Experience the best of Bilbao Spain, a city that has undergone an incredible transformation from industrial giant to cultural hotspot. Explore Frank Gehry’s iconic Guggenheim Museum. Wander the streets of Bilbao’s charming Old Town. Discover its pintxos bars and historical places.
Experience the best of Bilbao using our guide for your weekend visit!
Table of Contents
Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?
Yes, definitely, Bilbao is worth visiting. Bilbao offers a blend of world-class art, modern architecture and historical sights. The Old Town has a thriving food scene, particularly with its tasty pintxos (Basque tapas). It is a walkable city that is well-connected by public transportation.
Bilbao Itinerary
We’ve got the best itinerary to maximize your time and ensure you cover all of Bilbao’s top attractions. We had an amazing time in Bilbao, exploring the city over 2 days, using this itinerary.
One Day in Bilbao
With only one day in the city, be sure to visit both the Guggenheim and Old Town.
- Discover world-class contemporary art at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
- Wander among the Guggenheim’s outdoor artworks, including snapping your photos in front of the Puppy floral sculpture.
- Take the century-old funicular to the Artxanda Viewpoint overlooking Bilbao.
- Walk cobblestone streets in Bilbao’s charming Casco Viejo (Old Town).
- Admire the Neo-Baroque façade of the historic Arriaga Theatre.
- Sample both pintxos and sweet desserts at the bustling Ribera Market.
- See Old Town’s many churches, including the St. James Cathedral of Bilbao.
- Explore Old Town’s Museums, including the Basque Museum.
- End the day with delicious Basque tapas on a pintxos crawl in Plaza Nueva.
2 Days in Bilbao
For a 2-day visit, enjoy our 1 day itinerary on your first day. On the second day, explore the modern city centre and the Nervión River corridor.
- Admire the huge, beautiful stained-glass window inside Abando Train Station.
- Visit San Vicente Church, Abando’s oldest church.
- See the Art Nouveau design of the historic Campos Theatre.
- Discover the unique pillars at the multifunctional Azkuna Zentroa.
- Enjoy elegant Moyúa Plaza with its lovely flower beds and iconic fountain.
- Explore interesting art collections at the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum.
- Stroll through Dona Casilda Park, visiting the fountain and duck pond.
- Explore Bilbao’s maritime history at Itsasmuseum Bilbao.
- Take the Nervión River Walk and admire the bridges, including the innovative curved-design of the Zubizuri Footbridge.
- Cross the Town Hall Bridge to see City Hall and the Ovoid sculpture.
- Travel to nearby Portugalete to see the UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Bridge.
Bilbao Attractions Map
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum is a must-visit attraction, with over 1 million visitors a year. Built on the banks of the Nervión River, on the site of a former timber factory, the Guggenheim has played a huge role in Bilbao’s revitalization. In less than 20 years, the museum brought the world to this modern, culture-rich city.
Designed by legendary architect Frank Gehry, the museum’s flowing curves and shimmering titanium panels make it a visual masterpiece. The building symbolizes a ship anchored on the banks of the Nervión, and is a piece of art itself.
The museum houses 20 galleries, on 3 floors, filled with a diverse range of contemporary and Modern art. Our favourite was the permanent exhibit in the Arcelor Mittal gallery. Walk around and through 8 massive, winding steel sculptures by Richard Serra. Much of the art rotates among the 3 Guggenheim Museums so your experience will likely change from visit to visit.
For information and tickets, visit the Guggenheim Museum‘s website.
Find outdoor art, refreshments, a children’s play area and more in the area around the Guggenheim.
Puppy (Sculpture)
Puppy greets visitors near the entrance to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. This 12-metre-tall sculpture of a West Highland Terrier is one of the city’s most recognizable outdoor artworks.
Created by artist Jeff Koons, the statue is made of stainless steel and is covered in thousands of flowers, which are changed seasonally. This is a popular spot for tourists. Be sure to take your picture with Puppy.
Walk toward the river to see more outdoor sculptures.
Guggenheim Open Air Sculptures
In addition to Puppy, the Guggenheim’s collection includes a number of outdoor artworks.
