Located in northern Spain and in close proximity to San Sebastián and Asturias, Bilbao is a gem of a city. It has successfully blended modern sophistication with its traditional Basque culture, making it an alluring destination for visitors.
Bilbao has undergone a remarkable transformation from an industrial, dreary city to a cosmopolitan, designer metropolis. Renowned architects like Norman Foster and Frank O. Gehry have made significant contributions to the city’s skyline. If you plan to visit “la ciudad del Nervión” (named after the river that runs through it), it’s essential to know the top sights you can’t miss. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the most noteworthy attractions.
Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum
Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum is the iconic symbol of the city’s remarkable transformation over the last two decades. Visitors can explore the museum’s impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, sculpture, and architecture. Designed by Frank O. Gehry, the museum opened in 1997 and is one of several centers operated by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, serving as the “little brother” of the famous New York Guggenheim. The museum’s titanium cladding, made up of 35,000 sheets, is a breathtaking architectural feature that leaves visitors in awe. The interior is equally impressive and showcases changing exhibitions of various works. However, Richard Serra’s great steel sculpture, “The Matter of Time,” remains in its original position in a 130-meter-high room. The museum is situated near Bilbao’s estuary (Ría in Spanish).
Bilbao’s historic quarter
Bilbao’s historic quarter, also known as the “Siete Calles” or “Seven Streets,” is a labyrinthine network of streets that make up the city’s oldest and liveliest neighborhood. It is located near the estuary and features Bilbao’s most iconic historical monuments, including the Cathedral of Santiago and the Church of San Antón. In 1972, the area was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument. It is a favorite haunt for those who love Basque-style tapas known as “pintxos” and a glass of wine.
Where to go for pintxos — Basque-style tapas — in Bilbao
For those who want to experience Bilbao’s social life, visiting the city’s pintxos areas is a must. These areas are mainly concentrated in and around the historic quarter’s “Siete Calles.” There, you can find traditional bars that serve imaginative and mouth-watering pintxos and a good glass of “txacoli.” The Diputación area and the residential district of Deusto are also excellent alternatives for pintxos.
Bilbao’s Plaza Nueva
Plaza Nueva can be found in Bilbao’s historic quarter. The Neoclassical-style arcaded square was built in the 19th century and boasts 64 arches housing a variety of bars and restaurants. This is the perfect place to savor traditional Basque cuisine, the renowned pintxos, and the locally-produced txacoli. It is a favorite hangout spot for locals, and a bustling social hub in the early evening, as people come for a pre-dinner aperitif. On Sundays, visitors can also enjoy browsing the street market with antiques, coins, books, and many other items for sale.
Bilbao’s Gran Vía
Bilbao’s Gran Vía is a vibrant shopping area that exudes an aristocratic vibe. Strolling along the pleasant avenue that links Plaza Circular with Plaza del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús is a delightful way to spend half an hour. Visitors will find numerous shops, restaurants, and attractive mansions, such as La Diputación with its impressive façade, along the way. Plaza Moyúa is another spot to pause and take in the sights, with its beautiful architectural pieces, including the Chávarri palace, and lovely flowers. The gilded sculpture of the Sagrado Corazón [Sacred Heart] sits atop a tall plinth and marks the start (or end) of Bilbao’s Gran Vía.
Bilbao’s Santiago Cathedral
Santiago Cathedral is the Basque Country’s most significant Gothic monument. Although construction took over a century, it was uninterrupted, resulting in a completely uniform architectural style. The cathedral has three entrances and has only been recognized as such since 1955, despite being built over 600 years ago. Bilingual Masses are offered on Sundays, in Spanish and Basque, adding to the cultural significance of this historic site.
Church of San Antón
The Church of San Antón is an iconic landmark of Bilbao, featuring on the city’s coat of arms. It was constructed in 1468 to fulfill the spiritual needs of the people of Bilbao. Over the years, its interior has served as a cemetery, while its terrace has been used as a bullfighting arena. The church is primarily Gothic in style, but also boasts Renaissance and Baroque architectural elements.
Bizkaia Bridge
The Bizkaia Bridge, also known as the Puente Colgante (Suspension Bridge), is a toll transporter bridge that spans the Bilbao estuary. It was built between 1887 and 1893, and was the world’s first of its kind. It is one of only eight remaining transporter bridges in the world, making it the oldest functioning transporter bridge. The bridge, located in Getxo, is 160 meters long and rises 61 meters high.
Artxanda Mirador (Viewing Point)
The Artxanda Mirador is a viewing point located on Mount Artxanda, providing visitors with a unique perspective of Bilbao. At an altitude of 300 meters, it offers a pleasant natural setting that is a source of pride for the people of Bilbao. From here, you can admire the historic quarter’s traditional buildings and churches and trace the course of the Bilbao estuary as it divides the city into two. The Artxanda Mirador is a great place for families to spend an enjoyable afternoon or morning, with a variety of restaurants to choose from. You can even travel up the mountain by cable car.
