Bilbao enthralls visitors with its mix of historic sites and modern architecture along the picturesque Nervión River. Once an industrial powerhouse, the capital of Spain’s Basque Country has transformed into a vibrant cultural destination. Beyond the iconic Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao rewards travelers with exceptional food, atmospheric old town streets, and coastal scenery nearby.
| No. | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bilbao Fine Arts Museum | Explore the renovated museum showcasing art from medieval to contemporary times. |
| 2 | Funicular to Mount Artxanda | Ride for panoramic views of Bilbao and its surroundings. |
| 3 | Markets on Calle Ribera | Discover local crafts and foods in Bohemian-style markets. |
| 4 | Yoko Ono Exhibition at Guggenheim | View a comprehensive show of Yoko Ono’s conceptual art. |
| 5 | Street Art Tour in Bilbao La Vieja | Explore street art and its cultural significance in this historic area. |
| 6 | Supertram to San Mamés Stadium | Experience Bilbao’s new tram line and visit the iconic football stadium. |
| 7 | Pintxo Crawl at Mercado de la Ribera | Immerse in Bilbao’s tapas culture with a tasting tour. |
| 8 | Ametzola Cultural Center | Visit the new center for diverse cultural and artistic events. |
| 9 | Day Trip to Bermeo | Explore the coastal town’s culture and seafood cuisine. |
| 10 | Bike Along Bilbao’s Greenbelt | Cycle through the city’s natural and cultural landscapes. |
| 11 | Ensanche Art Nouveau Quarter Tour | Learn about Bilbao’s architectural history and art nouveau. |
| 12 | Cider House in Astigarraga Village | Sample traditional Basque cider and learn about its production. |
| 13 | Day Trip to Balmaseda Castle and Caves | Visit a medieval castle and explore its surrounding caves. |
| 14 | Dine at Michelin-Starred Restaurants | Experience Bilbao’s haute cuisine at prestigious eateries. |
| 15 | Shop at Market Halls | Find authentic souvenirs and local products at traditional markets. |
Several major projects finishing in 2024 will make this an ideal time to visit Bilbao. Historic venues will reopen after renovations, new transportation links will connect across the city, and exciting performances, exhibits and festivals will fill the calendar. Here are 15 of the top things to do on an unforgettable trip to Bilbao:
Tour the Renovated Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
Name and Location: Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, Bilbao, Spain
History and Significance: The museum was established in 1908 and reopened in 2011 after a major $100 million renovation by architect Frank Gehry. It houses important collections of Basque and Spanish art.
What to Expect: Viewing the museum’s collections of paintings, sculptures, and prints in a striking architectural setting. Exhibits range from medieval works to prominent Spanish artists like Goya and El Greco.
Visitor Information: Located in central Bilbao along the Nervión River. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Purchase tickets online in advance. Easy to reach by metro, bus, or walking.
After a major 6-year overhaul, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum will finally reopen fully in 2024 with both its original building and modern wing open to the public. See masterpieces from medieval to contemporary times beautifully displayed across collections of Basque, Spanish and European art. Don’t miss Goya portraits, El Greco religious scenes and modern sculptures by Eduardo Chillida.
Ride the New Funicular up Mount Artxanda
Name and Location: Mount Artxanda Funicular, Bilbao, Spain
History and Significance: The original funicular railway opened in 1915. An entirely new cable car system was built and opened in 2017, quickly becoming a popular way to see panoramic city views.
What to Expect: A smooth three-minute ride up the steep slope of Mount Artxanda in a glass-enclosed cable car. Sweeping views over Bilbao from the top. Hiking trails and a park.
Visitor Information: Located in the Artxanda neighborhood, rides daily from early morning to late evening. Purchase tickets at the funicular station.
For panoramic views over Bilbao and the surrounding mountains, take a ride on the new funicular railway up Mount Artxanda. Ascend high above the city to the mountain’s open recreational areas and newly renovated tower. Grab a snack while gazing at the Nervión River meandering through the valley below this scenic overlook.
Browse the Bohemian Markets Along Calle Ribera
Name and Location: La Ribera Market & Calle Ribera, Bilbao, Spain
History and Significance: This revived historic area along the Nervión River is full of 19th century warehouses converted into shops, bars, and cultural spaces. It showcases Bilbao’s new vitality.
What to Expect: Boutique shops in former warehouses, outdoor cafes, pintxo bars and restaurants, street performers and musicians, authentic vibe. The Mercado has high-end food stalls.
Visitor Information: In central Bilbao, easy to reach on foot or metro. The market and most shops are open daily.
