Overview
Welcome to Bilbao, a city that has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from an industrial port to a vibrant, trend-setting travel destination. This change, often referred to as ‘The Guggenheim Effect’, owes much to the city’s clean-up and the arrival of the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a magnet for art lovers and tourists alike. But Bilbao’s allure extends beyond this architectural marvel.
Nestled along the northern shores of Spain in the heart of the Basque Country, Bilbao has emerged as a must-visit city, growing more popular with each visit. What makes Bilbao truly stand out is its unique blend of historic charm and youthful energy. As you walk through the streets of Bilbao, you’ll notice that it’s a place of constant evolution, with new attractions and activities emerging regularly.
But let’s not forget about the culinary delights! Bilbao’s Basque cuisine, especially the Pintxos (the local version of tapas), is a gastronomic adventure not to be missed. The entire culinary scene in Northern Spain is unique and elaborate, many people come here (and to San Sebastian, the other famous food spot) only to eat.
So, whether you’re into art, history, surfing or food, Bilbao and the surrounding region has a lot to offer.
Bilbao Itinerary
1 day | visit the Guggenheim Museum, explore the Casco Viejo and Ribera market, try the pintxos
2 days | the above plus Museo Bellas Artes, a boat tour, and the view from mount Arxanda
3 days | the above plus a day trip to Gaztelugatxe
What to do
- 1 Explore the Guggenheim
- 2 Explore the culinary scene
- 3 Go up mount Artxanda at sunset
- 4 Visit La Ribera market
- 5 Walk around Casco Viejo
- 6 Explore Museo de Bellas Artes
- 7 Join a chill boat tour
- 8 Day trip to Gaztelugatxe
- 9 See Arriaga Theatre
- 10 Celebrate during Aste Nagusia
1 Explore the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao’s Architectural Icon
The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao stands as a testament to modern architecture and is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Built about 20 years ago, it’s not just an essential stop in Bilbao but also a standout structure in the Basque Country. Designed by Frank Gehry, the museum’s exterior is a striking example of contemporary design, featuring a unique, almost otherworldly appearance.
Lines can get long, especially in high season, so for a hassle-free visit, consider booking skip-the-line tickets to the Guggenheim. This way, you can avoid the queues and get straight to exploring. Inside, the museum houses an impressive collection of modern art (with many super temporary exhibitions as well!), but it’s the building itself that steals the show. The architecture is a marvel, with a design that’s both innovative and visually engaging. Apart from the main building there are other things to see, including the spooky Spider statue, and the creative ‘Tulips’ and the large ‘Puppy’ sculptures by Jeff Koons, which add a playful touch to the museum’s surroundings. These pieces are separate from the main collection, but contribute to the Guggenheim’s overall appeal.
Good to know | The entry fee is 12€ for adults. Open between 10:00 and 19:00 every day except Mondays.
2 Explore Bilbao’s Culinary Scene: A Guide to Txikiteo and Pintxos
Bilbao is the place for Pintxos, the Basque Country’s version of tapas (they are similar to tapas, but are smaller and often come with a bread base). These small plates are perfect for a snack before lunch or dinner and are quite affordable, typically around €1.80 each. The best way to try them is to head to the Old Town in the evening and visit Plaza Nueva. From noon to 3 pm and then again from 6 pm to 8 pm, this historical square buzzes with about 20 Pintxos bars. The local custom here is to hop from one bar to another, trying different Pintxos at each stop. Usually they are served with a small drink, either a mini beer or a small glass of wine. The beautiful habit of moving through Bilbao’s bars, enjoying this combo at each bar with friends is called “txikiteo”. This is a fantastic way to spend an evening and is exactly what you should be doing. If you’re looking to learn a bit more about the region’s food and pintxos habit, consider a guided pintxos tour.
For a fine dining experience, make a reservation at Bascook, an upscale restaurant popular among locals. Hidden underground, Bascook offers a menu that creatively twists traditional Basque flavors. The tasting menu is a great choice, featuring a variety of impressive dishes, top-notch service, and a vibrant atmosphere. Be sure to book in advance.
