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If you have done the things to do in Spain, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Bilbao.
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Basque Country, Bilbao is a vibrant metropolis that pulsates with energy.
Sparkling with a palpable zeal, it is a city that expertly threads the old with the new, the traditional with the unconventional, and the soulful with the modern.
From the glistening titanium curves of the Guggenheim Museum to the quaint streets of the Casco Viejo, Bilbao is a place that enchants and delights in equal measures.
So whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Basque Country, or simply explore the city’s many hidden gems and gastronomic delights, Bilbao is a place that is sure to capture your heart.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Bilbao:
1. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
A world-renowned modern and contemporary art museum located in Bilbao, Spain.
What to see or do: Admire the iconic Frank Gehry-designed building and explore the impressive collection of art from the 20th and 21st centuries, featuring works by artists such as Mark Rothko, Jeff Koons, and Yves Klein.
Don’t miss: The Puppy, a 12-meter-tall topiary sculpture of a West Highland Terrier covered in flowers, located outside of the museum.
Insider travel tips: Opt for a guided tour to learn more about the museum’s architecture and art collection, and visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
Don’t forget to stop by the museum’s gift shop for unique souvenirs and gifts.
2. Casco Viejo (Old Town)
Casco Viejo, also called Old Town, is the historic district of Bilbao, Spain.
What to see or do: – Stroll around the charming narrow streets and admire the traditional architecture.
Don’t miss: – The Arriaga Theater, a beautiful neoclassical building that hosts a variety of cultural events.
Insider travel tips: – Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and get a more authentic experience.
3. Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts.
What to see or do: The museum boasts an impressive collection of Spanish and European art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Visitors can view works from renowned artists such as Goya, Van Dyck, and Picasso, as well as contemporary artists.
The museum also has a beautiful sculpture garden that is worth exploring.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is undoubtedly the large collection of works by renowned Basque artist, Eduardo Chillida. His sculptures and engravings are on display in a dedicated hall and are an absolute must-see.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays.
4. Plaza Nueva
A historic square located in the heart of Bilbao, Spain.
What to see or do: Enjoy the stunning architecture of the surrounding buildings, including the Bilbao Town Hall and the Santiago Cathedral.
Take a stroll through the lively atmosphere and grab a bite to eat at one of the many traditional Basque restaurants.
Don’t miss: The Arriaga Theater, an impressive building with a neoclassical facade. Take in a show or tour the interior to learn about its fascinating history.
Insider travel tips: Visit during one of the many festivals held in Plaza Nueva throughout the year, including the annual Bilbao Aste Nagusia.
To experience the square at its liveliest, visit in the evening when the bars and restaurants come to life with locals and visitors alike.
5. Funicular de Artxanda
A historic funicular railway in Bilbao, Spain.
What to see or do: Enjoy breathtaking views of the city of Bilbao from the top of Mount Artxanda.
Don’t miss: Sunset views from the summit are breathtaking, so try to plan your visit around that time.
Insider travel tips: Purchase a round trip ticket to avoid having to wait in line for a return ticket. Also, bring a jacket as it can get windy at the top.
6. Euskal Museoa (Basque Museum)
The Euskal Museoa or the Basque Museum is a cultural institution in Bilbao, Spain. The museum focuses on the culture, history, and traditions of the Basque people.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the permanent exhibition of the museum, which includes a collection of over 25,000 objects related to Basque culture, politics, economy, and social life.
The exhibition is organized into different sections, such as prehistory, Roman era, Basque language and literature, Basque music and dance, and celebration and festivities.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the famous “Olentzero,” a mythical character from the Basque Christmas tradition, displayed in the museum.
The museum also has a library that houses thousands of volumes related to Basque culture and history.
Insider travel tips:
7. Palacio de la Diputación Foral de Vizcaya
A historic government building in Bilbao, Spain.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning Neo-Baroque architecture of the building and take a guided tour to learn about its history and significance to the Basque Country.
Don’t miss: The grand staircase, which features a beautiful stained glass window and ornate details.
Insider travel tips: Visitors are required to book a tour in advance, as the building is still in use as a government institution.
Also, be sure to check out the Paseo del Arenal, a nearby promenade along the Nervion river that offers stunning views of the building.
8. San Mamés Stadium
A modern, state-of-the-art soccer stadium located in the heart of Bilbao, Spain.
What to see or do: Catch a thrilling game featuring Athletic Club Bilbao, one of the most successful soccer teams in Spain. Take a stadium tour to see the locker rooms, press room, and VIP areas.
