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Welcome to lovely Bilbao! This port metropolis in northern Spain is a part of the Pais Vasco — the Basque Nation. It’s the biggest metropolis on this a part of Spain, recognized greatest for its culinary scene and the well-known Guggenheim Museum.
Should you assume Spanish cities, simply wait till you see Bilbao — with its wild structure, wet days, inexperienced parks, and pintxos bars, Bilbao makes an impression not like wherever 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 town, as I noticed Basquiat’s artwork on the Guggenheim, I believed to myself, “This metropolis is insanely livable.”
Would I dwell there? That’s a query I ask myself when a metropolis has a terrific vibe like Bilbao’s, even when I by no means take myself critically. I imply, it did assist that I had completely sunny days and not one of the common Basque precipitation.
However this place is, minimal, extremely particular and far more than its publicity.
Earlier than you come right here, it’s necessary to grasp that many Basques contemplate their nation to be separate from Spain. You’ll seemingly 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 number of Basque phrases, comparable to “kaixo” (KAY-sho, or good day) and “topa” (cheers!).
Come to Bilbao with an open thoughts and a deep respect for Basques and their tradition. Absorb fashionable artwork on the Guggenheim, cruise down the Nervion River, get pleasure from a day journey out to the Basque coast, and eat all the pintxos you may get your arms on!
I actually cherished 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 neglect my information to San Sebastián, too!)
This submit was printed 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 something about Bilbao, you’ve in all probability heard concerning the Guggenheim Museum. This museum of up to date and fashionable artwork was opened in 1997 and is likely one of the largest museums in Spain. Visiting right here is definitely probably the greatest issues to do in Bilbao.
1.3 million guests go to the Guggenheim Bilbao annually — not only for the artwork inside, however the inventive exterior as properly. 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 cherished 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. A few of 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 outdated quarter, situated alongside the Nervión River. Right here you’ll discover retailers, bars and a glance again in time at Bilbao’s historical past. The complete space is pedestrianized and really photogenic, making it excellent for a leisurely stroll.
Whereas in Bilbao’s outdated city, don’t miss Plaza Nueva, a nineteenth Century sq. and excellent spot to seek out pintxos (extra on these later!). The Santiago Cathedral can also be price a go to, with its gothic design, porticoes, and cloisters. The Casco can also 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 strolling tour will train you each the historical past and fashionable tales of Bilbao on a two-hour stroll by the outdated city and downtown of town.
Take the Funicular de Artxanda
A journey on the Funicular de Artxanda is one among my favourite issues I did in Bilbao. In operation since 1915, Bilbao’s well-known cable automobile presents a brief three-minute journey as much as Mount Artxanda.
When you’re on the high, you may get pleasure from wonderful views over town — together with an ideal view of the Guggenheim. Moreover, there are good strolling trails to get pleasure from.
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 differ by season and are extra restricted on Sundays; typically the funicular opens between 7:15 and eight:15 AM and closes between 10:00 and 11:00 PM. The automobiles 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, situated in Bilbao’s Casco Viejo, is the biggest coated meals market in Europe. Spanning 2.5 acres and residential to nearly 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 full of conventional stands from close by villages promoting fish, meat, fruit and greens. Each residents and vacationers flock to the marketplace for their buying.
Along with recent produce, La Ribera Market additionally has a meals courtroom the place you may get pleasure from beer, grilled meat, seafood and pintxos. A café-bar presents views over the river, dwell jazz music and even the choice to have your market purchases cooked on-site for you!
One piece of recommendation — I might keep away from visiting on a Sunday if attainable. We visited on Sunday, and whereas some meals distributors have been open within the energetic middle of the market, most small produce sellers had their stands closed.
Gawk over the bridges
Bilbao is a riverside metropolis with fairly a number of attention-grabbing bridges. Zubia or zubi, the Basque phrases for bridge, will come up usually as you criss-cross your means round Bilbao. And fortunate for you, these bridges aren’t solely purposeful however aesthetically pleasing as properly!
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 have been additionally found. Additional controversy erupted when town council modified the bridge so as to add a walkway. This resulted in Calatrava suing town council over the ethical rights to the integrity of his creation, a lawsuit he finally received. Enjoyable instances!
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 wonderful pictures.
Strive 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 primary bar meals. Basque delicacies is wild and modern and pushes the boundaries.
Many bars across the Basque area delight themselves on their high-quality pintxos that includes recent, native components — and whereas San Sebastián could also be dwelling to world-famous pintxos bars, Bilbao’s scene is way more native and low-key.
Most pintxos dishes are served on bread with a toothpick speared by them. They are often loved for each lunch or dinner, however needless to say Spanish meal instances 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 good place to go pintxos-hopping in Bilbao. Certainly one of my favourite spots is Antxoa Taberna, a tapas bar on Plaza Nueva. They concentrate on anchovy dishes and all the things 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 price discovering on a scrumptious, in-depth meals tour.