Tall Tree And The Eye is a striking 12-metre-tall stainless steel sculpture by Anish Kapoor, sculptor of The Bean in Chicago. It consists of 73 reflective spheres on three vertical poles. The sculpture beautifully captures and distorts the reflections of the museum and river area.
The Fog and Fire Sculptures are dynamic installations that occupy the artificial lake beside the museum. The Fog Sculpture occurs every hour for 8 minutes when a misty fog forms over the lake, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. The Fire Sculpture consists of five fountains in the lake that blast flames into the night sky.
The Maman sculpture, by Louise Bourgeois, stands as a tribute to a mother’s helpful and protective nature. This giant spider, over 10 metres high, is both awe-inspiring and slightly unsettling. The original, displayed at London’s Tate Modern, was cast in steel. The other six, including the Guggenheim’s, were cast in bronze.
Funicular to Mount Artxanda
For a bird’s-eye view of Bilbao, hop on the funicular to Mount Artxanda. The red cable car takes you to the top of the city and some of its best vistas.
The Funicular’s Lower Station is located in the Matiko neighbourhood in the Funicular Plaza (Funikularreko Plaza). Purchase tickets at the station and enjoy the 3-minute ride to the top. Cable cars depart regularly.
Just outside the Upper Station, see the Old Funicular Wheel. This is a piece of the original cable railway system that has transported visitors up Mount Artxanda since 1915.
Artxanda Viewpoint
Take a short walk east of the upper station to Funicular Park and the Artxanda Viewpoint (Artxandako begiratokia).
The viewpoint has a panoramic view of the distant hills, the Nervión River and Bilbao sitting in the valley. For this reason locals call the city, ‘el boxto’ or the hole, as it sits in the hole in the valley.
Don’t miss the giant Fingerprint Sculpture (Aztarna) dedicated to Basque soldiers and militants who fought against Franco during the Spanish Civil War.
Old Town Bilbao (Casco Viejo)
Bilbao’s historic centre, Casco Viejo, dates back to the 14th century. Wander its original, narrow Seven Streets (Zazpikaleak) that fan out and wind through this riverside district.
The vibrant Old Town, best explored on foot, is filled with shops, pintxos bars, churches, and beautiful old buildings. Start on the waterfront at the Erriberako merkatua.
Ribera Market
Be sure to stop at the market. We enjoyed this thriving local marketplace with a wide variety of produce, fish, meats, breads and more. This site has held a marketplace since the town’s founding.
The 10,000-square-metre building opened in 1929. The market’s unique exterior is Art Deco with a mix of stained glass windows, latticework and other design features. The market was renovated after being severely damaged in 1983’s disastrous flooding which impacted much of Old Town.
The gastro-pubs and pintxos bars (Basque-style tapas) were added as part of renovations done in the early 2010’s. Visit early for fresh produce, late for dinner or grab a mid-day snack like we did. There is truly something for everyone.
Like the market, the San Anton Eliza next door, has been on the riverside for centuries.
Church of San Anton
The current church was completed in the mid-16th century as an enlargement of the first single-nave church. It has suffered flood damage many times, requiring repair or reconstruction. As a result, the original Gothic features of the church’s exterior have been replaced by Renaissance-style architecture and a Baroque bell tower.
The original Gothic architecture is visible in its arches and ribbed vaults inside the Church of San Anton. See the stunning altarpieces and historic art.
The San Anton Bridge’s location, beside the church, is the oldest river crossing in the city and for centuries the only crossing. The first bridge was built in the 14th century shortly after the city was founded, an important link between Bilbao and neighbouring towns. Flood damage forced many reconstructions and new bridges. The current stone bridge was built in 1937. Be sure to walk across for an impressive picture of the church and market area.
If you have time and an interest in religious art, walk about 250 metres southeast on Atxuri Street to the 16th-century Convent of the Incarnation. The Incarnation Church (Enkarnazio eliza), built originally to serve Dominican nuns, continues to be run by the Dominicans as a parish church. It is well known for its acoustics and classical music concerts.
Next door, in the cloister, the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art (Bilboko Eleiz Arteen Museoa) has a 2000+-piece collection of Biscayan religious art. It was displayed in local churches between the 12th and 20th centuries. The collection was created to safeguard these precious objects for years to come. About 500 are typically on display at any given time.
