Bilbao (in Basque Euskadi) is a city suitable for those who are looking for unusual and surprising places; places that still have the flavors of tradition, but with a leaning towards the modern. If you love art, culture, and architecture, Bilbao, northern Spain, capital of the Basque Country, is the city for you.
- What to see in Bilbao, places of interest
- Bilbao, must-see places of interest
- 1 Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
- 2 Bilbao places of interest: Zubizuri
- 3 Bilbao is where not to miss: Casco Viejo
- 4 What to see in Bilbao: Basilica of Begoña
- 5 Bilbao cosa visitare: Museo Vasco
- 6 Bilbao points of interest: El Ensanche
- 7 Bilbao: Euskalduna Palace and Arriaga Theatre
- 8 Bilbao cosa vedere: Museo Maritimo
- 9 San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao
- Quick information about the city of Bilbao: things to do, airport, where to stay, what to eat
- 10 Things to do in Bilbao
- 11 How to get to Bilbao
- 12 What to Eat in Bilbao
- 13 Where to sleep in Bilbao
Bilbao is a pulsating heart for art lovers, but there are also attractions and entertainment to spend a romantic weekend carefree. We have created a small guide to help you organize your trip to Bilbao: what to see, what to do, how to get there, and what to visit.
What to see in Bilbao, places of interest
As in the rest of Spain, in Bilbao the things to see are really many. Here is a list for you that will be useful.
Bilbao, must-see places of interest
1 Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao represents the symbol of the city and is itself a work of art, a true open-air sculpture. Visiting the Guggenheim Museum is one of the first experiences we recommend you to have. It is undoubtedly at the top of the list ” What to visit in Bilbao.” Outside you will find a huge 10-meter bronze spider, the dog Puppy, guardian of the museum, that is, a huge dog made with over 70,000 flowers, and a bouquet of steel tulips. Inside, you will find numerous works by the most important artists of the 20th century.
2 Bilbao places of interest: Zubizuri
Il Zubizuri is a very special bridge, which represents the rebirth of the Basque city.
3 Bilbao is where not to miss: Casco Viejo
Il Casco Viejo è il cuore della città di Bilbao, luogo nel quale vi consigliamo di perdervi. Punti di riferimento di questa zona sono la piazza della Cattedrale Gotica di Santiago (che vi consigliamo di visitare), Plaza Unamuno che riconoscerete grazie all’ingresso della Metropolitana di Bilbao (modo migliore per muoversi a Bilbao) e Plaza Nueva. Per scoprire la storia antica della città di Bilbao vi consigliamo di passeggiare per le “Siete calles”, le strade principali del Casco Viejo. Quasi tutte partono dal Lungofiume.
4 What to see in Bilbao: Basilica of Begoña
The Basilica of Begoña is a church dating back to the 1500s, very important to all the inhabitants of Bilbao. To reach it, you have to climb 311 steps, but we assure you it will be worth it. Once at the top, you can enjoy the most picturesque view of Bilbao. Definitely a must on the ” Bilbao, what to visit” list.
5 Bilbao cosa visitare: Museo Vasco
The Basque Museum will let you know the real history of the city of Bilbao; it is located in the Old Town.
Besides these key places, we also recommend you visit:
6 Bilbao points of interest: El Ensanche
El Ensanche is the modern neighborhood and the heart of the city’s main commercial activities.
7 Bilbao: Euskalduna Palace and Arriaga Theatre
The Euskalduna Palace is the first congress, music, and performance center, home of the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra. The Arriaga Theatre is the main theater of Bilbao. Two places for an evening full of local culture.
8 Bilbao cosa vedere: Museo Maritimo
Fishermen’s city, Bilbao is rich in history. Visiting the Museo Maritimo you can learn all the details related to maritime life and fishermen of the Basque city.
9 San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao
The San Mamés Stadium is considered one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world. It is worth a visit, especially if you are a sports enthusiast and a fan of international football.
Quick information about the city of Bilbao: things to do, airport, where to stay, what to eat
10 Things to do in Bilbao
In the list “Things to do in Bilbao” don’t forget to include:
- A visit to the “Mercado de la Ribera“, a typical food market.
- At least one day on the beaches of Bilbao, by the sea
- Finally, if you visit the city after the Saturday following mid-August, for 9 days you can attend the Semana Grande de Bilbao, the most important festival of the city, during which people dance and sing day and night. It is during these days that you can discover the true nightlife of Bilbao.
11 How to get to Bilbao
Bilbao, how to get there: once you arrive at Bilbao Airport, about 10 km from the city center, the best way to reach Bilbao is by using buses, which are cheap and fast. The railway also has good coverage.
12 What to Eat in Bilbao
Bilbao, what to eat: knowing the main typical dishes will allow you to also select the best restaurants where to eat in Bilbao. Don’t miss the piperrada made with peppers, tomatoes, and onions, pintxos similar to our bruschettas, and cod-based dishes.
13 Where to sleep in Bilbao
Bilbao, where to sleep: the best area to find your hotel in Bilbao is undoubtedly Casco Viejo, the heart of the city. By booking a little in advance, you will have the opportunity to find economical options.
