21+ Incredible Things to Do in Bilbao that You Can’t Miss! (2022)

Wondering what the very best issues to do in Bilbao are? In this text, I’ll stroll you thru my high suggestions and suggestions!

Our crew at Adventure in You have each travelled and lived in Spain extensively so we now have a ton of insider tips about this space and we will’t wait to share them with you.

Sitting within the far north of Spain, within the coronary heart of Basque area, you’ll discover Bilbao, a wildly fascinating, numerous, and entertaining metropolis, to say the least.

Bilbao is stuffed with colourful structure, bustling avenues, and plush, inexperienced environment, making it an beautiful place to go to in case you’re making your means via this a part of Spain. Made well-known by the Guggenheim Museum, this metropolis has a lot to supply.

Here, you’ll discover trendy museums, a shocking previous city, sprawling parks, and tiny streets simply ready to be explored.

Here are the very best issues to do in Bilbao that can assist you plan the very best journey doable!

Bilbao Things to Do Highlights

Best Things to Do in Bilbao

1. Stroll via the Casco Viejo (Seven Streets)

Casco Viejo is the oldest a part of Bilbao and is made up of seven authentic streets. It’s what offers the colourful Old Town space its nickname, Siete Calles.

Casco Viejo is indubitably the most effective locations to walk in Bilbao as you’ll rapidly end up mesmerized by the colourful structure and misplaced within the quaint, winding streets.

The space is full of tons of retailers, boutiques, native eateries and bars too, making it the proper place to spend a day exploring the medieval part of town.

On a gander via Casco Viejo, you’ll even run into a few of Bilbao’s most well-known websites just like the Bilbao Cathedral, Plaza Nueva, and the Archaeological Museum! If you need to soak within the tradition of Bilbao, head straight to Casco Viejo and you’ll not be disenchanted!

2. Take a Guided Tour of Bilbao

There’s no higher option to see a metropolis than via a neighborhood’s eyes, which is why taking a guided tour of Bilbao is without doubt one of the finest issues you are able to do!

Instead of being a boring, drag of a tour, this Bilbao tour is absolutely customizable, from the period of time you need the tour to final, proper all the way down to the websites that you just’re dying to see. Your native information will stroll you thru the Old Town and thru the historical past of the place, all whereas making a enjoyable however informative day on the streets!

After a guided tour of Bilbao, you’ll be a lot extra prepared to beat town by yourself. Sometimes all you want is a bit of assist getting your bearings, ya know? No higher means to do this than with this superior tour.

3. Visit the Cathedral de Bilbao

As talked about, the Cathedral de Bilbao might be discovered deep in Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s Old Town. It’s a cathedral that has many alternative names, so don’t be stunned in case you hear it known as Santiago Cathedral, St. James Cathedral, and naturally, the Bilbao Cathedral.

Built within the 14th and fifteenth centuries, the Cathedral is Bilbao’s oldest monument. It holds a powerful historic significance for all the Biscay area, making it a worthy place to go to on a visit to this metropolis.

Besides its nice age, this Cathedral can be of explicit significance as a result of it’s a cease for pilgrims (and keen, energetic vacationers) on the Camino de Santiago.

Our crew lately accomplished the Camino and may attest to the recognition of this church, even whether it is simply to get a stamp on their Pilgrim’s passport! A go to to the cathedral is without doubt one of the should dos whereas within the Old Town of Bilbao.

4. People-watch at Plaza Nueva

Right within the coronary heart of Old Town, you’ll discover the beautiful Plaza Nueva, a shocking architectural sq. in-built Neoclassical model in 1851. Around your complete sq. are arches resulting in arcades stuffed with eating places and pubs serving up the very best Basque fare.

There are at all times folks in Plaza Nueva however on Sunday mornings, you’ll be able to actually see the sq. come to life as there’s a large market the place antiques, information, and books are purchased and offered.

People watching in Plaza Nueva is one among our favourite previous occasions within the Old Town.

5. Visit the Guggenheim Museum

A centerpiece of Bilbao, the Guggenheim Museum is a real showstopper when it comes to artwork and structure.

The Guggenheim Museum itself is probably the most iconic buildings in all of Basque Country, immediately recognizable from its wildly curving metallic facade. Designed by Frank Gehry, this constructing is a real masterpiece, which is why it’s so becoming that the very best trendy artwork collections in Europe are housed inside its partitions.

Insider Tip: If you’re in search of the very best views of the museum exterior, head to the riverfront promenade the place you’ll be able to take within the sight of Frank Gehry‘s masterpiece!

The Guggenheim Museum is completely bursting with a number of the most well-known trendy artwork on this planet, by world artists each new and previous.

