Whether you’re visiting the Basque Country on a road trip or you’re simply on a long weekend to Bilbao, this travel guide has you covered. I spent a week discovering Spain’s stunning region, hopping from town to town and immersing myself in the relaxing rhythms of the Basques. Writing about the best things to do in Bilbao is challenging due to the variety of sightseeing one can enjoy on this side of Spain.
However, after thoroughly exploring the city, I compiled this long Bilbao travel guide. From an architectural point of view, the city feels like a case study of mixing contemporary elements and tradition. On the other hand, the laid-back atmosphere of Bilbao, paired with some magnificent locations in close proximity, will give every traveler enough things to enjoy.
Apparently, there are tons of things to do in Bilbao and the surrounding area. However, in this article, I decided to cover what I truly believe is unmissable in the capital of the Basque Country. The reason is that this selection will give you enough ideas to keep you occupied for several days in Bilbao, while offering you breathing space to enjoy the moments.
So, let’s begin with this travel guide to Bilbao and what you should see and do in town.
The best things to do in Bilbao
Located in the northern part of Spain and close to the Atlantic Ocean, Bilbao has seen a growing interest among international travelers. A combination of world-class museums, an easy-going atmosphere, and delicious food has created a well-deserved myth about Bilbao. Throughout my stay, the city often left me in awe, and I promised myself and the guys I met in town that I would return soon.
So, let’s see the must-do things in Bilbao and what you can expect from them.
Visit the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum
I had the luck to stay close to the Guggenheim Museum, but this is not why I added it to the list’s top. Already from the day of its inauguration on October 18, 1997, the Guggenheim Museum became an institution and a city landmark. Besides being an architectural marvel, the Bilbao Guggenheim expanded the city’s cultural horizons, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers.
I wrote about the Venice Guggenheim and how it impressed me, but the Bilbao’s version adds extra layers of significance. The outdoor installations like Louise Bourgeois’ spider (called “Maman”) or the Puppy, are among the most photographed spots in the entire city. Featuring permanent and special exhibitions, the Bilbao Guggenheim is a must-visit location during your stay in the Basque Country.
You can book a Guggenheim tour here. Make sure to book a ticket in advance, otherwise you might have to queue endlessly or even fail to visit it if tickets are sold out.
Explore the Old Town without a map
The Old Town of Bilbao, known as Casco Viejo, is the city’s most picturesque location. Narrow streets and garlands of local shops, cafes, and bars await you on this side of Bilbao. Sooner or later, you will also come across the so-called Seven Streets (Siete Calles) dating back to the 15th century.
That’s also where the iconic Plaza Nueva is located, featuring marvelous buildings and enough free space to unwind and have a drink or something to chew. Lastly, on the edge of the Old Town, you can also visit the Erriberako Merkatua, the city’s most famous covered market, and the nearby church dedicated to San Anton.
The Food Market is an excellent option for lunch or a quick bite during winter or rainy days. However, if the weather is pleasant, I suggest just a stroll inside and looking for an outdoor spot to enjoy.
Visit San Mames Stadium (and watch a match if possible)
Even if you are not a football fan, I highly recommend visiting the iconic San Mames Stadium. The home ground of Athletic Bilbao is more than a football stadium. Together with the football team, they serve as the vehicle of Basque tradition and local values, and watching a game is a memorable experience. Luckily enough, there was a game when I visited Bilbao and I wrote about my VIP experience at San Mames here.
The stadium itself is an architectural landmark, and it will definitely fascinate you. Located in a residential neighborhood, the stadium appears behind clusters of houses and enjoys a riverside location. If there’s no game during your stay, you have a great option to explore it: guided tours take place daily, and you can visit the interior, the dressing rooms, and buy memorabilia. They make great gifts for football fans back home!
You can book a San Mames guided tour here.
Go on a river tour
I believe that boat tours are always enjoyable. Yes, they are highly touristic activities; however, here’s the thing: a boat tour shows you the city from a water-level angle. Moreover, as traveling fatigue strikes, it’s always a plus that you can do some (let’s call it) passive sightseeing: sitting on a boat and seeing the city unfold is often an underestimated activity.
Now, let’s face it: Bilbao’s river, Nervion, is probably not the most lovely river you’ve ever seen. On a sunny day, the water appears rather brown. On the other hand, it’s omnipresent in the city’s structure, and going on a boat tour is pleasant. The majority of Bilbao river tours will take you across the town’s landmarks, and you will sail past Bilbao’s bridges and the Guggenheim Museum.
I very much enjoyed the river tour I joined and wrote an article about my experience here. You can choose between several boat tours, but my recommendation is the most compact one that lasts one hour and takes you to the suburbs.
You can book a river tour here.
Discover the majestic Getxo
Getxo is technically a location outside the city center, but practically a suburb. And it’s one of the most beautiful areas in the entire Basque Country.
