Travel guide: What to see and do in Bilbao

The best way to see and visit Bilbao: Take a free tour

What to see in Bilbao in 1 - 3 days?

Bilbao is the heart of the Basque Country. Traditionally it was known for its industry. It has reinvented itself as a cosmopolitan and tourist city, leaving behind its more industrial and gray past. It is a benchmark for both national and international tourism due to its extensive leisure, cultural and, above all, gastronomic offer, in which its delicious pintxos stand out.

The capital of Bizkaia has risen from its ashes in every way. One of the great protagonists of this change is its iconic Guggenheim Museum. Although there are many more attractive places in this city that will surprise you at every step.

How to plan my visit to Bilbao?

At Yoorney we have local tour guides who offer you the best selection of guided tours, free tours and excursions in Bilbao and in other cities around the world.

The best way to discover a city!

Perhaps you don't know where to start creating your travel itinerary to R. It is normal, since you still do not know the city. Because going with a professional guide is not the same as doing it on your own, that's why Yoorney's tours will make you feel like one more local.

Hey Yoorner! Do you want to live adventures? Visit the city in a different way with our tours of Bilbao!

Why visit Bilbao?

Bilbao resurfaced after the catastrophic floods to currently become a benchmark for a commercial area. If you walk through its streets they will be full of colors and places to rest, such as Plaza Unamuno which commemorates the life of the philosopher and writer. We will enjoy the stories about the historic center of the city.

Euskadi boasts a spectacular coastline, with its steep cliffs and an intense blue sea that will not leave you indifferent. These are the essential places to see and visit in Bilbao in 3 days (or a weekend getaway). Take note!

12 essential places to see and do in Bilbao

1. Guggenheim museum

Entering the Guggenheim Museum is one of the best things to do in Bilbao. It is quite an icon and it is difficult to go through the Biscayan capital without considering a visit to the amazing architectural work of Frank Gehry. As a curiosity, for many it is one of the five contemporary constructions that you have to see once in your life! Who gives more?

It depends on each one, but it is worth dedicating at least one afternoon to it. Seeing the temporary exhibitions, the permanent one and the building itself takes several hours. Keep in mind that it is not only about seeing the works that are exhibited, but also about contemplating its architecture! Its exterior is made up of titanium panels, changing color depending on the light it receives during the day. You have to see it from different perspectives!

2. New Square

This beautiful neoclassical square is located in the heart of the old town of Bilbao. It was built in the middle of the 19th century. It is the first meeting point in the city and one of the best areas to enjoy Bilbao's pintxos. They are really spectacular. With sausages, cheeses, vegetables, sauces, seafood, tortillas and much more. A great variety! They combine almost everything you can imagine and with top quality raw materials.

If you plan to go shopping, take note! On Sundays they have a spectacular second-hand and collectibles market.

3. Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

Mandatory stop in Bilbao. The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is one of the best in Spain. It is the union of two great currents: the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Modern Art Bilbao. The origin of the first Museum of Fine Arts was in 1908. It merged in 1945 with the Museum of Modern Art in Bilbao, which was inaugurated in 1924.

In its rooms you will find more than 10.000 works of art. From the 13th century to the present day. Enjoy a walk through the complete collection they offer! With paintings by great Belgian, Italian, Spanish and French artists of all time. If you like art, be sure to include this visit in your list of things to do in Bilbao.

4. Cathedral of Santiago de Bilbao

The Cathedral of Santiago, as the Bilbao cathedral is known, is the oldest church in the city. It was built between the last quarter of the 14th century and the beginning of the 16th in the Gothic style. Its façade and tower are the result of a thorough reconstruction undertaken in the 19th century. It is one of the main places to visit in Bilbao and in the old town.

What to see and do in the Bilbao Cathedral?

This beautiful building stands out for its exterior. It gives it an asymmetry that increases the charm of this monument. The façade is neo-Gothic in style with a rose window on whose cover are the sculptures of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. A curiosity about the tower, it is not the original! There is evidence that previously they have had three previous ones that for one reason or another were replaced. The current one, also neo-Gothic in style, was built at the end of the 19th century and is 64 meters high.

Once we have enjoyed what it offers us on the outside, it is time to let ourselves go and go through its cover! Inside the Bilbao Cathedral there are several points of interest. It is divided into 3 naves separated by cylindrical columns and covered with ribbed vaults.

Around it we can admire many very different chapels with works of art and dedicated to different virgins and saints. The most interesting are that of the Virgin of Carmen, with a sculpture dedicated to her, and those of the ambulatory with that of San José as a star and the image of the saint with the Child Jesus in his arms.