Just across the river, Bilbao La Vieja (the Old Town) has a lively pedestrian street called Calle Ribera. Throughout 2024, new artisan markets will activate it every Sunday with food trucks, ceramics, jewelry, clothing and crafts sold by local makers and designers. Find treasures and soak up lively Basque culture while grazing pintxo bars and cafes.
See the Groundbreaking Yoko Ono Exhibition at the Guggenheim
Name and Location: Yoko Ono Exhibition, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
History and Significance: This major 2020 exhibition celebrates pioneering conceptual artist Yoko Ono’s career with installations, films, performances, and participatory art. Ono helped inspire the design of the Guggenheim Museum.
What to Expect: Immersive and interactive works encouraging the viewer to engage. Art that provokes thought about war, violence, and interconnectedness. A rare comprehensive Ono retrospective.
Visitor Information: Located along the Nervión River. Purchase tickets well in advance online. Open daily except Tuesdays. Easy metro and bus access.
The Guggenheim Bilbao will present the first ever comprehensive show focused on pioneering conceptual artist Yoko Ono in 2024. View installations, objects, films, performances and interviews spanning her diverse multidisciplinary career. Learn how her instructions, ephemera and collaborations challenged traditional notions of art in this thought-provoking exhibition.
Take a Street Art Tour of Bilbao La Vieja
Name and Location: Bilbao La Vieja, Bilbao, Spain
History and Significance: The medieval Old Town with narrow alleys, pintxo bars, and historic sites like the Arriaga Theater and Santiago Cathedral. It contrasts with modern Bilbao.
What to Expect: Guided walking tours to see street art, local life, historic landmarks, and learn about Bilbao’s history. Seeing the mix of old architecture and new art.
Visitor Information: Located near the Nervión River’s east bank. Accessible on foot or via metro. Various tour companies offer walks with advance booking.
Once a derelict neighborhood, Bilbao La Vieja has transformed into a youthful creative hub filled with colorful street art. Knowledgeable local guides will explain the stories and symbolism behind murals, graffiti tags, and expressive stencils layered over its walls on newly offered tours in 2024. Understand the grassroots artistic movements re-energizing historic Bilbao.
Ride on the New Supertram to San Mamés Stadium
Name and Location: Supertram, Bilbao, Spain
History and Significance: The Supertram light rail transit system opened in 2008 to improve connections between Bilbao and its metro area. It serves important destinations like the airport and San Mamés football stadium.
What to Expect: Fast, frequent, comfortable light rail transit around Bilbao and its environs. Smooth journeys to key sites like the athletic stadium and airport.
Visitor Information: Purchase tickets at stops or use a credit card on board. Trams run approximately every 8-10 minutes at peak times.
Bilbao’s sleek new streetcar line, the Supertram, will begin service in 2024, connecting key destinations like the airport, Guggenheim, and San Mamés stadium. Take it on a scenic ride along the river to attend an Athletic Club football match at the stunning arched stadium. Soak up the infectious energy of avid local fans cheering their beloved team.
Take a Pintxo Crawl through the New Mercado de la Ribera
Name and Location: Mercado de la Ribera, Bilbao, Spain
History and Significance: This market hall originally opened in 1929 but was redesigned and reopened in 2008 with high-end food stalls. It anchors the revitalized Calle Ribera area.
What to Expect: Mouthwatering pintxos and dishes from various stalls and restaurants. Excellent quality at affordable prices in an architecturally impressive market. Lively atmosphere.
Visitor Information: In central Bilbao near the river. Open Monday-Friday 8am-3pm, 8am-1pm Saturdays. Easily reached on foot or metro.
For an unforgettable foodie experience, immerse yourself in Bilbao’s famous pintxo (tapas) culture on a guided nighttime tasting tour. The new Mercado de la Ribera contains stalls offering innovative bites. Learn insider tips for pairing sherry and Txakoli wine with Basque delights like bacalao, Idiazbal cheeses, marinated anchovies and miniature croquetas.
See a Live Show at the New Cultural Center in Ametzola
Name and Location: Ametzola Cultural Center, Bilbao, Spain
History and Significance: This new arts complex in a former industrial zone opened in 2015. Its two music venues host concerts, theater, dance performances, and cultural events.
What to Expect: Enjoying live shows and cultural programming in repurposed industrial spaces. Music genres range from classical to rock. Dynamic, contemporary performances in an eclectic setting.
Visitor Information: Located in the Ametzola district, accessible by metro, tram, and bus. Tickets available online or at the box office.
