21 Best Things to Do in Bilbao for Tourists
Once a city defined by its steel and shipbuilding industries, Bilbao has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis, making it a top destination for those seeking unique things to do in Bilbao.
This isn’t your typical Spanish city; it’s a place where modern architecture clashes with historic buildings, where Michelin-starred restaurants share the streets with pintxo bars, and where world-class museums coexist with edgy street art. There are countless things to do in Bilbao that cater to every type of tourist.
The catalyst for this change? The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
This architectural marvel, designed by Frank Gehry, opened in 1997 and single-handedly put Bilbao on the world’s cultural map, adding another must-see to the ever-growing list of things to do in Bilbao. Whether you’re exploring the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, enjoying local cuisine, or visiting its many cultural sites, you’ll never run out of fascinating things to do in Bilbao.
A City of Surprises, Where Industrial Heritage Meets Modern Delights
But the city did not stop. It invested in new infrastructure, revitalized its riverfront, and embraced its unique blend of tradition and innovation, creating even more things to do in Bilbao.
The result is a constantly evolving city, always surprising, and utterly captivating. Explore Bilbao and discover what the “Bilbao Effect” is all about by experiencing the countless things to do in Bilbao firsthand. From its stunning architecture to its lively cultural scene, there are always new and exciting things to do in Bilbao.
A Complete Guide for Tourists to Explore 21 Best Things to Do in Bilbao
Bilbao, a city that has transformed itself from an industrial hub into a cultural powerhouse, offers a multitude of experiences for every kind of traveller. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the 21 best things to do in Bilbao:
1. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Location: Abandoibarra Etorbidea., 2, 48009 Bilbao
Transport: Tram, bus, or walk from the city centre
Amenities: Museum shop, cafe, restaurant, guided tours, audio guides
Cost: Adults €16, students & seniors €9, under 12 free
Activities: Explore the museum’s vast collection, admire the architecture, attend special exhibitions
Best Suited For: Art lovers, architecture enthusiasts, families, couples
Unique Feature: The iconic titanium-clad building designed by Frank Gehry
Food to Try: The museum’s restaurant offers modern Basque cuisine with stunning views
2. Casco Viejo (Old Town)
Location: Heart of Bilbao
Transport: Metro, tram, bus, or walk
Amenities: Shops, bars, restaurants, historic churches
Cost: Free (except for purchases and dining)
Activities: Stroll through the narrow streets, visit the Plaza Nueva, explore historic buildings
Best Suited For: Everyone! History buffs, foodies, shoppers, families
Unique Feature: The mediaeval atmosphere and traditional architecture
Food to Try: Pintxos at the many bars, traditional Basque dishes at restaurants
3. Pintxos Crawl
Location: Casco Viejo (Old Town) and surrounding areas
Transport: Walk between bars
Amenities: Countless pintxos bars with varying atmospheres
Cost: Varies depending on consumption
Activities: Sample a wide variety of pintxos, experience the lively bar scene
Best Suited For Foodies, groups of friends, couples
Unique Feature: The unique Basque culinary tradition of pintxos
Food to Try: Gilda (anchovy, olive, and pepper skewer), bacalao al pil-pil (cod in garlic sauce)
4. Nervión River Walk
Location: Along the Nervión River
Transport: Walk, bike, or rent a scooter
Amenities: Parks, benches, cafes, bridges with unique views
Cost: Free
Activities: Walk, jog, bike, relax by the river, admire the architecture
Best Suited For: Everyone! Families, couples, solo travellers
Unique Feature: The scenic views of the city and its modern architecture
Food to Try: Enjoy a picnic by the river or grab a coffee at a nearby cafe
5. Mount Artxanda
Location: North of the city centre
Transport: Funicular from Plaza del Funicular (5-minute ride)
Amenities: Parks, restaurants, cafes, playground, lookout points
