Bilbao Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, See & Eat
Bilbao, nestled in Spain's Basque Country, offers a stunning mix of modern architecture and traditional charm. Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum, stroll through the historic Casco Viejo, and savor the exquisite Basque cuisine. The city is a hub of culture, with lively markets and vibrant art scenes.
With 359+ hand-picked places to explore, Bilbao rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious. Here's our complete guide to the best of the city — organised by what you're in the mood for.
Must-See Attractions in Bilbao
The icons and landmarks no first visit is complete without.
Start with Mirador de Kobetamendi — ideal for nature lovers and hikers seeking panoramic views of Bilbao's skyline. Just as worthwhile is Monumento a Arriaga: in Arriaga Plaza, a tribute to a celebrated Basque composer awaits visitors seeking cultural enrichment. Plaza del Ensanche completes the picture: an urban square that highlights Bilbao's blend of modernist architecture and local culture.
Mirador de Kobetamendi
Bilbao • Scenic Viewpoints & Lookouts
Ideal for nature lovers and hikers seeking panoramic views of Bilbao's skyline.
Monumento a Arriaga
Bilbao • Monuments & Statues
In Arriaga Plaza, a tribute to a celebrated Basque composer awaits visitors seeking cultural enrichment.
Plaza del Ensanche
Bilbao • Historic Squares & Plazas
An urban square that highlights Bilbao's blend of modernist architecture and local culture.
Plaza Nueva
Bilbao • Historic Squares & Plazas
A neoclassical square that captures the spirit of Bilbao's Old Town, ideal for sampling local cuisine.
Museums & Culture in Bilbao
Galleries, museums and cultural landmarks for a deeper look at the city.
Top of most lists is Puente de Bizkaia: the world's oldest transporter bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spans the Nervión River in Getxo. Locals will also point you to Basilica of Begoña — ideal for culture enthusiasts and families looking to explore Bilbao's historical religious sites. And for something different, there's Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall: located along the Nervión River, this striking venue reflects Bilbao's shipbuilding heritage.
Puente de Bizkaia
Bilbao • Historical Sites
The world's oldest transporter bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spans the Nervión River in Getxo.
Basilica of Begoña
Bilbao • Historical Sites
Ideal for culture enthusiasts and families looking to explore Bilbao's historical religious sites.
Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall
Bilbao • Theaters
Located along the Nervión River, this striking venue reflects Bilbao's shipbuilding heritage.
Galería Carreras Múgica
Bilbao • Art Galleries
Ideal for art enthusiasts and those interested in contemporary creativity.
Best Things to Do in Bilbao
Activities and experiences to fill your days.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Sopelana Surf School — incorporate some surf lessons into your Bilbao itinerary for a fun day at the beach. Mount Artxanda Biking Trails earns its reputation too — ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for scenic biking experiences in Bilbao. Round out the shortlist with Bilbao Arena — located in Miribilla, this modern venue offers a variety of concerts and events in Bilbao.
Sopelana Surf School
Bilbao • Outdoor
Incorporate some surf lessons into your Bilbao itinerary for a fun day at the beach.
Mount Artxanda Biking Trails
Bilbao • Outdoor
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for scenic biking experiences in Bilbao.
Bilbao Arena
Bilbao • Sports
Located in Miribilla, this modern venue offers a variety of concerts and events in Bilbao.
Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park
Bilbao • Family-Friendly
A green space perfect for a leisurely stroll after visiting nearby cultural sites in Bilbao.
Where to Eat in Bilbao
From local classics to standout modern kitchens.
Start with Bihotz Café — located on Arechaga Kalea, this café invites you to explore craft beers in a relaxed setting. Just as worthwhile is Bihotz Vegan: ideal for families and groups seeking a cozy spot for homemade vegan dishes in Bilbao. Etxanobe completes the picture: located in Palacio Euskalduna, this fine dining spot highlights modern Basque cuisine with seasonal ingredients.
Bihotz Café
Bilbao • Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants
Located on Arechaga Kalea, this café invites you to explore craft beers in a relaxed setting.
Bihotz Vegan
Bilbao • Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants
Ideal for families and groups seeking a cozy spot for homemade vegan dishes in Bilbao.
Etxanobe
Bilbao • Fine Dining
Located in Palacio Euskalduna, this fine dining spot highlights modern Basque cuisine with seasonal ingredients.
Etxanobe Atelier
Bilbao • Fine Dining
Ideal for couples seeking a memorable dining experience with innovative Basque cuisine.
Bilbao After Dark: Bars & Nightlife
Where to go once the sun sets.
