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Welcome to stunning Bilbao! This port metropolis in northern Spain is a part of the Pais Vasco — the Basque Nation. It’s the most important metropolis on this a part of Spain, recognized greatest for its culinary scene and the well-known Guggenheim Museum.
For those who suppose you recognize Spanish cities, simply wait till you see Bilbao — with its wild structure, wet days, inexperienced parks, and pintxos bars, Bilbao makes an impression in contrast to anyplace else!
Bilbao was the primary place I visited within the Basque Nation — along with my husband and two buddies — and I didn’t anticipate it to make such an intense impression on me.
As I strolled alongside the riverside and gaped on the buildings, as I ate plate after plate in an anchovy-themed pintxos bar, as I famous the great public transportation all through the town, as I noticed Basquiat’s artwork on the Guggenheim, I believed to myself, “This metropolis is insanely livable.”
Would I stay there? That’s a query I ask myself when a metropolis has an important vibe like Bilbao’s, even when I by no means take myself severely. I imply, it did assist that I had completely sunny days and not one of the traditional Basque precipitation.
However this place is, minimal, extremely particular and far more than its publicity.
Earlier than you come right here, it’s essential to grasp that many Basques think about their nation to be separate from Spain. You’ll doubtless see some political signage and graffiti throughout your go to. And whereas you may get by with Spanish right here, it’s good to be taught a couple of Basque phrases, corresponding to “kaixo” (KAY-sho, or hiya) and “topa” (cheers!).
Come to Bilbao with an open thoughts and a deep respect for Basques and their tradition. Soak up fashionable artwork on the Guggenheim, cruise down the Nervion River, take pleasure in a day journey out to the Basque coast, and eat the entire pintxos you may get your fingers on!
I actually beloved my time in Bilbao, and I hope you’re keen on your time there, too. Let’s check out the perfect issues to do in Bilbao. (And don’t overlook my guide to San Sebastián, too!)
This publish was revealed in October 2025 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Riana Ang-Canning.
Finest Issues to Do in Bilbao, Spain
Go to the Guggenheim Museum
If you recognize something about Bilbao, you’ve most likely heard concerning the Guggenheim Museum. This museum of up to date and fashionable artwork was opened in 1997 and is without doubt one of the largest museums in Spain. Visiting right here is well top-of-the-line issues to do in Bilbao.
1.3 million guests go to the Guggenheim Bilbao annually — not only for the artwork inside, however the creative exterior as effectively. Architect Frank Gehry designed the constructing which options random curves, reflective panels and a flower-shaped atrium.
It’s been known as an architectural masterpiece, and it options so properly in views. I beloved the views from the highest of Mount Arxanda and from the Puente de la Salve, the bridge proper subsequent to the museum.
Contained in the Guggenheim you’ll discover each rotating everlasting reveals and visiting ones. Among the hottest items embody The Matter of Time by Richard Serra and Tulips by Jeff Koons.
Get misplaced within the Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo is Bilbao’s medieval previous quarter, positioned alongside the Nervión River. Right here you’ll discover outlets, bars and a glance again in time at Bilbao’s historical past. Your complete space is pedestrianized and really photogenic, making it good for a leisurely stroll.
Whereas in Bilbao’s previous city, don’t miss Plaza Nueva, a nineteenth Century sq. and good spot to search out pintxos (extra on these later!). The Santiago Cathedral can be value a go to, with its gothic design, porticoes, and cloisters. The Casco can be the place you’ll discover Mercado de La Ribera, 5.26, and Las Siete Calles, Bilbao’s authentic streets that date again to the fifteenth century.
A good way to be taught extra about Bilbaoo is to take a strolling tour of the Casco Viejo with an area information. This small group walking tour will educate you each the historical past and fashionable tales of Bilbao on a two-hour stroll via the previous city and downtown of the town.
Take the Funicular de Artxanda
A journey on the Funicular de Artxanda is one in every of my favourite issues I did in Bilbao. In operation since 1915, Bilbao’s well-known cable automobile provides a brief three-minute journey as much as Mount Artxanda.
