Bilbao

Written by Celine Fournier, David Garcia, Javier Garcia
31/08/2025
Stunning view of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao reflecting in the Nervion River at dusk.
David Vives, Pexels

Bilbao presents a unique fusion of historical charm and contemporary design, anchored by the iconic Guggenheim Museum and a celebrated Basque culinary tradition. It is an engaging destination for those seeking cultural immersion and a relaxed urban experience.

The Casco Viejo, especially Plaza Nueva, is ideal for socializing, enjoying pintxos crawls, and observing local life. The Indautxu neighborhood offers a lively atmosphere with numerous bars and cafes.

Top 8 Things to do in Bilbao

The city offers a dynamic mix of art and culture, historical exploration, scenic viewpoints, and a distinctive culinary scene featuring Basque pintxos.

1. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

The Guggenheim Museum stands as an architectural marvel, its titanium curves reflecting the city's transformation. Exploring its interior reveals a compelling collection of modern and contemporary art, with iconic outdoor installations like 'Puppy' and 'Maman' greeting visitors. An audio guide is included with the ticket, enhancing the experience by providing detailed insights into the artwork and the building's significance. It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure entry.

Cost: Adult admission typically ranges from €13 to €21.90, with reduced rates for students and seniors at around €6.50 to €9. Children under 18 years old usually enter for free.

Transport: The museum is centrally located and easily reachable by walking along the river from the city center. Public transportation options are available nearby.

2. Explore Casco Viejo (Old Town)

Wandering through the Casco Viejo, or Seven Streets, provides a journey into Bilbao's historic heart. This pedestrianized area is a labyrinth of narrow streets, medieval buildings, and charming plazas like Plaza Nueva. It is a bustling hub filled with traditional shops, lively bars, and restaurants where the local life truly unfolds. Key historical sights within the Old Town include the Santiago Cathedral and the Church of San Antón. Joining a guided walking tour offers a deeper understanding of its history and cultural significance.

Cost: Exploring the Old Town is free. Guided walking tours of Casco Viejo start from approximately $29.00 to $70.

Transport: Casco Viejo is walkable from many central Bilbao locations. It is also served by the 'Casco Viejo/Zazpikaleak' Metro station (Unamuno exit) and the tram (Arriaga or Ribera stops).

3. Pintxos Crawl

Embarking on a pintxos crawl is an immersive culinary adventure, offering a taste of authentic Basque gastronomy. Pintxos are small, artfully prepared snacks, often enjoyed with a glass of local wine (txakoli) or a small beer. The Old Town and the Indautxu neighborhood are particularly renowned for their vibrant pintxos bars. While it is easy to explore independently, joining a guided food tour can unveil hidden gems and provide insights into the local culture and history behind each bite.

Cost: Individual pintxos generally cost a few euros each, with drinks extra. Guided pintxos tours typically range from €80 to €150 per person, often including 4-10 pintxos and several drinks.

Transport: Pintxos bars are concentrated in central, walkable areas like Casco Viejo and Indautxu.

4. Ride the Funicular de Artxanda for Panoramic Views

A quick ascent on the Funicular de Artxanda offers breathtaking panoramic views of Bilbao, showcasing the Nervión River, the Guggenheim Museum, and the city's surrounding mountains. The short, three-minute ride itself is an enjoyable experience. At the top, a park provides benches and the iconic 'Bilbao' sign, perfect for photos and a moment of relaxation. It is a rewarding way to gain perspective on the city's layout and its blend of urban and natural landscapes.

Cost: A round-trip ticket costs approximately €4.30, but with a contactless Barik card, the price is significantly reduced to around €0.65-€0.92 per one-way trip. Guided tours including the funicular ride can be around €25-€29.

Transport: The funicular station is located at Plaza del Funicular, easily accessible on foot from central areas, near the Zubizuri Bridge and midway between Casco Viejo and the Guggenheim.

5. Visit Mercado de la Ribera

Mercado de la Ribera, one of Europe's largest covered markets, is a vibrant hub of local life and gastronomy. Located at the edge of Casco Viejo, overlooking the estuary, it offers a sensory experience with stalls selling fresh produce, meats, seafood, and cheeses. Beyond fresh ingredients, the market features a 'gastronomic zone' with various pintxos bars and restaurants, providing an excellent opportunity to sample regional flavors and enjoy views from its balcony.

Cost: Entry to the market is free. Costs vary depending on purchases and food/drink consumption. Guided tours including the market may be part of a food tour package.

Transport: The market is within easy walking distance of Casco Viejo and served by the 'Ribera' tram stop and the 'Casco Viejo/Zazpikaleak' Metro station.

6. Discover the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, older than its famous neighbor, houses an impressive and diverse collection spanning from the 13th century to contemporary art. It offers a quieter, contemplative experience with works by Spanish, Basque, and European masters like Goya, El Greco, and Gauguin. The museum is continuously evolving, with permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. It is located within Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, making it ideal for combining art appreciation with a relaxing stroll.

Cost: General admission is approximately €7. Free entry to the permanent collection is often available every day from 6 PM to 8 PM (except Sundays), offering a budget-friendly option. Reductions are available for students, seniors, and other groups.

Transport: The museum is situated near Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, a short walk from the Guggenheim Museum and easily accessible by bus, tram, or metro (Moyua or Indautxu stations).

7. Experience Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga Bilbao)

Azkuna Zentroa is a striking cultural and leisure center housed in a converted wine warehouse. Designed with 43 uniquely decorated columns, it serves as a 'city within a city,' offering a diverse program of exhibitions, workshops, a library, cinema, and even a rooftop swimming pool with a glass bottom. Exploring this architectural gem provides insight into Bilbao's modern cultural landscape and its commitment to public spaces for art and interaction.

Cost: Entry to the building and many public spaces is free. Guided tours cost €60 for groups in Basque/Spanish, or €70 in English/French, with free individual guided tours often available via prior registration. Reduced prices are offered for specific activities and for groups of 8 or more.

Transport: Located in the city center, Azkuna Zentroa is easily accessible by walking, or by public transport via the Indautxu (Urquijo exit) or Moyua (Elcano exit) Metro stations, and several bus lines.

8. Day Trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

Venturing to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe offers a dramatic coastal experience. This iconic islet, famous for its winding stone bridge and hermitage at the top, provides spectacular views over the Bay of Biscay. The ascent involves walking a scenic path and climbing over 200 steps, rewarded by the chance to ring the hermitage bell three times for good luck. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and book a free access ticket online in advance, especially during peak season.

Cost: Access to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is free, but a free online reservation is required. Organized day tours from Bilbao typically range from €111.59 to €130, often including transport and visits to other coastal towns.

Transport: By public transport: During summer (June-September), direct Bizkaibus line A3517 runs from Bilbao (Moyua Plaza) to Gaztelubegi (San Juan de Gaztelugatxe) for around €2-€3. Outside summer, it requires a transfer, taking line A3518 from Moyua to Bakio, then line A3524 to Gaztelubegi (cash only for the second bus). The total journey can take over an hour, plus a 15-20 minute walk from the bus stop. Taxis or private car rentals are also options, with car rental averaging €30-€50 per day plus fuel and tolls, and taxi fares similar.

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