The most stand-out piece of latest artwork housed within the museum is made by Jeff Koons (specifically the 12-meter-tall pet crafted from flowers), however the Guggenheim Museum can be positive to curate exhibitions by native Basque artists as effectively.

As this museum is without doubt one of the hottest sights in Bilbao, contemplate buying a guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum with a skip-the-line ticket so you’ll be able to go proper in whenever you arrive! You can keep away from the lengthy queues this fashion!

6. Marvel on the Museo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum)

In stark distinction to the Guggenheim, the Museo Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum) is house to crucial assortment of positive arts in all of Basque Country. The museum has been open since 1914, and since then, the gathering has grown remarkably and is without doubt one of the most visited museums in Bilbao, Spain.

On a go to to the Fine Arts Museum, you’ll discover artistic endeavors by famed Spanish painters like Francisco de Goya, El Greco, in addition to loads by Gauguin, Bacon, and Chillida.

Any artwork lover will really feel proper at house within the conventional partitions of the Bilbao positive arts museum

7. Cross the Puente de Vizcaya (Vizcaya Bridge)

While we’re on the subject of artwork, let’s speak in regards to the incredible bridges in Bilbao which can be simply inventive as they’re practical.

The Puente de Vizcaya is also called the Hanging Bridge because it transports passengers utilizing a conveyor system using 36 wheels and a dangling gondola.

The bridge strikes folks, vehicles, bikes, bikes and extra, and is an effective way to get from one aspect of the inlet to the opposite. Constructed in 1893, the Vizcaya Bridge remains to be going robust! In 2006, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you’re feeling notably adventurous, spring for a ticket that grants you entry to the higher platform which sits at a sprawling 45 meters.

Cross the 160-meter-long wood platform and really feel like your strolling on the clouds…Just as long as you’re not afraid of heights!

8. Check Out Unique Art at Azkuna Zentroa

Surround your self with some unbelievable structure with a go to to Azkuna Zentroa, Bilbao’s cultural and leisure heart.

Once serving as Bilbao’s wine trade, this large warehouse was utterly revamped by French designer Philippe Starck. Today, it’s probably the most fashionable locations within the metropolis.

Azkuna Zentroa is a sight to behold as the large warehouse sits on an astounding 43 pillars, each uniquely designed and embellished to function its personal piece of art work. Besides the beautiful columns, this space places on exhibitions, reveals motion pictures., and is a good place to seize a chunk to eat on the marvellous cafe.

During the warmest months of the yr, make your option to the rooftop pool to swim with some unbeatable views of your complete metropolis. The pool even has a glass backside which affords a deal with to anybody strolling under!

9. Feast on Pintxos

While there are numerous nice issues about Basque tradition, the very best must be pintxos.

Pintxos are the Basque model of tapas and are principally small bites of one thing scrumptious on toast. These bites can vary from native meat to seafood to cheese and past, however irrespective of which pintxos you select, you’re in for a deal with.

It is an effective way to grasp the native tradition!

Bilbao is without doubt one of the finest locations for pintxos in all of Spain, with bar counters lined with these scrumptious treats, day and night time. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack all through the day, feasting on pintxos is an absolute should throughout any journey to Bilbao.

We extremely suggest occurring this TOP-RATED meals and historical past tour of Bilbao. You will make sure you finish the night time with a full abdomen and many native data on their meals scene.

10. Bike & Pintxos in Getxo

This incredible native tour takes you alongside Bilbao’s beautiful seaside, visiting a few spots alongside the way in which. The native bike route will take you to the well-known UNESCO Site Bizkaia Hanging Bridge the place you’ll be able to see beautiful views of the bridge and the long-lasting cities of Portugalete and Las Arenas.

The tour will even take you alongside different websites alongside the coast, guaranteeing a incredible time out!

11. Get Cultured on the Arriaga Theater

Another show-stopping constructing in Bilbao is the Arriaga Theater. It’s value paying a go to in case you’re even remotely focused on structure.

This is the oldest theater in Bilbao and is known as for a neighborhood composer who was considered the Spanish Mozart, even after his premature demise at age 19. The Nineteenth-century constructing is a real deal with for the eyes with its decorative particulars, stacked layers, and rounded rooftop and facade.

Inspired by the Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris, this constructing is completely beautiful. It’s a stunning place to view from the skin, and even higher in case you pop in for a peek of the inside!

Learn extra about Spanish delicacies in our What to Eat in Spain information!

12. Munch at Mercado de la Ribera

It wouldn’t be a Spanish metropolis with out a poppin’ market filled with stalls promoting native items. Bilbao, Spain’s market, Mercado de la Ribera is the very best place to feast your eyes (and stomach) on native delicacies.

