Bilbao

Travel Guide

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao featuring modern architecture and night scenes
Bilbao which includes a city, a bridge and a river or creek
Santiago Cathedral which includes heritage elements, a church or cathedral and interior views
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao which includes modern architecture, outdoor art and a sunset
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao showing 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 which includes a river or creek and modern architecture

Bilbao City Centre

4.5/5(43 area reviews)

Plaza Moyua and Gran Casino Bilbao are top sights in Bilbao City Centre, and you should be sure to explore the fascinating museums. Hop aboard the metro at Moyua Station or Abando Station to see more sights in the area.

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

Bilbao Old Town

4.5/5(63 area reviews)

Museums, shopping, and theaters 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 which includes modern architecture, outdoor art and a sunset

Abando

4.5/5(227 area reviews)

Abundant dining options, interesting museums and stunning 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 Moyua showing a fountain, flowers and a garden

Indautxu

If you're spending time in Indautxu, check out sights like Ensanche or Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall and hop on the metro to see more the city at Indautxu Station or Sabino Arana Tram Stop.

Indautxu
Plaza Nueva which includes outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Casco Viejo

Discover the most colorful part of Bilbao, where you can explore historical churches like San Antón and San Nicolás, shop at Mercado de la Ribera, and enjoy local taverns. Easily accessible via Casco Viejo station and public elevators.

Casco Viejo
Bilbao featuring a city, modern architecture and night scenes

Ibaiondo

While you're in Ibaiondo, take in top sights like Ribera Market or Santiago Cathedral, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Atxuri Tram Station or Ribera Tram Stop.

Ibaiondo
Hotel ILUNION San Mamés
Hotel ILUNION San Mamés
4 out of 5
Calle Perez Galdos, 56, Bilbao, Vizcaya
The price is ¥18,673 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥18,673
¥20,540 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (743 reviews)
"Supper nice"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Hotel ILUNION San Mamés
Hotel Silken Indautxu Bilbao
Hotel Silken Indautxu Bilbao
4 out of 5
Plaza Bombero Etxaniz S/n, Bilbao, Vizcaya
The price is ¥13,408 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥13,408
¥14,749 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
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. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (987 reviews)
"I love it , beautiful , centric, perfect for me The only thing was the air conditioning that doesn’t cool at a comfortable temperature.. i was warm everyday and in a 3 hours later i can fall asleep .."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Hotel Silken Indautxu Bilbao
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 ¥30,456 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥30,456
¥33,501 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,005 reviews)
"Great hotel in Bilbao that is walkable to the museum"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

The Artist Grand Hotel of Art
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.
Batimont Suites & Apartments
Batimont Suites & Apartments
4 out of 5
Colón de Larreátegui K. 13, Bilbao, Bizkaia
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and San ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (48 reviews)
"Muy buena ubicación, muy cómodo."

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

Batimont Suites & Apartments
Spirit Apartamentos Atxuri
Spirit Apartamentos 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 San Mames Stadium and Guggenheim Museum ...
7.6/10 Good! (299 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on Jun 6, 2025

Spirit Apartamentos Atxuri
Apartamentos Líbere Bilbao Museo
Apartamentos Líbere Bilbao Museo
3.5 out of 5
Alameda de Mazarredo, 57, Bilbao, Bizkaia
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions San Mames Stadium and Guggenheim Museum Bilbao ...
9/10 Wonderful! (65 reviews)
"Travelled with friend to see a concert, from the moment we arrived at the apartment our hosts Nerea and James could not do enough for us! Lovely location,buses and trains within walking distance, We had a great tome"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Apartamentos Líbere Bilbao Museo
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

Things to do

Reviews of Bilbao

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
149
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
65
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I loved Bilbao. It's walkable, friendly, and had a lot to see and do. The weather was a bit crazy in early March, sunny one minute raining the next, which I hear is usual. There are many day trips that are an easy drive, also.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

we would like to visit Bilbao again in future/

5/5 - Excellent

Deanna

Private tour is the way to go. I highly recommend Aitor Delgado Basque Country Private Tours

4/5 - Good

P.K.

Beautiful city!

5/5 - Excellent

D

Vicinity around Bilbao is amazing. Mountains and charm cities.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I think it’s a lovely area for dining/ museums and walkability

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