When you’re on the high, you possibly can take pleasure in glorious views over the town — together with an ideal view of the Guggenheim. Moreover, there are good strolling trails to take pleasure in.
Whereas on the high, my buddies and I noticed a close-by restaurant known as Txakoli Ballano, the place we loved some white wine and freshly cooked scallops served proper within the shell.
Hours of operation range by season and are extra restricted on Sundays; usually the funicular opens between 7:15 and eight:15 AM and closes between 10:00 and 11:00 PM. The vehicles depart each 10-Quarter-hour and the journey takes simply three minutes. You possibly can journey the cable automobile one-way or purchase round-trip tickets.
Store and eat at La Ribera Market
La Ribera Market, positioned in Bilbao’s Casco Viejo, is the most important lined meals market in Europe. Spanning 2.5 acres and residential to virtually 200 companies, Mercado de La Ribera is a must-visit for touring foodies!
The present Artwork Deco constructing that homes the market, full with stained glass home windows, was in-built 1929. Its three flooring are crammed with conventional stands from close by villages promoting fish, meat, fruit and greens. Each residents and vacationers flock to the marketplace for their purchasing.
Along with recent produce, La Ribera Market additionally has a meals courtroom the place you possibly can take pleasure in beer, grilled meat, seafood and pintxos. A café-bar provides views over the river, stay jazz music and even the choice to have your market purchases cooked on-site for you!
One piece of recommendation — I’d keep away from visiting on a Sunday if doable. We visited on Sunday, and whereas some meals distributors had been open within the energetic heart of the market, most small produce sellers had their stands closed.
Gawk over the bridges
Bilbao is a riverside metropolis with fairly a couple of fascinating bridges. Zubia or zubi, the Basque phrases for bridge, will come up usually as you criss-cross your manner round Bilbao. And fortunate for you, these bridges should not solely useful however aesthetically pleasing as effectively!
The Zubizuri Bridge (White Bridge, pictured above), by well-known Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, is a controversial one. Whereas some admire its architectural design, others criticize its development.
Zubizuri’s glass pathway resulted in so many falls on slippery, wet days that finally a carpet was put in. A variety of damaged tiles had been additionally found. Additional controversy erupted when the town council modified the bridge so as to add a walkway. This resulted in Calatrava suing the town council over the ethical rights to the integrity of his creation, a lawsuit he finally received. Enjoyable occasions!
Far much less controversial is Salbeko Zubia, also called La Salve Bridge or the Prince and Princess of Spain Bridge. It’s a concrete bridge, elements of it painted inexperienced with a big pink arc, and it’s the primary bridge to be in-built Spain with the cable-stayed system. It’s proper subsequent to the Guggenheim, so that you’ll be capable to get glorious pictures.
Attempt all of the pintxos
Pintxos are Northern Spain’s model of tapas — small plates of meals, usually held along with toothpicks, served at bars to accompany a drink. However pintxos are a lot extra than simply fundamental bar meals. Basque delicacies is wild and progressive and pushes the boundaries.
Many bars across the Basque area satisfaction themselves on their high-quality pintxos that includes recent, native elements — and whereas San Sebastián could also be house to world-famous pintxos bars, Bilbao’s scene is rather more native and low-key.
Most pintxos dishes are served on bread with a toothpick speared via them. They are often loved for each lunch or dinner, however remember the fact that Spanish meal occasions may be on the late facet. Most bars might be open for lunch from 1:00-4:00 PM and open again up at 8:00 PM till late for dinner.
The Casco Viejo neighborhood is a superb place to go pintxos-hopping in Bilbao. Considered one of my favourite spots is Antxoa Taberna, a tapas bar on Plaza Nueva. They focus on anchovy dishes and every part we ordered was so good, we returned for a second go to!
Go on a Bilbao Meals Tour
My buddies and I got here to Northern Spain for the meals scene — and Bilbao and the Basque Nation are two nice locations to discover their culinary treasures. This area and the meals they produce right here is worlds away from different Spanish delicacies and completely value discovering on a scrumptious, in-depth meals tour.