Don’t miss: The exterior of the stadium is covered in LED lights, creating a stunning light show during matches and concerts.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to soak up the pre-game atmosphere at one of the many bars and restaurants located near the stadium. Consider taking public transportation or walking, as parking can be difficult on game days.
9. Zubizuri Bridge
Zubizuri Bridge is a pedestrian footbridge that spans over the Nervion River in Bilbao, Spain.
What to see or do: The white curved bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava is a stunning piece of contemporary architecture. You can walk across the bridge to enjoy the breathtaking views of Bilbao city and the river.
Don’t miss: Walk on the glass floor section of the bridge for an exhilarating experience. The bridge is also beautifully lit up at night, so make sure to visit after sunset.
Insider travel tips: Try to visit the bridge during weekdays to avoid the crowds. If you are a photography lover, visit early in the morning to capture the sunrise over the bridge.
Additionally, wear comfortable shoes for the walk, as the bridge can be slippery when wet.
10. Basilica of Begoña
The Basilica of Begoña is a Catholic church located in the historic center of Bilbao, Spain. It is known for its striking architecture and stunning views of the city.
What to see or do: Take in the beautiful architecture of the church and the surrounding plaza. Admire the ornate details of the altar and the impressive pipe organ.
Take a moment of quiet reflection in the peaceful atmosphere of the basilica.
Don’t miss: Make sure to climb to the top of the church tower for the best views of Bilbao.
The winding staircase can be a bit challenging, but the panoramic views of the city and river are well worth the effort.
Insider travel tips: Visit the basilica during one of the many religious festivals or celebrations that take place throughout the year for an even more immersive experience.
It’s also a good idea to check the opening hours and dress appropriately if you plan to attend a church service.
11. Alhóndiga Bilbao
Alhóndiga Bilbao is a cultural center located in the heart of Bilbao, Spain.
What to see or do: The center features modern art exhibits, a cinema, a fitness center, a gourmet market, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.
Don’t miss: The vintage wine bar, where you can sample some of Spain’s finest wines in a stylish and cozy atmosphere.
Insider travel tips: Check out the center’s calendar of events before your visit, as there are often cultural performances and concerts scheduled. Also, be sure to take advantage of the rooftop terrace for some of the best views in the city.
Finally, the gourmet market is a great spot to pick up some local delicacies to take home as souvenirs.
12. Estación de Abando Indalecio Prieto (Abando Station)
A major railway station located in the heart of Bilbao, Spain, and one of the busiest transportation hubs in the Basque Country.
What to see or do: Admire the impressive facade of the station, which features a mix of architectural styles from neo-baroque to art deco. Experience the hustle and bustle of train travel as locals and tourists alike come and go from their destinations.
Don’t miss: The monumental clock in the main hall, which is one of the most iconic features of the station.
Take a stroll outside to explore the surrounding streets of the vibrant Abando neighborhood, which is full of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Insider travel tips: If traveling to Bilbao by train, make sure to arrive early to explore the station and its surroundings. Take advantage of the numerous shops and services within the station, including souvenir shops, cafes, and ATMs.
The station is also well connected to other parts of the city, with multiple bus and metro lines nearby.
13. Museo Marítimo Ría de Bilbao (Bilbao Maritime Museum)
The Museo Marítimo Ría de Bilbao is a maritime museum located in the city of Bilbao, Spain. It is housed in the Euskalduna shipyard, a historic building that dates back to the early 20th century.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore a variety of nautical exhibits showcasing the history of Bilbao’s port and fishing industry. The museum’s collection includes models of ships, navigation instruments, and fishing gear.
There are also interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience what life was like on board a ship.
Don’t miss: One of the museum’s highlights is the replica of the tuna fishing boat, the Santa María, which was built in the 1960s and was used primarily for catching bonito and tuna in the Bay of Biscay.
The boat has been restored to its original condition and visitors can take a guided tour on board.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
14. Azkuna Zentroa (Culture and Leisure Centre)
Azkuna Zentroa is a multi-purpose cultural and leisure centre located in the heart of Bilbao, Spain.
The centre houses a variety of facilities including exhibition spaces, a cinema, a library, a fitness centre, and a rooftop terrace.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the exhibitions on contemporary art, photography, and design, watch movies at the cinema, or work out at the modern fitness centre.
The rooftop terrace provides stunning views of the city and is a perfect spot to relax and have a drink.
Don’t miss: The highlight of Azkuna Zentroa is undoubtedly the “Alhóndiga Bilbao” wine cellar located in the basement of the building. It is an impressive space with more than 3,000 bottles of wine from over 25 countries.
Visitors can taste some of the best wines from Spain and around the world.
Insider travel tips: – It’s best to check the centre’s website for the upcoming exhibitions and events.