When hearing Bilbao, you probably directly think of the Guggenheim Museum, which is worth checking out! But did you know that the city also has one of the most important ports in Spain? The port of Bilbao has been popular since medieval times and became the gateway to the European Atlantic Ocean trade routes.

Also, the food in Bilbao and the complete Basque County is one of the best you can have in Spain. I wouldn’t exaggerate if I said that just coming for the food would be worth it! The so-called Pintxos (a small appetizer) are a real delicacy.

As the main attractions are very close, you can easily discover the city on foot, or take public transport if needed. In this travel guide, I will show you the city’s main attractions, how to arrive, where to stay, museums, and day trips that you can take from Bilbao.

This place is perfect for: Couple Travel / Solo Travel

Best months to visit: June / July  / August /  September

By Plane: You have direct flights to Bilbao airport from national destinations such as Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Santiago de Compostela. Some of the international destinations are Dublin (Ireland), Munich (Germany), Geneva (Switzerland), Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Athens (Greece), and Lisbon (Portugal).

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How to get from Bilbao Airport to the City Center

Bus line A3247 (Airport <> Bus Station) takes you to the city center. The journey takes about 20 minutes, and the bus stops at Gran Via, Moyua Square, and Alameda Recalde.

Timetable and Prices

By Bus: The most affordable option to travel to Bilbao is by bus. The bus company ALSA offers routes from Spain’s top destinations, Barcelona and Madrid, as well as from the regions Castile and León, Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria. Below you will find the complete list:

• Barcelona (Catalonia)
• Burgos (Castile and León)
• Gijón (Asturias)
• Irún (Basque Country)
• Laredo (Cantabria)
• Llanes (Asturias)
• Lugo ( Galicia)
• Madrid
• Ourense (Galicia)
• Oviedo (Asturias)

By Train: Getting to Bilbao by train is the most comfortable option. But note that no High-Speed train (AVE) is available, so the journey will also take its time, depending on the departure city. You can check the connections on the official website of RENFE, from where you can also directly book your ticket.

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By Car: The distance between Bilbao Airport (BIO) and the city center is 12 km, and the journey takes about 15 minutes if you decide to go by car ➔ Rent a car

On A Budget

Quartier Bilbao Hostel: This modern social hostel is in the heart of Bilbao´s old town and offers dorms from 22€ (stand 2023) per night. Breakfast is included! Places of interest that are nearby: Ribera Market (only 50m), Santiago Cathedral (100m), and Plaza Nueva (120m)

Mid-Range

Pension Ama Bilbao: This sustainable guest house is located in Bilbao’s old town and is only a few steps from Bilbao Cathedral. A Deluxe Single Room starts at 70€ per night

Luxury

Radisson Collection Bilbao: Ideally located in Bilbao, Radisson Collection Bilbao has air-conditioned rooms, a fitness center, free WiFi, and a terrace. This 5-star hotel offers room service and a business center. Guests can use a bar. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, Arriaga Theatre, and San Mamés Metro Station

#1 Start Exploring The City At Federico Moyúa Square

The emblematic Moyúa Square (Spanish: Plaza Federico Moyúa), also known as Plaza Elíptica (Elliptic Square) by the locals, is one of the first sights you will see in Bilbao when getting off the airport bus.

The public square is full of flowers, very colorful, and with a  high fountain in the middle, making it a picturesque and charming place in the city center.

Two elegant and outstanding buildings surround the square: The Carlton Hotel and The Chávarri Palace (headquarters of the Civil Government of Vizcaya).

#2 Cross Zubizuri Bridge

Designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, this pedestrian Zubizuri bridge (Spanish: Puente Zubizuri) has become one of the city’s symbols and is a must for all architecture lovers. It connects the Ensanche area with the Campo de Volantín promenade, and its design consists of an inclined white arch with iron cables.

I visited the bridge twice, in the morning and evening, and I highly recommend seeing it during sunrise or sunset. The lighting at this time of the day is exceptional and beautiful.

TIP: Cross the bridge at Uribitarte and take a pleasant walk alongside the Nervión river into Bilbao’s old town

#3 Visit The Famous Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao (Spanish: Museo Guggenheim Bilbao), designed by architect Frank Gehry and inaugurated in 1997, is one of the most famous and significant contemporary art museums in Spain and the world. The museum welcomes more than 1 million visitors annually and is one of the places in Bilbao you cannot miss visiting. There is also a Guggenheim Museum in New York and another in Venice.

You will see the museum’s mascot at the entrance, a giant Puppy decorated with hundreds of flowers. It is also one of the city’s main attractions; you will find it on many postcards. Inside the museum, you can admire the artworks of the temporary and permanent exhibitions of world-class artists like Andy Warhol and Basquiat, to name a few.