On this award-winning Bilbao food and wine tour, your native information will educate you concerning the metropolis’s delicacies, nightlife and historical past as you go to bars all through the previous city. At every cease you’ll take pleasure in one to 2 pintxos in addition to a drink.
Or take a look at this Authentic Bilbao Pintxos, Food & History Tour the place your small group will uncover Bilbao’s pintxos scene with accompanying drinks. On this tour, individuals rave concerning the scrumptious meals, enjoyable ambiance, and energetic and educated native guides.
Take a Basque cooking class
Now that you simply’ve tasted Basque meals on a meals tour or pintxos bar crawl, it’s time to attempt your hand at making some for your self! I take pleasure in taking a cooking class after I love a sure area’s delicacies however haven’t any clue tips on how to prepare dinner it — it’s an effective way to get to know the native tradition and meet some pleasant locals.
Try this immersive Basque cooking class, full with an open bar of Txakoli and Rioja wine! In a small group you’ll put together 4-5 dishes (starters, a major and a dessert) whereas studying concerning the historical past and significance of every dish.
Dishes will range based mostly on what market produce is in season however can embody gilda (the unique Basque pintxo made with anchovies, olives and peppers), Marmitako (Basque stew with tuna) and a conventional Basque toast dessert.
You’ll go house with recipes, suggestions for recreating these Basque dishes, a memento apron and a full abdomen.
Or, in case you’re shorter on time and would quite focus solely on pintxos, take a look at this Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao. Your small group will put together 4 pintxos dishes, together with grilled cod and spicy mushrooms. This might be accompanied by cheeses, charcuterie, dessert and an open bar of native wines.
Go to the Pet
Whereas many of the Guggenheim’s well-known paintings lies contained in the museum, there are a couple of memorable items positioned exterior of the museum that you may admire freed from cost. Probably the most well-known is Pet by Jeff Koons, the world’s largest flower sculpture.
Pet is a large-scale sculpture manufactured from chrome steel, soil and flowering vegetation. It combines the themes of recent pc modeling and a historic European backyard into an enormous West Highland Terrier lined in flowers. Koons explains that his 1992 sculpture is supposed to create optimism, and instill confidence and safety.
Above all, an enormous pet statue lined in flowers simply makes individuals smile, so don’t miss it in your stroll previous the Guggenheim! I needed to take a couple of selfies with it.
Go to Bilbao’s different museums
Whereas the Guggenheim is Bilbao’s largest and most well-known museum, there are many different museums to take a look at. Because the Basque Nation is thought for its moist climate, I feel it’s sensible to have a listing of nice indoor museums you possibly can go to in case you want a break from the rain.
Tour Bilbao by boat
The Nervion River snakes forwards and backwards via Bilbao, and top-of-the-line methods to discover the town is to take a ship journey! A ship tour is a superb possibility in case you want a break from strolling (or in case you’re searching for extra accessible sightseeing) and a cool approach to get a brand new perspective on this metropolis metropolis.
On this sightseeing boat tour, you possibly can go for a one hour or two hour journey down the Nervion River and Estuary of Bilbao. You’ll cruise via the guts of Bilbao, studying about its landmarks and historical past via an audio information, and out in direction of the Deusto Canal.
Or, in case you’d like to move even farther out, go for the Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour. On this virtually three-hour boat tour, you’ll head alongside the Nervion River from the town heart out in direction of the ocean. Alongside the way in which you’ll see well-known buildings, fishing ports, bridges, and extra.
How about paddling your individual manner down the river? Bilbo Bentura rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Go to the parks of Bilbao
Whereas greatest recognized for its museums and meals tradition, I used to be additionally impressed with the quantity of parks and greenery in Bilbao. For those who’re searching for an city escape, attempt one in every of these parks:
- Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park: The principle inexperienced area within the metropolis, right here you’ll discover fountains, a duck pond, an English backyard and the Bilbao Nice Arts Museum.