On this award-winning Bilbao meals and wine tour, your native information will train you concerning the metropolis’s delicacies, nightlife and historical past as you go to bars all through the outdated city. At every cease you’ll get pleasure from one to 2 pintxos in addition to a drink.
Or take a look at this Genuine Bilbao Pintxos, Meals & Historical past Tour the place your small group will uncover Bilbao’s pintxos scene with accompanying drinks. On this tour, folks 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 get pleasure from taking a cooking class once I love a sure area’s delicacies however haven’t any clue how one can cook 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 differ primarily based 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 standard Basque toast dessert.
You’ll go dwelling with recipes, suggestions for recreating these Basque dishes, a memento apron and a full abdomen.
Or, in the event you’re shorter on time and would reasonably 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 a lot of the Guggenheim’s well-known art work lies contained in the museum, there are a number of memorable items situated outdoors of the museum that you would be able to admire freed from cost. Essentially the most well-known is Pet by Jeff Koons, the world’s largest flower sculpture.
Pet is a large-scale sculpture fabricated from stainless-steel, soil and flowering vegetation. It combines the themes of contemporary laptop modeling and a historic European backyard into a large West Highland Terrier coated in flowers. Koons explains that his 1992 sculpture is supposed to create optimism, and instill confidence and safety.
Above all, a large pet statue coated in flowers simply makes folks smile, so don’t miss it in your stroll previous the Guggenheim! I needed to take a number 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 believe it’s clever to have an inventory of nice indoor museums you may go to in the event you want a break from the rain.
Tour Bilbao by boat
The Nervion River snakes forwards and backwards by Bilbao, and probably the greatest methods to discover town is to take a ship journey! A ship tour is a superb possibility in the event you want a break from strolling (or in the event you’re in search of extra accessible sightseeing) and a cool strategy to get a brand new perspective on this metropolis metropolis.
On this sightseeing boat tour, you may go for a one hour or two hour journey down the Nervion River and Estuary of Bilbao. You’ll cruise by the center of Bilbao, studying about its landmarks and historical past by an audio information, and out in direction of the Deusto Canal.
Or, in the event you’d like to move even farther out, go for the Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour. On this nearly three-hour boat tour, you’ll head alongside the Nervion River from town middle out in direction of the ocean. Alongside the best way you’ll see well-known buildings, fishing ports, bridges, and extra.
How about paddling your individual means 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. Should you’re in search of an city escape, attempt one among 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 Positive Arts Museum.
- Etxebarria Park: This is likely one of the largest inexperienced zones within the metropolis and presents attractive panoramic views of Bilbao.
- Mount Artxanda: That is the park situated on the high of Funicular de Artxanda the place you may get pleasure from spectacular views and strolling trails.
- El Arenal Park: Positioned by the river, this park is nice for leisurely walks and having fun with dwell performances.
- Barakaldo Botanical Backyard: Simply north of Bilbao, this large botanical backyard comprises 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 a bit of train in on the similar time is by e-bike. I like how e-bikes offer you a lot energy and make climbing hills a lot simpler, even in the event you don’t cycle a lot at dwelling.
Head out on this half-day non-public or small group ebike tour to see the highlights of Bilbao along 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 the event you’d reasonably 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 middle.
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 Procuring
Fact? 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 attention-grabbing Spanish manufacturers that you simply’ll battle to seek out on the bottom outdoors Spain, and I discovered it so entertaining simply to see what’s on the market! Spainiards have wonderful fashion.
You’ll discover tons of locations to buy in downtown Bilbao. I made certain to spend time in El Corte Inglés, which is the massive 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 loads of good clothes and accessories. 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 wherever, 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 price it? Actually, I might do something you may to remain in a single day. The pintxos bar scene is likely 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 the event you’re restricted on time, San Sebastián (generally known as Donostia within the Basque language) continues 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 town’s magnificence, historical past and meals scene. Stroll alongside La Concha seaside and take the funicular to Monte Urgull for an attractive view; get a historical past lesson within the outdated city and at San Telmo Museum; and go to as many pintxos bars and eating places as you may — this metropolis is wealthy in Michelin stars!
One of the simplest ways to get from Bilbao to San Sebastián is to take the bus, which takes a bit of over an hour. Buses are inexpensive and run all day. There are additionally direct buses to San Sebastián from Bilbao Airport.
Learn Extra: Finest Issues to Do in San Sebastián, Spain
Take a day journey to Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka and Gernika
Should you’re seeking to spend a scenic day within the Basque countryside, take a look at this small group day journey to Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka and Gernika. This journey presents 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, an attractive islet off the Bay of Biscay. However you might acknowledge it as Dragonstone from Recreation of Thrones! Subsequent, you’ll go to Mundaka, greatest recognized for its fishing traditions and browsing group.
