Bilbao

Travel Guide
Bilbao featuring a skyscraper, a city and a bridge
This former industrial city is now a major European arts center, home to cultural attractions including the famous Guggenheim Museum.

Bilbao, in northern Spain, was once an industrial center, but today is better known for its thriving arts and cultural scene. Come to visit world-class museums, dine at sophisticated restaurants or head out into the surrounding countryside. Start your visit by climbing the Mallona stairs from Plaza Unamuno to Parque Etxebarria or take the Artxanda funicular railway to enjoy some of the best views in the city. Many travelers come to Bilbao to see the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, one of the most renowned art institutions in Europe. The remarkable modern building, with its curved glass and titanium walls, houses art from the mid 20th century to today. Other art attractions include the Fine Arts Museum and the Basque Museum. Bilbao also has a full annual program of cultural events featuring many important exhibitions and performances. See some of these events at the Palacio Euskalduna, a striking modernist building in the city center.The city is revered not just for its modern architecture, but also for its buildings dating back to the 14th century. Visit the Gothic-style Cathedral of St. James and the Alhondiga, a complex containing a library, several bars and restaurants, a cinema and a rooftop pool with a glass floor.Bilbao is known for its sophisticated dining scene, with a host of Michelin-starred restaurants. Try local cuisine such as baby squid and lamb stew.As well as art and food, Bilbao is a city keen on sport. In town there are 18.5 miles (30 kilometers) of cycling lanes, as well as many swimming pools, gyms and parks. Around Bilbao there are nature reserves and hiking trails, as well as several nearby golf courses.Rent a car and drive out of town to enjoy the countryside or coast surrounding the city. There are traditional fishing villages along the nearby bay. Further down the coast you’ll find picturesque and quiet beaches. An inland route will take you to hiking trails through mountainous scenery. Check the weather forecast before planning your beach day, as the mild climate brings more rain than in other parts of the peninsula.

Where to stay in Bilbao

San Mames Stadium featuring modern architecture and a river or creek

Bilbao City Centre

4.5/5(33 area reviews)

Bilbao City Centre is highly notable for its fascinating museums, and you might want to visit top sights like Palacio de la Diputación Foral de Vizcaya and Plaza Moyua. See more of Bilbao by jumping on the metro at Moyua Station or Abando Station.

Bilbao City Centre
Ribera Market featuring food, interior views and a bar

Bilbao Old Town

4.5/5(49 area reviews)

Museums, shopping and theatres highlight some notable features of Bilbao Old Town. Make a stop by Santiago Cathedral or Plaza Nueva while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Arriga Tram Stop or Casco Viejo Station to get around town.

Bilbao Old Town
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao showing outdoor art, street scenes and modern architecture

Abando

4.5/5(118 area reviews)

Ample dining options, fascinating museums, and beautiful river views are just a few top things to explore in Abando. A visit to Guggenheim Museum Bilbao or Plaza Moyua might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Moyua Station or Indautxu Station to get around town.

Abando
Bilbao which includes night scenes, modern architecture and a city

Ibaiondo

If you're spending time in Ibaiondo, check out sights like Ribera Market or Santiago Cathedral and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Atxuri Tram Station or Ribera Tram Stop.

Ibaiondo
Plaza Nueva showing outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Casco Viejo

Museums, theatres and historical sites highlight some notable features of Casco Viejo. Make a stop by Plaza Nueva or Museum of Archaeology Bizkaya while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Casco Viejo Station or Arriga Tram Stop to get around town.

Casco Viejo
San Mames Stadium featuring modern architecture and a river or creek

Basurto-Zorroza

If you're spending time in Basurto-Zorroza, check out sights like San Mames Stadium or Ensanche and hop on the metro to see more of the city at San Mames Tram Stop or San Mames Station.

Basurto-Zorroza
Hotel Gran Bilbao
Hotel Gran Bilbao
4 out of 5
Indalecio Prieto Hiribidea, 1, Bilbao, Vizcaya
The price is €72 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
€72
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (998 reviews)
"Very luxurious feel to the hotel. We liked the water refill points and recycling bins around the hotel. Used the gym facilities (although small) good to have as an option. Walking distance to the centre"

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2024

Hotel Gran Bilbao
Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
5 out of 5
Alameda de Mazarredo, 61, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €189 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€189
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy a full-service spa, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (998 reviews)
"Lovely and very helpful staff. Hotel was very nice. Rooms are generous and we had a beautiful view of the Guggenheim. Would definitely stay here again"

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2024

Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
Barceló Bilbao Nervión
Barceló Bilbao Nervión
4 out of 5
Paseo Campo Volantin 11, Bilbao, Vizcaya
The price is €95 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€95
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"It was near the Guggenheim Museum and close to the Old Town. The surrounding area outside of the hotel was gorgeous. There was no outside (patio/sidewalk) dining close by."

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2024

Barceló Bilbao Nervión
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Apartamentos Turisticos Atxuri
Apartamentos Turisticos Atxuri
2 out of 5
Av de Miraflores 17, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Stay at this aparthotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour health club. Popular attractions Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Diocesan Museum ...
7.8/10 Good! (288 reviews)
"Super nice. They have parking available on site but it is a bit tight. Close to the historic center."

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2024

Apartamentos Turisticos Atxuri
Bilbao City Center by abba Suites
Bilbao City Center by abba Suites
3.5 out of 5
Calle Huertas de la Villa 15, Bilbao, Bilbao
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified aparthotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a plasma TV. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (169 reviews)
"Very modern, clean and safe."

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2024

Bilbao City Center by abba Suites
Center of Bilbao. Pets are allowed. Complete studio with balcony, ideal for couples
Center of Bilbao. Pets are allowed. Complete studio with balcony, ideal for couples
Bilbao
Stay at this apartment in Bilbao. Enjoy a patio and 1 bedroom. Popular attractions San Mames Stadium and Guggenheim Museum Bilbao are located nearby. Discover ...
8/10 Very Good! (17 reviews)
Two nights
"It was perfect for my friends and me, we had a low budget and we needed a place to sleep. It was near everything. The only downside was the absence of coocking material."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2022

Center of Bilbao. Pets are allowed. Complete studio with balcony, ideal for couples
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Bilbao

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
106
" "5 - Excellent 65.83850931677019%
4 - Good
48
" "4 - Good 29.81366459627329%
3 - Okay
7
" "3 - Okay 4.3478260869565215%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
19 Jan 2020

Pleasant city, surrounded by mountains and with great culture and gastronomy

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
9 Dec 2019

Great weekend city plenty to see , bus tour good to find locations and hop off when you want . Old town great with lovely Christmas lights , stalls and local wines and pintox.. Guggenheim well worth a visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
2 Dec 2019

Gugenheim museum excellent. Food very good. Funicular is a must as is the Old town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
22 Nov 2019

Guggenheim/ worth a trip

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
15 Nov 2019

Wet - take an umbrella- everybody carries one.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
15 Oct 2019

The food and wine were excellent the walk by the river was fantastic