The 15 things to do in Bilbao • Wanderlix

Visit Bilbao: what are the best things to do and see in the most important city of the Basque Country?

Spain is not necessarily summed up in its capital, Madrid, Barcelona or Santiago de Compostela. In the north of the country is a cosmopolitan, rich, dynamic city that allows you to discover both the Iberian culture, to immerse yourself in a very pleasant climate or simply to relax on the beach. This city is Bilbao. The most important city in the Spanish Basque country, it is known for the presence of the Guggenheim Museum (named the "Gugg") and its avant-garde architecture, a true symbol of the city. Wherever you are when you come to visit Bilbao, be it at the airport to the mouths of the subway, from Nueva Square to the Cathedral of Santiago, the city does not lack ideas to enrich your stay.

Exactly, we selected a list of ideas from things to do and to visit in Bilbao .

1. The Guggenheim Museum

It is the major attraction to visit in Bilbao, impossible not to visit this architectural monument and this high place of pictorial art. For lovers of contemporary art and modern art, you can find works by Jeff Koons, Daniel Buren, Richard Serra and many others.

2. Las Siete Calles (Zazpi Kaleak)

It is one of the neighborhoods most appreciated by the inhabitants as by the tourists, the so-called "7 Rues" district is in sum the Old Town. It is located on the banks of the river Nervion and consists of narrow stone alleys with many bridges, large churches and the immense Gothic cathedral. It is also one of the main points of fall to stroll and race.

3. Zubizuri Bridge

This singular point makes the pride of Bilbao: imagined by the architect Calavatra, this huge metal structure fills the Nervion River. Zubizuri means “white pont” in Basque, it is a form of inclined bow supported by powerful iron wires with a pedestrian floor made of glass; This funny gateway is a blink of an eye to the avant-garde and originality of the Gugg located not far from there.

4. The Cathedral of Santiago

It is the most important building of the Old Town and surely one of the oldest: indeed, the cathedral was erected at the end of the 14th century, built on an old chapel and it now houses the seat of the Diocese of Bilbao. It is quickly recognized with its small dimensions and purely Gothic style. The cathedral is dedicated to Santiago because it is on one of the paths of pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela .

5. La Alhóndiga

This building has nothing to do with the rest of the city, it is even a unique model of architecture, designed by the great designer Starck. This building has “the elegance, the charm, the energy, the enthusiasm of happiness”, says the designer. The old grain hall is now transformed into a historic building to become a real multidisciplinary space oriented to the knowledge and diffusion of urban culture. A friendly place to relax, to learn, to discover.

6. The Kafe Antzokia

It is a most classic night place in Bilbao, an obligatory passage to discover quality concerts and shows. Coffee turns into a nightclub, which is probably the most frequented in the whole city. There are reggae, rock, punk or Basque music, and everyone finds his account to have fun. Note that once a month, a choreographer of Basque dances intervenes for 2 hours for a free course open to the public.

7. The Arriaga Theatre

Called the New Theatre of Bilbao, the Arriaga Theatre is located in the heart of the city. A commemorative plaque to the memory of the Spanish Mozart Juan Crisostomo Arriaga is placed on one of its walls. Its interior is sublime with its huge staircase and red carpet. On the stairs of the staircase, we find the busts of 9 musicians and composers from Bilbao. The main hall contains three floors and it is possible to attend performances of poetry, music, comedy or tragedy all year round.

8. The Maritime Museum (Museo Marítimo Ría de Bilbao)

This museum offers various elements and objects that are directly related to the world of navigation at sea like the different buoys, the gigantic anchors but also ships. It is possible to visit the interior of some of these boats. Ideal to learn more about the marine universe and the estuary of Bilbao.

9. Place Bizkaia

It is a rather surprising place in the heart of Bilbao because it completely breaks with the rest of the city’s architecture. An extremely modern place that leaves you a futuristic impression. Perfect to take a relaxing moment between friends or family because there are also games for children (very design-shaped games, let's remember it!).

10. The Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes)

Although it is increasingly forgotten, the Museum of Fine Arts in Bilbao remains one of the largest museums in Spain. It is possible to find works of the 12th century or the 14th century, but also more modern works such as Chillida, Mure or Barcelo. It is a sweet mix between modernism and classicism. Don’t forget to relax at the outdoor bar terrace that offers a wonderful view of Doña Casilda Park.

11. La Fontaine du Chien (La Fuente del Perro)

This fountain is located in the street of Perro, surely one of the narrowest alleys to visit in Bilbao, in the Old Town. While it was once used as a pet trough, today, this fountain with three pipes in the shape of a lion head, neo-classical form, is a meeting place and meeting place for the inhabitants.

12. Jardins de Albia (Jardines de Albia)

It is a square in front of the emblematic Iruna Café in the heart of Bilbao. This place has a fountain and there are small sculptures dedicated to Sabino Arana or Trueba. A very nice place to relax, or to read a few pages away from the urban tumult.

13. Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park

All major cities have their large park and for Bilbao, this is the case with it. A perfect place to practice your favorite sport, there are also many facilities for children like slides or swings. During the summer, festivals and concerts are held on the stage of the small theatre. Take a drink on one of the terraces of the cafés by admiring ducks, geese, swans!

14. Mount Artxanda

To enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire city of Bilbao, climb Mount Artxanda: in addition to a breathtaking view of the city and especially of the architecture of the Guggenheim Museum, you will be able to do sports, restore or even celebrate a wedding! An edifying contrast between the serenity of the mountain and the tumult of Bilbao, a few meters below. You will find a memorial to the Civil War of the artist Juanjo Novella (photo). It is possible to go up there with a funicular.

15. San Mamés Stadium and the Museum of the Athletic Club of Bilbao

To discover and understand the history of Athletic Bilbao’s Basque football club, enter the heart of the seventh largest stadium in Spain. Inaugurated in 2013, San Mamés Barria is a stadium with a capacity of 53,000 people. He is nicknamed “the Cathedral” for the incredible atmosphere that we find in every game. Visiting the stadium can be done alone or in a group, with your family or friends. The visits last about 1h30 with the discovery of the Museum of the Athletic Club of Bilbao and the San Mamés enclosure, the dressing rooms and the trophies room.

Visit Bilbao: How to get there? Where to stay?

Bilbao is served by one of the country’s best highway and fast track networks. By car, the AP-8 motorway allows you to win Donostia/Saint-Sébastien and Irún, from where you can reach Bordeaux and Paris or head to Toulouse and Montpellier. The AP-68 joins Barcelona and the AP-7. Termibus bus station, located in the heart of Bilbao, is the starting point for many companies offering daily regional, national and international routes.

It is also possible to get to Bilbao by train. Long-range trains from the Renfe stop at the Bilbao-Abando train station. A daily connection is provided with Madrid and Barcelona.

Finally, Bilbao International Airport, 12 kilometres from the city, serves the country’s largest cities and major European destinations. A shuttle makes the airport-city connection for 1,45 €. Vueling, for example, but also other companies serve Bilbao. To find the cheapest flight during your stay, check the flight comparison Ulysses .

Concerning your accommodation in Bilbao , you should know that all the monuments and centres of interest are in the center of the city. To find a cheap hotel in Bilbao, search our website Compare hotels .

Have you visited Bilbao? Main photo credit: Flickr – flydime