Bilbao is known for its cutting-edge architecture, world-class art and proud Basque heritage. Nestled in Spain’s green northern hills along the Nervión River, this once-industrial city has transformed into a cultural powerhouse without losing its soul. From pintxos bars and historic old quarters to futuristic museums and scenic cable car rides, Bilbao offers a compelling blend of old and new.
Whether you’re visiting for the day or planning a full city stay, here are 10 unforgettable experiences that show exactly what Bilbao is known for.
1. Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim Museum is Bilbao’s most iconic landmark—and the symbol of the city’s dramatic transformation. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the museum’s titanium-clad curves ripple like a ship or a fish, reflecting the city’s maritime and industrial past.
Inside, you’ll find a rotating collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Richard Serra, Jenny Holzer and Anselm Kiefer. Outside, don’t miss the giant Puppy sculpture by Jeff Koons or Maman, the massive spider by Louise Bourgeois. Whether you’re an art lover or not, the Guggenheim is one of the top things to do in Bilbao.
2. Old Town (Casco Viejo)
Bilbao’s Old Town, or Casco Viejo, is a charming maze of narrow streets, colorful façades and local shops. This is the heart of the city’s historic identity, where you’ll find centuries-old churches, traditional bakeries and some of the best pintxos bars in the Basque Country.
Wander the Siete Calles (Seven Streets), the oldest part of Bilbao and stop in Plaza Nueva—a neoclassical square surrounded by arcades and buzzing terraces. Whether it’s morning coffee or late-night wine, the Old Town is where Bilbao’s daily rhythm comes to life.
3. Pintxos Culture
Bilbao is known for its pintxos—the Basque version of tapas. These small bites, often skewered with toothpicks atop slices of bread, range from simple chorizo and cheese to elaborate combinations like foie gras with apple compote or anchovies with roasted red pepper.
Bar-hopping for pintxos is a beloved tradition here. You order a drink, grab a plate and help yourself to what’s on the counter. Locals might recommend bars like Gure Toki or El Globo, but half the fun is discovering your own favorites.
4. Riverfront and Zubizuri Bridge
Bilbao has reinvented its riverfront into a walkable, bike-friendly space lined with parks, museums and public art. A stroll along the Nervión River gives you some of the best views in the city—from 19th-century warehouses turned cultural centers to gleaming modern landmarks.
One standout is the Zubizuri Bridge, a white, arched footbridge designed by Santiago Calatrava. Its name means “white bridge” in Basque and its elegant, glass-tiled walkway links the city center with newer districts across the river.
5. Artxanda Funicular
For sweeping views over Bilbao, hop on the Artxanda Funicular. This century-old cable railway takes you from the city center up to Mount Artxanda in just a few minutes, where panoramic terraces and parks offer the perfect spot to take in the skyline.
From up here, you can see the Guggenheim’s curves, the old town’s rooftops and the mountains beyond. It’s a great place for a walk, a picnic or a sunset photo shoot.
6. Mercado de la Ribera
Set along the riverbank in the Old Town, Mercado de la Ribera is one of Europe’s largest covered markets. With soaring stained-glass windows and a lively, modern interior, it’s the best place to sample Bilbao’s flavors—from fresh seafood and jamón to artisan cheeses and pastries.
On the upper level, you’ll find casual eateries serving ready-to-eat pintxos, grilled fish and wine by the glass. Locals shop here daily, but it’s also a top destination for travelers hungry to explore Basque gastronomy.
7. Basque Culture and Language
Bilbao is the beating heart of Basque identity and you’ll notice it in the signs, the street names, the menus—and the pride of the people. Euskara, the Basque language, is one of the oldest living languages in Europe and is actively preserved in daily life.
Visit the Euskal Museoa (Basque Museum) to dive into the region’s history, traditions and customs. Or attend a pelota match, a local sport similar to squash played with bare hands or paddles. Even walking the streets, you’ll feel the strong sense of place that defines Bilbao.
8. Azkuna Zentroa
Housed in a former wine warehouse redesigned by Philippe Starck, Azkuna Zentroa is Bilbao’s most dynamic cultural center. Inside, you’ll find art exhibitions, film screenings, a library, restaurants and even a rooftop swimming pool with a glass floor.
The building itself is an architectural marvel, with over 40 columns designed in varying styles—from Gothic to modernist. It’s a gathering place for creativity, conversation and community and a great way to experience Bilbao beyond the traditional sights.
9. Day Trips to Getxo and the Coast
Just a short metro ride from the city, the coastal suburb of Getxo offers a totally different vibe. Stroll along its cliff-side walkways, admire grand 19th-century mansions and visit the Puente de Vizcaya—the world’s oldest transporter bridge and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can also take a quick boat ride or drive to Sopelana, a laid-back beach town popular for surfing and sunset views. These coastal escapes are part of what makes Bilbao so livable—and such a well-rounded travel destination.
10. Green Spaces and Urban Nature
Despite its industrial roots, Bilbao is surrounded by green hills and filled with urban parks. Doña Casilda Park is a favorite in the city center, with tree-lined paths, fountains and a duck pond next to the Fine Arts Museum.
Hiking trails begin right on the city’s edges, taking you into the nearby hills of Pagasarri and Arraiz. These natural spaces are beloved by locals and offer fresh air and forest walks just minutes from the downtown buzz.
What is the Bilbao Known For?
Bilbao is known for its cutting-edge architecture, Basque culinary traditions and the cultural spirit that’s reshaped it from industrial port to creative capital. From the gleaming curves of the Guggenheim to the stone lanes of the Old Town, the best things to do in Bilbao reveal a city that balances innovation with heritage at every turn. Whether you're hopping between pintxos bars, exploring riverside art or riding a funicular to mountain views, Bilbao offers a unique, soulful slice of northern Spain.
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