But there is also a lot to see right outside the museum. Take a walk alongside the Guggenheim building and admire its architecture. You will come across the giant spider sculpture “Maman,” an artwork by French-American artist Louse Bourgeois. If you have ever wondered how standing under a giant spider would feel, this is your place. The average time to spend here is between 2 and 3 hours.

#4 Wander Through The Streets Of Bilbao’s Old Town

The old town of Bilbao, also known as “Casco Viejo” in Spanish, is the most historic part of the city and a must for every visitor. You will find it on the right bank of the Nervión river. One of the most famous attractions here is Bilbao’s seven streets which were the first streets of the old town and, therefore, the most historical ones and the core of the Casco Viejo.

The seven streets are Somera, Artecalle, Tenderia, Belosticalle, Carnicería Vieja, Barrencalle, and Barrencalle Barrena.

The streets of Bilbao’s old town are vivid and picturesque. They are full of cafés, bars, restaurants, and shops. And, of course, we can also find impressive monuments here, such as the Neo-baroque style Arriaga Antzokia opera house, the Cathedral of Santiago, and the monumental square Plaza Nueva.

Another place you should take advantage of is visiting the Ribera Market, a fantastic place to try the region’s typical Pintxos (a small snack or finger food).

#5 Take The Funicular Up To Artxanda Viewpoint

The Artxanda Viewpoint is the best place for a panoramic view of Bilbao City. It gives you a good overview of the city. From here, you will have a great view of the Guggenheim Museum. The best way to get to the viewpoint is by taking the Artxanda funicular (4,30 € round trip), only a 5-minute walk from Zubizuri Bridge.

TIP: Arrive a little before sunset and enjoy the illuminated city by night

#6 Visit Azkuna Zentroa (La Alhóndiga)

Akzuna Zentroa (formerly known as La Alhóndiga) is an attraction that is well worth a visit, especially on a rainy day. Do not miss it during your time in Bilbao! The building used to be a warehouse converted into a cultural space. With its exhibition hall, gym, swimming pool, an area for audiovisual and cinematographic culture, shops, and restaurants, it is a fantastic place to enjoy art, leisure, and culture.

Upon entering the building, you will see a vast space with 43 eye-catching columns that support the three interior buildings and symbolize different parts of our history, such as cultures, religions, and wars. Each of the columns has a different artistic style. There is no order to walk through the columns; it is up to the visitor to create their itinerary.

The exterior of the building, designed by architect Ricardo Bastida at the beginning of the 20th century, still maintains the original facade, whereas the interior has gone through a complete makeover. Its design, designed by Philippe Starck, is of modern and urban style.

#7 Visit The Vizcaya Bridge Outside Of The City Center

Just a little bit outside Bilbao city, we find the historic Vizcaya Bridge (Spanish: Puente Vizcaya), built in 1893 and designed by Alberto de Palacio. The bridge declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, connects the two municipalities of Portugalete and Getxo. Both beautiful port towns along the Bay of Biscay are worth checking out.

Its original construction made it the world’s first transporter/ferry bridge that allows tall ships to cross underneath it while the hanging gondola moves from one side to the other. It’s the perfect way for boats to pass below the frame while vehicles and passengers are transported to the other side.

How to get here?

From Bilbao city center, it is easy to get to Vizcaya Bridge as the area is well connected by public transportation.Too arrive on the Portugalete side, take the C1 train (Direction: Santurtzi, 11 stops) and get off at Portugalete. The journey takes 18 minutes, plus a 6-minute walk from Portugalete station to Vizcaya Bridge.

If you want to arrive on the Getxo side, take the metro at Moyúa Square (Direction: Ibarbengoa, 11 stops) and get off at Areeta. The journey takes 18 minutes, plus a 10-minute walk to Vizcaya Bridge.

Pintxos: The most famous and popular food you can find in Bilbao is Pintxos. They are small snacks and the equivalent of tapas in the Basque Country. Pintxos are served on a small slice of white bread, topped with various food and a creamy sauce, and stabbed with a toothpick through the middle. The idea is to go to a bar, choose the pintxos most appealing to you, and accompany them with a beer, a glass of wine, or the region’s typical Txakoli.

Marmitako: It is a stew that consists of tuna with potatoes and vegetables and is the perfect dish to enjoy in the cold season.

Queso Idiazábal: This cheese, famous in the Basque Country, is made with sheep milk and tastes intense. You can accompany it with Txakoli.

Txakoli: Try the Basque Country’s traditional, slightly sparkling wine made from white grapes. Perfect to accompany the region’s popular Pintxos or Idiazábal cheese.

Browse through the list below for some of the most notable museums in Bilbao, and check entrance fees, opening hours, and location.

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