Bilbao, Spain: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Have you ever wanted to explore a city that mixes its past with modern culture? Bilbao does just that. It's the largest city in Basque Country and shines in northern Spain. Known for its industrial history, it's now a top spot for art, food, and unforgettable adventures.

In Bilbao, you'll be charmed by its beauty and friendly locals. It features striking architecture, lively streets, and nature all around. Famous for the Guggenheim Museum, it also boasts modern art, historic sites, and lovely green spaces.

Why should you visit Bilbao in Spain? There's so much to see and do. Let's explore the best things to do in this exciting city.

Key Takeaways

• Bilbao has transformed from an industrial hub to a modern-day destination for art, cuisine, and cultural experiences.
• The city is known for its colorful architecture, bustling avenues, and lush, green surroundings.
• Bilbao offers a diverse range of attractions, from the iconic Guggenheim Museum to a stunning old town and sprawling parks.
• Visitors can explore Basque culture, sample delicious pintxos (Basque-style tapas), and immerse themselves in the city's vibrant atmosphere.
• Bilbao's strategic location makes it an excellent base for day trips to nearby destinations like San Sebastián and the renowned La Rioja wine region.

Unveiling Bilbao's Captivating Charms

Bilbao is now known for its amazing food and art scene. This city used to be a big part of the industrial world. Now, it's a lively place full of culture.

The city is full of colorful architecture, busy streets, and green areas. This makes it a beautiful spot in the Basque Country. The journey from a factory town to a cultural hotspot shows how Bilbao has changed.

The Former Industrial Powerhouse Reborn

Bilbao has an extraordinary journey from industry to a modern city. It shows the power of change and starting anew. Today, the city mixes its old factory beliefs with new art, culture, and food. This makes it a special place.

A Compact City Brimming with Delights

Bilbao, though not big, is full of wonders. It has modern museums, and a beautiful old town. You can also find big parks and small streets here. All these together make Bilbao a great place to visit.

Savor the Culinary Delights of Basque Gastronomy

Basque culture is all about food. Bilbao, in particular, has many great places to eat and drink. Pintxos are like tapas but with a Basque flair. They are small treats placed on a piece of bread or toast.

You should explore the Old Town of Bilbao to try different pintxos. They often have cheese, meat, fish, or omelette. This snack is a big hit in the area.

Sidrerías: Cider Houses with Unique Traditions

When in Bilbao, don’t miss visiting a Sidrería, or cider house. You’ll get a set meal that starts with cod or omelette. Then, you move on to steak and finish with Idiazábal cheese and nuts.

The best part is the Basque cider. It’s served straight from a wall tap. This creates a fun and special atmosphere to enjoy your meal.

Marvel at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao's massive, shiny exterior is iconic in central Bilbao. It was designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry and opened in 1997. The museum stands out with its crinkled, metallic walls, showcasing Gehry's unique style.

Frank Gehry's Architectural Masterpiece

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a prime example of Frank Gehry's unique architecture. Its titanium-clad exterior ripples, making it a global symbol for Bilbao. This design attracts visitors fascinated by its form and function.

Iconic Artworks and Exhibitions

Inside the Guggenheim, visitors find a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art. From iconic pieces to new exhibitions, it mesmerizes people. Those who love art shouldn't miss this inspiring cultural haven.

Immerse in the Vibrant Old Town (Casco Viejo)

Casco Viejo is Bilbao's Old Town. It's full of medieval streets and colorful buildings. This area is the heart of the city. It's overflowing with shops, boutiques, local eateries, and bars. These places allow you to experience Bilbao's culture and atmosphere.

Walking through the lovely alleyways is a treat. Many people love finding hidden gems here.

Bustling Plazas and Local Eateries

Places like Plaza Nueva are in Casco Viejo. They are known for their lively atmosphere. Surrounding these plazas are arcades filled with great restaurants and bars. These places are always buzzing with activity.

They're the heart of local life. It's where people enjoy Basque cuisine, have a few drinks, and watch others. Visiting the Old Town's plazas and local eateries really lets you feel Bilbao's true spirit.

Explore the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is very popular in the city. It's a top spot for those who love art. Inside, you'll find a wide range of art from the Middle Ages to today. This includes pieces by famous artists like Francisco de Goya and El Greco.

You’ll also see works by Gauguin and Bacon. The museum helps visitors truly understand the art heritage of Bilbao and beyond.

The art collection at the museum highlights the beauty and depth of art from the Basque Country. It's a great place for anyone who adores art. The collection ranges from classical paintings to modern sculptures. There’s something for every art lover here.