Lastly, you’ll cease in Gerinka for a dose of Basque historical past. It’s possible you’ll be conversant in Picasso’s portray Guernica (the Spanish spelling), which is about how the city was bombed throughout the Spanish Civil Struggle 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 folks. Then you definitely’ll stroll by the general public air raid shelters. Right here is a vital 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 the event you don’t have a number of days, a day journey is nice as properly! A relaxed seaside city is the right foil to Bilbao’s metropolis ambiance.
The very best factor to do in Lekeitio is hit the seaside. Due to its location on the mouth of the Lea River, the tides drastically change the panorama alongside the coast. From the principle seaside, Isuntza, you may stroll out to San Nicolas Island at low tide. There’s additionally Karraspio Seaside and La Salvaje Seaside to discover.
Moreover the seashores you may stroll round Lekeitio’s outdated 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 the event 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 among my private favorites! I truthfully don’t assume you may beat Rioja wine relating to worth for cash. The La Rioja area borders the Basque Nation, and it makes a terrific day journey from Bilbao if you wish to get pleasure from a glass of wine, attention-grabbing architectural types and plush 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 lovely village of Laguardia. All the 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 today journey 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 get pleasure from a panoramic stroll round city taking within the views, seashores and surf.
Up subsequent is a cease at Saint Jean de Luz, an enthralling fishing city recognized for its magnificence, historical past and native delicacies. Your tour contains some native meals tastings, plus time for buying 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 get pleasure from tasting an area dessert and having some free time for lunch and extra exploring.
I’ll warning you that these are loads of iconic locations to pack into in the future, and I might solely select this tour if I have been quick on time. In case you have the time, you may base in San Sebastián and spend a number 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 yow will discover lodging at a wide range of value factors.
Lots of people assume it’s greatest to remain within the outdated 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 automobiles can get, which could possibly 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 believe it’s extra price it to remain near however not really in Casco Viejo, in an space the place automobiles can really go.
- Prime-Rated Luxurious Lodge in Bilbao: Goein Boutique Lodge — Extremely trendy boutique resort that feels particular and is price a splurge.
- Prime-Rated Mid-Vary Lodge in Bilbao: Sercotel Arenal Bilbao — Good location on Plaza Nueva with good, value-for-money rooms.
- Prime-Rated Funds Lodge in Bilbao: Ibis Bilbao Centro — Clear, easy rooms with a superb central location.
Discover offers on locations to remain in Bilbao right here.
Finest Time to Go to Bilbao, Spain
Bilbao is an actual metropolis the place folks dwell year-round, so you may go to nearly anytime and discover loads of issues to do. However it’s good to be cautious concerning the climate.
The Basque Nation and northern Spain have a really totally 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 threat you must plan for (I do know my photos don’t present this; I lucked out!).
Summer season 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 by early fall to keep away from the worst of the rain. Should you’re doing a visit by the Basque Nation like me, I might advocate avoiding July and August as a result of these months may be extremely crowded and costly in San Sebastián and seaside cities alongside the coast.
Winter could be a good time to go to Bilbao, although — you may get pleasure from 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!
Irrespective of once you go to, pack an umbrella or a water-proof jacket. You’ll very seemingly want it.
Learn how to Get to Bilbao, Spain
Bilbao is dwelling to its personal worldwide airport, with loads of flights throughout Europe. Should you’re flying into the Basque Nation, I might advocate flying into Bilbao, as they’ve the perfect collection of flights. I flew right here direct from Prague.
San Sebastián, Biarritz, and Vitoria-Gasteiz are all dwelling to airports inside the normal area, however every have a smaller collection of flights.
Should you’re touring overland, you’ve got loads of choices inside Spain. There are a number 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, nonetheless, particularly inside the Basque Nation, which is mountainous and doesn’t have intensive practice connections.
Learn how to get round Bilbao: Bilbao has a strong public transportation system, and so they even have Uber. However a lot of town middle is definitely fairly walkable, so that you is perhaps stunned how a lot time you spend on foot!
How A lot Time To Spend in Bilbao, Spain
I believe Bilbao is price two full days of exploration. Take a number of excursions in the event you’d like, spend time exploring town on foot, do a little bit of buying or consuming, and naturally go to a number of museums.
In case you have a 3rd day to spare, contemplate taking one of many day journeys I discussed above.
After all, in the event you’d like to remain longer than that, go for it! Bilbao looks as if the form of place that will get below your pores and skin, and with a full week you may really grow to be an everyday at some cool locations.
Is Bilbao Price It?
I used to be stunned at simply how a lot I cherished Bilbao. In actual fact, I cherished it a lot, on the finish of the journey, I jumped on a bus again to Bilbao from Lekeitio a number of hours early so I may discover extra of town!
Should you love cities which might be livable, with loads of greenery, and dynamite meals, that is one among 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 counsel? Share away!
