Explore the best neighborhoods in Bilbao

Once an important industrial port, Bilbao has bloomed in recent times, becoming a vibrant city where history meets modernity in unrivaled fashion. Its transformation has been so impressive that it was named European City of the Year in 2018.

As a leading city in innovation, the streets of Bilbao offer visitors a compelling blend of traditional buildings and shiny, contemporary architecture for an eclectic atmosphere.

The neighborhoods of Bilbao are a treasure trove of art, culture and rustic charm. It’s this diversity that give it its distinctive allure. Stroll from the whirling Old Town streets into innovative Abando, or out into the suburbs to see the best of this Spanish gem from every angle. Here’s our guide to the very best of Bilbao’s neighborhoods.

Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo is Bilbao’s atmospheric old quarter at its most authentic. Located to the east of the winding River Nervion, this charming medieval center is a vibrant pop of color and culture, packed with historical treasures. You’ll discover rustic independent stores, a 14th-century Gothic cathedral looming large over the district with its Renaissance colonnade, as well as some of the best bars for miles. Right in the city’s distinctive heart lies the original Seven Streets of Bilbao. Dating back to the 1400s, make sure you pay a visit to get a glimpse into the formation of the city in its robust middle-ages architecture.

This quaint, yet lively, barrio is also home to a breathtaking neo-Baroque opera house – Teatro Arriaga – the archeological museum and numerous historical landmarks. Plaza Nueva is a must-visit, ideal for sipping a coffee while watching the world go by. Head south through the museum district to admire the wonderful St. James’ Cathedral, one of the city’s most beautiful displays of artistic architecture. Inside, you’ll be in awe of its ornately painted ceilings and intricately decorated pillars.

Next, weave your way between parks and along peaceful little riverside streets to find the bustling La Ribera Market. Built in 1929, this art deco establishment houses an array of stalls, bars and restaurants. It’s the largest indoor market in Europe.

Bilbao la Vieja

Head south across the water for la Vieja. Often referred to fondly as Bilbi, this is Casco Viejo’s trendy younger sister. Traditional architecture mixes with urban wall art in streets lined with galleries and quirky local stores and bars. While there, sample Nikkei: a sensational blend of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, testimony to the influence of immigration and the Basque region’s love of experimentation.

There’s plenty to do in this thriving locale. Visit the BilbaoArte Fundazioa. Located on the riverside, this hidden gem is beloved by artists and visitors alike. This cozy venue also hosts vintage French cinema screenings on occasions.

This neighborhood is also home to the unique Bilbao Arena. Clad in green tiles and raised above the ground on stilts, it’s immediately eye-catching as you approach. The arena hosts a wide range of attractions, from concerts to sports games featuring local teams.

Abando

As the only fully urbanized district in Bilbao, Abando is home to many of the city’s most important attractions, including the famous Guggenheim Museum. The wide paved streets, neatly lined with trees, are home to the sort of glossy architecture you’d expect from a large, modern city. There’s still plenty of character though, from the intricate gilding of the Teatro Campos Elíseos to the green and airy Moyua Plaza. There’s even a majestic palace tucked between contemporary retail stores.

Stroll along the Evaristo Churruca docks to see futuristic architecture and the stunning Zubizuri footbridge. Visit the Guggenheim to admire an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, all hosted inside a magnificent Frank Gehry building.

The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is another must-see. Besides exhibitions dedicated to all the greats from Picasso to Rembrandt, you can learn about the changing influences of European fashion across the past century. Azkuna Zentroa hides another pleasant surprise. In this cultural center you can see a traditional Basque band or dip into a short film festival.

Deusto

Cross the bridge by the Guggenheim to reach the suburban district of Deusto. Home to the Deusto University, this student-centric district has a cool atmosphere and streets filled with some of the best places to eat in the whole city. Explore the university grounds and marvel at the intriguing mix of historical buildings alongside more modern installations like the impressive glass-façade of the library.

As you stroll along the river, take in the scenery and local monuments, or walk through the winding streets to spot the Tigrearen Eraikina, a colossal tiger statue towering above clay-colored rooftops. Stop off at an independent café for a pastel vasco, known as a Basque cake – a favorite in dessert shops across the region.

San Francisco

Between Casco Viejo and Bilbao La Vieja lies the city’s gritty underbelly – the small but dynamic neighborhood of San Francisco. It’s home to the Okela Sormen Lantegia art gallery, a curious blend of local artwork and community projects. Book into a workshop to witness the humble side of artistic Bilbao.

The Museum of Artistic Reproductions is one of the oldest in the city and home to faithfully reproduced works from the Louvre, Berlin Museum, Vatican Museums and beyond. It offers a unique opportunity to see a likeness of masterpieces under one roof. Between numerous rustic eateries, you’ll also find great entertainment.

The Badulake is a dinner theater where it’s possible to feast your eyes on eccentric shows for dessert. A little further down the road, Bilborock is a lively venue hosting alternative music, plays and poetry every weekend.

Barakaldo

Head a little further north-west from central Bilbao to reach Barakaldo, for stunning scenery and impressive street sculptures. Walk through the botanical gardens or the main street to find a small collection of international chains and local seafood restaurants.

There are several theaters and sports centers for the active traveler, alongside great places to eat and shop. This neighborhood is home to the Bilbao Exhibition Center – a favorite for business conferences, car shows and family events.

At the neighboring Bizkaia Arena, you can catch a basketball game or concert. Further still, you’ll find a retail park packed with all the top Spanish brands and even a casino. With Central Bilbao a little over 20 minutes away by car, this district is a great place to look for attractive savings on hotels and to experience a quieter side to the city.

Have you visited any of these neighborhoods in Bilbao? Tell us about your experience on Twitter. If you want to explore the Basque region further, read our guide to day trips from Bilbao.