Top of most lists is Bar Muelle: a cocktail bar by the estuary, perfect for enjoying sunset views with crafted drinks. Locals will also point you to The Blue Note Bilbao — end your day with live jazz in a stylish venue that highlights Bilbao's music culture. And for something different, there's Txiri Biri Bar: ideal for craft beer lovers looking for a relaxed evening with friends in Bilbao.
Bar Muelle
Bilbao • Cocktail Bars
A cocktail bar by the estuary, perfect for enjoying sunset views with crafted drinks.
The Blue Note Bilbao
Bilbao • Live Jazz Venues
End your day with live jazz in a stylish venue that highlights Bilbao's music culture.
Txiri Biri Bar
Bilbao • Craft Beer Bars
Ideal for craft beer lovers looking for a relaxed evening with friends in Bilbao.
Bar El Funi
Bilbao • Pubs & Bars
Located on Calle Iturribide, Bar El Funi captures the essence of Basque nightlife with a lively local crowd.
Where to Stay in Bilbao
Hand-picked hotels, hostels and B&Bs across every budget.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao — located on Alameda de Mazarredo, this contemporary hotel features stunning views of the Guggenheim Museum. Hotel Tayko Bilbao earns its reputation too — this hotel offers a modern stay with historical charm, perfect for exploring Bilbao's cultural scene. Round out the shortlist with BMA by Forever Rentals — ideal for couples and families seeking a comfortable stay in the Abando district of Bilbao.
Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
Bilbao • Luxury Hotels
Located on Alameda de Mazarredo, this contemporary hotel features stunning views of the Guggenheim Museum.
Hotel Tayko Bilbao
Bilbao • Luxury Hotels
This hotel offers a modern stay with historical charm, perfect for exploring Bilbao's cultural scene.
BMA by Forever Rentals
Bilbao • Bed & Breakfast
Ideal for couples and families seeking a comfortable stay in the Abando district of Bilbao.
Casual Gurea
Bilbao • Bed & Breakfast
Ideal for families and groups seeking comfort in Bilbao's historic Old Town.
Shopping in Bilbao
Markets, boutiques and everything in between.
Start with Cocodrilo Vintage — ideal for vintage fashion enthusiasts seeking unique pieces from decades past. Just as worthwhile is Käthe Vintage: discover a carefully curated collection of vintage clothing and accessories from across Europe. Vintage Bilbao completes the picture: incorporate a visit to Vintage Bilbao into your day for a unique shopping experience in the city.
Cocodrilo Vintage
Bilbao • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Ideal for vintage fashion enthusiasts seeking unique pieces from decades past.
Käthe Vintage
Bilbao • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Discover a carefully curated collection of vintage clothing and accessories from across Europe.
Vintage Bilbao
Bilbao • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Incorporate a visit to Vintage Bilbao into your day for a unique shopping experience in the city.
Bilbao Souvenirs
Bilbao • Souvenir Shops
Find an array of classic Bilbao memorabilia just a stone's throw from the Guggenheim Museum.
Parks & Green Spaces in Bilbao
Room to breathe when you need a break from the streets.
Top of most lists is Monte Serantes: a scenic natural reserve near Portugalete offering historical insights and diverse wildlife observations. Locals will also point you to Monte Serantes Natural Park — ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, this park highlights nature's beauty and wildlife diversity. And for something different, there's Ruta del Flysch: explore the dramatic Basque coastline along a trail known for its striking geological formations.
Monte Serantes
Bilbao • Nature Reserves & Wildlife
A scenic natural reserve near Portugalete offering historical insights and diverse wildlife observations.
Monte Serantes Natural Park
Bilbao • Nature Reserves & Wildlife
Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, this park highlights nature's beauty and wildlife diversity.
Ruta del Flysch
Bilbao • Hiking Trails
Explore the dramatic Basque coastline along a trail known for its striking geological formations.
Urkiola Natural Park
Bilbao • Nature Reserves & Wildlife
A protected area offering dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife in the Basque Country.
100 Explorer Picks We Held Back
Every list above is our free tier. On top of it, our editors mark the roughly one-in-ten places in Bilbao that are genuinely special — standout stays, tables worth planning a day around, and rooms most visitors never find — as Explorer picks, with full write-ups reserved for members. A few currently on the Bilbao list:
- Basque Hideaway· Secret Bars & Speakeasies
- El Muelle· Cocktail Bars
- The Whisper Room· Secret Bars & Speakeasies
- Muelle Bar· Cocktail Bars
- El Muelle Secreto· Secret Bars & Speakeasies
Planning where to stay in Bilbao?
Our neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide covers the best areas and hotels for every budget.
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