Bilbao

Travel Guide

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao which includes modern architecture and night scenes
Bilbao which includes a city, a skyscraper and a bridge
Santiago Cathedral showing interior views, a church or cathedral and heritage elements
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao featuring street scenes, modern architecture and outdoor art
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao featuring interior views
This former industrial city is now a major European arts center, home to cultural attractions including the famous Guggenheim Museum.

Bilbao, in northern Spain, was once an industrial center, but today is better known for its thriving arts and cultural scene. Come to visit world-class museums, dine at sophisticated restaurants or head out into the surrounding countryside.

Start your visit by climbing the Mallona stairs from Plaza Unamuno to Parque Etxebarria or take the Artxanda funicular railway to enjoy some of the best views in the city.

Many travelers come to Bilbao to see the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, one of the most renowned art institutions in Europe. The remarkable modern building, with its curved glass and titanium walls, houses art from the mid 20th century to today. Other art attractions include the Fine Arts Museum and the Basque Museum. Bilbao also has a full annual program of cultural events featuring many important exhibitions and performances. See some of these events at the Palacio Euskalduna, a striking modernist building in the city center.

The city is revered not just for its modern architecture, but also for its buildings dating back to the 14th century. Visit the Gothic-style Cathedral of St. James and the Alhondiga, a complex containing a library, several bars and restaurants, a cinema and a rooftop pool with a glass floor.

Bilbao is known for its sophisticated dining scene, with a host of Michelin-starred restaurants. Try local cuisine such as baby squid and lamb stew.

As well as art and food, Bilbao is a city keen on sport. In town there are 18.5 miles (30 kilometers) of cycling lanes, as well as many swimming pools, gyms and parks. Around Bilbao there are nature reserves and hiking trails, as well as several nearby golf courses.

Rent a car and drive out of town to enjoy the countryside or coast surrounding the city. There are traditional fishing villages along the nearby bay. Further down the coast you’ll find picturesque and quiet beaches. An inland route will take you to hiking trails through mountainous scenery. Check the weather forecast before planning your beach day, as the mild climate brings more rain than in other parts of the peninsula.

Where to stay in Bilbao

San Mames Stadium which includes a river or creek and modern architecture

Bilbao City Centre

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Palacio de la Diputación Foral de Vizcaya are top sights in Bilbao City Centre, and you should be sure to explore the fascinating museums. Hop aboard the metro at Moyua Station or Abando Station to see more sights in the area.

Bilbao City Centre
Ribera Market which includes interior views, food and a bar

Bilbao Old Town

Museums, shopping, and theaters highlight some notable features of Bilbao Old Town. Make a stop by Santiago Cathedral or Plaza Nueva while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Arriga Tram Stop or Casco Viejo Station to get around town.

Bilbao Old Town
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao which includes modern architecture, outdoor art and a sunset

Abando

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

Abando
Plaza Moyua showing a fountain, flowers and a garden

Indautxu

If you're spending time in Indautxu, check out sights like Ensanche or Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall and hop on the metro to see more the city at Indautxu Station or Sabino Arana Tram Stop.

Indautxu
Lovely small chilled out bar for  a decent beer.

San Francisco

You'll enjoy the bars and theaters in San Francisco. You might want to make time for a stop at Ensanche or Bay of Biscay.

San Francisco
Plaza Nueva which includes outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Casco Viejo

Museums, theaters, and historic 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.

Casco Viejo
 Axel Hotel Bilbao – Adults Only
Axel Hotel Bilbao – Adults Only
4 out of 5
Mesedeetako Kaia 3, Bilbao
The price is P4,266 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
P4,266
P4,693 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 25 - Mar 26
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions San Mames Stadium and Guggenheim Museum ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"Lovely place to stay and amazing staff. Poor soundproofing on rooms - we were able to hear an awful lot of the goings on of other guests."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2025

Axel Hotel Bilbao – Adults Only
NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels
NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels
3.5 out of 5
Areatza Kalea 4, Bilbao
The price is P3,609 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
P3,609
P3,970 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (838 reviews)
Nice enough, would stay again
"Excellent location and superb staff. Breakfast buffet was simple and fresh. The room was ok, my particular room had some issue with the double glazing so there was condensation in between the glass panes, making the window hard to see through. This problem rectified itself in a few days as the temperature ..."

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2025

NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels
The Artist Grand Hotel of Art
The Artist Grand Hotel of Art
5 out of 5
Alameda de Mazarredo, 61, Bilbao, Vizcaya
The price is P9,699 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
P9,699
P10,668 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (999 reviews)
Top spot to stay - great location and comfortable.
"3 night stay for city sight seeing and enjoying foodie delights of Bilboa"

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2025

The Artist Grand Hotel of Art
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Batimont Suites & Apartments
Batimont Suites & Apartments
4 out of 5
Colón de Larreátegui K. 13, Bilbao, Bizkaia
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and San ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
"Downtown Bilbao, just facing a nice park. Very well located, close to all the stores, bars, metro, river. All walking distance! The building is new. Nice decoration. The suits are quite spacious. Loved it!"

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2025

Batimont Suites & Apartments
Spirit Apartamentos Atxuri
Spirit Apartamentos Atxuri
2 out of 5
Av de Miraflores 17, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Stay at this aparthotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour health club. Popular attractions Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and San Mames ...
7.6/10 Good! (293 reviews)
Great apartments with a short walk to the old city
"Great apartments with the basics you need to prepare meals, dishwasher and washing machine. Extra towels, hygiene and cleaning products was provided. Only thing that was an issue was quality and range of wifi network. Was only available close to entrance. But other than that . Amazing Service provided ..."

Reviewed on May 17, 2024

Spirit Apartamentos Atxuri
Líbere Bilbao Ledesma
Líbere Bilbao Ledesma
4 out of 5
C/ Ledesma 5, Bilbao
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room espresso maker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (35 reviews)
"Quiet and just big enough for me! Washer/dryer came in handy!"

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2025

Líbere Bilbao Ledesma
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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