Bilbao is the industrial-chic heart of the Basque Country, celebrated for its bold architectural reinvention and world-class culinary scene. It is best visited in late spring or early autumn when the weather is mild enough to enjoy the riverside promenades and vibrant pintxo bars.
Top Things to Do in Bilbao
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Getting Around Bilbao
From the Airport
Bus. The Bizkaibus A3247 line connects Bilbao Airport to the city center (Moyua/Gran Vía) in about 20-30 minutes for approximately 3 euros. Taxi. Official airport taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal and typically cost between 25 and 35 euros for a trip to the city center.
Once You're There
Metro. The Bilbao Metro, designed by Norman Foster, is clean, efficient, and covers most major tourist areas; use a Barik card for cheaper fares. Walking. The central areas including Casco Viejo and the riverfront are extremely walkable and best explored on foot. Tram. The Euskotren Tranbia is a convenient way to travel along the riverbank between the Guggenheim and the Old Town.
Where to Stay in Bilbao
Hotel picks for Bilbao are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly:
Where to Eat in Bilbao
El Globo★ 4.5 (14,073)Diputazio Kalea, 8, Abando, 48008 Bilbao, Bizkaia, SpainFamous for its award-winning txangurro gratinado, this is the essential stop for high-quality pintxos in the city center.
Gure Toki★ 4.5 (5,570)Pl. Berria, 12, Ibaiondo, 48005 Bilbao, Bizkaia, SpainA staple in Plaza Nueva, known for elevating traditional Basque flavors into sophisticated, modern pintxo bites.
La Vina del Ensanche★ 4.5 (5,457)Diputazio Kalea, 10, Abando, 48008 Bilbao, Bizkaia, SpainWidely known for serving the city's finest Iberian ham and a refined selection of traditional small plates.
Baster★ 4.5 (2,430)Posta Kalea, 22, Ibaiondo, 48005 Bilbao, Bizkaia, SpainA casual, welcoming spot that excels in simple, delicious dishes and arguably the best tortilla de patata in the neighborhood.
Restaurante Mina★ 4.5 (319)Ercilla Kalea, 37, Abando, 48011 Bilbao, Bizkaia, SpainPerched overlooking the river, this restaurant provides a creative tasting menu that highlights the best of local market produce.
Casa Rufo★ 4.4 (1,391)Hurtado de Amezaga Kalea, 5, Abando, 48008 Bilbao, Bizkaia, SpainA legendary deli-turned-restaurant that is widely considered the best place in the city to order a massive, perfectly aged chuletón.
Rio-Oja★ 4.3 (4,531)Txakur Kalea, 4, Ibaiondo, 48005 Bilbao, Bizkaia, SpainA beloved family-run institution in the Old Town serving hearty, traditional Basque comfort food like bacalao al pil-pil.
Irrintzi★ 4.3 (3,005)Andra Maria Kalea, 8, Ibaiondo, 48005 Bilbao, Bizkaia, SpainA trendy, vibrant bar in the heart of the Old Town that pushes the boundaries of pintxo innovation with creative toppings.
Zortziko★ 4.3 (429)Mazarredo Zumarkalea, 17, Abando, 48001 Bilbao, Bizkaia, SpainAn elegant dining room perfect for those seeking a formal, high-end experience featuring classic Basque techniques.
Nerua★ 4.2 (789)Abandoibarra Etorb., 2, Abando, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia, SpainLocated inside the Guggenheim, this Michelin-starred spot offers a masterclass in avant-garde Basque cuisine using hyper-seasonal ingredients.
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Bilbao
Modern Icons & Riverside Walks
Morning. Start your Bilbao adventure at the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, arriving right at opening time to beat the crowds and admire the titanium curves designed by Frank Gehry. Spend at least two hours wandering through the vast galleries and the outdoor sculpture garden featuring Jeff Koons' 'Puppy'. Once finished, take a short stroll along the Nervión River to admire the striking Zubizuri bridge, an elegant white arch structure designed by Santiago Calatrava. This riverside path is the perfect way to soak in the city’s transition from industrial past to architectural future. Before heading to lunch, take a quick detour to see the nearby towers of the Isozaki Atea complex.