Cost: Funicular ride: Adults €3.50, children €1.80
Activities: Enjoy panoramic views, hike or bike the trails, have a picnic, dine with a view
Best Suited For: Families, couples, photographers, nature lovers
Unique Feature: Breathtaking views of Bilbao and the surrounding mountains
Food to Try: Restaurante Txakoli Simon (traditional Basque cuisine with a view)
6. Ribera Market
Location: Erribera Kalea, s/n, 48005 Bilbao
Transport: Tram, bus, or walk from the city centre
Amenities: Market stalls, cafes, bars, restaurants
Cost: Free (except for purchases and dining)
Activities: Browse the stalls, sample local products, have a meal
Best Suited For Foodies, families, shoppers
Unique Feature: One of Europe’s largest indoor markets, Art Deco architecture
Food to Try: Fresh seafood, pintxos, local cheeses and cured meats
7. Fine Arts Museum (Museo de Bellas Artes)
Location: Museo Plaza, 2, 48009 Bilbao
Transport: Bus or walk from the city centre
Amenities: Museum shop, cafe, guided tours, audio guides
Cost: Adults €10, students & seniors €6, under 18 free
Activities: Explore the vast collection of art, attend temporary exhibitions
Best Suited For: Art lovers, history buffs, families
Unique Feature: Extensive collection of Basque, Spanish, and European art
Food to Try: The museum’s cafe offers light snacks and refreshments
8. Vizcaya Bridge (Puente Vizcaya)
Location: Getxo (near Bilbao)
Transport: Metro (Line 1) to Areeta, then walk or bus
Amenities: Visitor centre, gondola ride, walking platform
Cost: Gondola ride: Adults €9, children €4.50
Activities: Take a gondola ride, walk across the upper platform, learn about the bridge’s history
Best Suited For History buffs, engineering enthusiasts, families
Unique Feature: UNESCO World Heritage Site, a 19th-century engineering marvel
Food to Try: Nearby Getxo offers a variety of seafood restaurants
9. Bilbao Art District
Location: Around the streets of Henao, Rodríguez Arias, and Alameda Mazarredo
Transport: Metro, bus, or walk
Amenities: Art galleries, studios, shops, cafes, bars
Cost: Varies depending on galleries and purchases
Activities: Visit galleries, attend exhibitions, admire street art
Best Suited For: Art lovers, creative individuals
Unique Feature: A vibrant and ever-evolving creative hub
Food to Try: Explore the trendy cafes and bars in the area
10. Bilbao Cathedral
Location: Plaza de Santiago, 1, 48005 Bilbao
Transport: Metro (Casco Viejo station) or walk
Amenities: Guided tours
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
Activities: Explore the cathedral’s interior, admire the Gothic architecture, attend mass
Best Suited For: History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, religious visitors
Unique Feature: A beautiful example of Gothic architecture in the Basque Country
11. Arriaga Theater
Location: Arriaga Plaza, s/n, 48005 Bilbao
Transport: Metro (Abando station) or walk
Amenities: Theater bar, guided tours
Cost: Varies depending on the performance
Activities: Attend a performance of opera, ballet, theatre, or music
Best Suited For Performing arts enthusiasts, couples
12. Gran Vía
Location: Main thoroughfare in central Bilbao
Transport: Metro (Abando, Moyua, or Indautxu stations), tram, bus, or walk
Amenities: Shops, department stores, boutiques, cafes, banks
Cost: Free (except for purchases)
Activities: Shopping, window shopping, people-watching, admiring the architecture
Best Suited For: Shoppers, fashionistas, families
Unique Feature: Elegant architecture with a mix of historic and modern buildings
Food to Try: Enjoy coffee and pastries at a sidewalk cafe, or dine at one of the many restaurants lining the street
13. Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park
Location: Between Gran Vía and the Nervión River
Transport: Metro (Moyua station) or walk
Amenities: Ponds, fountains, playgrounds, benches, walking paths, cafe
Cost: Free
Activities: Stroll through the park, have a picnic, relax by the ponds, rent a boat, visit the duck pond
Best Suited For: Families, couples, nature lovers, anyone seeking relaxation
Unique Feature: A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city
Food to Try: Have a picnic with local snacks and drinks
