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
Bilbao featuring 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
Hotel ILUNION San Mamés

Hotel ILUNION San Mamés

4 out of 5
Calle Perez Galdos, 56, Bilbao, Vizcaya
The price is €105 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
€105
30 Jul - 31 Jul
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! (757 reviews)
"Supper nice"

Reviewed on 6 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €119 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
€119
31 Jul - 1 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! (986 reviews)
"Everything was excellent"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Hotel Silken Indautxu Bilbao
The Artist Grand Hotel of Art

The Artist Grand Hotel of Art

5 out of 5
Alameda de Mazarredo, 61, Bilbao, Vizcaya
The price is €203 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
€203
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,004 reviews)
"What a beautiful hotel in Bilbao. The staff is so helpful and kind, definitely a great place to stay!!"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

The Artist Grand Hotel of Art
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.
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! (49 reviews)
"Muy buena ubicación, muy cómodo."

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025

Batimont Suites & Apartments
Spirit Apartamentos Atxuri

Spirit Apartamentos 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 San Mames ...
7.6/10 Good! (299 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 6 Jun 2025

Spirit Apartamentos Atxuri
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! (65 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
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