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Bilbao, Spain

Destination Guide

Bilbao

Spain

Best things to do in Bilbao

35 curated attractions in Bilbao, Spain. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

May - October

Average temp

15°C/59°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Generally safe

About Bilbao

Bilbao's transformation from a gritty industrial port to a design-forward cultural hub started with the arrival of the Guggenheim Museum in 1997, which not only reshaped the city skyline but also its economic future. The striking modern architecture of Frank Gehry's museum sparked a wave of redevelopment, leading to sleek waterfront promenades and stylish new buildings. In the shadow of this iconic structure, you’ll find a mix of historic and contemporary elements, from the narrow streets of Casco Viejo to the shiny Euskalduna Bridge. The city is a center for arts, with a thriving local food scene symbolized by La Ribera Market, while the famous Athletic Club Museum showcases the city's deep love for football. Visitors come for the unique blend of old and new, and quite possibly to see what all the Guggenheim fuss is about.

Who it's for

Art and architecture lovers will thrive here, especially if they appreciate the kind of city that redefines itself. Not ideal for those looking for a traditional beach holiday, as the coastal area is more about industry than leisure. If you prefer your cities to be less on the cutting edge and more in the past, you might feel a bit out of place.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The city center is compact and walkable, taking about twenty minutes to traverse on foot
  • The metro system is efficient and covers both the city and surrounding areas well
  • Funicular de Artxanda offers a quick ride to panoramic views but might be crowded on weekends
  • The nearest major airport is Bilbao Airport, about thirty minutes from downtown by public transport
Ría de Bilbao

Ría de Bilbao

Rivers, canyons & gorges
Santiago Cathedral

Santiago Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals
Santimamiñe Caves

Santimamiñe Caves

Caves & cenotes
Plaza Moyúa

Plaza Moyúa

Squares & plazas
Puppy

Puppy

Cultural
Plaza Nueva

Plaza Nueva

Squares & plazas
Bilbao City Hall

Bilbao City Hall

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Bilbao's street art

Bilbao's street art

Street art districts
Iberdrola Tower

Iberdrola Tower

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Parque de Doña Casilda

Parque de Doña Casilda

City parks
Doña Casilda Park

Doña Casilda Park

City parks
Bizkaia Bridge

Bizkaia Bridge

Bridges
La Salve Bridge

La Salve Bridge

Bridges
San Mamés Stadium

San Mamés Stadium

Stadiums & sports venues
Maman Sculpture

Maman Sculpture

Cultural
Arriaga Theatre

Arriaga Theatre

Theatres & opera houses
Basilica of Begoña

Basilica of Begoña

Churches & cathedrals
Monte Artxanda

Monte Artxanda

Mountains & volcanoes
Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall

Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall

Concert halls
Azkuna Zentroa

Azkuna Zentroa

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Casco Viejo (Old Town)

Casco Viejo (Old Town)

Old towns & historic quarters
Palacio de la Diputación Foral de Vizcaya

Palacio de la Diputación Foral de Vizcaya

Castles & palaces
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Art museums & galleries
Bilbao Exhibition Centre

Bilbao Exhibition Centre

Stadiums & sports venues
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

Art museums & galleries
Funicular de Artxanda

Funicular de Artxanda

Observation decks & city views
Deusto Bridge

Deusto Bridge

Bridges
Moyua Square

Moyua Square

Squares & plazas
Euskalduna Bridge

Euskalduna Bridge

Bridges
Basque Museum

Basque Museum

History museums
Bilbao Maritime Museum

Bilbao Maritime Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Etxebarria Park

Etxebarria Park

City parks
Zubizuri Bridge

Zubizuri Bridge

Bridges
Deusto University

Deusto University

Historic libraries & universities
Athletic Club Museum

Athletic Club Museum

Specialty & quirky museums

Where to eat in Bilbao

The places worth planning a meal around.

Café Iruña

Café Iruña

Basque · $$

★ 4.2 · 15,413 reviews

Café Bar Bilbao

Café Bar Bilbao

Spanish · $$

★ 4.4 · 3,853 reviews

Kokken

Kokken

Scandinavian · $$$

★ 4.5 · 2,142 reviews

Asador Etxebarri⭐ Michelin

Asador Etxebarri

Basque · $$$$

★ 4.3 · 1,896 reviews

Café Originale

Café Originale

Basque, Café · $$

★ 4.6 · 1,277 reviews

Bistró Guggenheim Bilbao

Bistró Guggenheim Bilbao

Basque

★ 4.3 · 1,235 reviews

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