Walk back to the market and turn right on Harategi Zahar Kalea. The street ends at the cathedral, Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala.
St. James Cathedral of Bilbao
This 15th-century church, also known as Catedral de Santiago de Bilbao, was built over the foundations of a previous church built before the 14th century. Constructed as Bilbao’s main parish church, it became a minor basilica in 1819 and a cathedral in 1955.
The cathedral is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Camino de Santiago de la Costa or the Northern Way of Saint James. The Northern Way has been a popular pilgrimage route since the 13th century. It begins in Irun on the Basque coast and follows the northern Spanish coast to Barreiros before turning southwest toward Santiago de Compostela.
The church has undergone a number of renovations through the centuries removing most of its original Gothic exterior. Extensive reconstruction of the façade and tower in the Neo-Gothic style was done in the 19th century. The last renovation was completed in 2000. The Door of the Angel (or Door of the Pilgrims) is an example of Late Gothic style.
Walk northeast along the street at the back of the cathedral, Dendarikale, continuing to the Joan Santuen Eliza.
Santos Juanes Church
The 17th-century, Jesuit Parish Church of St. John and St. John was the College of San Andrés’ church. It became a parish church in 1767 when the Jesuits were expelled from Spain. It has a central nave with 4 chapels on each side of the church.
The altarpieces in the church’s main sanctuary and each of the 8 side chapels are unique. Each has a different origin and style though all were made between 1683 and 1747 in the Baroque style. The earlier pieces are highly decorated Baroque while the ones made after 1740 are the more refined and less ornate Rococo style.
The cloister and the college buildings, behind and to the northeast, house the Euskal Museoa.
Basque Museum
The museum, formerly known as the Basque Archaeological, Ethnographic and Historical Museum, has a collection of more than 20,000 objects. They show Basque heritage from the Paleolithic era to the 21st century. These exhibits reflect the life and daily work of the Basque people.
The museum is closed, while undergoing a major renovation, with the latest update noting a reopening in the second quarter of 2026. Check the Basque Museum website for updates.
The museum sits on the busy central Unamuno Plaza.
Exit the plaza on Iturribide Street. A children’s playground sits beside an 18th-century former wine warehouse which was empty for much of the 20th century.
Easter Processions Museum
Incredible religious heritage and art are on display in the Bilboko Pasoen Museoa. Opened in 2001, it began as a storage house for the floats that are part of Biblao’s Holy Week Processions. The groups of figures used in the Stations of the Cross of the Passion of Christ and religious artwork are on display. Learn about the history of Bilbao’s Easter processions. It is the only museum of its kind in the Basque Country.
After returning to Unamuno Plaza, the Bizkaia Arkeologi Museoa is visible to the north, up the stairs of Mallona Road.
Biscay Archaeological Museum
Learn the history of the Biscay province of Basque Country from prehistory to recent time. Archaeological excavations in the Biscay have discovered traces left by Paleolithic hunters, Roman traders, warriors and peasants of the Middle Ages and more.
The collection of the Bizkaia Arkeologi Museoa holds thousands of objects. They range from small household items to the excavated hull of the 15th-century shipwreck. There are interactive screens of historical images, 3D recreations, videos and more.
If you have plenty of time and/or energy, climb the Mallona Road stairs or use the elevator, for a stunning view over Old Town from Etxebarri Parkea and to reach the Basilica.
To reach the lower station of the Ascensor de Begoña Metro, return to the base of the stairs, turn left and look north to the entrance of the Casco Viejo Metro station. Walk into the station continuing to the elevator. The upper elevator entrance is found just inside the park opposite the top of the stairs.
From the top of the 300 steps of Mallona Road, walk a block north. The park entrance is immediately to the left.
To reach the Basilica of Begoña, turn right and walk about 500 metres. Construction began in the 16th century and took about a century so this Gothic church has hints of the Renaissance as well. The current tower and part of the exterior were rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century. Many believe that the Begoñako Basilika is built on the site where the Virgin of Begoña appeared in a vision making the Basilica a popular church to venerate the Virgin, the patron saint of Biscay.
