Bilbao Travel Guide: Spain’s Hub of Art and Culture

Bilbao, located in Spain’s Basque Country, is a city renowned for its rich art, impressive architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. This city, where modernity meets tradition, is especially famous for the Guggenheim Museum. In this Bilbao travel guide, you’ll find comprehensive information about places to visit, activities to do, and delicacies to taste in Bilbao.

The Guggenheim Museum, designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry, is one of the most important museums of modern art. It features notable works such as Jeff Koons’ “Puppy” and Richard Serra’s “The Matter of Time.” With its striking architecture and collections, the Guggenheim Museum is Bilbao’s most iconic landmark. Any Bilbao travel guide will highlight this museum as a must-visit.

Casco Viejo is the historic center of Bilbao, characterized by its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and historic structures. Key places to visit in this area include:

• Plaza Nueva: Built in the 19th century, this square is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and bars.
• Santiago Cathedral: A Gothic cathedral built in the 14th century, it is one of the city’s religious and historical centers.
• San Antón Bridge and Church: Historic symbols of Bilbao located over the Nervión River.

The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is one of Spain’s most significant art museums, housing works by renowned artists such as El Greco, Goya, Van Dyck, and Gauguin. The museum offers an extensive collection and temporary exhibitions. It’s a key feature in this Bilbao travel guide.

Azkuna Zentroa, a modern cultural and leisure center created by converting an old wine warehouse, was designed by Philippe Starck. This building features exhibition spaces, cinemas, a gym, and a swimming pool. Azkuna Zentroa attracts visitors with its modern architecture and events.

The Zubizuri Bridge, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is a pedestrian bridge over the Nervión River. Known for its white arch structure, it reflects Bilbao’s modern architecture.

The Arriaga Theater, built in the 19th century and designed in neoclassical style, is a key part of the city’s cultural life, hosting opera, ballet, theater, and concert events. The theater’s interior is also quite impressive.

Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park is one of Bilbao’s largest and most beautiful parks. Visitors can walk, rent boats on the lake, or have picnics. The park also features various sculptures, fountains, and play areas. This park is frequently mentioned in any Bilbao travel guide.

Plaza Moyúa is a large square in the center of Bilbao, surrounded by Gran Vía, one of the city’s main shopping streets. Gran Vía is lined with luxury shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Walking from Plaza Moyúa along Gran Vía allows you to experience the city’s lively atmosphere.

Bilbao is famous for its pintxos culture, and the city has many pintxos bars. Pintxos tours are an excellent way to taste local flavors in different parts of the city. In pintxos bars, you can try small snacks prepared with seafood, meat, and vegetables. A Bilbao travel guide will definitely include recommendations for the best pintxos bars.

There are many beautiful beaches near Bilbao. Plentzia Beach and Sopelana Beach are just a short distance from the city center, ideal for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing in the summer. Additionally, you can enjoy various water sports in Bilbao.

Bilbao offers many opportunities for walking and biking enthusiasts. The city’s parks, riverside paths, and historic streets are ideal for walking and biking. Bilbao also has bike rental services. The BiziBizik bike rental system is a practical and economical option for exploring the city by bike.

Bilbao offers many options for shopping enthusiasts. Gran Vía is famous for its luxury fashion stores and boutiques. Additionally, the small boutiques and antique shops in Casco Viejo are perfect for handmade products and souvenirs. Mercado de la Ribera is a fantastic market for fresh produce, seafood, and local flavors. Shopping is a significant part of any Bilbao travel guide.

Bilbao’s nightlife is vibrant, with bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. Many bars and cafes in the city stay open late, offering visitors a fun night out. Casco Viejo and Ensanche are some of the liveliest nightlife areas. Any Bilbao travel guide will highlight the city’s exciting nightlife.

Bilbao hosts many colorful festivals and events throughout the year. Bilbao Aste Nagusia (Great Week), held in August, is a major festival filled with concerts, parades, and fireworks. Additionally, the BBK Live Festival is a famous music festival that attracts music lovers from around the world. Festivals and events are essential parts of a Bilbao travel guide.

