What to do in Bilbao?

Nestled in the heart of the Basque Country, Bilbao captivates with its unique blend of contemporary architecture and old-world charm. If you've chosen this destination for your upcoming vacation, here's an article to help you plan your days-here's what to do in Bilbao

At the center of the city stands the Guggenheim Museum, a true architectural emblem designed by Frank Gehry, while the Bilbao Estuary, stretching to Casco Viejo, houses numerous medieval buildings. The Plaza Nueva, surrounded by pintxos bars, offers an authentic immersion in local cuisine.

Of course, visit the Santiago Cathedral, the must-see Gothic jewel of the city, and for architecture enthusiasts, the Zubizuri Bridge and the Iberdrola Tower await... Want to learn more? Read on!

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, designed by architect Frank Gehry, is an architectural marvel in Spain! Opened in 1997, the museum is renowned for its avant-garde design characterized by organic shapes and massive surfaces made of titanium, glass, and stone. Housing a collection of contemporary and modern art, the Guggenheim Bilbao offers varied exhibitions showcasing works by renowned artists such as Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, and Louise Bourgeois.

The structure itself is a work of art, integrating bold curves! The museum has had a significant impact on Bilbao's urban renewal and attracts visitors from around the world. That's why I recommend booking your skip-the-line tickets for the Guggenheim in advance

Casco Viejo is the historic district of the city, also known as the Old Town, characterized by its narrow streets, lively squares, and historic buildings.

At the heart of the district, the Santiago Cathedral, built in the 14th century, dominates the landscape. The buildings with colorful facades reflect the Gothic and Baroque architectural influences. The Mercado de la Ribera, one of the largest covered markets in Europe, is a must-visit, featuring stalls overflowing with local produce.

To fully understand the historic district, there's nothing better than taking a guided tour of Old Bilbao. You will discover this famous market, taste the pintxos, and visit the Santiago Cathedral along with all the points of interest in the neighborhood

If you're looking for a place to stay in Bilbao, here are my preferred neighborhoods with their pros ✅ and cons ❌

This is just a general overview of the best neighborhoods to sleep in Bilbao! If you need more details, I suggest you read my guide where to stay in Bilbao! It's very comprehensive, and I also share my favorite hotel addresses to settle in the city, so check it out I can also provide information about other spots along the Basque coast, especially if you're looking for where to stay in San Sebastian!

And that's all from me! Thank you for taking the time to read this article, have a great vacation

Mercado de la Ribera in Bilbao, located on the banks of the Bilbao Estuary, is one of the largest covered markets in Europe. Built in the early 20th century, it houses a variety of stalls offering fresh local products such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and Basque regional products.

Visitors can explore the colorful and lively stalls, discover Basque specialties, and interact with passionate vendors. The market's architecture, with its wrought iron arcades and stained glass, showcases that this place is not only a busy trade hub but also a social meeting point where locals and tourists mingle, creating a dynamic and authentic atmosphere in the heart of Bilbao.

Alternatively, there is a gastronomic guided tour of La Ribera. You will discover the best stalls alongside your guide and taste 9 pintxos along with 5 drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) included.

The Maritime Museum of Bilbao offers an immersion into maritime history, housing an exhaustive collection of objects, ships, and interactive exhibitions covering several centuries of maritime activities. From September to June, entry is free every Tuesday. Outside of this period, I recommend booking a ticket for the maritime museum. It costs only €6

On the spot, it is possible to explore faithful reproductions of traditional boats, detailed models, and ancient maritime equipment. Multimedia exhibitions also showcase the evolution of navigation techniques, the economic importance of maritime trade, and the influence of the sea on local culture.

The museum also provides a unique look at the modern shipbuilding industry, highlighting technological innovations and the contemporary challenges faced by sailors and maritime companies. With its strategic location at the heart of an active port, the Bilbao Maritime Museum is a must-visit!

The Biscay Transporter Bridge is an iconic structure designed by Basque engineer Alberto Palacio in collaboration with Ferdinand Arnodin. Opening in 1891, it was the first transporter bridge in the world and remains one of the few still in operation today.

Originally, this bridge was created to facilitate the passage of boats in the port of Bilbao without hindering navigation. It rests on a 45-meter-high metallic tower, which houses an innovative suspended cabin mechanism. These cabins can transport vehicles and passengers from one bank to the other in just a few minutes, spanning a distance of 160 meters above the Nervion River.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2006, the Biscay Transporter Bridge combines functionality with industrial aesthetics, making it a tourist attraction worth seeing! Expect to pay €9.50 for a single adult entry, which you can purchase on the official site along with all the practical information

The Bilbao Estuary is an estuary that extends approximately 14 kilometers from the Cantabrian Sea to the city center. Historically used as a maritime transport route for the steel and port industries, the Estuary has undergone significant transformations in recent decades

Over time, major urban development projects have been implemented to revitalize the area, integrating public spaces, parks, and modern infrastructure. The famous Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao is located along the banks of the Estuary, becoming an emblematic symbol of the city's renaissance.

