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Municipality in Basque Country, Spain
Photo: Tommie Hansen, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Bilbao, with a population of about 350,000 (2018, and over a million in the metro area), is the largest city in Spain's Basque Country. Bilbao is perhaps the best place in the world to experience the ancient culture and language of the Basque people, which has stubbornly held its own over thousands of years and is now completely unlike any modern-day culture in Europe.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Frank Gehry's spectacular twisting titanium-clad modern art museum is perhaps the most celebrated building of the 1990s, even starting what would be called the 'Bilbao-effect': The idea in urban planning that a star-quality building can single-handedly change the entire image of a city. Although this effect is unproven in its pure form, the Guggenheim nevertheless changed the world wide perception of Bilbao. The graceful, sensuous curves, evocative of the ships that used to be ubiquitous along the docks of Bilbao, are covered in titanium squares, which resemble the scales of a fish and shimmer in the sunlight. In keeping with the maritime theme, appropriate for the setting, the skylights of the largest gallery (formerly known as the Fish gallery) are designed to look like the fins of fish. Many parts of the building are purely decorative, and don't serve any purpose. The permanent collection is not particularly impressive, but the museum always hosts at least one interesting temporary exhibit, frequently comprised of masterpieces from the other Guggenheim collections.
Not a museum, but it is directly in the front of the Guggenheim Museum, created by Jeff Koons. It's one of the most famous symbols of modern Bilbao. It is a west Highland terrier 12 m high covered in flowers that are changed each season.
Museum of Fine Art
The Museum of Fine Art's remarkable collection boasts more than 6,000 works dating from the 12th century to the present day, and includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, engravings and decorative objects. From 2023 the museum is undergoing a major extension & renovation project, entry will be through the old building only.
Euskal Museoa
Established in 1921 to focus on the prehistory, archaeology, ethnography and history of Euskadi (Basque homeland). Not a particularly well laid out museum. It will be of passing interest to people who study Basque culture.
It's in what used to be the Euskalduna shipyard, this maritime museum is next to the current Euskalduna Performing Arts Centre. The museum covers an area of 27,000 m², 7,000 m² for indoor exhibitions and 20,000 m² for outdoor exhibitions, the three docks, the walkway surrounding them and the estuary.
Martín Agüero, 1, Plaza de Toros de Vista Alegre, (Near Plaza Zabalburu). Next to a bullring, the Museo Taurino highlights the role bullfighting has played in Euskadi.
A former convent founded in 1515 by Dominican nuns.
Full-scale reproductions of the world's most famous works of art. Call ahead for a guided visit.
Gothic-style 14th-century cathedral, named after Bilbao's official patron saint. Three naves and small Gothic cloisters. The building was designated a cathedral in 1949. Its neo-Gothic tower and main façade were designed by Severino de Achúcarro in the 1800s. The adjoining square (Plaza de Santiago) boats a fountain designed by Luis Paret during the reign of Carlos III with the inscription Por el bien público (For the good of the people).
Gothic style church from the first half of the 15th century (1422). Dedicated to San Anton in the 16th century, the building is a mixture of styles including a renaissance portico and baroque tower which was built in 1777. The church was constructed on the ruins of a former alcazar, and is shown on Bilbao's shield.
Overlooking Bilbao, this is perhaps the most symbolic religious building in the city. Built in the 16th-century by Sancho Martinez de Arego, who was also responsible for the Iglesia San Anton. It is a basilica of three naves. During the first Carlista War, in 1835, the façade and the tower were destroyed. The present ones were designed Jose Maria Basterra and constructed between 1902 and 1907.
The Iglesia de San Nicolás, finished in the 19th century, is dedicated to the patron saint of sailors. One of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Vizcaya.
Gothic church built in the 16th century.
Also known as Puente Colgante (the hanging bridge), this is the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Spain listed in the "Industrial" category. You can use your Barik card to cross but the price is the same as buying a ticket.
Alhondiga
An amazing building which has been modernized (according to designs by Philippe Starck and Thibaut Mathieu). It is an amazing complex containing a library, several bars and restaurants, a cinema and even a roof swimming pool with a glass floor! A must visit!