3 Visit Artxanda’s Lookout in Bilbao
Mount Artxanda offers a fantastic vantage point for panoramic views of Bilbao. To get there, take a ride on the historic funicular railway that has been in operation since 1915. Starting from Plaza del Funicular in Casco Viejo, the journey itself is an interesting part of the experience, providing a unique perspective of the city as you ascend.
At the top, while there aren’t many amenities like cafes or terraces, the views are the main attraction. The lookout gives you a great view of Bilbao’s cityscape and the surrounding hills, which is particularly impressive around sunset. This location is a great spot to understand why locals affectionately refer to Bilbao as ‘botxo’ or ‘hole’, due to its position encircled by hills.
4 Explore the Culinary Delights of La Ribera Market in Bilbao
At the southern end of Bilbao’s old town, you can find the La Ribera Market, an important part of the local food scene. Holding the title of Europe’s largest indoor market, La Ribera has been operating since the 14th century. The market as it stands today, with its historic charm, dates back to 1929 and is a blend of tradition and modernity. The market combines grocery shopping on the upper level with an array of bars and food stalls below, so you can shop for fresh produce but also to enjoy a variety of local dishes.
5 Casco Viejo: stroll through history
The Casco Viejo or Old Town is not just about food; it’s a historic area showcasing medieval Bilbao. This compact area, consisting of seven original streets, offers a glimpse into historic Bilbao with its old Basque buildings. It’s an ideal spot for a casual walk or to grab a coffee and watch the hustle and bustle of the city. Key historical sites in the area include the cathedral, the churches of San Nicolas and San Anton, and the lively Plaza Nueva. If you’re interested in history, Casco Viejo hosts two museums worth visiting: the Euskal Museoa Bilbao, focusing on Basque history, and the Arkeologi Museoa, which showcases archaeological finds from various eras. If you want more insights about the historical sights you can also join a walking tour, or even a bike tour!
6 Explore the Museo De Bellas Artes
The Museo De Bellas Artes in Bilbao, often overshadowed by the more famous Guggenheim Museum, is a treasure trove for art lovers and a key highlight of the city. Established in 1914 and inaugurated in its current form in 1945, this museum combines modern and neoclassical architectural styles, creating an intriguing setting for its vast collection.
As one of Spain’s finest art museums, it boasts a collection of over 10,000 pieces, ranging from the Middle Ages to contemporary works, including local talents and international masters, including El Greco, Francisco de Goya, Francis Bacon, Eduardo Chillida, and Paul Gauguin.
7 Enjoy a Boat Tour Along the Ría de Bilbao
Taking a boat tour down the Ría de Bilbao is an excellent way to see some of the city’s major attractions and impressive buildings, all conveniently located along the riverbanks. This leisurely boat ride offers a unique perspective of the city, allowing you to appreciate its beauty from the water. Some of the iconic landmarks you’ll see are the Hotel Arenal Bilbao, the Town Hall, the bustling Ribera Market, and the renowned Guggenheim Museum from a different angle.
As one of Spain’s finest art museums, it boasts a collection of over 10,000 pieces, ranging from the Middle Ages to contemporary works, including local talents and international masters, including El Greco, Francisco de Goya, Francis Bacon, Eduardo Chillida, and Paul Gauguin.
8 A day trip to Gaztelugatze
Just a short drive from Bilbao, the striking islet of Gaztelugatxe is a great destination to break away from city life and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and history of the Basque Coast. Gaztelugatxe connects to the mainland via a rugged bridge, with a path winding up to a historic hermitage atop its peak. The journey up these 241 steps tests your stamina but also offers unmatched views of the Bay of Biscay and the surrounding cliffs. The hermitage, dedicated to John the Baptist, dates back to the 9th century and is enveloped in local lore, including tales of pilgrimages and legendary visitors. (It even featured in Game of Thrones).