14. Bilbao La Vieja
Location: South of the Casco Viejo
Transport: Metro (Santutxu or Casco Viejo stations), bus, or walk
Amenities: Bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants, shops, art galleries
Cost: Varies depending on venues and consumption
Activities: Explore the vibrant nightlife, discover street art, enjoy live music
Best Suited For: Young adults, couples, nightlife enthusiasts
Unique Feature: A revitalised neighbourhood with a bohemian atmosphere
Food to Try: Pintxos at the many bars, international cuisine at the restaurants
15. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Location: Bermeo (40 minutes drive from Bilbao)
Transport: Bus from Bilbao to Bakio, then taxi or walk
Amenities: Small cafe at the base, stunning views
Cost: Free (except for transportation)
Activities: Climb the 241 steps to the hermitage, admire the views, explore the island
Best Suited For: Nature lovers, photographers, “Game of Thrones” fans, those seeking adventure
Unique Feature: A dramatic islet with a fascinating history
Food to Try: Enjoy fresh seafood at the nearby port of Bermeo
16. Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Location: Various locations throughout Bilbao
Transport: Varies depending on the restaurant
Amenities: Fine dining experience, impeccable service
Cost: Expensive (set menus often start around €100)
Activities: Indulge in innovative Basque cuisine, savour tasting menus
Best Suited For Foodies, special occasions, couples
Unique Feature: Bilbao boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants showcasing the best of Basque gastronomy
17. Maritime Museum (Itsasmuseum Bilbao)
Location: Ramón de la Sota Kaia, 1, 48011 Bilbao
Transport: Tram, bus, or walk from the city centre
Amenities: Museum shop, cafe, interactive exhibits, guided tours
Cost: Adults €8, students & seniors €4, under 12 free
Activities: Learn about Bilbao’s maritime history, explore ship models, discover the port’s evolution
Best Suited For Families, history buffs, maritime enthusiasts
Unique Feature: Housed in former shipyards, interactive exhibits
18. Boat Trip Along the Estuary
Location: Departures from various points along the river
Transport: Walk to the departure point
Amenities: Depending on the boat tour, some offer drinks and snacks
Cost: Varies depending on the tour operator and duration
Activities: Enjoy views of the city from the water, learn about the estuary’s history and ecology
Best Suited For: Everyone! Families, couples, photographers
Unique Feature: A relaxing way to see Bilbao’s skyline and bridges from a different perspective
19. San Mamés Stadium
Location: Rafael Moreno Pitxitxi Kalea, s/n, 48013 Bilbao
Transport: Metro (San Mamés station), tram, bus, or walk
Amenities: Museum, stadium tours, shop, restaurants
Cost: Museum: Adults €10, children €5; Tours: Vary depending on type
Activities: Attend a football match, visit the museum, take a stadium tour
Best Suited For: Football fans, sports enthusiasts
Unique Feature: The “Cathedral of Football,” a modern stadium with a passionate atmosphere
Food to Try: Enjoy traditional Basque snacks and drinks at the stadium bars
20. Euskal Museoa (Basque Museum)
Location: Plaza Miguel Unamuno, 4, 48006 Bilbao
Transport: Metro (Casco Viejo station) or walk
Amenities: Museum shop, guided tours
Cost: Adults €6, students & seniors €3, under 12 free
Activities: Learn about Basque culture, history, language, and traditions through exhibits
Best Suited For History buffs, culture enthusiasts, families
Unique Feature: Comprehensive overview of Basque culture and heritage
Food to Try: Nearby Casco Viejo offers a wide range of traditional Basque restaurants
21. Basque Cooking Class
Location: Various locations throughout Bilbao
Transport: Varies depending on the cooking school
Amenities: Hands-on cooking experience, professional instruction
Cost: Varies depending on the class and duration
Activities: Learn to prepare traditional pintxos and Basque dishes, enjoy a meal you’ve created
Best Suited For: Foodies, couples, groups of friends
Unique Feature: A unique way to immerse yourself in Basque culinary culture
Food to Try: Whatever you learn to make in the class!
