Bilbao: 11 Things to Do

You’ll find Bilbao isn’t your typical Spanish destination. This Basque industrial city has transformed itself into a cultural powerhouse that surprises visitors at every turn. From world-class museums housed in architectural marvels to funicular rides offering sweeping views, there’s more here than meets the eye. Whether you’re drawn to cutting-edge art, historic neighborhoods, or innovative dining scenes, Bilbao delivers experiences you won’t find elsewhere in Spain.

Marvel at the Guggenheim Museum’s Titanium Curves and Contemporary Art

When you first glimpse the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao from across the Nervión River, you’ll understand why it’s considered one of architecture’s most revolutionary achievements. Frank Gehry’s masterpiece features 33,000 titanium plates that shimmer and change color with the weather, creating an organic, almost living facade that weighs half as much as steel.

Inside, you’ll explore 19 galleries spread across three levels, connected by a soaring 50-meter atrium. Ten galleries showcase classical rectilinear spaces with limestone finishes, while nine feature swirling titanium-clad chambers.

Don’t miss the massive gallery housing Richard Serra’s “The Matter of Time” installation. The building’s boat-like forms pay homage to Bilbao’s maritime heritage while housing world-class contemporary art collections. This architectural marvel stands securely on over 650 concrete pillars driven deep into the riverbed’s bedrock foundation.

Wander the Stone Streets of Casco Viejo

After experiencing Bilbao’s architectural future at the Guggenheim, you’ll find the city’s medieval heart just a short walk away in Casco Viejo. Founded in 1300, this pedestrian-only Old Town centers around the famous Seven Streets—narrow alleys that formed medieval Bilbao’s commercial core.

You’ll wander cobblestone passages like Somera, the oldest street, and Artecalle, where craftsmen once worked. Street names tell stories: Carnicería Vieja marks where the first slaughterhouse stood, while Tendería was the merchants’ quarter. Duck into Plaza Nueva’s 64 arches for pintxos and txikitos, then explore the Gothic Santiago Cathedral.

The maze-like layout encourages wandering—you’ll discover frescoes, old oil lanterns, and medieval architecture around every corner. The Nervión River provided the crucial waterway that made this location perfect for medieval trade and defense. It’s living history where centuries-old trades meet vibrant modern street life.

Cross Santiago Calatrava’s Glass-Walkway Zubizuri Bridge

Five blocks east of the Guggenheim, you’ll spot Santiago Calatrava’s striking Zubizuri Bridge arching across the Nervión River like a giant white wishbone. This 75-meter pedestrian bridge connects the Abandoibarra and Uribitarte districts with its curved glass-brick walkway suspended from a 15-meter steel arch.

You’ll find it’s more than just a river crossing—it’s become an iconic symbol of Bilbao’s transformation from industrial decline to cultural renaissance. The translucent deck offers panoramic views of the estuary and modern skyline as you walk between Campo Volantin and Uribitarte promenades.

Fair warning: the glass tiles can get slippery when wet, so watch your step during Bilbao’s frequent rainy spells. Despite this quirk, it remains a popular route connecting hotels to major attractions. The bridge’s unconventional design opened in 1997 and has sparked both praise as a symbol of renewal and criticism for its structural appearance.

Ride the Gondola at UNESCO’s Bizkaia Transporter Bridge

Just 12 kilometers northeast of Bilbao’s city center, you’ll discover one of the world’s most unusual river crossings—the Bizkaia Transporter Bridge. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in 1893, operates the globe’s oldest transporter bridge system.

You’ll board a suspended gondola that carries up to 200 passengers and six cars across the Nervión River in just 1.5 minutes. The 25-meter gondola hangs from a 160-meter crossbeam suspended 45 meters above high tide. The entire structure was originally assembled using red-hot rivets due to undeveloped welding techniques of the era.

Pay with your Barik card—gondolas run every eight minutes during the day.

For spectacular views, take the panoramic elevators to the 50-meter-high walkways atop the wrought-iron towers. You’ll enjoy sweeping vistas of the estuary while crossing this remarkable symbol of Basque industrial heritage.

Take the Funicular to Mount Artxanda for Panoramic Views

When you’re ready to escape Bilbao’s bustling streets, hop aboard the historic Artxanda Funicular for a scenic three-minute journey up Mount Artxanda. Operating since 1915, this charming railway climbs 226 meters above the city, delivering you to spectacular panoramic views.

From the Mirador de Artxanda viewpoint, you’ll see sweeping vistas of Bilbao’s skyline, including the Guggenheim Museum, New San Mamés Stadium, and the Nervión River winding toward the Cantabrian Sea. The summit offers parks, restaurants, and a sports complex perfect for relaxation. The upper station displays fascinating historical photographs showing the original installation process and facility conditions from 1983.

Trains run every 15 minutes until 10 pm, making sunrise and sunset visits particularly magical. Round-trip tickets cost €4.30, though Barik cardholders pay just €0.65. For best views during descent, grab seats in the train’s lower section.

Browse Fresh Seafood at Mercado De La Ribera

Since 1929, Mercado de la Ribera has anchored Bilbao’s Old Town as Europe’s largest covered food market. Its ground floor showcases the city’s finest fresh seafood selection. You’ll find fishmongers offering octopus, anchovies, cod, and shellfish sourced daily from nearby Basque ports.

The market’s three floors house fish downstairs, meats on the first level, and produce on top.

