Bilbao is a true gem of northern Spain. I was very glad that last year, during our trip to Portugal, we had time to stop there. It is a city that has perfectly managed to combine Basque tradition with modern architecture. In this guide I will share with you Bilbao, Spain: 23 Best Things to Do and See.
From a once industrial city, it has become a cosmopolitan metropolis that attracts visitors from all over the world with its unique atmosphere, excellent gastronomy, and impressive architecture. Let’s take a look together at the most interesting things you can see and do in the Spanish city of Bilbao.
When to Visit Bilbao?
Bilbao has a mild climate with pleasant temperatures throughout the year. The best time to visit is from April to October, when temperatures are ideal for exploring the city. In summer, temperatures rarely exceed 25°C, which is pleasant for city tourism. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather with fewer tourists.
Winter months are colder and rainier, but the city has its charm even then. Additionally, you can take advantage of lower accommodation prices and shorter queues at major attractions.
Where to Stay in Bilbao: Tips for the Best Hotels
Bilbao offers accommodation for every taste and budget. For those who want to be in the heart of the action, the Casco Viejo (Old Town) area or the Abando district is ideal.
Right in the center, I recommend Letoh Letoh Bilbao or BYPILLOW Bilbo.
For a more luxurious vacation, I recommend the area around the Guggenheim Museum, where you’ll find several five-star hotels, but you can also find more affordable accommodation there, such as Vincci Consulado de Bilbao.
If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, consider staying in the Deusto area, which offers a more local atmosphere and is popular among young travelers.
Sights, Museums, and other Must-See Places
Bilbao is a paradise for all art and architecture lovers like myself, but I believe every traveler will fall in love with it. Let’s take a look at the most interesting sights, artworks, and viewpoints.
Guggenheim Museum
The symbol of modern Bilbao, the Guggenheim Museum, is a masterpiece by architect Frank O. Gehry (you can find his Dancing House in Prague). The building’s titanium facade shimmers in the sunlight, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
Inside, you’ll find an extensive collection of contemporary art, including Richard Serra’s permanent installation “The Matter of Time”. The museum is a must-see for every visitor to the city, even if modern art doesn’t particularly interest you. Even in the off-season, there are often queues for tickets, but you can use the GetYourGuide online portal, which we used, to save a lot of time.
Puppy by Jeff Koons
In front of the Guggenheim Museum, you can’t miss the unique flower sculpture of a dog named Puppy. This unusual installation has become one of the city’s symbols. The Puppy sculpture is the work of American artist Jeff Koons. It is a 12.4-meter-tall sculpture of a West Highland Terrier created from living flowers on a steel structure.
Its “coat” changes with the seasons thanks to the living flowers that cover it, making it an ever-changing work of art and a popular photo subject – begonias, petunias, lobelias, and other types of flowers are used, a total of over 38,000 plants.
Maman
In front of the Guggenheim Museum, you’ll find not only the flower dog Puppy but also the monumental bronze spider sculpture titled “Maman” by French-American artist Louise Bourgeois. This impressive sculpture is over 9 meters tall, and its leg span is over 10 meters. It is made of bronze and stainless steel.
The name “Maman” means “mother” in French and symbolizes motherhood and protection. The artist was inspired by her own mother, who was a tapestry restorer, and chose the spider as a symbol of protector, patience, and creativity. Under the spider’s belly are marble eggs, which further enhance the theme of motherhood.
The sculpture in Bilbao is one of several cast versions – other examples can be found, for instance, in front of the Tate Modern gallery in London or at the National Gallery in Ottawa. Since its installation, it has become one of the most prominent artworks in front of the museum and creates an impressive contrast with the titanium facade of Gehry’s building.
Doña Casilda Park
Near the Guggenheim Museum lies one of Bilbao’s most beautiful city parks. Doña Casilda Park is an oasis of calm with a romantic fountain in the center, a place where you can escape if you’re in Spain during the summer heat.
Museum of Fine Arts
This prestigious museum is one of the most significant in Europe. It is located in the beautiful Doña Casilda Park, and its history dates back to 1908. The museum’s current form was established in 1945 by merging the original Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Modern Art.
What makes this museum exceptional is its extensive collection of over 10,000 artworks. Here you will find artworks from the Middle Ages to the present day, including works by world-renowned artists such as El Greco, Goya, Van Dyck, Paul Gauguin, Mary Cassatt, and Francis Bacon. The museum also boasts the largest collection of Basque art in the world.
The museum building combines classical architecture with modern elements. The original neoclassical building from 1945 was expanded with a modern wing in 1970 and underwent another significant renovation in 2001. Currently, another expansion is underway under the direction of the architectural firm Foster + Partners, which will add over 2000 m² of new exhibition space.
If you visit the museum, be sure not to miss the works by Paul Gauguin, José de Ribera, or Francisco Goya.
For art lovers, the collection of Flemish and Dutch painting from the 15th-17th centuries is particularly interesting, as well as a unique collection of Oriental art and Etruscan bronzes. The museum also houses an extensive collection of prints by artists such as Albrecht Dürer, Rembrandt, and Picasso.
Casco Viejo
The Old Town, also known as the “Seven Streets”, is the historical heart of Bilbao. This labyrinth of narrow streets hides some of the city’s oldest buildings, traditional Basque restaurants, and lively pintxos bars. It’s an ideal place to immerse yourself in local culture and gastronomy.
