Things to do in Bilbao

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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
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Bilbao must see attractions

1. San Mames Stadium

Watch national and international soccer games at San Mames Stadium, a 53,000-seat arena that is the home of Athletic Bilbao. This team was founded in 1898 and is a big name in European soccer. The venue also has a museum devoted to the club’s history and is occasionally used for concerts.
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San Mames Stadium which includes a river or creek and modern architecture

2. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

The Guggenheim Museum is a remarkable ensemble of curves and daring forms covered in gleaming titanium panels. It helped to transform Bilbao from a grimy industrial heartland into an exciting cultural destination. Embark on a self-guided tour of this contemporary art museum to view its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.
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Guggenheim Museum Bilbao showing a city and modern architecture

3. Plaza Nueva

Plaza Nueva is a mid 19th-century neoclassical square in the heart of Bilbao's old quarter. This vast plaza is framed by columns and arches and lined with inviting bars and restaurants. Such is its popularity that it is also known as the true agora, or public place of the old town. Enjoy the architecture and dine on local specialties.
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Plaza Nueva which includes outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

4. Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall

The Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall is a vast multipurpose venue hosting conferences, meetings and shows, including the city's opera season. It is also the home of the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra. This stunning-looking modern building, which resembles a ship under construction, sits on the banks of the Nervión River on the site of the former Euskalduna shipyard. .
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Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall

5. Plaza Moyua

Plaza Moyua is a large public square in the central neighborhood of Abando, an attractive space with English- and French-style flower beds. Although a traffic circle, it is a popular meeting place that is also known as the Elliptical Square for its shape. The plaza was designed in the 1940s by architect Jose Luis Salinas and was rebuilt in 1997 following the construction of the city's metro system.
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Plaza Moyua showing heritage architecture, flowers and a garden

6. Ribera Market

Ribera Market is one of the biggest covered markets in Europe, a vast shopping space in the heart of Bilbao's old town. The origins of the market lie in the 14th century but the building you see today is an art deco construction from 1929. Explore three floors of stalls that are filled with a rich variety of foods including meats, cheeses, shellfish, fruit and fungi.
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Ribera Market which includes a river or creek, a city and heritage architecture

What to do in Bilbao

Discover the most popular places to visit in Bilbao

San Mames Stadium which includes a river or creek and modern architecture

San Mames Stadium

Join local soccer fans and shout your support for a well-known European team that calls this spectacular stadium its home.

San Mames Stadium
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao showing a city and modern architecture

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Investigate a vast collection of modern and contemporary art both inside and outside one of the most recognizable buildings in Bilbao.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Plaza Nueva which includes outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Plaza Nueva

Feast on an appetizing variety of local gourmet dishes while marveling at the architectural splendor of this popular city plaza.

Plaza Nueva
Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall

Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall

Attend a conference, concert or dramatic performance, go on a guided tour and browse an eclectic collection of art at this riverside venue.

Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall
Plaza Moyua showing heritage architecture, flowers and a garden

Plaza Moyua

Take time out in this attractive city plaza and contemplate the beauty and majesty of the architecture of the surrounding historical buildings.

Plaza Moyua
Getxo is a residential town close to Bilbao. Hardly anyone speaks English, but they are all very nice and there’s tons a small places serving pintxos and drinks. This ‘hanging bridge’ is the Bizkaia Bridge, a transportation device that bring cars and people across the river between Getxo and Portugalete.

Vizcaya Bridge

You can find out about the history of Bilbao with a trip to Vizcaya Bridge. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Vizcaya Bridge
Ribera Market which includes a river or creek, a city and heritage architecture

Ribera Market

Bring your shopping bags for three floors of market stalls at this centuries-old fresh produce market in the city’s historical quarter.

Ribera Market
Gran Casino Bilbao

Gran Casino Bilbao

Why not roll the dice with a visit to Gran Casino Bilbao during your visit to Bilbao? Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in the area.

Gran Casino Bilbao
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum which includes heritage architecture, night scenes and a park

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

Spend hours wandering through the exhibition halls of this grand institution that is filled with works of art that span several hundred years.

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods 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)

Discover characterful bars, historic architecture, colorful independent stores and much more amid the largely pedestrianized streets of Bilbao’s atmospheric heart.

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
Lovely small chilled out bar for a decent beer.

San Francisco

You'll enjoy the bars and theaters in San Francisco. You might want to make time for a stop at Ensanche or Bay of Biscay.

San Francisco

Popular day trips from Bilbao

Portugalete

Portugalete

Photo "Barakaldo" by Fernando Vázquez (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Fernando Vázquez (CC BY)

Barakaldo

Photo by Marion MacQueen

Santurtzi

Bermeo

Bermeo

Valle de Trapaga

Valle de Trapaga

Photo "Galdakao" by Kulmalukko (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Kulmalukko (CC BY-SA)

Galdakao

Photo by Nicole Smelson

Bakio

Photo by Marco

Gatika

Frequently asked questions

Is Bilbao worth visiting?
Renowned for its festivals and dining, discovering awesome things to do in Bilbao is easy. Make sure to add Castle of Butron to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Bilbao?
Castle of Butron and Playa de las Arenas are two excellent places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Bilbao while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bilbao?
The top tourist attraction in Bilbao is Castle of Butron, so be sure to put it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Bilbao?
You can easily enjoy top sights like Palacio de la Diputación Foral de Vizcaya, Museum of Passages of Bilbao and Reproductions Museum Bilbao with a three-day break in Bilbao. On average, many travelers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a while longer and venture to Derio.
Is Bilbao a walkable city?
That depends on what you'd like to do and see in Bilbao. Several top attractions, including Palacio de la Diputación Foral de Vizcaya and Museum of Passages of Bilbao, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Bilbao's neighborhoods, Bilbao City Centre is 0.48 kilometers away from downtown, while Abando is 0.64 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Bilbao with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all the family, we've got some terrific ideas for what to do in Bilbao with kids.

What to do in Bilbao for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Bilbao, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Museo de la Mineria del Pais Vasco.
Are there free things to do in Bilbao?
In Bilbao, Funicular de Artxanda is a popular spot for anyone wishing to see the city without taking their wallet out. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighborhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a great way to discover the best free things to do in Bilbao.