If you are renting a car, Gaztelugatxe is easily accessed from Bilbao in about 40 minutes. Public transport options are available but involve a mix of bus travel and walking. The best choice is to make a full-day day trip out of it, and hop on a group tour to combine Gaztelugatxe with Gernika and Mundaka. If you’re short on time, you can even go on a tour to visit Gaztelugatxe and San Sebastián, another famous basque city.
9 See Arriaga Theatre
Named after the Spanish composer Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga, known as the “Spanish Mozart,” the theatre has been a pivotal part of the city’s cultural landscape since its inauguration in 1890. Visiting the Arriaga Theatre is not just about catching a performance; it’s about experiencing a piece of Bilbao’s history. Modeled after the Paris Opera House, Arriaga Theatre has a stunning Neo-baroque facade, a prime example of 19th-century architecture. Arriaga Theatre is not only significant for its design but also for its role in the cultural life of Bilbao. It hosts a wide array of performances, ranging from opera and ballet to drama and contemporary dance (people are even dancing in front of the theatre on some nights:) You can take a guided tour, or better yet, book tickets for a show.
10 Celebrate during Aste Nagusia
Every year, the vibrant city of Bilbao bursts into life with the week-long festivity of Aste Nagusia, or the “Great Week”. The festival dates back to 1978, and it kicks off with the ceremonial launch of the “txupinazo” (opening rocket), followed by the appearance of the mythical figure Marijaia, the festival’s icon. Over nine days, Bilbao transforms into a festival ground with activities ranging from traditional sports like stone lifting and wood chopping, to modern music concerts. A highlight of the festival is the international fireworks competition that lights up the night sky above the Nervion River. There are also daily parades featuring giant puppets, traditional dancers, and musicians weave through the city’s Old Quarter. The whole festival is unique, fun and offers countless photo opportunities.
When to go
Bilbao is a year-round destination, but the most ideal times to explore are from April to June and September to November. During these months, you’ll enjoy mild, pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
How to get around
Getting around in Bilbao is quite straightforward due to its compact layout, which makes walking and cycling convenient options.
Bike rental | If you prefer cycling, Bilbao has a bike-sharing service called Bilbaobizi, offering over 450 bikes. The city is equipped with dedicated bike lanes and is generally bike-friendly.
Metro and tram | Bilbao’s metro and tram system is efficient and covers most of the city with its two lines. Operating from early morning till late at night, it’s known for being clean, safe, and punctual.
Bus | The bus network in Bilbao is extensive and offers an affordable way to traverse the city. Additionally, there are night buses available on weekends and holidays for late-night travel.
Cost of travel
Traveling to Bilbao can be a manageable expense,it’s not as costly as major Spanish cities like Madrid or Barcelona.
Transportation Costs | Your primary expense is likely to be the journey to Bilbao. Internal flights in Spain might set you back over €100, while bus or train travel typically ranges from €45 to €60. Within Bilbao, public transportation is quite affordable, with metro rides costing about €1.50. Taxis are more expensive, starting with a minimum fare of around €4.
Accommodation: Hotel prices in Bilbao vary, with mid-range hotels averaging €100-150 per night. For those on a tighter budget, hostels are a cost-effective alternative, with prices hovering between €20-30 per night. Some hostels also offer kitchens, which can help in reducing food expenses.
Food and Drink | Bilbao, located in the heart of the Basque Country, is renowned for its culinary offerings. A meal at a mid-range restaurant might cost around €20-30, while a snack or coffee could be around €5-10. Budget travelers can save by dining at pintxos bars, where small bites are typically priced between €1-3. Another economical option is opting for the Menu del Dia at local cafes and restaurants, which can be less than €10.
Activities | Admission fees for top attractions like the Guggenheim Museum and the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum usually range from €12-20. Prices for other activities, such as guided tours or outdoor adventures, will vary depending on the provider.
On a tight budget, it’s possible to keep daily expenses under €40 or even €30 with careful planning. A mid-range travel experience in Bilbao might cost around €70-150 per day, while a more luxurious visit could cost upwards of €200 daily.