Etxebarri Park is Bilbao’s largest park, high on the hillside overlooking the city. Built on reclaimed industrial land, an original factory chimney has been left to remind everyone of the city’s prosperous industrial past. There are sports fields, picnic areas, children’s play areas and huge patches of grass. This is the place to get away from the noise and, if travelling with kids, let them unwind. Enjoy the sunset behind the western hills.
Back in Old Town, nearby New Square is completely surrounded by 18th-century buildings with the only access points being arched entrances through the buildings.
Plaza Nueva
The plaza opened in 1851 after taking over a half century to be completed. The many restaurants and bars keep Plaza Nueva (Plaza Barria) busy and full of life all day. We sampled excellent pintxos from several restaurants in the square. On Sundays the square welcomes a traditional flea market of books, coins, stamps, flowers and more.
The central building in the square is Gortazar Palace, an 18th-century Baroque palace built by a wealthy Bilbao family. Used by the regional government until 1890, it is now the Royal Academy of the Basque Language.
Pintxos (in Old Town)
No visit to Bilbao’s historic Old Town would be complete without sampling the city’s renowned pintxos. The Basque version of tapas, pintxos, are bite-sized delicacies that are traditionally served with drinks in local bars and cafes.
In the streets of the Old Town, many establishments offer their own creative interpretations of pintxos.
We indulged in pintxos in the lively atmosphere of Plaza Nueva.
For a true Basque experience, try pairing these local specialties with a refreshing txakoli, the region’s crisp, effervescent white wine.
Here are our three favourite Pintxos Bars.
| Pintxos bar | Known for |
| Antxoa Taberna | Specializes in high-quality anchovy pintxos |
| Gure Toki | Contemporary Basque cooking & traditional pintxos, plus regional wines. Creative and colourful displays of their pintxos. Modern setting. |
| La Olla | Classic Basque pintxos are served up in their cozy restaurant. This place was so busy we just stood at their counter and ate. Great pintxos! |
St. Nicholas Church
The Baroque façade of the church, completed in 1756, is topped by two towers. Sailors heading to sea met on the nearby riverbanks to ask the patron saint of sailors, Saint Nicholas, for protection from storms.
Be sure to step inside San Nikolas eliza to see its magnificent set of altarpieces. The main altarpiece is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, patron saint of sailors. Saint Nicholas is the central sculpture. In both upper corners, Bilbao’s coat of arms is held by cherubs. Between them, the female virtues of charity and strength surround a representation of the Massacre of the Holy Innocents.
The church entrance is directly across from Areatzako Parkea.
Arenal Park
This beautiful, shady park was the location of the city docks until the mid-1700s when a grove of trees were planted. A century later gardens, ponds and fountains were added creating a more structured park. When we visited the entire south end had been transformed into a huge book market.
At the north end of the park, enjoy the Flower Market every Sunday. Vivid colours and smells attract shoppers to the attractive flowers and plants.
Check out the Arenal Bandstand and Café by the river. The circular bandstand with its floating roof was inspired by the shape of a shell. Built in 1923 by the same architect as that of the Ribera Market, it was rebuilt in 1985 after the disastrous river flooding. Its underground café makes it truly unique.
Arriaga Theatre
The beautiful Neo-Baroque Arriaga Antzokia opened in 1890. It was named after Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga, a 19th-century Bilbao musician who wrote his first opera at the age of 13. Sadly, he died of tuberculosis shortly before the age of 20.
The theatre, inspired by the Paris Opera house, was designed by municipal architect Joaquín Rucoba who also designed city hall. It has been rebuilt several times; after a 1914 fire and after the 1983 flood.
Its arts and cultural programs are some of the city’s best. Guided tours are available, typically on weekends, to see the inside including backstage. For information on the current program offering or guided tours, visit the Arriaga Theatre website.
The nearby Arenal Bridge spans the Nervión River and serves as a link between the city’s historic and modern quarters. The first bridge was built in 1845 and was the first iron cast bridge built in Spain. Damaged by floods and war, it was replaced several times until the current reinforced concrete bridge was built in 1938.
Abando – Bilbao’s City Centre
Bilbao’s modern city centre, Abando, is a dynamic district with grand boulevards and impressive architecture. Its thriving business and shopping scene reflects Bilbao’s transformation into a sophisticated, 21st-century metropolis. Sitting on the left bank of the Nervión River, it is the only fully urbanized district (of eight) in the city.
