Are you visiting Bilbao and wondering what this city has to offer, where to go, what places to visit and the absolute best things to do in Bilbao? We’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll provide all the highlights of Bilbao, along with our personal recommendations and favourites.
A visit to Bilbao is a highlight of any trip to northern Spain. As the largest city in the Basque Country, located at the mouth of the Nervión River on the Bay of Biscay, Bilbao offers a diverse array of experiences ranging from art, to culture and food.
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Discover the lively streets of Bilbao, taste the flavours of Basque cuisine, and immerse yourself in the cultural experiences for which Bilbao is renowned. Whether you’re captivated by its stunning architecture, intrigued by its rich history, enjoying a stroll along the revitalised waterfront or the beautiful beaches, or simply looking to sample its culinary delights, a visit to Bilbao promises an unforgettable experience and a wealth of highlights.
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Bilbao things to do and highlights
Depending on how many days you spend in the city, you will either be able to visit all the major Bilbao tourist attractions or just a few of the highlights. Here are some of the best things to see in Bilbao when you have limited time:
- Guggenheim Museum Guided Tour: Visit the Guggenheim Museum with an official museum guide to learn more about the modern and contemporary art exhibitions.
- Sightseeing Boat Tour: Discover the Bilbao Estuary and all the highlights along the Nervión River front by sightseeing boat.
- Bilbao Food and Wine pairing tour: A guided walking tour of the best bars in Bilbao to sample delicious pintxos with a glass of local wine or beer.
- Discover the highlights of Bilbao by e-bike: Spend half a day cycling through Bilbao by bike with a guide learning all about the highlights, history and culture.
Visit the Guggenheim Museum
A visit to the Guggenheim Museum is one of the top things to do in Bilbao and a must see, both from the outside and inside.
The building itself is a very special and stunning piece of art designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry. Inaugurated in 1997, it has become the city’s biggest tourist attraction. The outside of the building features a unique, futuristic design with curved forms and structures made of limestone, glass, and titanium.
Not only is the Guggenheim an architectural masterpiece, but it also had a major impact on the transformation of the Bilbao skyline, known as the ‘Guggenheim Effect’ or the ‘Bilbao Effect.’ This phenomenon has given the city’s economy, tourism, and cultural scene a significant boost.
Additionally, don’t miss the outdoor sculptures, including the iconic ‘Puppy’ by Jeff Koons and the massive spider sculpture ‘Maman’ by Louise Bourgeois. These pieces are really special to visit and have almost become a landmark of their own.
Good to know: When visiting, keep in mind that the flowers that make up the floral coat of ‘Puppy’ are changed twice a year, in May and October, during which you cannot see the entire sculpture.
The interior of the Guggenheim is filled with an impressive array of modern and contemporary art exhibits. The museum spans three floors, showcasing a diverse range of artworks from small-scale pieces to enormous installations. Even if you are not a big art lover, the museum offers a wonderful place to spend a few hours, with its engaging and thought-provoking exhibitions.
TIP: Included in the entry ticket is an audioguide which I highly recommend using. It explained the majority of the pieces of art on exhibition making me appreciate the artist and artwork even more.
We were told a visit to the museum would take about 2 to 3 hours but we spent just over 5 hours inside, enjoying every exhibition and taking our time to fully appreciate what there is to see. And we are not really big modern and contemporary art lovers. We would have probably spent even longer but the museum was closing its doors. So if you are planning to enter, do take your time especially if you are spending a few days in the city.
Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Guggenheim website for a specific time slot. However, if tickets are sold out online, you can still try to purchase them at the entrance, subject to availability. Or book a private guided tour to get more in depth information while visiting.
Take a stroll through the Casco Viejo (Old Town)
The Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s historical town center, is the oldest part of the city, dating back to the 1400s. Originally, it consisted of seven main streets within the city walls interconnected by small alleyways. Although it has since expanded, it is still known today as The Seven Streets, or Zazpikaleak in Basque.
Today, the Old Quarter is a social, vibrant, and lively place full of character, culture, and history. It boasts a bustling mix of narrow streets with quirky shops, numerous bars, restaurants, and cafes. It’s the perfect area to sample delicious pintxos (Basque tapas), sip on local Txakoli (wine), and soak up the lively atmosphere.
Casco Viejo is not a large area, but it’s great to explore both day and night. Wander down its streets to explore and enjoy the colourful architecture and marvel at local landmarks like the Teatro Arriaga, Mercado de la Ribera and Santiago Cathedral.
