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Visiting Bilbao soon? and wondering what to see in Bilbao? Let me help you find the best and filter the rest!
Amble along with me as my Bilbao blog will help you find some of the top things to do in Bilbao.
In my opinion, 3 days in Bilbao is good time to see the best that city has to offer. But if you can spare couple of days more that’s even better, you can take the sights more slowly. Let me share with you the best things to do in Bilbao and tips to make the most out of your trip.
1. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Located in a popular district in Bilbao, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is dedicated to collecting the best of modern art.
The city’s modern art museum houses more than a thousand pieces of art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Visitors come to marvel at the varied collection of artworks, which includes everything from abstract paintings, digital art, unique photographs and expressionism.
Quick Facts:
- The gorgeous Deconstructivism, Expressionist architecture, Contemporary architecture style that you see is credited to the architect Frank Gehry, an architect of Canadian-American origin.
- The Modern Art Museum was opened on October 1997.
Address: Abandoibarra Etorb., 2, 48009 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
2. Basilica of Begoña
Don’t forget to pay a visit to Basilica of Begoña, which is regarded to be one of Bilbao’s most beautiful churches.
There is so much beauty in this church, from the front facade to the interior that it’s hard to choose a favorite. A special feature of the basilica is its high altar and ceiling, embellished with gold trimmings all around.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes intricate gold altarpiece, hilltop location.
- Beware you have to do bit of climb as the steps leading to the church might seem never ending, specially if you aren’t fit.
- It is built in a mix of architectural styles namely Gothic architecture, Baroque architecture.
An incredible sight, Basilica of Begoña scores high in the list of the best things to do in Bilbao.
Address: Begoñako Andra Maria Kalea, 38, 48006 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
3. Jardines de Albia Lorategiak
A beautiful public fountain located in Bilbao.
A sizeable pool with clean water looks very tempting in the hot summer afternoons. The stone walls have beautifully drawn carvings.
Address: Albia Lorategia, 2, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
4. Plaza Nueva
The Plaza Nueva is another wonderful open area in Bilbao’s old town center.
Filled with restaurants and eateries Plaza Nueva provides a great many option to try some local food. How about some pintxos and a glass of wine? I am sold!
Without a doubt this wonderful small square is one amongst the top things to do in Bilbao.
Address: Kale Barria, 14, 48005 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
5. Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao
Located inside Doña Casilda Iturrizar park, Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao makes for a good quick visit.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes paintings by greats such as Picasso, Goya and Velázquez, as well as by artists from Basque.
- Grab the audio guide on your way, it’s quite helpful.
- And the entry to the mfa is free.
Address: Museo Plaza, 2, 48009 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
6. Bilbao Cathedral
Bilbao Cathedral is an old Cathedral located in the Bilbao city.
Though more than 500 years old it was elevated to Cathedral much later in 1950.
Towards the very end you will find a marble altar featuring a figure of the saint. With its vibrant colors and seemingly never-ending expanse of artwork, the spectacular interior is a visual feast.
Quick Facts:
- It is also the seat of Diocese of Bilbao.
- It is built in a mix of architectural styles namely Gothic Revival architecture.
Address: Plaza de Santiago, 1, 48005 Bilbao, BI, Spain
7. Azkuna Zentroa
Azkuna Zentroa is a sprawling cultural center located in the center of Bilbao.
The center holds a variety of aorkshops, artistic presentations and musical performances. Check out online to see the events happening here.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes swimming pool on top floor.
- French designer Philippe Starck, Ricardo Bastida are the prominent architects who were involved in designing and building it.
- The cultural center was opened on 2010.
Add it to your Bilbao trip if you have time.
Address: Arriquíbar Plaza, 4, 48010 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
8. Doña Casilda Iturrizar park
Doña Casilda Iturrizar park is a beautifully landscaped park spread over a large area in Bilbao.
It is a good way to reconnect with nature – relax under the shady trees, watch the kids play.
The park has a small lake where you can spot ducks swimming enjoying their day. The Doña Casilda Iturrizar park is a hub of leisure activities, walk, jog, bike, swim or boat – choose your own adventure.
Address: 48009 Bilbao, Biscay, Spain
9. Mercado de la Ribera
If you love food make this a priority! Mercado de la Ribera is considered the largest covered market in whole of Europe!
Induldge your taste buds with the variety of local delicacies on offer. Travelers are bound to be tempted by all sort of food items being sold by the stalls.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 10,000 sq. m., it is difficult to take-in all in one go.
- The food market is located on banks of river Nervion.
- The food market is located near Casco Viejo.
- It is actually Pedro Ispizua who is credited with designing this whole place.
- The food market was opened on 1929.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Bilbao trip.
Address: Erribera Kalea, s/n, 48005 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
10. Museo Marítimo Ría de Bilbao
Museo Marítimo Ría de Bilbao is a maritime museum located in the city of Bilbao.
If you are into shipbuilding and sailing you will love this museum.
With its varied collection, the museum dwells into the seafaring history of the region. The museum showcases nautical relics in quite a unique setting.
Quick Facts:
- Easy to get to Museo Marítimo Ría de Bilbao is located in an erstwhile Euskalduna shipyard.
Address: Ramón de la Sota Kaia, 1, 48011 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
11. Funicular de Artxanda
Funicular de Artxanda is a short fun ride taking you to the higher part of the Bilbao.
The city constructed this network of funicular railroads to facilitate transportation to and from the areas located above the city. The funicular gives you an option to quickly go up and down the hill.
It is quite fun to ride the funicular up and leave all that bustling streetscape behind you.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes the sunset views from the top of Artxanda Mountain.
Add it to your Bilbao trip if you have time.
Address: Carretera Artxanda-Santo Domingo Errepidea, 27, 48015 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
12. Iglesia de San Nicolás
Iglesia de San Nicolás, one of city’s medieval church, is one of the city’s many architectural gems.
As this is a sacred location, anyone who want to enter are advised to cover their knees and shoulders. The Oratory has a plethora of sculptures as well as a variety of exquisite frescoes.
Quick Facts:
- A fine example of Baroque architecture, the church is a center of Roman Catholic faith.
- The church is located on El Arenal Square.
Address: Plaza de San Nicolás, s/n, 48006 Bilbao, BI, Spain
Thanks for reading this travel blog, hope now you know plenty of must see places in Bilbao. In this Bilbao travel blog post, I have listed not just what to see in Bilbao but also what to do.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Bilbao. If you have any questions or suggestions on sightseeing in Bilbao, I would love to hear them in the comments section below.