Today, the Bilbao Estuary is an attractive place to relax, offering picturesque walks, bike paths, and recreational areas. It notably showcases the successful transformation of an industrial zone into a dynamic urban and cultural space while preserving its historical heritage!

Located in the Abando district, the Euskalduna Palace is a major conference and performance center. Opened in 1999, it was the product of the transformation of a former shipbuilding company.

With an area of 53,000 square meters, it houses an auditorium, meeting rooms, exhibition spaces, and versatile facilities. The palace was designed by architects Federico Soriano and Dolores Palacios, and the building stands out for its modern design and titanium facade that reflects the surrounding light. It has become an architectural symbol of Bilbao's transformation.

Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park is one of the city's most iconic green spaces. Opened in 1907, the park is named after Doña Casilda Iturrizar, a benefactor who donated the land for its creation. Spanning no less than 8 hectares, the park offers an oasis of greenery in the heart of the city.

Here, you will find a wide variety of plant species, ponds, fountains ⛲️, and artistic sculptures. The botanical garden integrated into the park showcases a diverse collection of plants. The park also features sports facilities, children's playgrounds, and benches for relaxation

The Basilica of Saint Vincent in Bilbao, also known as the Catedral de Santiago, is a Gothic church built in the 16th century. It is dedicated to Saint Vincent, the patron saint of the city, distinguished by its typical Gothic architecture, with elements such as buttresses and soaring vaults.

Over the centuries, the basilica has undergone various modifications and restorations, reflecting diverse architectural influences. Its interior houses remarkable religious artworks, including altarpieces and sculptures that testify to the region's religious history.

The Basilica of Saint Vincent remains an emblematic site in Bilbao, symbolizing the city's cultural and spiritual richness. Visitors can discover its history while admiring its striking architecture, making this basilica a must-see for those exploring Bilbao's heritage.

Home to the Athletic Bilbao football club, San Mamés Stadium was inaugurated in 2013, replacing the former stadium of the same name. With a capacity of around 53,000 seats, it is one of the most modern stadiums in Europe, featuring contemporary architecture and a distinctive roof making San Mamés an architectural feat.

The stadium has hosted major sporting events, such as La Liga matches and international competitions. It has also been the site of concerts and other cultural events. You can learn this and much more during the audio-guided tour of the San Mamés Stadium and museum

The stadium's facilities include VIP areas, media spaces, and training facilities for the local team. Additionally, the name San Mamés pays homage to the neighboring cathedral, and the passionate atmosphere created by local supporters, known as Los Leones, makes the stadium an iconic venue!

To get around Bilbao, the Artxanda Funicular is a vertical transport system that connects the city to the Artxanda hill. Opened in 1915, it offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city and its surroundings, as the funicular operates with two cabins on rails, actually powered by a counterweight system.

Stretching 770 meters, the journey takes about three minutes, providing a quick alternative to hiking up the hill. The lower station is located near the Deusto Bridge, accessible from downtown, while the upper station leads to the funicular square, a popular spot to enjoy views over the city.

The regular and reliable service of the Artxanda Funicular makes it a convenient way for residents and visitors to enjoy stunning panoramas while accessing recreational and relaxation areas on the hill, making this installation an emblematic element of Bilbao's urban landscape, which is possible to visit with a guide. The funicular ticket and guided tour cost €19 per person

The funicular runs Monday to Saturday from 7:15 AM to 10 PM. On Sundays and holidays, from 8:15 AM to 10 PM. From June to September inclusive, service is extended until 11 PM.

Getting to Bilbao is relatively easy, as the city is well connected by various modes of transportation. Here are some common options:

Bilbao Airport (BIO) is located about 12 kilometers from the city center. It is served by national and international airlines, including Volotea and Vueling. You can see which option works best for you on a comparison site like Ulysse

From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or use public transport to reach the city center. The A3247 Bilbao-Airport bus line connects the airport to the center of Bilbao, with frequent departures every 15 minutes.

The main train station in Bilbao is Abando Indalecio Prieto station, located in the city center. Renfe, the Spanish railway company, offers connections to Bilbao from other Spanish cities like Madrid! To get around the suburbs, you can take lines C1, C2, and C3 to Biscay.

The Spanish bus network offers quite a few connections to Bilbao from different regions. Bus stations, such as Termibus, located in the heart of the city, are arrival points for intercity buses. Many companies operate routes to Bilbao from France, including Flixbus and Alsa.

If you're considering driving, you can easily take the highway! The road network that crosses Biscay is quite pleasant for driving, even through the territory. If you're coming from France and Galicia, you can take the A8 highway, and if you're coming from Madrid, for example, take the A1 highway.

Once in Bilbao, know that the public transport network, including the metro, tram, and buses, facilitates travel within the city. Taxis are also widely available!