Bilbao

Travel Guide

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao which includes night scenes and modern architecture
Bilbao featuring a skyscraper, a city and a bridge
Santiago Cathedral featuring interior views, heritage elements and a church or cathedral
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao showing outdoor art, a sunset and modern architecture
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao featuring interior views

This former industrial city is now a major European arts centre, 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 a river or creek and modern architecture

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 Plaza Moyua and Gran Casino Bilbao. See more of Bilbao by jumping on the metro at Moyua Station or Abando Station.

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

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, a sunset 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 Plaza Moyua or Ensanche might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Moyua Station or Indautxu Station to get around town.

Abando
Plaza Moyua showing a fountain, a garden and flowers

Indautxu

While you're in Indautxu, take in top sights like Ensanche or Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Indautxu Station or Sabino Arana Tram Stop.

Indautxu
Plaza Nueva which includes 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
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Algorta

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Algorta is a destination travellers like for its beaches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Algorta Station or Bidezabal Station to explore sights like Arrigunaga Beach.

Algorta
The Artist Grand Hotel of Art

The Artist Grand Hotel of Art

5 out of 5
Alameda de Mazarredo, 61, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"An elegant hotel with excellent service perfectly situated across from the Guggenheim Museoa in Bilbao. I feel fortunate to have had the chance to stay there, mil gracias."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

The Artist Grand Hotel of Art
Hotel ILUNION San Mamés

Hotel ILUNION San Mamés

4 out of 5
Calle Perez Galdos, 56, Bilbao, Vizcaya
The price is €122 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
€122
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (770 reviews)
"빌바오 hot places와는 조금 떨어져있지만 대중교통 이용 (Metro, 트램) 하기는 매우 편리함. 호텔 내부는 간결하게 그리고 편리하게 잘 구비되어 있음. 주차에 대한 보다 자세한 사전 설명이 필요함. 터미널 빌딩안에 있는 호텔이라서 자동차로 호텔 접근하려면 처음에 당황스러움. 호텔 보유 주차장이 아니라 터미널 빌딩 자체 지하 유료주차장을 이용하는 것임."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Hotel ILUNION San Mamés
Hotel Silken Indautxu Bilbao

Hotel Silken Indautxu Bilbao

4 out of 5
Plaza Bombero Etxaniz S/n, Bilbao, Vizcaya
The price is €183 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
€183
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (983 reviews)
"Decent hotel all round"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Hotel Silken Indautxu Bilbao
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 Líbere Bilbao Museo

Apartamentos Líbere Bilbao Museo

3.5 out of 5
Alameda de Mazarredo, 57, Bilbao, Bizkaia
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and San Mames Stadium ...
9/10 Wonderful! (68 reviews)
"Travelled with friend to see a concert, from the moment we arrived at the apartment our hosts Nerea and James could not do enough for us! Lovely location,buses and trains within walking distance, We had a great tome"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Apartamentos Líbere Bilbao Museo
Batimont Suites & Apartments

Batimont Suites & Apartments

4 out of 5
Colón de Larreátegui K. 13, Bilbao, Bizkaia
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and San ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (54 reviews)
"Great apartment!"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Batimont Suites & Apartments
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 aparthotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and premium TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (246 reviews)
Great Area!
"The staff is amazing. The location is very central. Our room was clean and great amenities. We had a terrace which was very nice inconvenient. I would definitely stay at this hotel again."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Bilbao City Center by abba Suites
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.

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