Most of Abando was industrial portlands until the early 1990s. It has been transformed into an area of parks and walking trails. Abando is home to impressive landmarks, like the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the Euskalduna Palace Performing Arts Centre and the San Mamés football stadium. Add its specialty shops, cafes, and restaurants and the district seamlessly blends commercial activity, green spaces and attractions giving visitors a well-rounded taste of Bilbao.
Start exploring Abando by crossing the Arenal Bridge from the historic Casco Viejo and continuing straight ahead onto Nafarroa Kalea. Walk a block, turn left and walk a short distance to the train station.
Abando Train Station
Be sure to visit the Abando Tren Geltokia. This is the terminal station for long and medium distance train services operated by Renfe to most of Spain and Europe. The building is also a commuter rail station for services within the Bilbao metropolitan area and a direct connection to Bilbao’s Metro system.
Take a few moments to visit the upper Renfe platform level. See the 15-metre-by-10-metre, stained-glass art showing Bilbao’s development over the centuries. Installed for the station opening in 1948, it is composed of 301 pieces of glass and depicts typical Biscayan society and emblematic local places.
The Bilbao La Concordia Station, next door, is connected by a pedestrian corridor. Concordia serves passengers travelling on the narrow-gauge Renfe Feve network to northwestern Spain.
Return to Nafarroa Kalea and walk to Plaza Circular, the beginning of the Gran Via and the statue of the city’s founder. This is the city’s main street of commerce and finance. It extends northwest for 1.5 kilometres through Plaza de Federico Moyúa (which we will visit later) to Plaza del Sagrado Corazon, near the river.
This tree-lined boulevard is perfect for strolling as much of it is car-free. Window shop, grab a bite to eat at bars full of delicious pintxos, or soak up energy on the street.
At Urkixo Zumarkalea turn right and walk about 2 blocks to the small, urban park called Albiako Lorategiak.
Albia Gardens
Relax on a shaded bench in the pretty square with palm trees, manicured flower beds and a central fountain. Enjoy a moment of peace and quiet. This tiny green space was saved from development in 1890, when Abando was annexed into Bilbao, after demands by the parish of nearby Saint Vincent Church.
San Vicente Church
The church was built in the 16th century with the central tower-steeple added in the late 19th century. Despite the San Bizente Eliza’s understated Renaissance-style façade, the interior shines. A soaring, vaulted sanctuary is defined by tall columns with Doric capitals, whitewashed ceilings and gilded detailing.
Walk back along Urkixo Zumarkalea past Gran Via to the red brick Sacred Heart Church (Bihotz Sakratuaren eliza). This Jesuit church, built in the neo-Gothic style, opened in September 1890. Continue to Teatro Campos about 2 blocks away and left on Bertendona Kalea.
Campos Theatre
The theatre, also known as the “Chocolate Box” due to its stunning Art Nouveau façade, opened in 1902. In 2010, it re-opened after a major restoration project which created two performance halls and an artistic and technological training centre. This state-of-the-art performance venue hosts a vibrant program of music, theatre, and other cultural events.
Return to Urkixo Zumarkalea and walk 4 blocks to the peaceful Arriquibar Plaza. The small park is designed like an urban living room with carpets, sofas and standing lamps. The sidewalk leads to the northeast entrance of the Azkuna Zentroa cultural centre.
Azkuna Zentroa
This early 20th-century wine warehouse was re-designed into an innovative, creative space. The cultural centre has a cinema, auditorium, exhibition spaces, restaurant and glass-bottomed rooftop pool. Exhibitions, concerts, lectures and more are offered.
In the Atrium, the open area on the main floor, see 43 columns built in different architectural styles and materials. It’s a different spin on art, culture, and everyday life. The centre is free to enter, but there is a fee for using the pool and sunbathing deck.
Return to Arriquibar Plaza and take Alameda de Recalde north to, in the centre of Bilbao’s modern city.
Moyua Plaza
This elliptical park, in the middle of a traffic circle, has a central fountain with radiating paths and stunning flower beds. With eight streets radiating outward from it and transit connections nearby, Moyúa Plaza is an important transportation hub and a gathering place.