With this comprehensive guide, you can plan the best things to do in Bilbao adventure with confidence. Know the best places to visit, how to get there, what to do, and what to eat!
Remember to check opening hours, availability, and specific details for each attraction as they may vary. Enjoy your trip to Bilbao!
Insider Tips to Planning Your Bilbao Adventure
When to Go:
Bilbao experiences a mild climate year-round, but spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. These seasons are perfect for exploring the many things to do in Bilbao. Summer can get hot and busy, while winter sees more rainfall, so plan accordingly if you want to enjoy all the things to do in Bilbao without interruptions.
Getting There:
Bilbao Airport (BIO) is well-connected to major European cities. From the airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach the city centre. This ease of access means you can quickly dive into the exciting things to do in Bilbao. If you’re travelling from other parts of Spain, Bilbao is easily accessible by train or bus, making it convenient to experience the many things to do in Bilbao.
Where to Stay:
Bilbao offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. If you want to be in the heart of the action and close to the top things to do in Bilbao, look for hotels in Casco Viejo or Indautxu. For a more modern vibe, consider staying in Abandoibarra, near the Guggenheim Museum, where you’ll find plenty of things to do in Bilbao.
Getting Around:
Bilbao is a very walkable city, but you can also use the efficient public transport system, including buses, trams, and metro. A Barik card is the most convenient way to pay for your journeys, allowing you to easily move between the many things to do in Bilbao. If you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing, consider buying a Bilbao Bizkaia Card, which offers unlimited travel on public transport and discounts on attractions—making it easier to explore all the things to do in Bilbao.
Local Customs:
The Basque people are known for their warm hospitality and love of good food. When greeting someone, it’s customary to say “kaixo” (hello) and “agur” (goodbye). If you’re invited to a meal, be prepared to try some of the local specialities, such as pintxos, txakoli wine, and bacalao al pil-pil (cod in a garlic and olive oil sauce)—just another one of the many delicious things to do in Bilbao.
Language:
While Spanish is the official language in Bilbao, you’ll also hear Basque spoken. Learning a few basic phrases in Basque, such as “eskerrik asko” (thank you), will be appreciated by the locals, and it might even enhance your experience of the local things to do in Bilbao.
With these insider tips, you’re well on your way to planning an unforgettable Bilbao adventure, packed with all the best things to do in Bilbao.
Bonus Tip:
Remember to pack an umbrella, as Bilbao can experience occasional showers. Exploring the city’s numerous things to do in Bilbao is even more enjoyable when you’re prepared for the weather.
Don’t Miss:
Take a day trip to the stunning coastal town of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, which served as a filming location for the popular TV series “Game of Thrones.” This is just one of the many amazing things to do in Bilbao and its surrounding areas.
Your Turn to Experience the Best Things to Do in Bilbao
Ready to witness the “Bilbao Effect” for yourself?
Don’t just take our word for it – book your trip to Bilbao and uncover the city’s unique charm.
There are countless things to do in Bilbao, such as wandering through the historic streets of Casco Viejo, marvelling at the architectural wonders, indulging in the culinary delights, and immersing yourself in the vibrant cultural scene.
Whether you’re a seasoned tourist or a first-time visitor, Bilbao has something to offer everyone. From the world-class museums to the bustling markets, the city’s diverse attractions will leave you wanting more. Bilbao truly offers an abundance of things to do in Bilbao.
So what are you waiting for?
Start planning your Bilbao adventure today and discover the many things to do in Bilbao that are reinventing itself one day at a time. Be sure to research all the things to do in Bilbao before you go!
