Summary of Top Attractions in Bilbao
Bilbao was a thriving industrial hub for a significant part of the 20th century; however, after experiencing a period of economic downturn, the city embarked on a transformative journey in the 1990s.
Renowned architects and designers, including Frank Gehry, Norman Foster, and Philippe Starck, were brought in to revitalize Bilbao’s skyline and infrastructure.
Today, it boasts world-class modern landmarks such as Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum, alongside vibrant cultural institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts and a charming historic center.
Moreover, Bilbao’s pintxos bars have gained international acclaim.
We invite you to explore the top attractions in Bilbao:
1. Guggenheim Museum
What better way to begin your exploration than at this iconic structure alongside the Nervión River?
A substantial portion of your visit will likely be spent admiring its flowing lines and intricate titanium and glass exterior.
Designed by Frank Gehry and completed in 1997, the museum was part of an ambitious regeneration initiative aimed at placing Bilbao back on the global stage.
The interior houses nineteen galleries showcasing contemporary art, primarily featuring Basque artists, alongside exhibitions from notable figures such as David Hockney and Richard Serra.
2. Fine Arts Museum
This venue offers a more traditional museum ambiance and is recognized as one of Spain’s premier art galleries.
Notably, the collection spans a wide temporal range, featuring works that date back to the 1100s and extending to contemporary pieces.
It includes masterpieces from Renaissance and Baroque artists such as van Dyck, El Greco, and Murillo, alongside Goya, Gauguin, Sorolla, and Francis Bacon.
Prominent pieces in the collection include Sorolla’s “Kissing the Relic,” Gauguin’s “Laveuses à Arles,” Goya’s portrait of Martín Zapater, and Bacon’s “Lying Figure in Mirror.”
3. Casco Viejo
The historical heart of Bilbao, located on the right bank of the Nervión, was once protected by city walls.
These walls were dismantled in the late 1800s, and the area is now characterized by seven pedestrian streets and two plazas filled with boutiques, bars, and restaurants.
If you are seeking dining options or pintxos in the evening, this area will be your ideal destination.
During the day, it offers an opportunity for leisurely sightseeing, allowing you to visit the cathedral, the churches of San Anton, San Nicolás, and Santos Juanes, the central market, and the Arriaga Theatre.
4. Plaza Nueva
A focal point of Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s main plaza exemplifies a traditional Spanish monumental square, providing an elegant venue for social gatherings in the evening.
The plaza, as it stands today, was finalized in 1851 and features a continuous arcade along all four sides, beneath majestic four-story buildings.
Situated on the northern side is Euskaltzaindia, the governing body for the Basque language.
Each Sunday morning, Plaza Nueva hosts a collectors’ market featuring antique stamps and coins, along with artisanal crafts; during the week, it is a popular spot for pintxos.
5. The Theatres
The Arriaga Theatre, located on the western periphery of Casco Viejo, is named after Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga, a talented composer who tragically passed away from tuberculosis at a young age.
This grand neo-baroque structure, dating back to the late 19th century, is an excellent venue for appreciating high culture during your time in Bilbao.
Just across the river lies the Campos Eliseos Theatre, which boasts a façade reminiscent of a Moorish palace typical of Andalusia.
The large entrance of this 1902 building features a stunning combination of neo-Mudéjar and art nouveau aesthetics.
Consider exploring the interior through a free guided tour to admire the grand hall adorned with gold leaf.
6. El Ensanche
Positioned across from the Puente Arenal, El Ensanche is a sophisticated neighborhood that was once a separate town until its incorporation into Bilbao in 1870.
Among its attractions is Bilbao’s flagship El Corte Inglés, nestled amongst wide boulevards lined with elegant early 20th-century townhouses.
The Gran Vía here is the go-to spot for high-street retail, featuring brands such as Sephora, Zara, and Benetton, or simply taking a stroll under the canopy of lime trees.
Continuing westward will lead you to further highlights such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Doña Casilda de Iurrizar Park.
7. Azkuna Zentroa
This outstanding modern project in Bilbao, Azkuna Zentroa, debuted in 2010 and was previously a significant wine storage facility extending over 40,000 square meters.
Renovated in the early 2000s under Philippe Starck’s meticulous guidance, the project preserved the outer structure entirely while enhancing its functionality.
It serves not only as an architectural marvel but also as a venue hosting exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, conferences, and various sports events.
One must-see feature is the swimming pool on the upper level, designed with glass panels along its floor.