Stunning buildings ring the plaza. The Hotel Carlton, inspired by the grand hotels of the French Riviera, has been welcoming guests to its luxurious rooms since the early 20th century.
Two glass canopies, known locally as “fosteritos”, cover escalators leading down to the Bilbao Metro station. Moyúa Café Resturante is tucked in behind one of these entrances. We enjoyed some traditional Basque cuisine.
The impressive Chavarri Palace (Txabarri Jauregia) is a 19th-century palace in the Flemish Renaissance style. Housing government offices, it is known for its mismatched windows.
Leave the plaza to the right of the palace on Elcano Kalea toward the large, bluish-gray building dominating the Bilbao skyline.
The sleek, modern Iberdrola Tower is the tallest building in the Basque Country. Designed by architect César Pelli, this 165-metre-tall office tower is covered in over 4,800 panes of specially-designed glass. The Iberdrola Tower is not currently open to the public.
Straight ahead, the white San José Montaña Church was built by the Augustinians in the early 20th century. Its soaring spires, flying buttresses and tower are impressive.
Continue to the Bilboko Arte Ederren Museoa.
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
The Fine Arts Museum is undergoing renovation and expansion. A small area remains open to the public, with FREE admission during the renovation. The current completion date is sometime in 2026.
See temporary exhibits displaying a sample of the museum’s impressive collection of over 7,000 works. They range from 12th-century pieces to cutting-edge contemporary art by renowned artists such as El Greco, van Dyke, Rubens, Velázquez and Goya, and an array of Basque artists.
Dona Casilda Park
The park, behind the museum, has been a local favourite since opening in 1907. Enjoy its winding paths, sports areas, a fountain that hosts water shows, and a music pergola.
Check out its pond, home to ducks and other waterfowl, leading locals to refer to it as the “Ducks’ Park”. The park was expanded and connected to the waterfront, as part of the revitalization of the industrial lands, creating a huge and impressive green corridor in the city centre.
The Euskalduna Palace – Congress Centre is located at the western end of the park. Bilbao’s state-of-the-art conference and performing arts centre opened in 1999. It was the second modern addition to the former port area. The venue hosts concerts, operas, and theatrical productions. Guided tours are available. Check their the Euskalduna Palace website for information on performances and tours.
The Terpsicore sculpture, by the legendary Salvador Dalí, is mounted in the Palace’s reflecting pond. The bronze Muse of Dance is one of only two casts made from Dalí’s original mould.
This area was part of the Euskalduna shipyard which closed in the 1980s. More of the shipyard has been incorporated into a maritime museum.
Itsasmuseum Bilbao (Bilbao Maritime Museum)
The Itsasmuseum Bilbao is a must-visit destination for anyone interested ship building or in Bilbao’s rich maritime history. In a striking, modern building along the Nervión River, this comprehensive museum explores Bilbao’s history, seafaring traditions and shipbuilding legacy using interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia displays.
A number of boats are on display in the old dry docks, including the Portu, the first vessel built by the shipyard in 1902. Nearby, the Carola Garabia is a 60-metre high crane, built in 1954. At the time she was the most powerful crane in Spain, capable of lifting 30 tons.
The story goes that a beautiful woman named Carol boated across the estuary daily, distracting the shipyard workers. To get the workers back on track, the foreman bought her a car to make the crossing and named the crane in her honour.
The sleek Euskalduna Bridge, opened in 1997, connects the neighbourhood of Deusto to the western end of Abando. Vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles all have lanes across the bridge.
Nervion River Walk and the Bridges of Bilbao
The Nervión River winds its way through the heart of Bilbao. A stroll along its banks is a must-do activity for visitors to the city. The riverfront promenade offers stunning views of the surrounding architecture and access to the various bridges that span the waterway, each with its own unique character and significance.
Both banks of the river have wide pedestrian paths and many sections have separate bicycle lanes. Within the parkland along the left bank, between the Euskalduna Bridge and the Guggenheim, find artworks by a number of contemporary artists on the Paseo de la Memoria.
The Deusto Bridge, with its drawbridge mechanism, opened in 1931. It was built to connect the districts of Deusto, Begoña and Abando. The bridge was raised for ships to pass under until 1995 and can still be opened for ceremonial occasions.