- Etxebarria Park: This is without doubt one of the largest inexperienced zones within the metropolis and provides beautiful panoramic views of Bilbao.
- Mount Artxanda: That is the park positioned on the high of Funicular de Artxanda the place you possibly can take pleasure in spectacular views and strolling trails.
- El Arenal Park: Situated by the river, this park is nice for leisurely walks and having fun with stay performances.
- Barakaldo Botanical Backyard: Simply north of Bilbao, this large botanical backyard incorporates over 300 tree species and is the place “vegetation turns into artwork.”
Discover Bilbao by e-bike
A good way to discover a metropolis and get somewhat train in on the similar time is by e-bike. I really like how e-bikes provide you with a lot energy and make climbing hills a lot simpler, even in case you don’t cycle a lot at house.
Head out on this half-day private or small group ebike tour to see the highlights of Bilbao together with your native information. You’ll be taught concerning the metropolis’s historical past and see icons just like the Zubizuri Bridge, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Le Ribera Market and the Philippe Starck designed Azkuna Zentroa.
Or in case you’d quite bike alongside the ocean than within the metropolis, take a look at this Bike & Pintxos tour in Getxo, only a fast metro journey from Bilbao’s metropolis heart.
On this tour your information will present you favourite native bike paths, take you to scenic clifftop and seaside views, and convey you to the Vizcaya Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Website. This tour additionally features a cease in a fishing port for drinks and pintxos!
Go Purchasing
Reality? On my final day within the Basque Nation, my buddies determined to hang around in Lekeitio till our flight — however I took an early bus again to Bilbao. For one cause: to buy.
There are many fascinating Spanish manufacturers that you simply’ll battle to search out on the bottom exterior Spain, and I discovered it so entertaining simply to see what’s on the market! Spainiards have glorious model.
You’ll discover tons of locations to buy in downtown Bilbao. I made positive to spend time in El Corte Inglés, which is the large division retailer chain in Spain. Their constructing in Bilbao is gigantic.
I’m additionally a fan of the mid-range Spanish model Bimba Y Lola, which has quite a lot of good clothes and niknaks. They’ve their very own devoted store in Bilbao.
The one place I couldn’t discover was Loewe, my favourite Spanish designer model. Sadly I couldn’t discover Loewe on the market anyplace, not even in El Corte Inglés. (Which places my fruitless seek for Loewe merchandise in Logroño into perspective…)
Take a day journey to San Sebastián
Is a day journey to San Sebastián value it? Truthfully, I’d do something you possibly can to remain in a single day. The pintxos bar scene is without doubt one of the greatest issues about San Sebastián, and it actually will get going from 8:00 PM onwards, which suggests your choices are staying in a single day or taking a late bus again.
However in case you’re restricted on time, San Sebastián (often called Donostia within the Basque language) remains to be a worthwhile day journey from Bilbao. There are many issues to do right here, and the seashores are sensational.
Upon arriving in San Sebastán, spend your day exploring the town’s magnificence, historical past and meals scene. Stroll alongside La Concha seashore and take the funicular to Monte Urgull for a lovely view; get a historical past lesson within the previous city and at San Telmo Museum; and go to as many pintxos bars and eating places as you possibly can — this metropolis is wealthy in Michelin stars!
The easiest way to get from Bilbao to San Sebastián is to take the bus, which takes somewhat over an hour. Buses are reasonably priced and run all day. There are additionally direct buses to San Sebastián from Bilbao Airport.
Learn Extra: Best Things to Do in San Sebastián, Spain
Take a day journey to Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka and Gernika
For those who’re seeking to spend a scenic day within the Basque countryside, take a look at this small group day trip to Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka and Gernika. This journey provides one thing for everybody, whether or not you’re into pure views, popular culture references or cultural historical past.
Your journey will begin off in Gaztelugatxe, a lovely islet off the Bay of Biscay. However you could acknowledge it as Dragonstone from Sport of Thrones! Subsequent, you’ll go to Mundaka, greatest recognized for its fishing traditions and browsing neighborhood.