Bilbao’s vibrant performing arts scene will get a boost in 2024 with the opening of Ametzola, an innovative new cultural center located near the Guggenheim. Its flexible theater, studios, galleries and public spaces will host exciting cross-disciplinary spectacles, concerts, digital media and more. Experience Bilbao’s creative energy at its newest cutting-edge venue.
Take a Day Trip to the Coastal Town of Bermeo
Name and Location: Bermeo, Spain
History and Significance: A colorful fishing town on the coast with a well-preserved old quarter, port, and beautiful beaches. It offers a taste of coastal Basque Country.
What to Expect: Charming narrow streets, lively taverns serving seafood pintxos, scenic harbor views, historic buildings like Santa Eufemia Church, and relaxed beach time.
Visitor Information: Located about 1 hour by bus from Bilbao. Buses run regularly from Termibus Station.
Just an hour north of Bilbao, the scenic coastal town of Bermeo offers a charming getaway to experience Basque culture and seafood cuisine. Visit its well-preserved old port, sample sautéed bok choy pil-pil, and browse boutiques selling traditional handicrafts. Don’t miss the island sanctuary of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe connected by a dramatic bridge.
Bike Along Bilbao’s Greenbelt
Name and Location: Bilbao Greenbelt
History and Significance: This 40 km loop of bike paths and walking trails circles Bilbao, following the Nervión River and connecting green spaces and parks. It supports active recreation and transportation.
What to Expect: Walking, jogging, or bicycling along scenic paths traversing Bilbao and the countryside. Rest areas, outdoor fitness equipment, nature views. A family-friendly activity.
Visitor Information: The Greenbelt can be accessed from many points around the city. Bike rentals available from shops like Bilbon Bizi.
In 2024, new segments will complete Bilbao’s ambitious 47 km Greenbelt bike path circumnavigating the city. Pedal through natural zones like forests, wetlands and beaches, stopping for breaks at cultural attractions you’ll pass like the Guggenheim museum. It’s an easy way to explore Bilbao’s different sides from parks to gardens to Mount Artxanda.
Take a Walking Tour of the Ensanche Art Nouveau Quarter
Name and Location: Art Nouveau Quarter, Bilbao, Spain
History and Significance: Bilbao’s Ensanche district features numerous beautiful Belle Époque and Art Nouveau buildings constructed around 1900. It’s acclaimed for the architecture.
What to Expect: Guided walking tours admire the decorative facades and details of these iconic buildings. Ornate architectural styles trace Bilbao’s history and growth after industrialization.
Visitor Information: Located east of the old town, reachable on foot or transit. Advance booking recommended for guided tours.
Bilbao contains one of Europe’s largest concentrations of elegant Art Nouveau façades dating to the city’s 19th century expansion. Join an expert guide to learn about architectural details as you stroll past ornate buildings adorned with ironwork, carved reliefs, stained glass and sculptures from this period of economic prosperity.
Visit a Cider House in Astigarraga Village
Just outside Bilbao in traditional Astigarraga lies the heart of Basque cider production. Visit a family-run cider house or “sagardotegi” where you can observe the craft of pressing and pouring cider straight from oak barrels. Sample this tart, refreshing beverage paired with cod omelettes for a true taste of local Basque heritage.
Take a Day Trip to the Balmaseda Castle and Caves
The medieval market town of Balmaseda lies just 25 miles southeast of Bilbao and contains the area’s most impressive castle. Take a guided tour of this 15th century fortress and adjacent caves once used as dungeons. Return to Bilbao on the historic railway with scenic views of the Cadagua River and surrounding mountains.
Dine at One of Bilbao’s Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Bilbao has become home to several restaurants earning Michelin stars for Basque-inspired haute cuisine. Make reservations at venues like Zortziko, Nerua or Mina to experience tasting menus using modern techniques and local ingredients like fish, beef, mushrooms and peppers prepared elegantly. Treat yourself to a fine dining experience showcasing Bilbao’s foodie credentials.
Shop for Authentic Souvenirs at the Market Halls
Skip tacky souvenir shops and head to Mercado de la Ribera or Mercado de la Esperanza to find quality mementos. Browse stalls filled with authentic products like hand-thrown ceramic ware, carved wooden pins symbolizing Basque rural life, txapela berets, linens and gourmet food items. Chat with vendors while finding locally made gifts and goods.
Bilbao continues to transform and dazzle in 2024 with new transportation links, exciting performances, reopened museums and delicious culinary experiences. Discover an energetic city proudly looking to the future while retaining its industrial spirit and Basque traditions.