The Chapel of Montserrat or the Chapel of San Anton are also very interesting and a must-see inside the Bilbao Cathedral. But if one must be highlighted above the others, it is the Chapel of Cristo del Buen Amor, with its neo-Gothic altarpiece from the 20th century and the image of Christ, highly venerated in Bilbao.

Other places of interest that we should not miss in the Bilbao Cathedral are the sacristy, with a carving of Cristo de la Luz, and the Cloister, the only Gothic cloister that remains in Vizcaya along with the Convent of San Francisco de Bermeo.

PRICES

General (Cathedral + Church): €6

Seniors (Cathedral + Church): €5

Groups (Cathedral + Church): €4.5

Youth (Cathedral + Church): €4.5

Reduced (Cathedral + Church): €4.5

Schedules

Cathedral: Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

San Anton Church: Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

5. Zubizuri Bridge

The Zubizuri Bridge is one of the most iconic in the city. It represents a change of mentality. It is a turning point between the past and the future.

As a curious detail, the image it projects is that of a sailing ship on the Bilbao estuary. It is also known as the Calatrava bridge. This is a mention of the well-known Spanish architect who designed it.

What is impressive is the view of the bridge! Specifically at night, when thousands of lamps light up! Surely it catches your attention that the glass floor is covered by a carpet. The reason? In Bilbao the rains are very frequent. Visitors slipped when crossing it. To solve this problem they decided to place a carpet.

6. Basilica of Begona

The Virgin Begoña, better known in Bilbao as amatxu Begoña, is the patron saint of Bizkaia. Proof of this is the basilica that bears her name, which has a wooden carving of this virgin inside. It was built at the beginning of the 16th century. The Basilica of Begona was originally in the Gothic style, but after its various restorations it has an eclectic style.

Schedules

From Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Sundays during mass hours: 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

7. Riverside Market

The Riverside Market is located next to the Ria de Bilbao, in the heart of the Old Town. It is an important commercial reference for Bilbao and all of Bizkaia. The San Antón bridge is located in the vicinity of this Ribera enclosure, which has turned its surroundings into an economic environment of great interest.

It is undoubtedly the largest covered market in Europe with 10,000 square meters. With an art deco style, it stands out for its large stained glass windows! You will find the freshest products. A reflection of this was the Guinness Record it received in 1990 for being the most complete Municipal Food Market. The spoiler wasn't lying. In addition, there are many more things besides the stalls. Like the gastrobars that are waiting for you and its spectacular terrace.

8. Doña Casilda of Iturrizar Park

If you fancy time to relax and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city, we recommend the Doña Casilda of Iturrizar Park! This English-style garden is one of the green lungs of the city. We will find more than 1,500 botanical species, including almost 500 specimens of exotic trees from the five continents. Examples are the tree of love or a hundred-year-old horse chestnut. You will surely love taking a walk through this space. It has a pond with ducks, swans and peacocks!

Among the most significant elements we highlight the Pergola. It is a monumental square with an oval shape, where the performances take place.

9. Biscay Bridge

A suspension bridge! Despite all our recommendations, the only one that is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list is the Bizkaia Bridge! It is known for being the first transporter bridge built in the world with a metallic structure. It is located in the final section of the Ría de Bilbao. There are not a few who remain observing this magnificent work of engineering and remain pensive. If it reminds you of something, you're right! To the Parisian Eiffel Tower. The creator of the Bizkaia Bridge, Alberto de Palacio, was a disciple of the French Gustave Eiffel.

10. Church of San Anton

The Church of San Anton is one of the most famous in Bilbao, popularly known as San Anton. Symbol of the city, it appears portrayed in the same coat of arms of the town, along with the bridge that bears the same name. It is located on the banks of the Nervion Stuary, very close to the Mercado de la Ribera and the old Town Hall.

This 15th century Gothic temple stands out for its Renaissance portal and its Baroque bell tower. At sunset, the light falls on the façade and turns the stone of the adjacent San Antón Bridge red. Inside there are works by Luis Paret, Manuel Losada or Guiot de Beaugrant.

PRICES

Free

SCHEDULES

Masses: Sunday at 8:00 p.m. (summer) and 7:00 p.m. (winter)

11. Artxanda viewpoint

For many, the beauty of a city cannot be appreciated until it is observed from above. It is worth going up there, if the day is sunny and clear, you can see the sea. For this reason, it is undoubtedly a mandatory stop that you have to make when you visit.

