Top 20 Things to Do in Bilbao: The Ultimate Guide to Basque Country's Most Exciting City

Let's be honest: before the Guggenheim Museum opened in 1997, Bilbao wasn't exactly topping anyone's list of must-see European cities. It was industrial, gritty, and largely overlooked by the tourist trail. But what happened next is now studied in urban planning schools around the world. The city reinvented itself, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.

Today, Bilbao is the proud capital of the Basque Country, a city where futuristic architecture sits alongside medieval alleyways, where Michelin-starred restaurants share postcodes with centuries-old pintxos bars, and where every walk along the River Nervión feels like a scene from a design magazine.

This guide covers the top 20 things to do in Bilbao, from the top Bilbao tourist attractions to the hidden gems and day trips that most visitors miss entirely. Whether you've got two days or two weeks, you're going to want to bookmark this.

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The Top 20 Things to Do in Bilbao

1. Visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

If you only do one thing in Bilbao, make it this. The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is not just an art gallery; it's a landmark that single-handedly changed the trajectory of an entire city. Designed by Frank Gehry and clad in shimmering titanium panels that catch the light differently at every hour of the day, the building itself is arguably the most impressive exhibit on offer.

Inside, the collection spans everything from large-scale installations by Richard Serra (his Matter of Time series will genuinely take your breath away) to rotating exhibitions featuring the biggest names in contemporary art. The permanent collection alone is worth a visit. For world-class temporary shows, check the schedule before your visit.

Insider tip: Arrive when the museum opens at 10am on a weekday to beat the queues and experience the main hall in blissful calm. The view from the riverside terrace is one of the great free attractions in the city.

 

2. Explore the Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)

Bilbao's Casco Viejo or Old Quarter, is the city's beating medieval heart. Built around seven interconnected streets known locally as the Siete Calles (Seven Streets), this is where you go to feel the authentic pulse of Bilbao life.

Wander through the narrow lanes and you'll stumble across centuries-old churches, independent boutiques, and pintxos bars with counters piled high with food. The Plaza Nueva, a neoclassical arcaded square dating from 1851, is the social hub of the area and a wonderful place to settle in with a glass of Txakoli wine and watch the world go by.

Insider tip: Sunday mornings bring a flea market to the Plaza Nueva that locals love, selling everything from vintage books to curiosities you won't find anywhere else.

 

3. Eat Your Way Through a Pintxos Bar Crawl

If there's one food experience that defines Bilbao (and the wider Basque Country), it's pintxos. These small, impossibly inventive bites, served on slices of bread or skewers, are both a culinary tradition and a way of socialising that the Basques have perfected over generations.

The best way to experience them is to do what the locals do: start in the Casco Viejo around 7pm, order a drink, pick two or three pintxos from the bar, pay, and move on to the next place. The streets around Calle Ledesma and Plaza Unamuno are excellent exploration grounds.

Look out for Gilda (the original pintxo, a skewer of olive, pepper, and anchovy), bacalao (salt cod) croquetas, and anything involving Idiazabal cheese. Budget roughly 2-3 euros per pintxo and you'll eat like royalty.

 

4. Visit the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum (Museo de Bellas Artes)

Slightly overshadowed by its titanium-clad neighbour, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is one of the best Bilbao museums you'll visit and one of the finest art collections in Spain. It holds over 10,000 works spanning seven centuries, from Flemish masters and Spanish Golden Age paintings to Basque artists and 20th-century modernism.

Highlights include works by El Greco, Goya, and Zurbarán, alongside an impressive collection of Basque painters. Entry is free on Wednesday afternoons, making it one of the best free cultural experiences in the city.

 

5. Take the Artxanda Funicular for the Best Views Over Bilbao

For the best views over the city, take the Artxanda Funicular up to the hilltop park that overlooks Bilbao. The journey takes just a few minutes, but the reward at the top is a sweeping panorama over the entire urban valley, the Nervión river, and the surrounding green hills.

The funicular has been running since 1915 and is a beloved part of Bilbao life. At the top, there's a park with picnic areas, walking paths, and a restaurant. It's wonderful at sunset when the city glows below you.

Good to know: The funicular departs from near the Funicular de Artxanda station in the Basurto neighbourhood. A return ticket costs just a couple of euros.

 

6. Walk or Cycle Along the Nervión River

One of the best and most underrated activities in Bilbao is simply walking along the River Nervión that winds through the city. The riverside path stretches for kilometres and connects almost all the major Bilbao sightseeing highlights.

Start near the Guggenheim, pass under the Zubizuri Bridge (another Calatrava masterpiece, its sweeping white curves making it one of the most photogenic spots in the city), continue through the Abandoibarra waterfront district, and carry on to the historic Arenal area near the Casco Viejo. The whole walk takes about an hour at a leisurely pace.