Ascend via the Artxanda Funicular Railway

The Artxanda Funicular Railway takes you to Artxanda Mountain's top. It's just north of Bilbao's downtown. This short 5-minute trip gives you amazing panoramic views. You can see the valley and the sea from above.

Panoramic Views from Artxanda Mountain

From the Artxanda Mountain, visitors see stunning Bilbao and its surroundings. Being so high offers a special way to admire the city's beauty. You get to see its buildings, natural scenes, and how everything is laid out.

Restaurants and Parks at the Summit

The summit of Artxanda Mountain doesn't just offer great views. It has places to eat and relax, like restaurants and cafes. There are also scenic parks for walking and enjoying nature. The Artxanda Funicular Railway makes getting here easy. It's a great way to see Bilbao from a different angle.

Bilbao, Spain: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Strolling Along the Scenic Riverbanks

When the sun is shining, strolling along Bilbao's charming riverbanks is a top pick. The wide footpaths make it easy and fun to discover the city by foot. You'll enjoy beautiful views of the amazing architecture and landscape. Plus, taking a walk here helps burn off those tasty Basque meals you'll have.

Discover La Ribera: Bilbao's Iconic Market

A trip to Bilbao isn't whole without La Ribera, the city's iconic market. It's alive with local Basque food and specialties. This market is perfect for diving into the region's food culture.

You can find fresh fruits, meats, seafood, and Basque foods here. Tasting the local flavors at La Ribera should be on every food lover's list in Bilbao.

Local Delicacies and Specialties

Walking through La Ribera market is exciting. There are all kinds of local Basque foods, from the sea to the mountains. It’s a great place to taste Bilbao's true traditions.

Sampling Pintxos and Basque Cider

At La Ribera, you can taste pintxos (Basque tapas) and Basque cider too. Enjoy small plates at different bars, all with sparkling cider. This experience is lively and a must-do in Bilbao.

Cross the Puente de Vizcaya (Vizcaya Bridge)

The Puente de Vizcaya, or Vizcaya Bridge, is a famous site in Bilbao. It was built in 1893 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This hanging bridge carries people, vehicles, and bikes over the Nervión River using a special system. Walking or driving on the 160-meter-long wooden walkway offers amazing views.

A UNESCO World Heritage Hanging Bridge

The Puente de Vizcaya is a stunning example of engineering. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its architectural and historical importance. For more than 100 years, it has been vital for moving people and goods in Bilbao. Its unique design makes crossing the river easy for everyone.

Thrilling Upper Platform Experience

For adventurous types, the Vizcaya Bridge has something extra. There's an upper platform 45 meters above the river. Walking on this high footbridge gives a spectacular view of the bridge's structure and the area. This elevated view brings a lot of fun to exploring this UNESCO-listed landmark.

Azkuna Zentroa: A Unique Cultural Hub

Azkuna Zentroa used to be a wine exchange warehouse in Bilbao. It has turned into a stunning cultural and leisure venue. The makeover was led by the famous Philippe Starck. Now, it is known for its advanced art, events, and unique design.

Revamped Wine Exchange Warehouse

The old wine warehouse's glory has been revived. The blend of old and new makes it a buzzing cultural hotspot. It brings together history, modern art, and community areas. This is all thanks to an innovative makeover.

Philippe Starck's Artistic Pillars

Azkuna Zentroa stands out because of its 43 special pillars. These pillars are art pieces made by the well-known designer Philippe Starck. They are unique and turn the building into an icon. Everyone who visits is amazed by the art and design here. It adds to the place's charm and creativity.

Beyond the City: Basque Country Excursions

Bilbao is a great city with lots to do. Its location is perfect for exploring more of the Basque Country. Within reach are San Sebastián, a coastal city known for its beaches and food, and Santander, a historic port town. These places let you dive deeper into the region's culture and beauty.

Day Trips to San Sebastián and Santander

South of Bilbao is La Rioja, famous for its wines. A day trip takes you to its vineyards, old wineries, and lovely towns. There, you can taste great red wines, learn about winemaking, and enjoy beautiful views. It's a top spot for wine lovers.

La Rioja: Spain's Renowned Wine Region

Conclusion

Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country. It once was a big industrial area. Now, it's known for art, culture, and great food. The city is home to the famous Guggenheim Museum and a lively Old Town. You can enjoy amazing Basque cuisine and beautiful riverbanks. It's a top city in northern Spain.

Bilbao is appealing for many reasons. It has stunning architecture, deep cultural roots, and tasty food. The city mixes new ideas with old traditions. This makes it a favorite spot in the Basque Country and Spain.

When planning your trip to the northern Iberian Peninsula, don't miss Bilbao. It's a place where you can enjoy amazing activities and see a city change for the better.