Just upstream, the modern Pedro Arrupe Footbridge opened in 2004. The dragonfly-inspired pedestrian bridge links the Abandoibarra Walk and the Avenue of the Universities, next to Deusto University. It is dedicated to the Bilbao priest Pedro Arrupe.
Red Arch of La Salve Bridge
Built in the early 1970s, La Salve was the first cable-stayed bridge built in Spain. While it looks like green steel it is actually made of green concrete and connected the heart of the city with the suburbs.
The Guggenheim Museum was designed to link to the bridge through structures such as the stairways from the bridge deck to the river promenade. For the museum’s 10th anniversary, a red gate called ‘L’arc rouge’, by French artist Daniel Buren, was added to the bridge. Its goal was to transform the bridge itself into a piece of art.
Las Sirgueras sculpture, by artist Dora Salazar, was installed along the Uribitarte Promenade (left bank) in 2021. It recognizes the important role of women in the workforce and their path to equality. The four statues represent the “sirgueras”, or rope girls, who towed vessels along the estuary using only ropes and their own physical strength. The practice ended at the end of the 19th century when steam-powered vessels became popular, removing the need for the tow ropes.
Zubizuri Footbridge
The White Bridge is a curved, cable-stayed bridge with the cable supported from an overhead arch. From a distance it looks like a boat’s sail above the river. Opened in 1997 it has ramps and staircases at both ends. The bridge deck, made of translucent glass bricks, generated controversy from the beginning due to being quite slippery when wet. Given Bilbao’s fairly wet climate, a non-slip mat was added over the bricks for the safety of pedestrians.
Two tour companies, Bilboats and El Bote operate boat tours on the Nervión River for a different view of Bilbao. Both companies leave from Pio Baroja Plaza on the left bank.
Town Hall Bridge, between central Abando and the Begoña district, opened in 1934. Like the Deusto Bridge, the Udaletxeko Zubia began as a drawbridge to allow commercial ships to pass by.
Look across the bridge at the stunning Bilboko Udaletxea.
Bilbao City Hall
City Hall was designed by Bilbao’s municipal architect who also designed the Arriaga Theatre. It was built in the 19th century in the Eclectic Style, a mixture of different styles but highly influenced by the public architecture of the 3rd French Republic (1870 to 1940). The front is decorated with sculptures representing “Law” and “Justice” and includes busts of important people from the city’s past.
Inside the white marble staircase leads to the upper level’s Neo-Renaissance assembly hall and exquisite Neo-Arabic style reception room. Works of art are found throughout the building. Guided tours of the building are available using the Bilbao City Council’s Town Hall webpage.
The Ovoid Variant Sculpture was installed across from City Hall on the right bank of the river in 2002. The 1958 work, by Jorge Oteiza, was one of his last works of sculpture. It was made of weathered steel to remind viewers of the ships that were manufactured and sailed here.
Continuing south on the left bank, just past the Arenal Bridge, you can see the Bailen Skyscraper (Baileneko Etxe Orratzak). Built between 1940 and 1946, as an office tower, it was 13 storeys and 43 metres tall, the first building over 40 metres in the city. It remained the only one until 1968.
Cross the Areatzako Bridge (Arenal Bridge) to return to the Old Town.
UNESCO Vizcaya Bridge
This unique hanging bridge was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2006. It was the first bridge to carry people and traffic on a high suspended gondola. It merged the railway’s iron working methods with the then new lightweight technology of twisted steel cables.
Designed by Frenchman Ferdinand Arnodin, it was constructed by the private sector and completed in 1893. It joins the Basque Country municipalities of Getxo and Portugalete over the mouth of the Ibaizabal River. (The Nervión flows through Bilbao and becomes the Ibaizabal close to the Bay of Biscay.)
The bridge has worked almost continuously since completion. It was the model for many similar bridges built throughout the world of which very few survive today.
Bilbao Beaches
The beaches around Bilbao range from urban settings to more secluded natural environments. Most offer amenities such as showers, toilets, and lifeguard services.
All of the beaches below are easily accessible from Bilbao by public transport (metro or bus).
