Bilbao Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao showing night scenes and modern architecture
Bilbao which includes a river or creek, a bridge and a high-rise building
Santiago Cathedral which includes heritage elements, interior views and a church or cathedral
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao featuring modern architecture, street scenes and a sunset
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao featuring interior views
This former industrial city is now a major European arts center, home to cultural attractions including the famous Guggenheim Museum.

Bilbao, in northern Spain, was once an industrial center, but today is better known for its thriving arts and cultural scene. Come to visit world-class museums, dine at sophisticated restaurants or head out into the surrounding countryside. Start your visit by climbing the Mallona stairs from Plaza Unamuno to Parque Etxebarria or take the Artxanda funicular railway to enjoy some of the best views in the city. Many travelers come to Bilbao to see the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, one of the most renowned art institutions in Europe. The remarkable modern building, with its curved glass and titanium walls, houses art from the mid 20th century to today. Other art attractions include the Fine Arts Museum and the Basque Museum. Bilbao also has a full annual program of cultural events featuring many important exhibitions and performances. See some of these events at the Palacio Euskalduna, a striking modernist building in the city center.The city is revered not just for its modern architecture, but also for its buildings dating back to the 14th century. Visit the Gothic-style Cathedral of St. James and the Alhondiga, a complex containing a library, several bars and restaurants, a cinema and a rooftop pool with a glass floor.Bilbao is known for its sophisticated dining scene, with a host of Michelin-starred restaurants. Try local cuisine such as baby squid and lamb stew.As well as art and food, Bilbao is a city keen on sport. In town there are 18.5 miles (30 kilometers) of cycling lanes, as well as many swimming pools, gyms and parks. Around Bilbao there are nature reserves and hiking trails, as well as several nearby golf courses.Rent a car and drive out of town to enjoy the countryside or coast surrounding the city. There are traditional fishing villages along the nearby bay. Further down the coast you’ll find picturesque and quiet beaches. An inland route will take you to hiking trails through mountainous scenery. Check the weather forecast before planning your beach day, as the mild climate brings more rain than in other parts of the peninsula.

Where to stay in Bilbao

San Mames Stadium featuring modern architecture and a river or creek

Bilbao City Centre

4/5(2 area reviews)

Bilbao City Centre is highly notable for its fascinating museums, and you might want to visit top sights like Plaza Moyua and Gran Casino Bilbao. See more of Bilbao by jumping on the metro at Moyua Station or Abando Station.

Bilbao City Centre
Ribera Market featuring food, interior views and a bar

Bilbao Old Town

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Museums, shopping and theatres highlight some notable features of Bilbao Old Town. Make a stop by Santiago Cathedral or Plaza Nueva while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Arriga Tram Stop or Casco Viejo Station to get around town.

Bilbao Old Town
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao showing outdoor art, street scenes and modern architecture

Abando

4.5/5(22 area reviews)

Ample dining options, fascinating museums, and beautiful river views are just a few top things to explore in Abando. A visit to Plaza Moyua or Ensanche might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Moyua Station or Indautxu Station to get around town.

Abando
Plaza Nueva showing outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Casco Viejo

Museums, theatres and historical sites highlight some notable features of Casco Viejo. Make a stop by Plaza Nueva or Museum of Archaeology Bizkaya while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Casco Viejo Station or Arriga Tram Stop to get around town.

Casco Viejo
Bilbao which includes night scenes, modern architecture and a city

Ibaiondo

If you're spending time in Ibaiondo, check out sights like Ribera Market or Santiago Cathedral and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Atxuri Tram Station or Ribera Tram Stop.

Ibaiondo
San Mames Stadium featuring modern architecture and a river or creek

Basurto-Zorroza

If you're spending time in Basurto-Zorroza, check out sights like San Mames Stadium or Ensanche and hop on the metro to see more of the city at San Mames Tram Stop or San Mames Station.

Basurto-Zorroza
The Artist Grand Hotel of Art
The Artist Grand Hotel of Art
5 out of 5
Alameda de Mazarredo, 61, Bilbao, Vizcaya
The price is NZ$266 per night from 21 Jan to 22 Jan
NZ$266
includes taxes & fees
21 Jan - 22 Jan
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (998 reviews)
"Excellent Hotel, right by the Guggenheim!"

Reviewed on 14 Jan. 2025

The Artist Grand Hotel of Art
Hotel Silken Indautxu Bilbao
Hotel Silken Indautxu Bilbao
4 out of 5
Plaza Bombero Etxaniz S/n, Bilbao, Vizcaya
The price is NZ$130 per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
NZ$130
includes taxes & fees
26 Jan - 27 Jan
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (949 reviews)
"Very good place for a quiet stay. Praise to the staff because they were very professional and courteous. Best breakfast of my trip."

Reviewed on 26 Sep. 2024

Hotel Silken Indautxu Bilbao
NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels
NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels
3.5 out of 5
Areatza Kalea 4, Bilbao
The price is NZ$114 per night from 2 Feb to 3 Feb
NZ$114
includes taxes & fees
2 Feb - 3 Feb
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (802 reviews)
"Fantastic news year's Eve dinner. Comfortable room and very clean. Good bar service at reasonable prices. Breakfast had a good range of options."

Reviewed on 3 Jan. 2025

NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bilbao City Center by abba Suites
Bilbao City Center by abba Suites
3.5 out of 5
Calle Huertas de la Villa 15, Bilbao, Bilbao
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified aparthotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and premium TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (211 reviews)
"This was a highly functional suite with 2 TV’s, European refrigerator, dishwasher, pots, dishes, cooktop, etc. the grocery store is<2 blocks away. Front desk is not staffed 7x24, but they ordered us a cab for non-staffed hours, and it arrived right on time. Very neat and clean. Trendy contemporary ..."

Reviewed on 12 Nov. 2024

Bilbao City Center by abba Suites
Apartamentos Turisticos Atxuri
Apartamentos Turisticos Atxuri
2 out of 5
Av de Miraflores 17, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Stay at this aparthotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour health club. Popular attractions Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and San Mames ...
7.6/10 Good! (293 reviews)
Great apartments with a short walk to the old city
"Great apartments with the basics you need to prepare meals, dishwasher and washing machine. Extra towels, hygiene and cleaning products was provided. Only thing that was an issue was quality and range of wifi network. Was only available close to entrance. But other than that . Amazing Service provided ..."

Reviewed on 17 May 2024

Apartamentos Turisticos Atxuri
B48 Abando
B48 Abando
4 out of 5
Buenos Aires Kalea 15, Bilbao
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and San ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (34 reviews)
"I really liked the location of this property. It was very convenient for my needs to be “in town”. Having entry on my phone was an added plus. Everything I needed was included. It was great!"

Reviewed on 30 Oct. 2024

B48 Abando
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Bilbao

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
13
" "5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
9
" "4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

My reason for visiting Bilbao was for the Guggenheim Museum, and it was such a wonderful experience.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful town, plenty to do and see, worth trip to see the Guggenheim. On several occasions the Male staff were dismissive, but when the female staff came on pleasant and helpful.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Bilbao was an enjoyable city to visit, with not just the Guggenhiem but other museums and areas to visit. The Philipe Stark designed Aztkuna Zentroa is facinating and worth visiting, as are the old town and the many bridges and parks.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Would like another three days to make up for the rain, 3 out of 4 days in September, rare but miserable.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful city. Would love to visit again

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved the City and the food. Beautiful buildings and architecture and food.

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