You dare? To go up to the Artxanda viewpoint you have several options, you can drive, walk or take the funicular that leaves from the Funicular Square, near the beautiful Zubiri Bridge.

12. Arriaga Theater

It is not just any building, it is the cultural hub of Bilbao! The Arriaga Theater is much more than a reference. It is integrated into the daily life of the city.

The theater owes its name to the Bilbao musician Juan Crisostomo Arriaga. He is known as the Hispanic Mozart due to his talent. At the age of 13 he composed his first opera and shortly before his 20th birthday he died of tuberculosis.

It is located in the Old Town and very close to the estuary, it is impossible not to look up when passing by it and admire its beauty!

From Yoorney we are sure that if you visit all these places, you will fall in love with Bilbao! It will be a crush at first sight. Don't worry though, if you feel like you want to see more, that's normal! We recommend you go through:

Moyua Square
Iberdrola tower
The Basque Museum
La Salve Bridge
The Gran Via of Don Diego Lopez de Haro
Euskalduna Palace of Congresses and Music

Where to eat in Bilbao?

In Bilbao food is a serious matter. It is a city that dazzles the traveler with its gastronomy. We give you some recommendations to taste the typical foods of the area. Although yes, it is normal to take a route to try the best pintxos!

5 places to eat in Rome

Gure Toki: We would say all of them, but if we have to choose, we dare to recommend the idiazábal cheese soup with quail egg (or with octopus)! And if you have a sweet tooth, ask for the cheesecake.
Sorginzulo: He has a few awards in his record! You will love the sirloin with foie. We fell in love with the portions of rogue potatoes and squid!
Bar Bacaicoa: If you like spicy, don't hesitate to ask for a pintxo de chorizo al infierno! Don't go without a drink.
Melilla and Fez: A classic on every pintxo route. Especially to savor the special dish the Moorish skewer. Of course, it has a spicy touch.
The fried egg: In the Indautxu area you will find this place with a pintxo bar that will surprise you. We recommend the casserole of broken eggs with Iberian ham!

5 typical dishes of Bilbao

Pintxos: What can we say about them? The tapas culture is deeply rooted in the city. We recommend that you try all the pintxos you can! From the most traditional to the most avant-garde.
Pil-pil cod: An essential part of Basque gastronomy! Other cod recipes that you can enjoy are Biscayan cod with peppers and onion, or the popular Purrusalda, which is cod with potatoes and leeks in a delicious fish broth.
Marmitako: The tuna marmitako is another of the typical dishes. Its origin? It comes from the Basque fishermen of yesteryear who used it to maintain and serve the crew.
Eels a la Bilbao: They are traditionally known in Basque cuisine! They are served in a clay pot. A well-known way of eating them is using a wooden fork. We assure you that you will lick your fingers!
Canutillos of Bilbao: It is the typical dessert of Bilbao! It is a classic that you must try. With rolled puff pastry, filled with pastry cream and garnished with icing sugar. It can be accompanied by liquid custard or chocolate. You can also find them with chocolate cream.

Bilbao with children

Are you going to travel to Bilbao with the little ones? All the cultural offer that this city provides is perfect for a family trip. Virtually all tourist visits have an area dedicated to children so they will not get bored at any time.

A getaway in Bilbao with children can be a lot of fun! Take a look at the best plans for adults and children in R. You sign up?

Boat tour

There are many family plans to do in Bilbao. A nice boat ride through the city is sure to please you! You will be able to see all the sights and the most beautiful places look at it. Taking a boat ride through its waters is one of the most fun ways to get to know it! There are many alternatives. The most popular are the Bilboats boats that set sail from the Pío Baroja pier. Children will feel like they are sailing the seven seas without leaving the city.

Dragons in Santa Clara Park

The smallest of the house will hallucinate with the castles, forests, dragons and other elements of the classic tales of children's literature. All of them transformed into swings and small attractions! This is the Santa Clara park in Balmaseda. A space where all the dreams of the little ones will come true. The highlight of this park is a medieval castle that is 9 meters high. It is adorned with shields of the 10 municipalities of Enkarterri and Alonsotegi.

Put your foot down in Formula Racing

If your little one likes cars. In Formula Racing they have the racing simulation technology used by F1 teams and 3D screens to make you feel like a real racing driver. There are different levels for all audiences. Among them are circuits adapted for children under 14 to 7 years of age. You can become a motor champion!

Pet-friendly Bilbao

Are you passionate about animals and looking for a different plan? A getaway with your pet is always a good idea. But surely you think, where can they enjoy to their heart's content?