The Ribera Market
Located in the heart of Bilbao’s old quarter on the right bank of the Nervion River, the Ribera Market is one of the largest food markets in Spain. The market offers traditional stalls selling fresh fish, fruit, meat, and vegetables, as well as gastrobars where customers can enjoy jazz music while eating. Built in 1929 in a Rationalist and Art Deco style by architect Pedro Ispizua, the market is a unique blend of traditional and modern architecture.
Moyúa Square
Moyúa Square, also known as Plaza Elíptica by the locals, is one of Bilbao’s most important gathering places. Designed in the 1940s by architect José Luis Salinas, and later remodeled by his son, the square features English- and French-style flowerbeds bursting with colorful blooms, along with intriguing steel street lamps and benches for visitors to rest after sightseeing. The square is surrounded by impressive architecture, including the Chávarri palace.
Arriaga Theater
The Arriaga Theater is the crown jewel of Bilbao’s performing arts scene. Named after one of the city’s most famous composers, known as “the Spanish Mozart,” the theater is over 100 years old and can accommodate 1,200 people. The theater’s program features performances from some of Europe’s greatest opera houses, dance venues, and theaters.
Basilica of Begoña
The Nuestra Señora de Begoña Basilica stands tall over the city and serves as its guardian. The Calzadas de Mallona, a staircase with 213 steps in Plaza de Unamuno, leads up to the beautiful basilica dedicated to the patron saint of Bilbao. Alternatively, you can take a lift on Calle de la Esperanza to reach the church. Built in the late Gothic style with some Renaissance elements, the basilica was constructed where the Virgin is said to have appeared in the early 16th century. Its altarpiece is presided over by a Gothic painted carving of the Virgin. The Begoña festival, which takes place on 11 October, involves a pilgrimage, concerts, processions, dancing, and displays of traditional Basque sports.
Doña Casilda Park
Doña Casilda Park, built in a Romantic style in 1907, serves as the green lung of Bilbao. It is an excellent spot to take a break and unwind during your sightseeing tour of the city. The park spans over eight hectares, where various species of ducks and swans roam free, and over 1,500 species of trees and plants can be found. Also known as the ‘park of ducks,’ the site has numerous attractions, including La Pérgola, a lake and a fountain that provides a stunning light and water display, sports pitches, and a large playground for children. The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is located within the park.
Bilbao Estuary
The Bilbao Estuary, also known as Nervión, is where the rivers Nervión and Ibaizábal flow into the Cantabrian Sea. It is one of the most beautiful locations in the city, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll. The estuary separates the city into two, with the historic quarter on one side and the Ensanche on the other. It has played a significant role in Bilbao’s economy as the main hub of its industry. Walking along the estuary provides the opportunity to cross several bridges, including the Zubi Zubi, the white Calatrava bridge, and La Salve bridge. Another fantastic way to explore the estuary is by boat, allowing you to see the Guggenheim Museum, the Padre Arrupe walkway, the Isozaki and Iberdrola towers (the latter is the tallest tower in the Basque Country), and the Euskalduna Palace.
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
In addition to the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao is home to other museums worth exploring. One such museum is the Fine Arts Museum, one of the most significant art museums in Spain, both for its impressive art collection and historical significance. Established in 1914 as the first Fine Arts Museum and the Museum of Modern Art in 1924, the museum’s collections contain more than 10,000 works of art from various styles and periods, including ancient, modern, contemporary, and Basque art. The collections include sculptures, paintings, decorative pieces, and other works on paper and other formats dating back to the 12th century.
Azkuna Zentroa
Formerly known as La Alhóndiga de Bilbao, the Azkuna Zentroa is a modern cultural and leisure center in Bilbao. This building, which was originally a warehouse built-in modernist style and used for storing wine, has been transformed into a must-visit attraction in Bilbao, thanks to Philippe Starck’s comprehensive renovation. The facility has multiple spaces, including galleries, cinemas, a gym, restaurants, and more. The “Culture Atrium,” a large square with 43 columns in various styles, and the “Sun Terrace,” featuring a swimming pool with a transparent floor, are among its most remarkable spaces. Its diverse program of activities and exhibitions will surely interest visitors.
Itsasmuseum Bilbao Maritime Museum
For sailing enthusiasts, boat lovers, and history buffs, the Itsasmuseum Bilbao Maritime Museum is a must-visit attraction in Bilbao. Located in the former Euskalduna shipyards, the museum aims to preserve and disseminate the maritime heritage of the Bilbao Estuary. The exterior of the building, where visitors can see the former docks and the striking fire-engine-red Carola Crane, is worth a visit in itself. Once inside, visitors can explore the three main exhibition areas: “The Ría: a maritime port,” “The Ría: market and factory,” and “The Ría: naval shipyard.” The museum offers an educational experience for both adults and children.