 

7. Cross the Puente Colgante (Hanging Bridge)

A little further down the estuary from the city centre, the Puente Colgante (officially the Bizkaia Bridge) is one of Bilbao's most remarkable and overlooked treasures. Built in 1893, it's the world's oldest transporter bridge and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006.

Rather than a conventional crossing, a gondola suspended from the bridge carries pedestrians and even cars across the estuary between the towns of Getxo and Portugalete. You can walk across the top of the bridge itself for extraordinary views over the estuary. It's a genuinely unique experience that makes for great photos and conversation.

 

8. Day Trip to San Sebastián

One of the best day trips from Bilbao is the short journey to San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque), approximately one hour away by car or bus. San Sebastián is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, built around a perfect shell-shaped bay with golden sand, elegant Belle Époque architecture, and a pintxos scene that rivals even Bilbao's.

The Old Part (Parte Vieja) is the place to eat and drink, while La Concha beach is one of the finest urban beaches in Europe. If you're combining both cities in a trip, allow for at least one full day in San Sebastián.

 

9. Visit the Mercado de la Ribera

Housed in a spectacular Art Deco building on the banks of the Nervión, the Mercado de la Ribera is one of the largest covered fresh food markets in Europe. It's also one of the most beautiful, with its tiled facade and iron-and-glass interior making it a joy to explore even if you don't plan on buying anything.

The ground floor is where you'll find fresh fish, meat, and vegetables alongside pintxos bars that open for the morning trade. It's a genuine working market used by local chefs and home cooks alike.

Tip: Arrive before 10am to see the market at its peak.

 

10. Explore the Getxo Seaside Town

If you'd like a dose of fresh sea air without venturing as far as San Sebastián, a short metro ride from Bilbao city centre brings you to Getxo, a well-heeled seaside town on the estuary coast. The old port area (Puerto Viejo) is charming, lined with fishing boats and small restaurants, while the clifftop promenade offers dramatic views over the Bay of Biscay.

Getxo's beaches are pleasant for a stroll, and the neighbourhood of Las Arenas has beautiful modernist mansions built by wealthy Bilbao merchants during the early 20th century. It's a lovely half-day escape from the city.

 

11. Discover the Basque Museum (Euskal Museoa)

Located right in the heart of the Casco Viejo, the Euskal Museoa (Basque Museum) is the place to come if you want to understand the culture, history, and identity of the Basque people. Housed in a former Jesuit college, it contains artefacts spanning thousands of years, from prehistoric tools to traditional costumes, nautical instruments, and an extraordinary carved stone idol called the Mikeldi, thought to be over 2,000 years old.

It's one of the most thought-provoking cultural attractions in Bilbao, offering unbeatable education value.

 

12. Take a Wine Tour to Rioja Alavesa

Bilbao sits at the gateway to one of Spain's most celebrated wine regions: Rioja Alavesa, the Basque stretch of La Rioja. The rolling vineyards and spectacular wine estates (many designed by world-famous architects) are less than an hour's drive from the city, making this one of the most rewarding day trips from Bilbao for food and drink lovers.

The village of Laguardia is the area's most picturesque stop, a medieval walled town perched dramatically on a ridge with underground wine cellars beneath its streets. Several wineries in the area offer tastings and tours, including Bodegas Ysios (designed by Santiago Calatrava) and Marqués de Riscal (with its extraordinary Frank Gehry hotel).

 

13. Spend an Afternoon at a Beach

Bilbao is only 30 to 40 minutes from some genuinely excellent beaches. Sopelana is a favourite with surfers and has a wonderfully laid-back vibe, with dramatic cliffs framing a long sandy bay. Mundaka, a little further along the coast, is internationally famous for having one of the best left-hand waves in Europe and is a pilgrimage destination for serious surfers.

Even if you're not surfing, both beaches offer great swimming in summer and spectacular walking on the surrounding coastal paths. The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve near Mundaka is also superb for birdwatching.

 

14. Visit the Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga Bilbao)

A former wine warehouse converted into a stunning cultural and leisure centre, the Azkuna Zentroa (also known as Alhóndiga Bilbao) is one of those Bilbao places to visit that surprises everyone. Designed by Philippe Starck and opened in 2010, its most jaw-dropping feature is the central atrium, where 43 unique columns support a spectacular glass swimming pool above your head.

Beyond the wow factor, the building houses a cinema, a rooftop terrace, a gym, regular exhibitions, and some excellent cafes. It's a genuinely beloved part of daily Bilbao life and well worth an hour of anyone's time.

 

15. Walk the Nervión Gorge (Delika Natural Park)

For those who want to escape the city completely, the Delika Natural Park about 40 minutes from Bilbao offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the Basque Country. The gorge carved by the Nervión River near its source is home to the Nervión Waterfall, which at over 300 metres is one of the tallest in the Iberian Peninsula.

The walk to the falls takes about two hours and passes through beech forests with stunning views over the plain of Álava below. It's an absolutely spectacular outing that makes for great photos.