TIP: In order to learn more about the buildings, the history and gastronomy of the Old Quarter, you can join this Old Quarter guided walking tour.
Go on a Basque food tour
The Basque Country is known for its excellent cuisine and delicious pintxos so no visit to Bilbao is complete without a proper Basque food tour.
Pintxos are small bites or appetizers, similar to tapas but originating in the Basque Country and known for their creative and colourful presentation. Typical for Bilbao and the rest of the Basque Country is to hop from bar to bar to have a small drink and to sample various pintxos.
I highly recommend taking a food tour to learn all about Basque food, pintxos and to fully immerse yourself in the local food culture and traditions. Who better than the local guides to show you the hidden gems, favourite local bars and authentic establishments.
Good to know: As there are many Basque food tours to choose from, you won’t be left without options. Some include pintxos and wine pairing options, others do a full 3-hour pinchos and drinks tour. Also have a look at this tour that includes a trip to nearby Getxo with a pintxo tasting tour in the old Fishermen’s port of Algorta.
Plaza Nueva
You’ll find one of Bilbao’s most iconic and buzzing squares, the Plaza Nueva (New Square), in the centre of the Casco Viejo or the Old Quarter. Opened in 1851, the rectangular square has a symmetrical and elegant design and was built in Neoclassical style featuring semicircular arches on all sides.
Over the years, this beautiful square became and still is a place for social gathering. With an excellent selection of bars and restaurants, it’s a great place to relax and to soak up the local atmosphere while sampling the wide selection of pintxos and local wines on offer.
On Sunday mornings, the square hosts a flea market and other days it can be used for celebrations, local events and concerts.
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Ribera Market
Mercado de la Ribera, or Ribera Market is located in Bilbao’s historic Casco Viejo. This iconic market dates back to the 1920s and was built on the site of an old market that had existed since the 14th century. Covering over 10,000 square meters (approximately 108,000 square feet), it was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records in 1990 as the largest covered food market in Europe.
The market spans three floors while featuring a wide array of shops and stalls. Visitors can find fresh meat, seafood, vegetables and canned goods. Additionally, the food court offers numerous bars where you can enjoy delicious pintxos, making it a perfect spot to eat, relax, and to unwind in a lively atmosphere.
Mercado de la Ribera is open every day from 8:00 AM to midnight, except on Sundays when it opens at 11:00 AM.
Walk along the Nervion River
Walking along the Nervión River is one of the best ways to experience the history and culture of Bilbao. The river, once lined with shipyards, warehouses and factories, has been transformed into a beautiful, green urban space with well-maintained promenades and stunning bridges.
Taking a stroll from the Guggenheim Museum towards the Casco Viejo (Old Town), or vice versa, you can enjoy a unique perspective of the city, passing iconic landmarks of Bilbao like the Teatro Arriaga, Ribera Market, Zubizuri Bridge, Salbeko Bridge and of course the Guggenheid museum.
I would also recommend to continue further along the river from the Guggenheim and walk via the Itsas museum towards the San Mamés stadium as it gives even a better look and extended experience on how the industrial riverfront was refurbished and transformed.
The Nervión riverfront is perfect for exploring Bilbao’s history and iconic landmarks while enjoying beautiful views and relaxing at riverside cafes for a memorable experience.
Take a sightseeing boat tour on the river
For an even better experience of the Nervión river you can join a sightseeing boat tour. You can choose between a 1 or 2 hour boat tour.
Another option which I highly recommend is to opt for a slightly longer tour (2-3 hours) which will take you all the way along the river to see the Bizkaya Bridge. In order to see this iconic bridge you have to take the metro and walk quite a bit to get to the riverfront, whereas this boat tour is a great alternative if you are short on time.
Book this sightseeing tour here including the Bizkaya Bridge.
Zubizuri Bridge
The Zubizuri Bridge, Basque for ‘white bridge’, spans the Nervion River, linking the Campo Volantín right and Uribitarte left banks. Also known as the Campo Volantín Bridge or Puente del Campo Volantín, it was opened in 1997 to complement the nearby Guggenheim Museum.
Designed by architect and structural engineer Santiago Calatrava, renowned for his innovative structures, this pedestrian bridge features a graceful curved and arched structure stretching 75 meters in length and is constructed with steel and glass.
The walkway is notable for its translucent glass plates and stainless steel railings. The design and use of glass has been cause of major complaints due to it being very slippery when wet, after which the city council responded to concerns by partially covering the glass with a non-slip carpet.