Getxo is located in front of the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its mansions. But besides that, it offers a great opportunity to walk on its long sandy beach and swim in the Atlantic if you are courageous enough. Getxo impressed me and that’s why I visited it twice. On its right edge, you can see the picturesque Puerto Viejo, which is the Old Port of the small town. Whitewashed houses, narrow alleys and tremendous open sea views await you in this tiny pearl.
It’s pretty easy to reach Getxo from downtown Bilbao. The first time I went there, I rented a bike, and it took me less than an hour to get there. However, you can easily go by public transport: the metro station Neguri is just a few hundred meters away from the beautiful Ereaga Beach and you won’t need more than fifteen minutes to find yourself surrounded by ocean views.
I think Getxo is one of the unmissable things to do in Bilbao. If this triggers you, I wrote a comprehensive Getxo guide here.
Admire the Vizcaya Bridge
The Vizcaya Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks of the entire region. What makes the bridge even more fascinating is that we are not talking about a contemporary architectural achievement. Dating back to 1893, the Vizcaya is a suspension bridge that served a noble purpose: connecting the two Nervion River banks. The hanging gondola, moving from side to side several times per hour, can transport up to six cars and loads of passengers.
Despite being invisible from Getxo’s beach, it’s actually very close to it. You can combine a visit to Getxo with a visit to the bridge. If you do, make sure to travel a short distance to the other side of the river using the gondola. A return journey costs more than a euro but is an experience by itself. The Vizcaya Bridge is an excellent example of functionality and beauty from the past, and that’s probably the reason why it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Long story short, don’t miss the Vizcaya: it’s hands down one of the top things to see in Bilbao.
Eat as many pintxos as possible
Soon after landing in Bilbao, you will have your first pintxos experience. You can describe pintxos as the Basque version of tapas, but to be honest, I found them richer and tastier. Pintxos are larger in size and by far more creative regarding their ingredients. Two or three of them can very well serve as your lunch, and you can find delicious pintxos all over the city.
Some of them come with fish on top, and I must admit that these were my favorite ones. However, the selection is endless, and literally in every corner, you will find a cafe or a bar serving them. Their prices are reasonable, and paired with a glass of Rioja, they became my favorite lunch break.
After finishing with the things to do in Bilbao, I will write down some addresses where I enjoyed pintxos. Right now, though, what you need to know is that pintxos are interconnected with the laid-back city atmosphere. Therefore, if feeling a bit like a local is a must-do in your journeys, make sure to stop multiple times for a pintxos break.
Don’t miss the Fine Arts Museum of Bilbao
There’s no lack of museums in Bilbao. Although the Guggenheim seems to overshadow every other museum, there are equally important and innovative museums in town that require a visit. After all, variety is interconnected to the city’s style. One such example is the Fine Arts Museum of Bilbao.
The museum is centrally located and offers various exhibits, spanning from Romanesque art to avant-garde movements. I don’t want to make the list of artists exhaustive, but the Fine Arts Museum of Bilbao presents masters like Lucas Cranach and El Greco, together with Sorolla, Gauguin, Sorolla, Tapies, Chillida, and plenty of others. Despite the rather austere lines of the building, strolling through its rooms feels like a great art lesson, and it’s definitely one of the must-see art locations in town.
Moreover, visiting the museum is free of charge. Therefore, I believe that a visit to the Fine Arts Museum of Bilbao should definitely rank among the top free things to do in Bilbao.
Enjoy Bilbao’s open spaces
Not everything should be about sightseeing. A visit to foreign places should always give carefree and relaxing moments. Despite its dense residential style, Bilbao has many parks and open squares to enjoy and relax.
While walking around Bilbao, I spotted several parks where people enjoyed the moment. Unlike other cities, Bilbao pays attention to its residents’ free time. It’s something that I personally praise and always pay attention to. Even in the city’s heart, there will always be a spot with an endless view to relax your eyes and take a breath.
Since I’m always interested in seeing as much as possible but also to enjoy moments like the locals do, I highly recommend letting some time go by while enjoying a break at one of the city’s parks or its marvelous square. Seeing how life unfolds in a foreign place is a must, and you’ll have several opportunities to do so in Bilbao.
Make sure to leave fomo behind and enjoy some precious moments.
Take a day off and explore the Basque Country
While Bilbao will be your base, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get out of town. Even if this is your first time in the region, it is worth considering leaving the charming town behind and exploring the surrounding area. The compact size of the Basque Country means that you can see plenty of locations even if you are there in the area for just four or five days.
Seeing each famous location nearby might be easier if you want to rent a car and go on a short trip. However, on my journey to Bilbao, I didn’t rent a car and still could see as much as possible. A combination of public transport and organized tours can easily make it possible.
Apart from Getxo, which is still part of the metropolitan Bilbao area, I visited several other cities. I have written dedicated guides for each of the places you will see below, so make sure to check them out if you decide to visit them.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. This is probably the gem of the region, and Game of Thrones fans will definitely recognize it. The chapel on the rock’s top offers dramatic views all along the coastline. You can easily access it by car, as it’s just an hour away. Public transport isn’t convenient, though, so your best option is to book an organized tour here.