Santiago Cathedral
The Gothic Santiago Cathedral is the most significant religious building in the Basque Country. Although it was built in the 14th century, it only gained cathedral status in 1950. Its architecture is characterized by a unity of style due to uninterrupted construction, which, as you know, doesn’t happen very often.
Plaza Nueva
This neoclassical square surrounded by arcades is the center of the city’s social life. On Sundays, you can visit a traditional market with antiques, books, and coins here. Under the arcades, you’ll find a number of bars and restaurants serving excellent pintxos.
Gran Vía
The city’s main shopping street offers a combination of elegant architecture and modern shops. It is lined with impressive buildings, including the Palacio de la Diputación. A stroll along Gran Vía will give you a good overview of city life in Bilbao.
Mercado De La Ribera
The largest covered market in Europe offers not only fresh local produce, but also the opportunity to taste Basque cuisine in one of the local restaurants. The building itself is an architectural gem in the Art Deco style.
Vizcaya Bridge
This unique suspension bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, connects the banks of the Nervión River. It is the oldest transporter bridge of its kind in the world and still serves its purpose.
Mirador De Artxanda
The viewpoint at the top of Artxanda mountain offers a panoramic view of the entire city. You can get here by historical funicular and enjoy views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
Begoña Basilica
This Gothic basilica, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, stands on a hill above the city. There are 213 steps leading to the basilica, but the city view is worth the effort.
Teatro Arriaga
This Neo-Baroque theater from the late 19th century is the center of the city’s cultural life. Its richly decorated interior and regular program of theatrical performances and concerts make it an important stop for art lovers.
Iglesia De San Nicolás
This 18th-century Baroque church is a beautiful example of ecclesiastical architecture. Originally, a chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari, the patron saint of sailors, stood here from 1490. After its destruction by floods, the current church was built in 1756.
The building features an interesting architectural design on a Greek cross plan with a dominant dome. The interior is dominated by five magnificent Baroque and Rococo altars from 1754, created by the court sculptor Juan Pascual de Mena.
The church underwent several reconstructions – in 1882, a sacristy was added, and in 1891, it received a new facade with a bronze tympanum by Josep Llimona. Even today, it serves as an active parish church and is one of Bilbao’s significant landmarks.
Also worth mentioning is the church’s eventful history – during wars, it served as a military warehouse, and in 1816, it was even struck by lightning. Despite this, it has retained its beauty and is a popular destination for city visitors.
Bilborock
This cultural center, housed in a historic building, is a hub for contemporary art and music in Bilbao. It regularly hosts concerts, exhibitions, theater performances, and dance nights. If you enjoy going to concerts, you can follow them on Instagram to stay informed about what’s on before your visit, and most importantly, buy your tickets in advance.
Basque Museum
The museum offers a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the Basque Country. Its collections include traditional costumes, tools, and other artifacts documenting the region’s rich history. The museum is housed in a historic building in the old part of the city and offers both self-guided tours and guided tours.
San Mamés
The home stadium of Athletic Bilbao is a modern sports arena with a capacity of 53,000 spectators. Opened in 2013, it represents the pinnacle of contemporary sports architecture.
If you’re football fans, you probably shouldn’t miss a visit to the stadium, also known as “La Catedral”. We’re not into football at all, so we just watched the video I’ve included below.
Bilbao City Hall
The impressive City Hall building in the city center is a beautiful example of urban architecture. It offers interesting views of the surrounding landmarks and is an important administrative center of the city.
La Salve Bridge (Puente De La Salve)
This iconic red bridge over the Nervión River is one of Bilbao’s most photographed landmarks. It was designed by the French engineer Gustave Eiffel, creator of the famous Parisian tower. The bridge is named after the Virgin Mary, whose image you can find on it. From the bridge, there are breathtaking views of the river and the city skyline, including the Guggenheim Museum.
Zubizuri Bridge
Of course, there are more bridges in the city, and one of them is this impressive white bridge, a masterpiece by architect Santiago Calatrava. Its elegant arched structure has become one of the symbols of modern Bilbao.
Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga)
The former wine warehouse now houses one of the city’s most interesting cultural centers. The building underwent a complete reconstruction under the direction of designer Philippe Starck and was transformed into a multifunctional space offering exhibitions, film screenings, concerts, and other cultural events. It also features a modern fitness center and a pleasant cafe.
The center is dominated by the impressive “Atrium of Cultures” with 43 unique columns. Admission is affordable, and children under 12 have free entry.
Torres Isozaki (Isozaki Atea)
Torres Isozaki are two high-rise buildings designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. These symmetrical towers have become a significant part of Bilbao’s modern architecture. Together with the Zubizuri Bridge, they form an impressive architectural complex that represents the city’s modern face.
Where to Eat in Bilbao
Bilbao is a paradise for food lovers. The local specialty is pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. The best pintxos bars can be found in Casco Viejo and the Abando district. Don’t forget to taste the local txakoli wine and fresh seafood.
FAQ
How Many Days Do I Need to Visit Bilbao?
For a basic city tour, 2-3 days are enough, but if you want to explore the surroundings as well, I recommend at least 4-5 days.
Is Bilbao Expensive?
Compared to other Spanish cities, Bilbao is slightly more expensive, but still cheaper than most Western European metropolises.
How to Get to Bilbao?
The city has an international airport and good train connections to other Spanish cities. From the airport, you can reach the city center by bus in approximately 30 minutes.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