Lastly, you’ll cease in Gerinka for a dose of Basque historical past. You could be conversant in Picasso’s portray Guernica (the Spanish spelling), which is about how the city was bombed throughout the Spanish Civil Conflict in 1937.
Right here you’ll go to the Meeting Home to see the Tree of Gernika, a logo of the historical past of the Basque individuals. Then you definately’ll stroll via the general public air raid shelters. Right here is a crucial reminder of a darkish time in Spain that we should always remember.
Take a day journey to Lekeitio
Lekeitio is a small fishing city on the coast between Bilbao and San Sebastian. My buddies and I ended up spending the ultimate days of our 10-day northern Spain journey right here, and I discovered Lekeitio to be a brilliant chilled out vacation spot.
However in case you don’t have a couple of days, a day journey is nice as effectively! A peaceful seaside city is the right foil to Bilbao’s metropolis ambiance.
One of the best factor to do in Lekeitio is hit the seashore. Due to its location on the mouth of the Lea River, the tides drastically change the panorama alongside the coast. From the primary seashore, Isuntza, you possibly can stroll out to San Nicolas Island at low tide. There’s additionally Karraspio Seaside and La Salvaje Seaside to discover.
Moreover the seashores you possibly can stroll round Lekeitio’s previous city and port, go to the Church of Asunción de Nuestra Señora, and luxuriate in some freshly caught seafood.
To get to Lekeitio from Bilbao, it’s a few 90-minute journey by bus, and some buses run every day. The journey is nearer to an hour in case you’re driving your self.
Take a day journey to the wineries of La Rioja
La Rioja is Spain’s most well-known wine area and one in every of my private favorites! I truthfully don’t suppose you possibly can beat Rioja wine in the case of worth for cash. The La Rioja area borders the Basque Nation, and it makes an important day journey from Bilbao if you wish to take pleasure in a glass of wine, fascinating architectural types and luxurious landscapes.
On this Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour, you’ll go to two wineries, Bodegas Marqués de Riscal and Bodegas Ysios. Each wineries are recognized not just for their scrumptious Rioja wines, but in addition for his or her spectacular structure, with designs by Frank Gehry and Santiago Calatrava.
In your day journey you’ll pattern wines, go on a guided tour of the wineries and vineyards, and cease for lunch and a stroll within the stunning village of Laguardia. The entire tastings, excursions, transportation, and lunch are included in your tour price.
Take a day journey to Biarritz, Saint Jean de Luz, and San Sebastian
Discover the perfect of the perfect on the Basque coast on this day trip to Biarritz, Saint Jean De Luz and San Sebastian. These are three of essentially the most well-known cities within the Basque Nation.
Your first cease of the day is Biarritz, a French seaside resort city that has been internet hosting Europe’s wealthy and well-known for the reason that 1800’s. Right here you’ll take pleasure in a panoramic stroll round city taking within the views, seashores and surf.
Up subsequent is a cease at Saint Jean de Luz, a captivating fishing city recognized for its magnificence, historical past and native delicacies. Your tour consists of some native meals tastings, plus time for purchasing and exploring.
Lastly, you’ll cross again into Spain and go to San Sebastián. Right here your group will head out on a strolling tour, together with a stroll up Mount Igueldo for the views. You’ll additionally take pleasure in tasting an area dessert and having some free time for lunch and extra exploring.
I’ll warning you that these are quite a lot of iconic locations to pack into in the future, and I’d solely select this tour if I had been quick on time. You probably have the time, you might base in San Sebastián and spend a couple of days exploring the opposite cities.
The place to Keep in Bilbao, Spain
Bilbao has an honest resort choice so far as Spanish cities go, and you will discover lodging at quite a lot of worth factors.
Lots of people assume it’s greatest to remain within the previous city — the Casco Viejo — however I don’t advocate this as a result of it’s a pedestrianized space. Staying right here means dragging your baggage from as shut as vehicles can get, which may very well be a number of blocks away, and also you received’t be capable to get picked up proper out of your resort.
