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

San Mames Stadium and Plaza Moyua 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 Plaza Moyua or Ensanche 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 P4,262 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
P4,262
P4,688 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and San Mames ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel. The thermostat did not function so it was a bit stuffy and the sheets were very scratchy , but the staff was friendly, helpful and kind and the location was perfect"

Reviewed on Mar 11, 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 P3,905 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
P3,905
P4,295 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
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! (827 reviews)
"Right in the middle of the old town with every shop or tapas bar you might need.. buses and metro a walk away.. Airport 20 minutes by bus every 15 minutes.."

Reviewed on Feb 27, 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 P9,200 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
P9,200
P10,120 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Excellent friendly staff, great location, clean rooms."

Reviewed on Mar 9, 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 San Mames Stadium and Guggenheim ...
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
Bilbao City Center by abba Suites
Bilbao City Center by abba Suites
3.5 out of 5
Calle Huertas de la Villa 15, Bilbao, Bilbao
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified aparthotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and premium TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (214 reviews)
"This was a highly functional suite with 2 TV’s, European refrigerator, dishwasher, pots, dishes, cooktop, etc. the grocery store is<2 blocks away. Front desk is not staffed 7x24, but they ordered us a cab for non-staffed hours, and it arrived right on time. Very neat and clean. Trendy contemporary ..."

Reviewed on Nov 12, 2024

Bilbao City Center by abba Suites
B48 Abando
B48 Abando
4 out of 5
Buenos Aires Kalea 15, Bilbao
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and San ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (39 reviews)
"I really liked the location of this property. It was very convenient for my needs to be “in town”. Having entry on my phone was an added plus. Everything I needed was included. It was great!"

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

B48 Abando
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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