Spanish author born on 29 September 1864. His works include the novels Niebla and San Manuel Bueno, Martir, which are both read in AP Spanish Literature classes in the United States. Unamuno died on 31 December 1936 in Salamanca.
Inaugurated on 31 May 1890, on the site of several former theatres, the first Teatro Arriaga burnt down on 22 December 1914. The second Teatro Arriaga opened on 5 June 1919. Evocative of the Opera House in Paris, the theater has an ornate façade and beautiful interior. The theater, and the square in front of it, were named after Juan Crosótomo de Arriaga, a composer from Bilbao. There is a tourist information office in the theater building: the entrance is on the left side as you face the theater.
Estación de Santander, Cercanias Station
It was built between 1898-1902 on the banks of the Nervión. Designed by the engineer Valentín Gorbeña, with the art nouveau main façade added later with a design by the architect Severino Achúcarro.
RENFE station
Even if you are not going to take a train, visit the platforms, there is an impressive stained glass atrium depicting some traditional Basque jobs.
Next to the Iglesia de San Antón sits Bilbao's most emblematic bridge.
Another emblem next to the Iglesia de San Antón is the Mercado de la Rivera. One of the biggest covered markets in Europe. It was built in 1929 on the site of the original Rivera Street market. Produce fish and meat are sold in the market every morning, except Sundays.
Bilbao's Plaza Nueva was first named Plaza de Fernando VII. Construction began on the plaza on December 31, 1829 and finished exactly 20 years later on December 31, 1849. This plaza was the seat of the Diputación de Vizcaya until July 1900 when the Diputación moved to its new home on the Gran Vía. The Academy of the Basque Language (Euskaltzaindia) occupies the old Diputación building in the Plaza Nueva. There is a market of used books, stamps, coins, and other small items in the plaza every Sunday morning. The Plaza Nueva is surrounded by buildings and only has entrances on some sides.
Ornately decorated palace situated on the Grand Vía. Baroque-style monument designed by Luis Aladrén in 1897 to serve as the seat of the Diputación Foral de Bizkaia (Vizcaya) and inaugurated on July 31, 1900. The interior is just as lavish as the exterior, with beautiful stained glass windows.
Euskalduna Conference Center and Concert Hall
A convention centre and concert hall housed in a modern building at the far end of paseo Uribitarte. Home to the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra and Bilbao Opera.
On the stretch of the Gran Vía between Plaza Abando and Plaza Elíptica is the main shopping and fashion district of Bilbao. On this short stretch you can find tons of clothes shops (For, Zara, Mango, H&M) and department store El Corte Ingles. This is a must-walk street.
The site of a former steel factory, this park was created in the 1980s as the first step of reorienting Bilbao from the industrial sector to the service sector. Wonderful views of the Casco Viejo and the Teatro Arriaga. There is a prominent chimney in the park, left over from the site's time as a factory. The park hosts a fun fair in August.
Also known as la Casa Consistorial or Udaletxea. The city hall opened in 1892. Designed by architect Jaquin Rucoba in neo-baroque style. Don't miss the main reception area, called Arab Salon.
The graceful white pedestrian bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava, actually zubi zuri means white bridge in Basque. It spans the Nervión connecting the riverwalks Campo Volatin and Mazarredo. Be careful: the bridge is slippery when wet!
Tiger statue on top of a building in Deusto. Seen from Euskalduna Performance Center.
Curvaceous white 'bird-like' building by Santiago Calatrava. Strangely missing an arrival hall.
Commissioned by El Sitio society at the end of the 19th century, this building was built by architect Severino de Achucarro as a social hall. Now home to the city's historical archives and library.
Home to the Athletic Club de Bilbao, Bilbao's football team. Built in the early 20th century. Note the arched entranceway. The nearest metro stop is Moyúa.
Palacete del Puerto Autónomo de Bilbao
An interesting mix of several architectural styles. In the late 19th century it was the residence of Bilbaino entrepreneur José María de Olábarri. Now the seat of Bilbao's port authority.
Constructed in the mid-19th century as a charitable house for the poor.
Was once one of the best Pintxos bars in Bilbao, quite out of the way (almost hidden really in a very small, one way street away from the main thoroughfares). Ask for it and you will be given directions. It is worth the walk since they have won the local Pintxo contests for ages. It's worth going to this street though because there are dozens other pintxos bars.