Pintxos are famous small snacks from Basque cuisine, and there are many pintxos bars in Bilbao. In pintxos bars, you can try delicacies prepared with seafood, meat, and vegetables. Plaza Nueva and Casco Viejo are the most popular areas for pintxos.

Bacalao a la Vizcaína is a famous dish in Basque cuisine made with salted cod cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and onions. You can find this delicious dish at many restaurants in Bilbao.

Txangurro is a famous Basque seafood dish made with spider crab. The crab meat is cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and white wine and served in the shell. Txangurro is a must-try delicacy at Bilbao’s restaurants.

Marmitako is a traditional fish stew made by Basque fishermen. This hearty dish is made with tuna, potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes. Marmitako is a great option for discovering Bilbao’s local cuisine.

Idiazabal cheese is a sheep cheese native to the Basque Country with a slightly smoky flavor. You can find this delicious cheese at local markets and delicatessens in Bilbao. Idiazabal cheese pairs perfectly with wine or pintxos.

Churros con Chocolate is one of Spain’s famous desserts, consisting of fried dough sticks served with hot chocolate sauce. Be sure to try this treat at bakeries and cafes in Bilbao.

Txakoli is the famous sparkling wine from the Basque Country, known for its light, refreshing flavor. You can find Txakoli at restaurants and bars in Bilbao, and it pairs perfectly with seafood.

Bilbao is known for its luxury hotel options. Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao, located right across from the Guggenheim Museum, offers stunning views. Additionally, Hotel Carlton and Meliá Bilbao offer a comfortable and unforgettable stay.

Boutique hotels provide a unique and personal accommodation experience in Bilbao. These small and stylish hotels often operate in historic buildings or specially designed structures. You can find many boutique hotels in the Casco Viejo and Ensanche districts.

For those seeking more affordable accommodation, Bilbao offers many mid-range and budget hotel options. Hotels like NH Collection Villa de Bilbao, Sercotel Coliseo, and Hotel Abando are popular for their central locations and comfortable rooms.

If you are looking for more independent accommodation in Bilbao, consider Airbnb or apartment rental options. You can find many affordable and comfortable apartments, especially in the city center or popular tourist areas.

Bilbao offers many hostel and guesthouse options for those seeking affordable accommodation. These facilities are ideal for young travelers and backpackers. Hostels often feature shared kitchens and social areas, providing opportunities to meet other travelers.

Bilbao’s public transportation system is well-developed, with metro, buses, and trams. The Bizkaibus network provides easy and fast access to every corner of the city. You can use daily or weekly tickets for affordable public transportation. The Bilbao Metro offers easy access to the city’s main tourist attractions.

Bilbao is a bike-friendly city, with many bike paths and rental stations. The Bilbaobizi bike rental system is a practical and economical option for exploring the city by bike. Enjoy riding along the riverside bike paths.

If you prefer more independent transportation, consider taxi or car rental options. Taxis in Bilbao are generally affordable and a convenient option for reaching the city’s main tourist spots. If you plan to rent a car, be aware that finding parking in the city center can be challenging. However, renting a car is a great option for exploring the surrounding areas.

Bilbao’s compact layout and pedestrian-friendly streets make it ideal for exploring on foot. The Casco Viejo, Ensanche, and riverside areas, with their narrow streets and historic buildings, are perfect for walking. The city’s many parks and squares are great places for walks and to soak in the atmosphere.

Bilbao offers visitors an unforgettable experience with its historical and cultural riches, natural beauty, culinary delights, and vibrant atmosphere. This Bilbao travel guide provides comprehensive information about places to visit, activities to do, and foods to try in Bilbao. A few days may be enough to explore Bilbao, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy every moment in this enchanting city. Happy travels!

I hope this long and detailed guide will inspire and guide travelers who want to explore Bilbao. If there are other topics or places you would like to add please let me know!