Things To Do
in Bilbao
Bilbao is a dynamic Basque city where a dramatic skyline of modern architecture meets a historic riverside quarter. It is anchored by the world-renowned Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, which catalyzed a broader cultural renaissance. In the Casco Viejo, pintxo bars, markets, and winding lanes reveal a lively, food-forward atmosphere.
Surrounded by green hills and a rugged coastline, Bilbao blends industry, art, and cuisine into a compact, walkable urban experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Plaza Nueva, where you can enjoy a traditional Basque breakfast of pintxos and coffee. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, admiring the colorful facades and vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss the opportunity to peek into the local shops and artisan boutiques that line the streets.
After lunch, immerse yourself in the rich culture of Bilbao by visiting the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, home to an extensive collection of works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art. Take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Nervión River, soaking in the stunning views of the cityscape and the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Stop for a refreshing drink at a riverside café, where you can people-watch and relax.
As the sun sets, make your way to the Guggenheim Museum for a guided evening tour, where you’ll learn about its fascinating architecture and impressive art installations. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant, savoring local specialties like bacalao al pil-pil or txangurro. Conclude your day by experiencing the vibrant nightlife in the Old Town, perhaps visiting a local bar for some live music.
Begin your day at the Guggenheim Museum, marveling at the contemporary art and unique architecture designed by Frank Gehry. Spend some time outside, appreciating the museum's iconic structure and the surrounding sculptures. Walk along the river to discover the nearby Puppy sculpture, a delightful floral display that makes for a perfect photo opportunity.
After a light lunch at the museum café, head over to the nearby Bilbao Fine Arts Museum to explore its diverse collection, including works by renowned artists such as Goya and El Greco. Spend the afternoon wandering through the museum’s spacious galleries, taking in both classical and modern artworks. Finish your cultural excursion with a walk through the picturesque Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, where you can relax by the pond or enjoy a leisurely stroll.
For dinner, venture to the trendy neighborhood of Abando, filled with numerous bars and eateries. Try some local pintxos and a glass of txakoli, a refreshing Basque white wine. Afterward, explore the lively streets, stopping by a bar for a nightcap and some engaging conversation with locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-4 |
| 🚇Public transit ticket | $2-3 |
| 🍺Pint of beer | $4-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class architecture (Guggenheim) and a thriving art scene
- Compact, walkable city with excellent food culture and pintxos
- Frequent rain and damp conditions, especially outside summer
- Some hilly areas can be challenging for strollers or wheelchairs
- "Hola" - Hello (Spanish)
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Kaixo" - Hello (Basque)
- "Agur" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Bilbao
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic titanium exterior with dramatic light and sculpture; a must for architectural photography and reflections along the Nervión river.
White curved footbridge designed by Santiago Calatrava; great for night and morning reflections with the river backdrop.
Narrow, steep streets, colorful facades, and lively plazas—perfect for candid street photography and architectural shots.
A striking cultural center with a distinctive cylindrical columned interior and a lively urban courtyard.
Bridge and riverside area with urban art, industrial textures, and water views ideal for evening photography.
Food in Bilbao
Bilbao Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cod cooked in a rich Vizcaya sauce made with peppers, peppers, and marinated ingredients; a Basque classic often enjoyed with potatoes.
Must-Try!
Baked or sautéed spider crab stuffed with its own flesh, onions, peppers, and breadcrumbs—an iconic Basque seafood dish.
A substantial grilled beef steak, typically served in Basque-style parrillas with salt and a simple accompaniment.
A hearty tuna and potato stew often prepared with peppers and tomatoes; a comforting coastal staple.
A classic Basque dessert of almond-filled custard cream between flaky pastry, often topped with sugar dusting.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vast riverside market offering seafood, produce, and ready-to-eat dishes; ideal for tasting fresh Basque fare.
Roaming from bar to bar in the Old Town to sample a wide variety of pintxos and local wines or txakoli.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting in Spanish (or Basque where appropriate) is appreciated. Meal times run later than in some countries; expect tapas and pintxos starting in the late afternoon.
Bar-hopping for pintxos is common; bite-sized portions are shared and eaten standing at the bar.
Spanish is widely spoken; Basque (Euskara) is common in the region and seeing some Basque signage is normal in Bilbao.
Safety
Tipping in Bilbao
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is often included in the bill (servicio). If not included, a tip of 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants and bars.
Cards are widely accepted (contactless common). Cash is always handy; mobile payments like Bizum are increasingly used in shops and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with blooming parks; carry a light layer for chilly mornings and occasional rain showers.
Warm, often humid days with sea breezes; expect occasional rain. Stay hydrated and take advantage of evening strolls along the river.
Pleasant temperatures, colorful foliage, and frequent showers. A good time for food markets and outdoor dining.
Cool to cold with rain and occasional frost; daylight hours are shorter but city museums provide warm refuge.
Bilbao at Night
Hiking in Bilbao
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular mountain hike with forest trails and city views, accessible from Bilbao by bus or taxi and a short hike from the ridge.
Nearby hills reached by funicular; offers easy to moderate hikes with sweeping city vistas.
A bit farther afield but rewarding, featuring rugged terrain and diverse landscapes within a scenic Basque country setting.
Airports
How to reach Bilbao by plane.
International and domestic flights; convenient access to the city by train, bus, or taxi from Loiu.
Small international airport offering regional connections; useful for rapid trips to other Basque towns.
Hondarribia airport near San Sebastián, a practical option for Basque coast trips and longer itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A core cultural group with strong regional identity and a bilingual context (Basque and Spanish).
A diverse mix contributing to a broad culinary and cultural scene.
Tourists and residents from Europe and beyond, drawn by culture, food, and the coast.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional Basque pelota game played in various formats; part of regional sport culture.
Passionate football culture with local pride; matches at San Mamés Stadium draw fervent crowds.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bilbao.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Basque dishes feature vegetables, eggs, and cheese. Ask for trout-free options and look for newer vegetarian tasting menus in modern Basque restaurants.
Rely on seafood and meat dishes that are naturally gluten-free; request gluten-free bread and confirm sauces do not include gluten-containing thickeners.
Choose vegetable-forward plates, salads, and seafood-free options; confirm with staff about sauces and dressings that may contain animal products.