The coolest factor about this market is that though it’s in a constructing constructed in 1929, it stands on the unique market web site, which dates again to the 14th century! How’s that for a chunk outta historical past?

Today, La Ribera is the most important indoor-covered market in all of Europe, taking over greater than 10,000 sq. meters!

Besides stalls promoting impossibly contemporary substances, La Ribera additionally has eating places for eating, bars for ingesting, and areas for dwell music. Whether you need to seize a meal or have a wild night time out, La Ribera is the place to hit. It is a should do whenever you go to Bilbao and is without doubt one of the finest issues to do within the metropolis.

13. Indulge in a Basque Cooking Lesson

After wandering via La Ribera, you should be questioning one of the simplest ways to prepare dinner all these native substances. While you might have inspiration by yourself, there’s no higher option to find out about Basque cooking than by taking a cooking lesson your self!

During this Basque cooking lesson, you’ll learn to make 4 particular pintxos and a standard dessert that’s positive to wow. The total time, you’ll be sipping on txakoli and crianza, Basque drink specialities, and immersing your self within the love of Spanish cooking.

Not solely will this be probably the most enjoyable afternoon actions, but it surely permits you to take house a bit of little bit of Bilbao with you.

14. Shop ‘until You Drop at Gran Via & Plaza Moyua

Spain is famend for its huge procuring boulevards, and Bilbao may be very a lot on pattern with its Gran Via.

Bilbao’s Gran Via is the place to seek out all of it: malls, luxurious manufacturers, quick trend, and Spanish designers. So it doesn’t matter what you’re in search of, you’re positive to seek out it right here.

Around the mid-zone of the Gran Via space sits Plaza Moyua, a sq. constructed within the Nineteen Forties and revamped within the late Nineteen Nineties.

Today, your complete renovated space is open to the general public and is without doubt one of the finest locations to hang around in Bilbao. Full of colourful and artfully designed gardens, fountains, and timber, Plaza Moyua is a well-liked assembly place within the metropolis and is the proper place to relaxation your toes earlier than persevering with to buy ‘until you drop!

15. Snap a Pic on Puente Zubizuri

Another well-known bridge in Bilbao is the Puente Zubizuri, or the White Bridge, which was constructed to enhance the Guggenheim Museum. Modern in model as effectively, the Zubizuri is a footbridge that crosses the Nervion River, a fast 10-minute stroll from the museum.

The White Bridge has a very futuristic look to it, with the curving construction, lengthy tethers and inventive options. It’s the best place to snap a couple of pics for the #gram or take pleasure in views of Bilbao from the Nervion!

16. Lounge Around Dona Casilda Iturrizar Park

Another superior place to hang around in Bilbao is Don Casilda Iturrizar Park, the most important inexperienced area in Bilbao. The lush greenery of the park is surrounded by town’s tall structure, supplying you with one thing to have a look at whereas enjoyable on this emerald oasis.

When you’re not sprawled out on the large lawns, take a stroll alongside the tree-lined paths, previous the spurting fountains and pond full of geese. This is a favourite metropolis escape for locals and vacationers alike so make sure you pack a picnic and benefit from the area to your coronary heart’s content material!

17. Relax by the Nervion River

For one other style of nature whereas in Bilbao, the ever fashionable Nervion River runs via town. Whether you’re sitting on the promenade searching on the water or strolling alongside the banks, this can be a excellent place to sit back out in between busy sightseeing actions.

If you’re feeling extra energetic, there are many locations the place you’ll be able to lease kayaks to truly sit on the river as a substitute of the banks. Keep your eyes peeled throughout hotter climate and take part for a day of enjoyable!

18. Travel to the Top of Mount Artxanda

While we’re on the subject of nature in Bilbao, a visit to Mount Artxanda merely can’t be missed. Since 1915, a funicular has been operating up and down the mountain, providing folks probably the most breathtaking views of Bilbao doable.

From the lookout up high, you’ll be capable to see your complete metropolis utterly surrounded by mountains, creating the phantasm of a “hole,” which locals confer with as “the botxo.”

Besides the lookout, there’s loads to do on high of Mount Artxanda like wandering via the gardens or having a chunk to eat at one of many eating places, making it a enjoyable afternoon exercise away from town.

Insider Tip: Take the funicular within the late afternoon to benefit from the sundown. It’s probably the most beautiful views you’ll ever see and one of the simplest ways to absorb the sights of Basque Country whereas in Bilbao.

19. Paraglide Over the Bay of Biscay

If you’re in search of a loopy option to benefit from the pure environment of Bilbao, take to the air and soar like a chook whereas paragliding!