Tourism and pet-friendly getaways have grown in Bilbao in recent years. More and more hotels, restaurants and attractions have hung the Pet Friendly sign on their doors. A getaway with your dog is one of the most unforgettable adventures you can have.

Bilbao is a very #petfriendly city and that is how we have experienced it. We have been able to do a lot of activities with our dogs!

Green spaces in Bilbao

In the capital of Bizkaia you will also find large and centrally located green spaces, ideal for your dog to make friends! First of all, we recommend the Doña Casilda Park. It has more than 100,000 m2 of green areas for a walk. In addition, there is a recreation area enabled where your dog can be loose.

In addition, Bilbao has other marked parks with established times, in which they can run without a leash.

Amezola Park
Azoka-Zorroza Park
Casilda Iturrizar Park
Encarnacion Park
Eskurtze Park
Etxebarria Park
Europe Park
ibaieder park
Miribilla Park
Sarriko Park

Restaurants in Bilbao to go with dogs

When you go with your pet on a trip, you have to take into account where to go to eat. Sign up for these sites, they won't let you down! Bar Plaza Unamuno, La Ley Seca, Lurrina, Soiz 3, The Beetle Bar and Tirauki are some of the options that we recommend.

When the weather is good, you can be on any terrace without any problem with your pet.

Pet Friendly Hotels in Bilbao

This is one of the most important points when choosing a travel destination, there are more and more hotels that allow pets.

Accessible Bilbao

Adapted tourism is not a pending issue in Bilbao.

We were able to experience it first hand and here are some of our favorite adapted and accessible sites:

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: It has a certificate that accredits the implementation of a global accessibility system. In addition to the audio guide, video guide and sign language tour services, it has models of some of the most famous works so you can experience them by touch.
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum: It is very interesting! It has a space for tactile experimentation that brings different materials, techniques and artistic objects to people with visual disabilities.

Nocturnal Bilbao

Enjoy the night life of Bilbao. The city hides a multitude of corners with a special charm to have a good time in good company and where you can walk, have a drink and toast.

These are some of our favorite places to party in Bilbao!

Beer lovers in Bilbao

If you like to go for beers in Bilbao, you cannot leave the city without trying Penguin Bar. It is heaven for beer lovers! Pedro will know how to guide you so that you find the beer you like. Take advantage and try very elaborate recipes and impossible combinations.

Cocktails in Bilbao

For those who prefer cocktails, in this city there are many places where you can have a drink. Some of these places are: Gin Fizz Cocktail Bar, Residence Cafe Bilbao, Basque Bar and Yandiola Bar and Terrace.

Live music in Bilbao

Bilbao has a number of venues where you can enjoy the best live music. We begin this tour of the bars in Bilbao with live music, recommending El Kasko, La Karola and La Nube Cafe Teatro.

Bilbao nightclubs

In Bilbao there is a great variety of shows and alternative music. To get out of the day-to-day routine, we recommend the Back&Stage nightclub, two nightclubs that is actually only one.

The best nightlife in Bilbao. Perfect for having the first or last drink of the night.

How to get to Bilbao?

Whenever you have a destination in mind, one of the biggest concerns is getting to the city. The main ways to travel to Bilbao are by car, by bus, by plane and by train.

How to get to Bilbao by plane

The plane is the fastest option to get there. Bilbao airport connects with national destinations such as Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Barcelona or Madrid. In addition, it has a direct line with international cities such as Rome, Amsterdam or Munich.

How to get to Bilbao by car

The most common option is by car. Bilbao is easily accessible from all parts of the country. The motorway that reaches Vizcaya is the AP8. Depending on the function of the section you use is paid. The AP8 skirts the Bay of Biscay and is the best option for touring the Basque coast by car. To get there from other cities, the most common road is the A-68.

How to get to Bilbao by train

There are many people who enjoy the trip by train, so let's see how you can travel by rail to this magical city. Bilbao does not have a High Speed Train (AVE). Among the most common destinations are Madrid (5 hours), Barcelona (6 hours and 40 minutes), San Sebastián (3 hours and 40 minutes), Valladolid (3 hours and 50 minutes) and Paris (11 hours).

How to get to Bilbao by bus

If you decide to do it by bus, we recommend you choose the direct route. Many companies offer long journeys with stops in dozens of towns in Vizcaya. These are the main bus companies that offer trips to Bilbao: Alsa, Flixbus and Eurolines.

How to get around Bilbao