8. Bilbao Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. James, constructed during the 14th and 15th centuries, is both the oldest monument in Bilbao and the most significant Gothic structure in the Biscay Province.
Entry is best achieved via the northern portal known as Puerta del Angel.
Above this entrance lies an exquisite relief carved in the 1500s, incorporating the traditional Basque lauburu design.
Behind this portal, you’ll find a Gothic cloister, one of only two in the province. If you look closely, you will observe burial stones of various noble individuals associated with the city, some dating as far back as the 1600s.
9. Athletic Bilbao
The Athletic Club of Bilbao is well-regarded among football enthusiasts.
Established at the turn of the 20th century, it emerged from the merger of a team formed by English expatriate workers and a team of Basque students returning from England.
Athletic competes in La Liga at the modern 53,289-seat San Mamés Stadium, which replaced a historic venue that had operated for a century.
Attend a match from August to May to experience the thrill of live football.
Additionally, Bilbao’s unique policy of exclusively recruiting Basque players stands out during an era dominated by significant international transfers in football.
10. Zubizuri Bridge
The term Zubizuri translates to “white bridge” in Basque, and this avant-garde structure was constructed in 1997 as an extension of Gehry’s Guggenheim project, part of Bilbao’s broader revitalization.
Designed by Santiago Calatrava, renowned for contributing iconic structures worldwide, including Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, this bridge has not been without criticism.
Initially, the glass tiles used on the surface were deemed slippery in Bilbao’s humid conditions, earning the bridge the nickname “Bridge of Broken Legs.” Fortunately, this issue was addressed through an application of cladding, albeit at the cost of obscuring some of Calatrava’s original vision.
11. Artxanda Lookout
Adjacent to the Zubizuri Bridge, the Funicular Square offers access to a train that ascends 224 meters to a stunning viewpoint on the north side of the city.
The funicular has been operational for over a century, and once you reach the small park atop, you’ll find a preserved section of the original train’s machinery, now displayed as sculpture.
There are also dining options available, yet the primary reason to visit is to admire the panoramic views of the city, including prominent sights such as the Guggenheim and the historic quarter.
12. Aste Nagusia
Beginning on the first Saturday following August 15, Bilbao transforms into a festive atmosphere for its Semana Grande celebrations, which last for an entire week.
The opening ceremony, known as the “Txupinazo,” occurs from the balcony of the Arriaga Theatre, during which Marijaia is revealed to the public, and a celebratory rocket is launched.
Marijaia, a sculpture depicting a cheerful woman with raised hands, becomes the festival’s mascot until she is ceremoniously burned on the river during the concluding celebration.
Entertainment and activities throughout the week are organized by comparsas, festival groups that curate various events and engagements throughout the city.
Attendees can look forward to impressive fireworks, remarkable live performances, and even a spirited food fight.
13. Pintxos
Basque cuisine has gained accolades worldwide, with numerous Michelin-starred establishments spread throughout the region.
However, for those seeking a casual and authentic culinary experience, engaging in a “txikiteo” in Bilbao’s old town presents the perfect opportunity.
This concept involves sampling a variety of creative pintxos, small plates typically served atop a slice of rustic bread, secured with a toothpick.
Popular ingredients for these delightful bites often include squid, txistorra (spicy Basque sausage), tempura prawns, fried eggs, croquettes, and grilled mushrooms.
Consider visiting celebrated establishments such as El Globo, La Olla, and Gure Toki during your gastronomic adventure.
14. Playa de Azkorri
While Basque summers can be somewhat unpredictable, the period from June to September still offers plenty of sunny days.
On such days, consider a brief 25-minute drive north to one of the region’s premier beaches, Azkorri.
This beach proudly holds the Blue Flag designation and stretches nearly one kilometer, set against picturesque coastal cliffs.
The Atlantic waters can be quite invigorating, and the moderate waves may not be suitable for young children. Nonetheless, the unspoiled beauty of the shoreline more than compensates for its brisk conditions.
15. Vizcaya Bridge
Located further along the Nervión River, close to its mouth at the Bay of Biscay, this remarkable late-19th-century engineering achievement stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Vizcaya Bridge was the world’s first metal transporter bridge upon its completion.
It facilitates the transit of vehicles and pedestrians via a suspended gondola moving below a trolley equipped with 36 wheels.
Visitors can access the walkway situated 45 meters above the water, accompanied by an audio-guided tour providing insights into the bridge’s engineering.
