Top 10 Attractions in Bilbao

From the famed Guggenheim Museum to quaint stores lining the colorful Old Town streets, you might struggle to fit it all in. Pack your camera and a Basque phrasebook, then take a walk through the beautiful streets of this northern Spanish gem as you visit the top 10 attractions in Bilbao.

The Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim Museum is the jewel of the Nervión riverbank. Since 1997, the futuristic metal construction has stood defiantly against the once-rugged industrial landscape. The building itself is a work of art designed by American architect Frank Gehry. No trip to Bilbao is complete without paying this impressive contemporary art museum a visit.

Brimming with a fascinating collection of 20th-century visual arts (many belonging to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation) the museum collaborates with other international partners to showcase diverse temporary collections, ranging from early avant-garde through to cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions. A number of events are held here, including the famed Art After Dark. One Friday every month, the museum opens its doors to host exhibitions running to the beat of Spain’s best DJs.

Vizcaya Bridge

Vizcaya Bridge is the world’s oldest transporter bridge, spanning the Ibaizabal estuary between Las Arenas in the east and the Campanzar Auzoa district in the west. This UNESCO-listed site is recognized across the world as an icon of the industrial revolution. In 1893, it offered a revolutionary way to transport people and traffic on a gondola high above the city.

This excellent example of Basque engineering provided a framework for many bridges throughout America, Europe, and Africa. The bridge was recently painted in ‘Somorrostro Vein Red’ to symbolize the area’s mining past. You can explore the bridge from its walkway towering 50 meters above the landscape, taking in the story of its past via an audiobook tour. If you prefer to admire the scenery from a lower level, take a boat tour or get the authentic experience, traveling suspended in a carriage below the majestic gondola above.

The Nervión

Beginning at the city of Burgos, this magnificent river runs north through the Basque country. Forming a spectacular 300-metre waterfall before cutting through Bilbao’s city to reach northern Spain’s waters, this is a must-see attraction.

Take a short drive to the Monumento Natural del Monte Santiago, near Burgos, and marvel at the breathtaking waterfall with beautiful scenic riverside walks to traverse.

Alternatively, for an adventurous twist, take a kayak tour down the river. Not only is this a chance to get active, but you’ll also see plenty of stunning sights from the Guggenheim to the Baroque facades and the historic center. Take to the water as the sun sets for an impressive look at the city’s lamp-lit metamorphosis.

Santiago Cathedral

Located in the traditional Casco Viejo, this cathedral towers above the narrow streets. Embedded in this city’s trendy old quarter that’s filled with boutiques, bakeries, and craft stores, the basilica offers a taste of the past. Dating back to the 15th century, this Gothic masterpiece is exquisite inside and out. Enjoy an audio guided tour taking you on a journey across the museum’s exhibitions, explaining the history and importance of the church.

The Basque Museum

The Basque Country is an autonomous region of northern Spain with its own language, history, and culture. Learn about all this at the Basque museum. Located in the heart of the Old Town, this 16th-century building was originally a Jesuit church. Now, it houses a vast collection of items related to Basque ethnography, culture, and traditions stretching throughout history. Hear stories of voyages across the sea, see ancient tombstones, and browse the collection of relics showcasing traditional domestic life in ancient Basque culture.

Arriaga Theater

Inspired by the Paris Opera House, this stunning building hosts a variety of performances, concerts, and cultural events. Enjoy a spectacular show celebrating Basque culture on an evening or wander through its gilded halls on a guided tour to learn about the theater’s 125-year history.

The building is also used as a venue for the popular Dantza Plazetan festival, which runs throughout the year to explore Bilbao’s past cultural influences. Listen to the soft whistle of the txistu – a type of Basque flute - or experience the French and Portuguese influence on the city through dance and music showcases.

Plaza Nueva

An architectural masterpiece, this city square is where you can find bustling markets, ambient restaurants, and energizing bars. Try the regional pintxo at Plaza Nueva to get an insight into the culinary highlights of the region. Pintxos are the Basque country’s answer to tapas – and keen foodies will love the distinctive northern flavors that set it apart from what you’ll find across the rest of Spain. You’ll recognize the bite-size miniature dishes, but the flavors and rituals are distinctive. Enjoy the bold flavors of the dishes as you move from bar to bar, experiencing the relaxing atmosphere of the Basque city.

San Mames Stadium

Spain has long had a strong affinity for soccer, and despite an array of traditional Basque sports, this lively corner of northern Spain is no exception.

The atmosphere in the 40,000-seater San Mames stadium is phenomenal - the community spirit among Athletic Bilbao fans second to none. A city center location means it’s easy to experience the passionate roar of the crowd, even if you’re not in the stadium. The ground now sits in a center of thriving commercial activity. Weave around the many retail and hospitality hotspots after the game or, if you’ve parked the car for the day, sample the match specialty, “poteo” – pintxos accompanied by a glass of wine. Wear red and white to feel at one with the lively local crowd.

Mount Artxanda

The best way to view the city’s centuries-old streets and striking modern architecture is from above. At Moyua Square in the center, you can take a funicular train up Mount Artxanda. This towering vantage point gives you an impressive view of urban Bilbao, framed by a wild and sloping wilderness. When you reach the top, take a peaceful walk through its pleasant landscape. Once a year, international music lovers gather for the Bilbao BBK music festival on this mountain peak. Visit in July to see some of the biggest international acts from the warm hillside above this charming city.

Azkuna Zentroa

Once the city’s wine exchange, Azkuna Zentroa is now a creative center for culture and leisure. Since being transformed, this contemporary space aims to offer a wide selection of events from exhibitions to concerts, as well as being home to an array of trendy restaurants and bars. You can also relax in the modern swimming pool that sits at the top of the building and features a transparent floor, or venture out into the terrace for unique views of the city.

Do you know any other great things to do or see in Bilbao? Let us know your recommendations on Twitter.

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