Things to Do in Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao, the largest city in Spain's Basque Country, has transformed from an industrial port into one of Europe's most dynamic cultural destinations. The city's dramatic renaissance began with the opening of the iconic Guggenheim Museum in 1997, which sparked a wave of architectural innovation and urban renewal that continues today. Beyond its world-class museums, Bilbao captivates visitors with its unique blend of cutting-edge design and deep-rooted Basque traditions. The city seamlessly weaves together its industrial heritage with contemporary art, medieval streets with futuristic buildings, and traditional pintxos bars with innovative restaurants. Set along the Nervión River and surrounded by green hills, Bilbao offers an intimate urban experience where you can walk from the historic Casco Viejo to the modern Abandoibarra district in minutes. The passionate Basque culture permeates every aspect of city life, from the distinctive language heard on the streets to the exceptional culinary scene that has made the Basque Country a global gastronomic destination.

Top Things to Do in Bilbao

Guggenheim Museum Tour

Frank Gehry's titanium-clad masterpiece houses an impressive collection of contemporary and modern art, with rotating exhibitions featuring works by renowned artists. The building itself is as much a work of art as the pieces inside, with its flowing curves and reflective surfaces creating different experiences throughout the day. Don't miss Louise Bourgeois' giant spider sculpture 'Maman' outside and Jeff Koons' floral 'Puppy' that has become the museum's beloved mascot.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around €16 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors. Book online in advance during peak season (July-August) to avoid queues. Audio guides are highly recommended for €5 extra. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting on the building's exterior.

Pintxos Bar Hopping

Experience Bilbao's legendary food culture by hopping between traditional pintxos bars, sampling small plates paired with local wines or txakoli. Each bar specializes in different pintxos, from simple jamón ibérico to elaborate modern creations, creating a social dining experience that's central to Basque life. The ritual involves standing at the bar, ordering drinks, and pointing to the pintxos that catch your eye.

Booking Tip: Most pintxos cost €2-4 each, with drinks around €2-3. No reservations needed - just follow the locals to busy bars. Best times are early evening (7-9 PM) and late night (10 PM-midnight). Look for tours that include 4-5 bars with local guides who know the best spots and can explain Basque culture.

Casco Viejo Walking Tour

Explore Bilbao's charming old quarter, known locally as the 'Siete Calles' (Seven Streets), with its narrow medieval lanes, traditional shops, and historic buildings. The area features the Gothic Cathedral of Santiago, the bustling Mercado de la Ribera, and countless pintxos bars tucked into centuries-old buildings. This UNESCO World Heritage area perfectly preserves Basque architectural traditions while maintaining its role as a vibrant neighborhood.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours operate daily and last 2-3 hours, though tips are appreciated (€5-10 per person is standard). Private tours cost €100-150 for small groups. Morning tours (10 AM start) are less crowded and better for photography. Look for guides who speak both Spanish and English and have local historical knowledge.

Basque Coast Day Trip

Venture beyond Bilbao to explore the stunning Basque coastline, including picturesque fishing villages like Bermeo and Mundaka, famous for its world-class surfing waves. The dramatic coastline features rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe island with its hermitage connected by a stone bridge. These coastal towns offer authentic Basque culture away from the urban environment.

Booking Tip: Day tours typically cost €60-90 per person including transportation and guide. Book tours that include 2-3 coastal towns for variety. Summer months offer best weather but are crowded; spring and fall provide fewer crowds and mild temperatures. Look for small group tours (8-12 people) for a more personalized experience.

Fine Arts Museum Visit

Discover one of Spain's finest art collections at the Museo de Bellas Artes, featuring works spanning from medieval religious art to contemporary Basque artists. The museum houses important pieces by El Greco, Goya, and Zuloaga, alongside an excellent collection of Basque painters who captured the region's unique landscape and culture. The building itself combines classical and modern architecture, creating an elegant setting for the diverse collection.

Booking Tip: Entry costs €9 for adults with free admission on Wednesdays. Audio guides available for €3 provide valuable context for the Basque artists. Plan 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. Combine with nearby Doña Casilda Park for a cultural afternoon. Check for temporary exhibitions which often feature international artists.

Getting There

Bilbao Airport (BIO) is located 12 kilometers north of the city center and offers direct flights from major European cities, with connections available from North America and other continents. The efficient Bizkaibus A3247 connects the airport to the city center in 20 minutes for €1.45, while taxis cost around €25-30. High-speed train connections link Bilbao to Madrid (5 hours) and other Spanish cities, arriving at Abando station in the heart of the city. The city is also accessible by bus from major European destinations and by car via excellent highway connections, though parking in the center can be challenging and expensive.

Getting Around

Bilbao's compact size makes it highly walkable, with most major attractions within a 20-minute walk of each other. The city operates an efficient public transport system including the Metro Bilbao (one line connecting the city center to coastal towns), buses, and the historic funicular railway to Mount Artxanda for panoramic views. The Creditrans card (€0.50) offers discounted fares across all public transport modes. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced for short distances, while bike sharing systems provide an eco-friendly option for exploring the riverside paths and modern districts.

Where to Stay

Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)

Abando (City Center)

Deusto (University Area)

Abandoibarra (Museum District)

Indautxu (Shopping District)

Begoña (Residential Hills)

Food & Dining

Bilbao's culinary scene represents the pinnacle of Basque gastronomy, from traditional pintxos bars to Michelin-starred restaurants. The city center, particularly around Plaza Nueva and Casco Viejo, offers the highest concentration of authentic pintxos bars where locals gather for evening socializing. For fine dining, the city boasts several renowned restaurants serving modern Basque cuisine that emphasizes local ingredients like Idiazábal cheese, txakoli wine, and fresh seafood from the nearby Bay of Biscay. Don't miss trying local specialties like bacalao al pil pil (cod in olive oil sauce), marmitako (tuna stew), and the famous Basque cheesecake, while washing it down with local txakoli wine or Basque cider.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Bilbao is from May to September when temperatures are mild (18-25°C) and rainfall is at its lowest, perfect for walking tours and outdoor activities. July and August are the warmest months but also the busiest with tourists and higher accommodation prices. Spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) offer excellent weather with fewer crowds and better hotel rates, plus the added bonus of local festivals and cultural events. Winter can be rainy and cool, but it's an authentic time to experience local life, cozy pintxos bars, and indoor cultural attractions, with the added advantage of significantly lower prices and no tourist crowds.

Insider Tips

Learn a few basic Basque phrases like 'kaixo' (hello) and 'eskerrik asko' (thank you) - locals appreciate the effort even though everyone speaks Spanish

Visit the Mercado de la Ribera early morning (around 9 AM) to see locals shopping for fresh ingredients and enjoy breakfast pintxos before the tourist crowds arrive

Take the funicular up to Mount Artxanda at sunset for spectacular city views and bring a jacket as it's always cooler at the top than in the city center

Things to Do in Bilbao