Simply know that earlier than going. I feel it’s extra value it to remain near however not really in Casco Viejo, in an space the place vehicles can really go.
- Prime-Rated Luxurious Lodge in Bilbao: Goein Boutique Hotel — Extremely trendy boutique resort that feels particular and is value a splurge.
- Prime-Rated Mid-Vary Lodge in Bilbao: Sercotel Arenal Bilbao — Excellent location on Plaza Nueva with good, value-for-money rooms.
- Prime-Rated Finances Lodge in Bilbao: Ibis Bilbao Centro — Clear, easy rooms with a superb central location.
Find deals on places to stay in Bilbao here.
Finest Time to Go to Bilbao, Spain
Bilbao is an actual metropolis the place individuals stay year-round, so you possibly can go to nearly anytime and discover loads of issues to do. But it surely’s good to be cautious concerning the climate.
The Basque Nation and northern Spain have a really completely different local weather from Andalusia, Barcelona, and even Madrid. This a part of the nation is cooler, greener, and far rainier. Rain is a year-round danger you need to plan for (I do know my photos don’t present this; I lucked out!).
Summer time temperatures in Bilbao often peak round 79° F (26° C), whereas winters are delicate however damp, with temperatures within the excessive 40s to low 50s° F (8–12° C).
My high suggestion could be to go to Bilbao in late spring via early fall to keep away from the worst of the rain. For those who’re doing a visit via the Basque Nation like me, I’d advocate avoiding July and August as a result of these months may be extremely crowded and costly in San Sebastián and seashore cities alongside the coast.
Winter generally is a good time to go to Bilbao, although — you possibly can take pleasure in uncrowded museums and pintxos bars. Simply be sure you pack appropriately heat clothes, as a result of I discover that damp locations can really feel even colder than snowy locations within the winter!
Regardless of once you go to, pack an umbrella or a water-proof jacket. You’ll very doubtless want it.
How one can Get to Bilbao, Spain
Bilbao is house to its personal worldwide airport, with loads of flights throughout Europe. For those who’re flying into the Basque Nation, I’d advocate flying into Bilbao, as they’ve the perfect number of flights. I flew right here direct from Prague.
San Sebastián, Biarritz, and Vitoria-Gasteiz are all house to airports inside the basic area, however every have a smaller number of flights.
For those who’re touring overland, you’ve gotten loads of choices inside Spain. There are a couple of direct trains to Bilbao per day from Madrid (4.5-5.5 hours) and Barcelona (6:45-8 hours).
You’ll discover extra transportation choices by way of bus, nevertheless, particularly inside the Basque Nation, which is mountainous and doesn’t have intensive prepare connections.
How one can get round Bilbao: Bilbao has a strong public transportation system, and so they even have Uber. However a lot of the town heart is definitely fairly walkable, so that you is perhaps shocked how a lot time you spend on foot!
How A lot Time To Spend in Bilbao, Spain
I feel Bilbao is value two full days of exploration. Take a couple of excursions in case you’d like, spend time exploring the town on foot, do a little bit of purchasing or consuming, and naturally go to a couple of museums.
You probably have a 3rd day to spare, think about taking one of many day journeys I discussed above.
After all, in case you’d like to remain longer than that, go for it! Bilbao looks like the type of place that will get beneath your pores and skin, and with a full week you might really change into an everyday at some cool locations.
Is Bilbao Price It?
I used to be shocked at simply how a lot I beloved Bilbao. Actually, I beloved it a lot, on the finish of the journey, I jumped on a bus again to Bilbao from Lekeitio a couple of hours early so I might discover extra of the town!
For those who love cities which might be livable, with loads of greenery, and dynamite meals, that is one in every of them.
Have a wonderful time in Bilbao — and the Basque Nation! It is a particular place.
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Have you ever been to Bilbao? What would you recommend? Share away!
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