips for places to visit afterward. It’s well worth it!
Just in case you wonder, the tour is rather easy-going and pretty flat. But they also have e-bikes available if you prefer. Most of the time, we biked on bicycle paths and through the park, only a small part of the tour was on the city streets.
7. Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park
Known as the city’s green lung, Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park is another nice place to visit in Bilbao. If you take a bike tour, you will likely come here by bike, and otherwise, it’s just a 10-minute walk from Guggenheim.
With beautiful fountains, a duck pond, and lush gardens, the park provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are also many benches where you can rest a bit from all the sightseeing in Bilbao.
If you are traveling with kids, you will be glad to know that there is a nice playground here as well.
Good to know: In the evenings, you can see a colorful light show at the fountains in the center of the park.
8. Views from Mount Artxanda
For panoramic views of Bilbao, take the funicular to the top of Mount Artxanda.
The journey is short but the views are spectacular, offering a sweeping vista of the city and the surrounding hills. It’s an ideal spot to be at sunset, but it’s nice to do at any time of the day.
There are also several restaurants at the top if you want to get a drink or some lunch.
Good to know: The funicular station can be found just a few blocks north of Zubizuri Bridge (we indicated it on our map). Funicular runs frequently, every 10 minutes or so. The journey takes just 5 minutes and costs a few euros round-trip. You can also take a funicular up and walk down but that would likely take about one hour.
9. Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is located just near the Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park and just a few minutes walk from the Guggenheim, but it’s not nearly as known as its famous neighbor. But if you like traditional art museums, check it out!
The Museum of Fine Arts boasts a diverse collection ranging from medieval to contemporary art. You can see works by famous painters such as Francisco de Goya, El Greco, and Paul Gauguin to mention just a few.
At the moment, this museum is being remodeled, so only a part is open. However, you can see a nice part of the permanent collection and also some temporary exhibitions. It’s also free to visit during renovation.
TIP: Be sure to check opening times and other practical information on the official website. Otherwise, just pop in since you will likely pass here anyway.
10. San Mamés Stadium
No guide to Bilbao would be complete without mentioning the San Mamés Stadium, also known as “La Catedral” of football.
Home to Athletic Club Bilbao, this modern stadium combines cutting-edge design with the club’s rich history. It’s a must-visit for football enthusiasts! For our teenage boys, a visit here was the highlight of Bilbao.
Interesting to know: While most football clubs spend millions to acquire star players from other countries, the Athletic Club only works with local, Basque players. This is absolutely unique among the top clubs playing at the highest level. So it will come as no surprise that locals support their football club like nowhere else in the world.
Recently, Athletic Club Bilbao won a big championship and more than a million people gathered by the river to cheer their team as they traveled through Bilbao by boat.
Practical info: You can get tickets online and visit the impressive stadium and the club museum on your own. Alternatively, you can also join a guided tour which is a bit more expensive. We upgraded our tickets to the tour, but it was conducted in three languages and took forever. We found that it wasn’t really worth the time it took. You can see just as much on your own.
11. Gran Vía & Surroundings
Gran Vía Don Diego López de Haro, or simply Gran Vía is the heart of the main shopping area of Bilbao. It crosses the city center all the way between the La Concordia Station to the east to San Mamés Stadium to the west.
In addition to shopping, this area is also interesting to visit because it houses some of the most beautiful buildings in Bilbao.
Check out the Plaza de Federico Moyúa town square with the Chávarri Palace, and El Corte Inglés department store. The Biscay Council Hall (not to be confused with the Bilbao City Hall on the other side of the river – which is also nice to see, btw) can also be visited inside and is well worth a few minutes of your time.
+ More Places to Visit In & Near Bilbao
In addition to the top places and very best things to do in Bilbao mentioned above, here are a few more suggestions for places to see in and near the city if you have more time.
Additional suggestions for things to do in Bilbao:
- Sightseeing boat tour is a great way to see more of Bilbao or even travel outside the city. The 1-hour tours travel up to the Zorrozaurre riverbank and run multiple times a day. Longer tours go all the way to the sea, passing the impressive Vizcaya Bridge.
- Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga Bilbao) is a cultural and leisure center housed in a beautifully renovated wine warehouse.
- Maritime Museum is located on the former site of the Euskalduna shipyard, which played a significant role in Bilbao’s industrial development. It’s one of the best places to learn about the city’s past and its transformation. Part of the exhibition is located outside (old ships, etc.) and can be seen when passing by. We saw it as part of the bike tour.
More ideas for things to do near Bilbao:
- Gaztelugatxe is a picturesque rocky islet on the rugged coast of the Bay of Biscay. It’s a must-do when visiting Bilbao! If you don’t have a car, check out guided tours that include this magical place in their itineraries. Here you can find our detailed guide and tips for visiting Gaztelugatxe.
- San Sebastian is a beautiful coastal resort and one of the most popular day trips from Bilbao. TIP: Some guided tours visit San Sebastian and Gaztelugatxe in one day – it’s one of the best day trips you can do in the area.
- La Rioja wine region. One of the most famous wine regions in Spain is located just a short drive from Bilbao. The scenery is amazing and several wine houses are world-known for their unique architecture, so it’s really worth a trip! TIP: the best way to explore the region and taste some wine is with a guided tour. Some tours focus on architecture and wine, others more on wine, some are group tours, and others (semi-) private so you can easily find one that suits your interests.
- Coastal towns near Bilbao. There are many beautiful places to visit near Bilbao if you have more time. Nearby, you can visit the towns of Portugalete and Getxo connected by the Vizcaya Bridge. A bit further away, check out Mundaka, Bermeo, Zumaia, or Getaria to mention just a few. Gernika is worth a short stop too (you may recognize the name from one of Picasso’s most famous anti-war paintings Guernica). Some of these places can be visited with guided tours, often in combination with Gaztelugatxe or San Sebastian. For example, this popular tour visits Gaztelugatxe, Gernika, and Mundaka.
READ ALSO: Bilbao – San Sebastian Itinerary
Map of the Best Places to See in Bilbao
To help you plan your visit, we created a map indicating all the places to see in Bilbao mentioned in this article.
How to use this map: Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.
So, this wraps up our guide to the very best of Bilbao. As you can see, it’s a truly unique city that has a lot more to offer than it might look at first sight. From world-class museums and stunning architecture to delicious food and vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone. But there is more, an atmosphere that I can’t put into words, that makes Bilbao more than worth a trip.
In addition, the Spanish Basque Country is a true gem still waiting to be discovered. We visited several towns in the area on a few occasions and every one of those places exceeded all our expectations. If you take the time to explore deeper, you will be pleasantly surprised by how much Bilbao and the area around it has to offer!
So if you are still wondering if Bilbao is worth a trip, I say go for it! Just be sure to spend at least a few days in the area and explore beyond the city as well!
More travel inspiration for Spain:
- Top places:
- Barcelona:
- Madrid:
- Seville:
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