During this expertise, you’ll experience tandem with an skilled paragliding skilled, weaving excessive within the Basque Country skies.

While you’ll be able to’t paraglide immediately in Bilbao, you can also make your option to close by Sopelana for the tour. You’ll have the final word chook’s eye view of the Bay of Biscay, surrounding seashores and extra, in addition to the adrenaline rush of a lifetime.

Pick from 4 completely different sorts of flights: a basic flight, piloting flight, aerobatic flight, or a sundown flight Whichever you select, you’ll have the blood-pumping expertise that you just’re actually craving!

Travel Tips: At the danger of sounding like your dad and mom, ensure you get journey insurance coverage earlier than hitting the highway. Trust us, it’s a type of belongings you don’t need to depart house with out. We suggest both World Nomads or Safety Wing, relying on the kind of traveler you’re.

20. Enjoy the Aste Nagusia Festival (Big Week Festival)

Besides tapas and procuring, Spain is well-known for annual festivals held all through the nation.

One of probably the most wild festivals that may’t be missed is Aste Nagusia in Bilbao, which means the Big Week Festival. It lasts a whole 9 days on the finish of August and through that point, you see the very best of Basque Country.

The competition formally begins with a rocket being shot from the balcony of the Teatro Arriaga so preserve your eyes really feel to know that the festivities are underway. People gown up in these enormous costumes and parade across the metropolis, and there are fireworks and live shows, occasions and extra. It’s undoubtedly probably the most thrilling time to be within the metropolis!

Insider Tip: If you’re focused on visiting Bilbao throughout Aste Nagusia, it’s necessary that you just e book lodging far upfront. Not solely will or not it’s costly but it surely’ll be packed as effectively, so it’s a good suggestion to get a reservation early if you wish to keep within the metropolis for the enjoyable!

21. Take a Day Trip to Gaztelugatxe

Once you’ve seen all that Bilbao has to supply (and even in case you haven’t), make your option to Gaztelugatxe for the views of a lifetime. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a fast 50 minutes from the middle of Bilbao, and is the precise reverse of town.

Instead of tall buildings and funky-shaped museums, this space is nothing however the pure Bay of Biscay. Waves crashing on the rocky islands, stone walkway with arches searching over the open water…

Seriously, it doesn’t get any nearer to heaven than right here! We suggest occurring this native coastal hike with a information if you wish to take advantage of out of your time out.

To get to the island, it’s a must to stroll throughout the stone bridge and up 241 stone steps. It’s an extended climb however effectively value it when you attain the highest. At the top of your climb, you’ll come to a church is a bell. Be positive to ring the bell 3 times and make a want, as a result of as legend goes, it’s supposed to come back true!

Insider Tip: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe made it to the large display screen with its look in Game of Thrones (it serves as Dragonstone within the collection), which implies it’s completely crawling with vacationers and followers.

For this purpose, it’s really useful to keep away from peak hours. You might even need to contemplate springing for a guided tour that comes with round-trip transportation from Bilbao.

Day Trips from Bilbao

After spending time in Bilbao, there’s a excessive chance that you just’ve fallen head over heels in love with Basque Country and by no means need to return house once more. If that’s the case, there’s loads of exploring left to do.

Head to San Sebastian for live shows, movie festivals and all of the positive eating you might think about, or go for a visit to Zarautz for sandy days full of browsing and sunbathing.

Other locations to go to from Bilbao are Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, Gorbeia Natural Park, Castro Urdiales, and Mundaka.

There are even components of Basque Country the place you’ll be able to stroll proper over to France (like Hondarribia, for instance)! The coast makes for a wonderful highway journey route, and the plentiful vineyards offer you greater than a superb purpose to cease alongside the way in which.

Travel Must: We love renting vehicles every time we travel- it simply offers you a lot freedom to discover at your individual tempo. Click right here to match automotive rental costs You’ll be stunned at how reasonably priced it’s!

No matter the place you find yourself, you’ll have beautiful sea views, fascinating surrounding landscapes — and sure, all of the pintxos you might ever dream of.

With such an fascinating mix of previous and new, trendy and basic, it’s superb that Bilbao isn’t completely crawling with vacationers in a means just like Barcelona, Valencia, and even Madrid.

Instead, Bilbao is a reasonably quiet metropolis with fascinating museums, a thought-provoking Old Town, and probably the most beautiful surroundings possible. With loads to see and do, Bilbao needs to be on the high of your listing of locations to go to in Spain!

Need assist determining the place to remain? Check out our information to the finest locations to remain in Bilbao for our suggestions.

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