 

16. See the Zubizuri Bridge and Abandoibarra Waterfront

Even if you've seen countless photos of Bilbao's regenerated waterfront, seeing the Abandoibarra district in person is different. This stretch of the Nervión, once derelict docklands, has been reimagined with world-class architecture, open plazas, and public art.

The Zubizuri Bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava is a highlight: its graceful white arch and glass walkway make it one of the most photographed structures in the city. Nearby, Jeff Koons' giant Puppy sculpture and Louise Bourgeois' Maman spider both stand guard outside the Guggenheim and are must-photograph Bilbao attractions.

 

17. Catch a Football Match

Football is a serious matter in the Basque Country, and a visit to see Athletic Club Bilbao play at the San Mamés Stadium is one of the most authentic and electric experiences you can have in the city. Athletic Club has a unique policy of only signing players from the Basque Country, which makes the bond between club and city feel genuinely special.

The stadium, opened in 2013, is nicknamed "La Catedral" by fans and seats over 53,000 people. Getting tickets for bigger matches can be tricky, so book in advance if you can.

 

18. Book a Cooking Class in Basque Cuisine

The Basque Country has more Michelin stars per capita than almost anywhere else on earth, and the local cuisine is genuinely world-class. One of the most memorable activities in Bilbao is taking a hands-on cooking class focused on Basque techniques and ingredients.

Several schools and private chefs offer classes where you'll learn to make traditional dishes like bacalao al pil pil (salt cod in an emulsified olive oil sauce), marmitako (tuna and potato stew), and your own pintxos. It's a wonderful way to connect with the food culture and take a piece of it home with you.

 

19. Explore Bilbao's Street Art Scene

Bilbao has a thriving and largely unheralded street art scene that rewards slow walkers. The San Francisco neighbourhood (also known as the Bilbao La Vieja district) is the epicentre, with entire building facades transformed by local and international artists.

This neighbourhood, once considered rough around the edges, is now one of the most creative and interesting places to see in Bilbao, full of independent galleries, vintage shops, and some of the city's best vegetarian and international restaurants. It's the kind of area where the city is always changing, so every visit feels different.

 

20. Take a Guided Walking Tour of the City

For first-time visitors wanting to get oriented quickly, a guided walking tour is one of the best ways to get a feel for Bilbao's story. Several local operators offer tours in English that cover the Bilbao highlights including the Casco Viejo, the waterfront, and the Guggenheim neighbourhood, while weaving in the fascinating story of the city's transformation.

The Bilbao Turismo office near the Arenal offers free walking tours at weekends (just turn up at the meeting point), while private guides can be booked for more tailored Bilbao sightseeing experiences. Either way, you'll come away with context and stories that make the rest of your visit much richer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bilbao famous for?

Bilbao is famous above all for the Guggenheim Museum, which triggered one of the most celebrated urban regenerations in modern history. Beyond art, the city is renowned for its extraordinary food culture (especially pintxos), its passionate football club Athletic Club Bilbao, and its position as the vibrant capital of the Basque Country.

What should you see in Bilbao as a first-time visitor?

First-timers should prioritise the Guggenheim Museum, a wander through the Casco Viejo, an evening pintxos crawl, and a ride on the Artxanda Funicular for the city views. If time allows, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum and the Mercado de la Ribera are both excellent. Two full days is enough to cover the must-see places in Bilbao; three days allows you to breathe and explore more deeply.

What are the top attractions in Bilbao?

The undisputed top Bilbao attractions are the Guggenheim Museum, the Casco Viejo (Old Quarter), the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, the Mercado de la Ribera, the Puente Colgante (Bizkaia Bridge), and the Azkuna Zentroa cultural centre. The city's riverside waterfront and the Artxanda Funicular viewpoint round out the essential Bilbao tourist attractions.

What museums should you visit in Bilbao?

The two essential Bilbao museums are the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao for contemporary and modern art, and the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum for seven centuries of European and Basque art. The Euskal Museoa (Basque Museum) is the best place to understand local history and culture. Together, these three museums represent an outstanding concentration of world-class collections for a city of Bilbao's size.

Is the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao worth visiting?

Absolutely and without question. The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is worth visiting for the building alone, one of the most extraordinary pieces of architecture constructed in the 20th century. But the collection inside, including the permanent Basque and international art holdings and a consistently excellent programme of temporary exhibitions, makes it a genuinely complete museum experience.

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Ready to Discover Bilbao?

Bilbao is one of those cities that completely rewires your idea of what a European city break can be. In this article, we covered 20 best things to do in Bilbao, including the Guggenheim, the Casco Viejo, surf beaches, vineyard day trips, and pintxos bars that make you want to stay in this city forever. Whether you're here for a long weekend or a week, you'll leave with a full belly, a full camera roll, and a very strong desire to come back.

Make your visit complete by booking your stay at NYX Hotel Bilbao, perfectly positioned to put you at the heart of the action.