Here are the 9 most popular beaches in the Bilbao region.
| Beach | Known For |
| Plentzia Beach | The most visited beach in the Biscay area. Nice sandy beach 300-metres long. Close to town. |
| Gorliz Beach | Located right beside Plentzia, this 800-metre long beach has a beautiful promenade running along it. Enjoy beach volleyball and other activities here. |
| Barinatxe and Sopelana Beaches | Located right beside each other. Barinatxe is known for surfing and paragliding off of the cliffs. Sopelana is a quieter beach with a nudist-friendly area. |
| Las Arenas Beach | This small beach in the Getxo area is only 240 meters long, but is great for windsurfing and canoeing. There is also a sailing club. |
| Ereaga Beach | Urban beach in Getxo, is popular among locals and tourists. Great views of Mount Serantes and Portugalete. |
| Arrigunaga Beach | This 600-metre long beach has surfing, jet-skiing and more. Located nearby bars and restaurants. |
| Gorrondatze-Azkorri Beach | Wild, natural environment. This 800-metre long is surrounded by cliffs and sand dunes. Nudism is permitted here. |
| La Arena Beach | Located between Muskiz and Zierbena, this is a huge beach at over 1-km long. A beautiful natural area with cliffs, dunes and marshes. |
| Arrietara-Atxatxiribil Beach | 800-metre long beach with water conditions that can be calm or dangerous, depending on the sea conditions. |
See our interactive map for beach locations.
Know Before You Go – Visiting Bilbao
How many days do you need in Bilbao?
Two full days are perfect to explore Bilbao. We had lots of time to cover the museums, top attractions and enjoy the pintxos bars and the historic old town at a comfortable pace. If you intend to visit museums, please note that most are closed on Mondays, including the Guggenheim Museum.
When is the best time to visit Bilbao?
The best time to visit Bilbao is May, June or September to avoid the European vacationing crowds. If you must travel in August, book your accommodations well in advance. We visited in June. It wasn’t busy and there were definitely no lineups for the attractions.
High/Low temperatures range from 13C/5C degrees in January to 26C/15C in August. The months between November and May have more than 10 days of rain per month with January having the most rainy days at 13 days.
How to get to Bilbao?
Most people visiting Bilbao arrive by plane or train.
Bilbao’s modern airport (BIO) is north of the downtown. Bilbao’s public transit system is excellent. Take the Bizkaibus (#3427) directly to the city centre from the far right exit of the terminal. Buy your ticket at the kiosk just inside the terminal door before boarding.
Trains from Madrid or Barcelona arrive at the Renfe station, on the upper level of the Abando Train Station, in downtown Bilbao.
While rental cars are available at the airport and train station, if you are visiting only Bilbao, we do not recommend getting a car.
How to get around Bilbao?
The best way for visitors to get around Bilbao is to combine walking with using the excellent public transit system.
Is Bilbao a walkable city? Most of Biblao’s main attractions are in a fairly compact area around the river. The area is generally quite flat so perfect for walking. Walking or cycling is the preferred mode of transportation for many Bilbao citizens. The sidewalks and promenades tend to be wide and separate bike lanes are plentiful.
Public transit
Bilbao has several public transit options; Tram, Metro and the bus. For most visitors the tram or the metro will be all that is needed.
The Tram, an electric streetcar, is called the EuskoTren Tranbia, also the Green Tram. Generally, it runs parallel to the river between Bolueta, on the south end of the city and La Casilla in the west. It passes next to the Ribera Market, the Guggenheim and the San Mamés football stadium with stops near each.
The Metro is a rapid transit system serving the city of Bilbao and the region of Greater Bilbao.
For full details on all types of transit including airport buses and payment of fares, see the Bilbao Tourism website.
Explore All of Our Basque Country Guides
Discover our complete series of detailed guides to help you plan your perfect road trip through Spain’s beautiful Basque region.
Main Article: Basque Country Road Trip – Best Things To Do in Spain’s Basque Country
Part 1: Bilbao – The Guggenheim, Architecture, and Riverside Charm (You’re reading this guide now!)
Part 2: Vitoria-Gasteiz – Medieval History and UNESCO Cathedral
Part 3: Donostia-San Sebastián – Pintxos Culture and stunning Beaches
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