Do also visit the bridge at night as it is beautifully illuminated, making it a picturesque sight from the riverfront.
Join a tour of Bilbao on foot or by bike
The city centre of Bilbao is very walkable, and the best way to see all the highlights is by exploring on foot.
Would you like to discover all the hidden secrets of the city, its history, expansion and recent developments?
A great and budget-friendly way to explore the highlights of Bilbao with a guide is by joining a free walking tour. These tours, led by local guides with a wealth of information, are free to join and completely tip-based. You can also book these tours in advance to secure a spot.
Examples include this free walking tour of Bilbao and this free walking tour of Modernist Bilbao.
Highly recommended are smaller group tours with knowledgeable guides who take you to the most interesting parts of Bilbao. As there are fewer people in these tours, they feel more private and personalised than the free walking tours.
Some examples of guided walking tours in smaller groups is this 2-hour tour, or this highly rated tour.
A more adventurous way to explore the city by which you can also cover more ground is to get around by bike. Join this e-bike tour or explore the city’s street art by electric bike.
San Mamés – Athletic Club Bilbao Stadium tour
The stadium of San Mamés is home to the football club Athletic Club Bilbao, often referred to as Athletic Bilbao or simply Athletic.
Known as ‘La Catedral’ (The Cathedral) the new San Mamés stadium was inaugurated in september 2013 and, with a capacity of just over 53.000 seats, is the 7th largest stadium in Spain.
The stadium is not just a place for soccer matches but is also an architectural landmark in Bilbao, having won various architectural and international awards and recognition.
A tour of both the outside and inside of La Catedral is worthwhile when visiting Bilbao. The tour allows you to visit the stadium itself, see the museum, explore the VIP areas and changing rooms and even experience a VR immersion into the history of Los Leones (the Lions), as the team is called.
You can book entry tickets with an audioguide or join a guided tour. The entrance of the San Mamés museum with audioguide is included in the Bilbao City Pass.
TIP: When visiting Bilbao between September and June you can even try to book a ticket to watch a game.
Get cultural at the Arriaga Theater
Named after the Bilbao-born composer Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga (1806-1826), who was known as the ‘Spanish Mozart,’ the Teatro Arriaga was built in 1890 in the Neo-Baroque style, featuring a grand facade and elegant interiors. The theatre was restored in 1986 after devastating floods in 1983 seriously damaged the building.
Located at the entrance of the Casco Viejo, the Teatro Arriaga is considered the cultural icon of Bilbao. The building is beautiful from the outside, but to visit the inside you’ll need to either attend a performance or join a guided tour.
More information about tickets and tours can be found on their website.
Take the funicular to Artxanda viewpoint
One of the must-do attractions in Bilbao is taking the funicular up to the Artxanda Viewpoint. From this lookout point on Mount Artxanda you’ll be treated to stunning views over Bilbao and the surrounding landscapes. It’s the perfect spot to see Bilbao from a different perspective and to take in iconic views of the Guggenheim Museum, the Nervión River and the beautiful hills surrounding the city.
The viewpoint is situated at an altitude of 300 meters and not only offers panoramic views but also provides plenty of benches for relaxation and grassy areas for picnicking.
To reach the Artxanda viewpoint from Bilbao city center, take the funicular—a convenient and easy way to ascend. The ride takes only 3 minutes. Originally built in 1915 as a cog railway, the funicular is located at Plaza del Funicular near the Zubizuri Bridge on the right bank of the Nervión River.
TIP: Purchase a ticket at the entrance of the funicular station or use the Barik Card for payment.
To return to the city you can either take the funicular back down or, as we highly recommend, enjoy a scenic walk back to Bilbao. A walking path winds down through the green countryside, offering unique perspectives of Bilbao at every turn. The path culminates at the top of La Salve Bridge, also known as the Guggenheim Bridge, providing another perfect viewpoint of the Guggenheim Museum.
Take a ride in the Vizcaya Bridge
The Vizcaya Bridge, more commonly known as the Puente Colgante or Hanging Bridge, spans the Nervión River Estuary, connecting Portugalete and Getxo. It was opened in 1893 and was designed by Alberto Palacio, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel.
As the world’s first metal transporter bridge, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006 and remains operational today, serving as both a historical landmark and a functional transport link.
While it has become a major tourist attraction in Bilbao, the bridge was originally constructed for transportation purposes and continues to ferry pedestrians and vehicles across the river in its suspended gondola.
