Things to do in Bilbao

Activities, attractions and tours

A modern architectural structure with reflective surfaces and a unique design, set against a twilight sky.
A modern bridge over a calm river with a tall skyscraper in the background.
A cathedral interior with high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and religious statues.
A modern building with a unique sculpture of a face made of flowers.
A modern architectural interior with curved walls, glass railings, and a high ceiling.

Things to do

Picture 12 for Activity Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour

Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour

HK$624
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour
Bay in San Sebastian

San Sebastian & Biarritz full day tour

HK$633
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
San Sebastian & Biarritz full day tour
Bilbao: 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour

1-Hour Bilbao city Boat Tour or 2-Hour cruise to Portugalete

HK$136
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
1-Hour Bilbao city Boat Tour or 2-Hour cruise to Portugalete
Guggenheim Bilbao Museum Entry Ticket

Guggenheim Bilbao Museum Entry Ticket

HK$252
per adult
Guggenheim Bilbao Museum Entry Ticket
The Authentic Bilbao Pintxos, Food & Wine Tour with a Local

The Authentic Bilbao Pintxos, Food & Wine Tour with a Local

HK$895
per adult
The Authentic Bilbao Pintxos, Food & Wine Tour with a Local
Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local

Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local

HK$805
per adult
Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local
Bilbao Guggenheim Museum Entry Ticket

Bilbao Guggenheim Museum Entry Ticket

HK$270
per adult
72% of travellers recommend
Bilbao Guggenheim Museum Entry Ticket
Rioja wine tour: 2 wineries from Bilbao

La Rioja wines and Laguardia tour from Bilbao

HK$814
per adult
La Rioja wines and Laguardia tour from Bilbao
Bilbao: Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket

Bilbao: Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket

HK$90
per adult
Bilbao: Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket
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Top places to visit

1. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

The Guggenheim Museum is a remarkable ensemble of curves and daring forms covered in gleaming titanium panels. It helped to transform Bilbao from a grimy industrial heartland into an exciting cultural destination. Embark on a self-guided tour of this contemporary art museum to view its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.
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A modern architectural building with a unique, curved design.

2. San Mames Stadium

Watch national and international soccer games at San Mames Stadium, a 53,000-seat arena that is the home of Athletic Bilbao. This team was founded in 1898 and is a big name in European soccer. The venue also has a museum devoted to the club’s history and is occasionally used for concerts.
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A waterfront promenade with a modern stadium, a bridge, and a river.

3. Plaza Nueva

Plaza Nueva is a mid 19th-century neoclassical square in the heart of Bilbao's old quarter. This vast plaza is framed by columns and arches and lined with inviting bars and restaurants. Such is its popularity that it is also known as the true agora, or public place of the old town. Enjoy the architecture and dine on local specialties.
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A bustling outdoor café with tables and chairs, surrounded by historic buildings with arches and balconies.

4. Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall

The Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall is a vast multipurpose venue hosting conferences, meetings and shows, including the city's opera season. It is also the home of the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra. This stunning-looking modern building, which resembles a ship under construction, sits on the banks of the Nervión River on the site of the former Euskalduna shipyard. .
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A modern building with large glass windows and metal railings.

5. Santiago Cathedral

Embark on a self-guided tour of Santiago Cathedral, the oldest building in Bilbao. This Gothic structure, constructed toward the end of the 14th century is also known as Bilbao Cathedral and is dedicated to St. James the Apostle, the patron saint of the city.
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A cathedral interior with high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and rows of wooden pews.

6. Ribera Market

Ribera Market is one of the biggest covered markets in Europe, a vast shopping space in the heart of Bilbao's old town. The origins of the market lie in the 14th century but the building you see today is an art deco construction from 1929. Explore three floors of stalls that are filled with a rich variety of foods including meats, cheeses, shellfish, fruit and fungi.
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A river with a bridge, a historic building with a clock tower, and modern architecture along the riverbank.

7. Plaza Moyua

Plaza Moyua is a large public square in the central neighborhood of Abando, an attractive space with English- and French-style flower beds. Although a traffic circle, it is a popular meeting place that is also known as the Elliptical Square for its shape. The plaza was designed in the 1940s by architect Jose Luis Salinas and was rebuilt in 1997 following the construction of the city's metro system.
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A historic building with ornate architecture, surrounded by well-maintained gardens and red flowers.

What to do in Bilbao

Stay near popular Bilbao attractions

A modern architectural building with a unique, curved design.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

9.4/10 (2,255 reviews)
Frank Gehry's titanium masterpiece transformed Bilbao with its futuristic curves and shimmering exterior. Inside, discover contemporary art treasures and Richard Serra's monumental steel sculptures.
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Where to stay in Bilbao

Find the best Bilbao areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Bilbao
Learn more about Bilbao
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Abando

Ample dining options, fascinating museums, and beautiful river views are just a few top things to explore in Abando. A visit to Plaza Moyua or Bilbao Fine Arts Museum might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Moyua Station or Indautxu Station to get around town.

A red building with a sign reading "Mairie" and a staircase leading up to it.

Casco Viejo

Museums, theatres and historical sites highlight some notable features of Casco Viejo. Make a stop by Plaza Nueva or Museum of Archaeology Bizkaya while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Casco Viejo Station or Arriga Tram Stop to get around town.

A modern building with a cylindrical glass tower, surrounded by a park with benches and trees.
Photo by Pablo Costa Tirado (…
Open Photo by Pablo Costa Tirado (…

Indautxu

While you're in Indautxu, take in top sights like Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall or Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Indautxu Station or Sabino Arana Tram Stop.

A row of colorful, historic buildings with ornate facades and multiple windows.

Iralabarri

Though Iralabarri may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Gran Casino Bilbao and Ribera Market.

A modern bridge with a unique cable design, a river, and several high-rise buildings in the background.
Photo by Javier Mendia García
Open Photo by Javier Mendia García

Uribarri

While visiting Uribarri, you might make a stop by sights like Bay of Biscay and Monte Artxanda.

A river with a bridge, buildings, and a boat.

Portugalete

A field of pink flowers with green foliage and trees in the background.

Berango

Frequently asked questions

Is Bilbao worth visiting?
Renowned for its festivals and dining, discovering awesome things to do in Bilbao is easy. Make sure to add Castle of Butron to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Bilbao?
Castle of Butron and Playa de las Arenas are two excellent places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Bilbao while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bilbao?
The top tourist attraction in Bilbao is Castle of Butron, so be sure to put it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Bilbao?
You can easily enjoy top sights like Palacio de la Diputación Foral de Vizcaya, Museum of Passages of Bilbao and Reproductions Museum Bilbao with a three-day break in Bilbao. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a while longer and venture to Derio.
Is Bilbao a walkable city?
That depends on what you'd like to do and see in Bilbao. Several top attractions, including Palacio de la Diputación Foral de Vizcaya and Museum of Passages of Bilbao, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Bilbao's neighbourhoods, Bilbao City Centre is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while Abando is 0.64 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Bilbao with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all the family, we've got some terrific ideas for what to do in Bilbao with kids.
What to do in Bilbao for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Bilbao, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Museo de la Mineria del Pais Vasco.
Are there free things to do in Bilbao?
In Bilbao, Funicular de Artxanda is a popular spot for anyone wishing to see the city without taking their wallet out. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a great way to discover the best free things to do in Bilbao.