Afternoon. After a morning of art, head toward the city center to explore Azkuna Zentroa, a former wine warehouse turned into a stunning cultural and leisure space designed by Philippe Starck. Walk through the atrium to admire the 43 unique, eclectic columns before grabbing a coffee in the lobby. From here, walk toward the Gran Vía, the city's main shopping artery, to admire the grand 19th-century architecture and the bustling atmosphere of the Ensanche district. Spend some time browsing the local boutiques before heading toward the riverbank again to visit the nearby San Mames Stadium, the home of Athletic Bilbao, to feel the intense passion the locals have for their football club.
Evening. As the sun begins to set, head to the Artxanda Funicular station to catch the historic red funicular up to the top of Mount Artxanda. The ride takes only a few minutes, but the panoramic view of the entire city valley from the summit is absolutely unmatched, especially as the lights of Bilbao begin to twinkle. After snapping photos, ride back down and make your way to the Ensanche area for dinner at a high-end local favorite. Finish your night with a slow walk back along the river, reflecting on how the city lights illuminate the famous museum you visited earlier in the day.
Old Town Charm & Culinary Traditions
Morning. Dive deep into the soul of the city by spending your morning in Casco Viejo, the medieval heart of Bilbao. Start by getting lost in the Siete Calles, the seven original streets that form the oldest part of the city, where you will find narrow alleyways and historic buildings. Make your way to the Plaza Nueva, a grand neoclassical square that serves as the social hub of the district. Take a moment to admire the architecture before stepping into the nearby Santiago Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic structure that has stood here for centuries. It is the perfect place to experience the quiet, authentic side of Bilbao before the lunchtime crowds arrive.
Afternoon. Continue your exploration by heading to the Mercado de la Ribera, which holds the title of the largest covered market in Europe. Spend time browsing the stalls filled with fresh seafood, local cheeses, and colorful produce, and don't miss the art deco stained glass windows that make the building so photogenic. After soaking in the market's vibrant energy, walk along the river to reach the Church of San Anton, which sits right next to the water and offers a great backdrop for photos. If you have the energy, take a steep walk or a local bus up to the Basilica of Begona to see one of the most important religious sites in the Basque Country and enjoy the sweeping views of the city below.
Evening. Spend your final evening in the Old Town participating in the quintessential Basque ritual: the pintxo crawl. Start at Gure Toki to sample their award-winning modern creations, then move to Irrintzi for a more contemporary, fusion-inspired bite. The streets will be buzzing with locals standing outside bars with glasses of txakoli, the slightly sparkling local white wine. End your night at Rio-Oja for a traditional, hearty sit-down meal that feels like a warm embrace of Basque culture. The atmosphere in these narrow streets at night is electric, making it the perfect way to conclude your trip.
Coastal Heritage & Maritime History
Morning. On your third day, venture slightly outside the city center to see the engineering marvel that is the Puente de Vizcaya. Located in the town of Getxo, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the oldest transporter bridge in the world and remains a functional part of the local transport system. Take the elevator to the top walkway to experience the breathtaking views of the river mouth where it meets the Bay of Biscay. Spend an hour walking along the promenade in Las Arenas, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and the sight of the grand mansions that line the coast, reflecting the wealth of the region's industrial boom.
Afternoon. After your coastal excursion, head back toward the city and stop at the Itsasmuseum Bilbao, located in the former Euskalduna shipyard. This museum is dedicated to the maritime history of the city and features an impressive collection of boats and exhibits on the river's role in Bilbao's development. Spend your afternoon wandering through the outdoor exhibits where you can see the restoration of historical vessels. It provides a fascinating context to the modern city you have been exploring for the past two days. Before leaving, enjoy a quiet coffee at the museum cafe overlooking the water.
Evening. For your final evening, head to the trendy neighborhood of Abando to enjoy a more relaxed, upscale atmosphere. Spend your time browsing the small art galleries and design shops that dot the area, then settle into a table at Restaurante Mina for a sophisticated farewell dinner that showcases the pinnacle of Basque culinary craft. The view of the river from the dining room provides a peaceful end to your trip. After dinner, take one last stroll across the Puente del Arenal to watch the city lights reflect on the water, cementing your memories of this vibrant, resilient city.