Mundaka. This small coastal town is famous for its left wave. Surfers from all over the world visit Mundaka just to ride that spectacular wave, but the truth is that the town is pretty and deserves a stop.
Gernika or Guernica. You probably know the iconic Pablo Picasso painting that immortalized it in the collective subconscious. Here, you have the chance to see up close the city that inspired Picasso due to the morbid event that took place.
San Sebastian. In my opinion, this is probably the most beautiful coastal city in Europe. I was fascinated by San Sebastian and its beauty, and I would really love to return there soon. It was impossible to write a travel guide that encompasses its beauty, but I wrote an extensive travelogue with everything I experienced there.
Where to stay in Bilbao
Bilbao is a pretty compact city, and choosing an accommodation based on your budget shouldn’t be a hard task. Regarding the prices, I found Bilbao similar to most European cities. That said, nowadays everything might feel pricier than it should. However, some good opportunities always exist, and if you avoid visiting the city during the high season, you have better chances for finding reasonably priced accommodations.
If that’s your first time in Bilbao, I strongly recommend staying as close to the city center as possible. Everything in the city is within walking distance, and you can save on public transport costs. In general, I believe that the best areas to stay in Bilbao are the following:
The area around the Guggenheim Museum. It’s conveniently located next to the must-see museum and not far from anything else. Plus, if you are lucky, you can visit the museum spontaneously. It also offers the easiest and fastest access to the airport by bus.
Abando. The area south of the Guggenheim is probably the one that most people will choose. A very central location, close to the bars and restaurants. It’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful areas in town.
The Old Town. That’s the most picturesque spot and another great option for your stay. Local flair is present even though it might sometimes feel a bit more touristy.
Please use the interactive map below to discover the best accommodations in Bilbao and beyond.
Where I stayed in Bilbao
I chose to stay close to the Guggenheim Museum, at the wonderful Museo Arte by Next Stop. I’m glad I found this nice accommodation via Booking, which ticked all my boxes. Among them was an early check-in due to my flight. Moreover, the proximity to the airport translated to less travel time to and from the airport. Also, since I didn’t have a concrete plan, I wanted to be flexible about visiting the Guggenheim. Supposedly, some rainy days were expected for me, but luckily, the weather didn’t validate that forecast. I had sunny days in Bilbao.
Then it was the size of the accommodation. For the same price, in most hotels I would have just a room. The apartment I rented also had a living room and kitchen. Since I also had to work during my stay, this helped me to have a cozy feeling while working. Overall, I was very satisfied with my stay at Museo Arte by Next Stop.
You can check prices and availability for the Museo Arte by Next Stop here.
Where to eat in Bilbao
Before finishing this long travel guide about the best things to do in Bilbao, I want to write a few lines about the places I enjoyed eating the most in town. As you will see in the following lines, I enjoyed pintxos so much that I even had them for dinner. However, since I always prefer dining close to my accommodation after a long day out and about, I’ll share my favorite eatery close to the Guggenheim Museum.
Restaurant Sua San. That’s where I dined almost every evening in Bilbao. They served delicious dishes with local ingredients in a cozy atmosphere and with very polite service. I loved their pasta and their salads. If you stay close to the Guggenheim, give it a try; it won’t let you down. Plus, the prices are reasonable. You can see Sua San on the map here.
And now it’s pintxos time! The places I enjoyed pintxos the most are the following (the links will take you to Google Maps, so feel free to save them for your journey).
At Plaza Nueva I had delicious pintxos at Jatera Berria, Sorginzulo and also at Gure Toki.
I also enjoyed the pintxos at Cafe Iruna.
Lastly, for a more local touch but yet equally tasty, at Menphis.
In general, you can’t go wrong with pintxos in Bilbao and the Basque Country. If you discover more great eateries in town, feel free to leave a comment.
The best things to do in Bilbao: Final Thoughts
Bilbao was for me a multilayered experience. Throughout the years, I kept hearing positive things about the city, and when I finally visited it, I justified every single comment. The architectural beauty of Bilbao is unparalleled, offering a mixture of contemporary and local architecture. Moreover, the vibrant art scene made me feel like home, because it’s something I appreciate in every journey -and you probably know from the art section of my blog.
Watching a game at the San Mames showed me also how passionate the Basques are, and if you add to that the delicious food, it feels like Bilbao ticked all the boxes. In addition, the fact that a stunning place like Getxo is nearby, paired with locations like San Sebastian or San Juan, means that a visit to the Basque Country will always be a memorable experience. Last but not least, sipping Rioja wine was integral to this journey.
Therefore, the 10 unmissable things to do in Bilbao I shared in this article will definitely offer you moments to remember. But, most importantly, they will also give you enough free time to enjoy Bilbao while exploring this side of Spain.
More about Bilbao: My Basque Country Polaroids
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Last Updated on June 3, 2025 by George Pavlopoulos