Visiting the bridge is highly recommended. You can cross the river by riding the gondola from one side to the other (and back), or for the adventurous, via a pedestrian footbridge located right on top.
To reach the bridge with public transport, take the metro towards Getxo and disembark at the Areeta station. From the opposite side, take the metro towards Kabiezes and alight at either Peñota or Portugalete station. Both sides of the metro are a short 900-meter walk to the bridge.
TIP: For the best viewpoint of the bridge, walk towards the Andra Maria Basilica on the Portugalete side. It is a bit of a climb towards the church, but the view is worth it.
Go on a museum tour
Apart from a visit to the Guggenheim Museum, there are a few other museums in Bilbao that are well worth a visit.
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
The Museo de Bellas Artes, or the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, features an extensive collection of over 19.000 works, including 2.000 paintings and about 500 sculptures. These works represent a diverse mix of styles and include collections from the 12th century up to contemporary modern art. You can marvel at works by artists such as El Greco, Goya, and Gauguin.
TIP: The Museum of Fine Arts is located on Museo Plaza, not too far from the Guggenheim Museum, and admission is free.
Itsas Museum
The Itsas Museum, or Bilbao’s Maritime Museum, sits along the Nervión River in the old Euskalduna Shipyard. The museum showcases shipbuilding, navigation and trade through various informative exhibits, highlighting Bilbao’s rich maritime history. It features both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including restored vessels and scale model ships.
TIP: Entrance tickets to the Itsas Museum can be purchased through their website. It is also part of the Bilbao Pass, which includes the San Mamés football stadium and can be purchased here.
Relax at the Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park
Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park is a spacious urban park adorned with lush greenery, picturesque ponds, a network of pathways and lovely maintained gardens. Offering plenty of shaded areas and numerous benches to relax and unwind from the bustling city, the park also features stalls selling food and drinks.
Opened in 1920, the park is named after Doña Casilda Iturrizar, the wife of a wealthy banker from Bilbao, who donated the land for its establishment. It is conveniently located next to the Museum of Fine Arts.
Visit the beaches of Bilbao
While Bilbao is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture, a visit to the nearby beaches is one of the things to do in Bilbao when you are exploring the city for a few days. When arriving in Bilbao by cruise, this is also where the cruise terminal is.
Just a short distance from the bustling city centre and easily reachable by public transport, these beautiful beaches offer the perfect day trip. Whether you’re looking to sunbathe, enjoy lovely beachfront walks, admire beautiful architecture, or savour local Basque cuisine at nearby restaurants, these beaches have something for everyone.
The 3 closest beaches are located in Getxo, a beautiful vibrant coastal town near Bilbao and part of the Greater Bilbao metropolitan area. All 3 beaches are in easy reach from Bilbao.
Playa de Ereaga in Getxo
Playa de Ereaga is located in Getxo and is one of the most popular beaches around Bilbao. This 800 metre long beach stretches from Arriluce Quay to the Puerto Viejo de Algorta or Old Port of Algorta and offers a lovely beachfront walk.
The beach has a lively atmosphere, with a range of restaurants and bars and is surrounded by beautiful mansions. It is also a popular spot for surfing and other water sports.
Adjacent to Arriluce Quay you’ll find the Getxo Marina which features a leisure and shopping area with a variety of entertainment options, including a cinema, restaurants and bars.
Playa de Las Arenas in Las Arenas
Playa Las Arenas is located right next to the Bizkaia Bridge and the Churruca Quay. It is a small beach, about 250 metres long, with fine sand and is the closest beach to the city centre of Bilbao. It is an urban beachfront with good facilities and easy access both by public transport and by car.
Playa de Arrigunaga in Algorta
With fine sand and the striking cliffs of La Galea, Arrigunaga Beach offers a picturesque setting for a relaxing day by the sea. Located in the town of Algorta, it has a tranquil atmosphere. This 628 metre long beach provides lovely views of the Aixerrota windmill and El Abra bay.
Go on a shopping stroll in Gran Via
Gran Vía Don Diego López de Haro is the premier shopping destination in Bilbao. It is an elegant and vibrant wide avenue lined with luxury brands, stylish boutiques, an El Corte Inglés department store and the more well known national and international shopping brands.
Locally known as just Gran Vía, this 1,5 kilometre long avenue runs between the Plaza Circular and Plaza del Sagrado Corazón. In the middle you’ll find the elegant Plaza de Federico Moyúa or the Elliptical Square, surrounded with impressive architecture serving as a central hub, a commercial and social meeting point.
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