Visit weekday mornings for peak freshness and smaller crowds. You can buy seafood to take home or head to the gastro-bars added in 2015 for on-site dining. The market also features a cooking school that offers workshops and gastronomic experiences led by professional chefs.

The market operates Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to mid-afternoon, with food courts staying open until evening. Take public transport—parking in the Old Town is expensive and limited.

Go Pintxos Hopping Around Plaza Nueva

After exploring the fresh seafood at Mercado de la Ribera, you’ll want to experience Bilbao’s legendary pintxos culture at Plaza Nueva, the heart of the Old Town’s culinary scene. Try the “3 bars, 3 pintxos, 3 potes” approach—three bars, three pintxos, three drinks—for the authentic experience.

Start at Bertoko Berri for traditional pintxos surrounded by Basque cultural décor. Head to Zuga for their famous “Carolina de Roquefort,” a cheese pintxo cleverly disguised as dessert. Don’t miss Gure Toki’s egg mollet and beef rib pintxos, or Charly’s signature cod roll with piquillo peppers.

Pair your pintxos with Txakoli, the region’s lightly sparkling white wine. The atmosphere blends tradition with innovation, creating perfect conditions for socializing while sampling Bilbao’s finest small plates. This historic plaza with its neoclassical architecture has been a gathering place for locals since 1851, making it an authentic spot to experience Basque social culture.

Explore Basque Art at the Fine Arts Museum

While Guggenheim gets most of the attention, Bilbao’s Fine Arts Museum offers something equally compelling—a deep exploration of Basque artistic identity alongside masterworks spanning eight centuries. You’ll discover over 10,000 works arranged chronologically, from 12th-century pieces to contemporary installations.

The museum’s real treasure is its extensive Basque art collection. You’ll encounter works by regional masters like Zuloaga, Chillida, and Oteiza, understanding how local artists influenced broader movements. Don’t miss the Spanish masters either—El Greco’s The Annunciation, pieces by Goya, Velázquez, and Murillo anchor the historical sections.

Modern galleries feature Francis Bacon and Antoni Tàpies, while temporary exhibitions showcase avant-garde works. As the Basque Country’s second-largest museum, it provides cultural depth that complements Bilbao’s architectural marvels perfectly. Located in Bilbao’s cultural district, the museum serves as a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant art scene.

Experience Maritime History at Itsasmuseum

Just steps from the Guggenheim, you’ll find Bilbao’s maritime soul preserved at Itsasmuseum, where the city’s 150-year shipbuilding legacy comes alive on the very docks that once launched vessels across the world.

You’ll explore life-sized ship recreations, detailed models from legendary local shipyards like Nervión and Euskalduna, and interactive displays that make maritime history engaging for all ages.

Don’t miss the iconic Gabarra—Athletic Club’s championship celebration barge—berthed right at the historic Euskalduna Docks.

The outdoor exhibition spaces feature actual vessels, the historic crane “Carola,” and maritime artifacts that tell Bilbao’s transformation from shipbuilding powerhouse to modern cultural hub. The museum also houses a maritime rescue aerial tramway from the Sea of Arriluze Red Cross Centre, showcasing the region’s commitment to maritime safety.

Plan at least two hours to fully experience both indoor galleries and waterfront displays.

Catch a Match at Historic San Mamés Stadium

Whether you’re a football fanatic or simply curious about Basque culture, experiencing a match at San Mamés Stadium will immerse you in one of Spain’s most passionate sporting traditions. Athletic Club Bilbao‘s home, nicknamed “La Catedral,” creates an electrifying atmosphere that’s earned the highest attendance rate in La Liga at 90.75% capacity.

The modern 53,331-seat stadium opened in 2013, replacing the original 1913 venue while preserving its legendary intensity. You’ll find stands positioned incredibly close to the pitch, creating pressure-filled moments that visiting teams dread.

Athletic Club’s unique philosophy of fielding only Basque players adds cultural significance to every match. The stadium has also earned international recognition, winning the Sports Building of the Year at the 2015 World Architecture Festival for its innovative design.

Located on Rafael Moreno Pitxitxi Kalea, the stadium offers modern amenities including VIP lounges and excellent accessibility. Book tickets early—matches regularly sell out.

Discover Philippe Starck’s Reimagined Azkuna Zentroa

Step inside Azkuna Zentroa and you’ll witness one of Europe’s most striking examples of architectural transformation. Philippe Starck converted this 1909 wine warehouse into a cutting-edge cultural hub, preserving the original facades while creating something entirely new inside.

You’ll discover 43 unique artistic columns supporting three suspended brick buildings that house the center’s main facilities.

Spend your day exploring the media library’s 60,000 digital resources, catching films at the cinemas, or browsing contemporary art exhibitions. The complex also features an auditorium, sports facilities, and the Yandiola restaurant. Don’t miss the Sun Terrace with its urban spa featuring transparent pools and virtual sun projection.

This €75 million project earned the Global Award for Excellence, making it a must-see destination that perfectly balances Bilbao’s industrial heritage with modern cultural innovation.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Bilbao packs remarkable variety into a compact city. Whether you’re drawn to cutting-edge architecture, traditional Basque culture, or maritime history, there’s something here that’ll captivate you. Don’t try to rush through everything – the city’s best moments often happen when you’re wandering between destinations, discovering hidden pintxos bars or stumbling upon street art. Take your time, embrace the local pace, and let Bilbao’s unique character unfold naturally around you.