This restaurant claims that their Pintxos are a miniaturization of Basque cooking culture. The Pintxos are presented very nicely and in an appetizing way on the bar counter. Staff proficient in English, occasionally live Piano music. Can be crowded at times.
Malatesta Kultur Lubakia
A place where you can have a drink, snack on pinchos and eat in the heart of Bilbao's Siete Calles. Vegetarian and vegan options. There is always an exhibition on, and cultural events are held here.
Cozy place in the old quarter of Bilbao. An authentic Basque-French restaurant offering a true flavour of that traditional cuisine. Good cellar. Reservation required. Service in English.
Modern Basque cooking.
Basque food, specialities include fresh tuna in piquant tomato sauce and piperada. Reservations required.
Traditional Basque dishes such as pigeon breast or marinated sea bass. Formal environment with late Victorian style furnishing, frequently booked days in advance. Ask about reservations to dine in the wine cellar.
Indo-nepali restaurant with vegetarian options,
Vegan bar/restaurant.
Convenient for the Museo de Bella Artes. Meat based, Vegetarian & Vegan dishes. Craft beers in bottles.
Simple neighbourhood bar. Good ham baguettes (bocadillo). Freshly baked baguettes, counter-carved Spanish Ham and the friendly service of Luis and Nekane. Not fancy but familiar with authentic atmosphere.
Wonderful views of the river.
Comfortable coffee house, with chocolate cake to die for.
With its Arabesque motifs and antique mouldings it is a sight to behold. If you go at night, you can also get some nice shikabobs - some of the only ones you'll find in Bilbao.
This former theatre was converted into a multi-purpose venue in 1995. It is best known for promoting the Basque culture, both as an artists' venue and for the clientele. With a varied schedule of concerts of Basque and international bands, it serves as a night club on weekends. Run by a cultural association aimed at promoting the use of Basque language, it also hosts a restaurant, a Basque academy and a community radio station.
Nightly karaoke and Spanish dance music.
Maritime motif a mermaid statue at the entrance and decoration resembling the inside of a ship.
Two bars, on-site restaurant. Formal/semi-formal dress required.
Great stylish place that sells bread, pinxtos and meals. Good selection of regional wines
Good choice of beers with at least one local one on draught. Additional choices in cans. Good selection of Raciones if you want a snack.
Brewpub with eight of their beers on tap. Bistro with view of brewery with pizzas, burgers, salads and other dishes. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are also available.
A youth hostel with 48 rooms (22 double rooms). A bit of a journey away from the centre, but connected by bus. Free parking on premises.
A private youth hostel a few minutes by walking from the Guggenheim Museum, in the historic district of Deusto University.
The only hostel in the Seven Streets area: the heart of the Old Town district of Bilbao. This makes it the ideal spot for anyone who wants to keep their finger on the pulse of the city: it is close to most of the museums and monuments, to the venues of the city’s cultural activities and to its night-life hot-spots.
University accommodation available to IYHA members and members of the educational community. Single & Double Rooms. Great location for transport connections.
Overlooking the Abra Bay, the hotel occupies a palace built in 1902.
Contemporary hotel close to Bilbao Airport and 10 km from the city centre.
Gorgeous shoes, simple but unique and pretty bloody affordable clothes.
Stylish clothes for fashion conscious women of all ages.
By plane
To get to downtown Bilbao from the airport, take Bizkaibus A3247 from the arrivals hall. There is a ticket booth at the far right end of the floor.
By train
Bilbao is connected to other major Spanish cities few times a day and also has regional connections to nearby provinces. Note that there are three different main stations within the city centre.
By boat
Brittany Ferries run a direct car ferry between Bilbao and Portsmouth, England. It is best to book early, since the ferry is often booked out in summer.
By car
Distances to Bilbao: Madrid 395 km, Barcelona 615 km, A Coruna 570 km, Lisbon 900 km.
Public transport
There is good citywide public transport through the bus network (Bilbobus) and the single-line tram.
On foot
It takes about 30 minutes to walk along the river between the Guggenheim Museum and the Casco Viejo.
Cycling
Bilbaobizi is a bike-sharing system with an app.
By taxi
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
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