Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country, located in northern Spain. With its foundation dating back to 1300, it’s steeped in history and culture, blending tradition with modernity. Once an industrial hub, the city transformed itself, prominently signified by the Guggenheim Museum, a symbol of the new Bilbao. Bilbao’s old quarter, Casco Viejo, brims with historic buildings and vibrant nightlife, while its riverside promenades offer picturesque views. The city is a gastronomic hotspot, renowned for its pintxos bars and Michelin-starred restaurants. Furthermore, it serves as a gateway to the natural beauty of the Basque region.
Google map of Bilbao
The Best Places to Visit in Bilbao
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a modern and contemporary art museum located in Bilbao, Spain. Designed by Frank Gehry, it is a remarkable example of Deconstructivist architecture. Since its opening in 1997, the museum has served as a major catalyst for cultural and economic regeneration in Bilbao. Its permanent and visiting exhibitions cover a wide range of artworks, making it a key destination for art enthusiasts worldwide.
Google map 4.5/5
Casco Viejo (Bilbao Old Town)
Casco Viejo is the medieval old town district of Bilbao, known for its charming, narrow streets and seven original streets, Las Siete Calles. This historic heart of the city is filled with Basque-style buildings hosting diverse shops, pintxos bars, and traditional restaurants. Additionally, landmarks like the Santiago Cathedral and Mercado de la Ribera, the largest indoor market in Europe, are located here. Casco Viejo serves as a lively hub reflecting Bilbao’s rich history and vibrant culture.
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Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is one of the most significant cultural institutions in Spain, situated in the city of Bilbao. Founded in 1908, it houses an extensive collection ranging from ancient to contemporary art, including works by Spanish masters like Goya and El Greco. The museum’s modern wing, contrasting with its classical building, symbolizes Bilbao’s blend of tradition and innovation.
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Vizcaya Bridge
Vizcaya Bridge is a unique transportation structure that connects the towns of Portugalete and Getxo near Bilbao. Completed in 1893, it’s recognized as the world’s oldest transporter bridge. This striking iron structure, designed by Alberto Palacio, stands as a testament to 19th-century industrial engineering. In 2006, the bridge was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, representing the cultural heritage and industrial history of the Basque region.
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Euskalduna Palace (Palacio Euskalduna)
Palacio Euskalduna is a conference centre and concert hall located in Bilbao, Spain. Opened in 1999, it is a significant venue for performing arts, music, and business events. Designed by architects Federico Soriano and Dolores Palacios, it resembles a ship under construction, paying homage to Bilbao’s shipbuilding past. In 2003, the International Association of Congress Centres named it the World’s Best Congress Centre, underscoring its global importance.
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Zubizuri Bridge
Zubizuri Bridge, also known as the White Bridge or the Calatrava Bridge, is a tied arch footbridge spanning the Nervion River in Bilbao. Designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava and completed in 1997, the bridge is known for its distinctive glass deck and elegant, sail-like design. It is both a functional piece of infrastructure and a symbolic architectural monument, adding to the city’s modern urban landscape.
Google map 4.3/5
Mercado de la Ribera / Erribera merkatua (La Ribera Market)
Mercado de la Ribera is a bustling market located on the bank of the Nervion River in Bilbao’s Casco Viejo district. Recognized as the largest covered market in Europe, it spans over 10,000 square meters and houses hundreds of stalls. The market, which dates back to the 14th century, offers a vast array of fresh local produce, seafood, meats, and regional specialties. Its vibrant atmosphere and Art Deco design make it a must-visit for both foodies and architecture enthusiasts.
Google map 4.4/5
Arriaga Theatre (Teatro Arriaga / Arriaga Antzokia)
Arriaga Theatre is a neoclassical opera house in Bilbao, named after the Basque composer Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga. Opened in 1890, the theatre has become an emblem of the city’s cultural scene, hosting operas, ballets, concerts, and dramatic performances. Despite suffering damage and undergoing renovations over the years, it maintains its architectural charm and historic importance.
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Plaza Nueva
Plaza Nueva, or New Square, is a significant landmark in Bilbao’s Casco Viejo. This neoclassical square, completed in the 19th century, is a hub of social activity featuring numerous bars and restaurants. It’s renowned for its weekly Sunday market, where collectors gather to buy and sell coins, stamps, and other items. Plaza Nueva’s porticoed design creates an enclosed, atmospheric space that’s bustling both day and night.
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Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro (Shopping)
Gran Vía is the main commercial street in Bilbao, known for its bustling shops, businesses, and eateries. Officially named Gran Vía Don Diego López de Haro, after the city’s founder, it’s the economic heart of the city. The street’s architecture ranges from late-19th-century buildings to modern skyscrapers, reflecting Bilbao’s evolving urban landscape.
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Bilbao City Hall
Bilbao City Hall is an emblematic building located by the Nervion River. Built in the late 19th century, the city hall showcases a mix of Baroque and eclectic styles. Its façade is notable for the “Bilbao La Vieja” mural, a symbol of the city’s history. The lavish Arab Hall within, decorated in Mudejar style, is used for civil marriages and other ceremonies.
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San Mamés Stadium
San Mamés Stadium, known as “La Catedral” (The Cathedral), is the home ground of Athletic Bilbao, a football club with a rich history dating back to 1898. The modern stadium, completed in 2013, has a capacity of over 53,000. Its innovative design and impressive facilities have made it a prominent sporting venue, hosting not only football matches but also concerts and cultural events.
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Funicular de Artxanda (Funicular Railway)
Funicular de Artxanda is a funicular railway providing a quick route to the summit of Artxanda Mountain, a popular recreational area in Bilbao. Opened in 1915, the funicular offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape during its 3-minute journey. The summit hosts a park, sports facilities, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
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Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum Ria de Bilbao is situated on the estuary of Bilbao, where the city’s maritime and industrial heritage is preserved and showcased. The museum features exhibits on shipbuilding, trade, and life at sea, emphasizing Bilbao’s historical link to the river and the sea.
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Bilbao Cathedral (Bilboko Donejakue katedrala)
Bilbao Cathedral, officially named the Cathedral Basilica of Santiago, is the most significant religious structure in Bilbao. This Gothic-style cathedral, consecrated in 1954, is dedicated to the Apostle Saint James the Great (Santiago), the patron saint of Bilbao. Its beautiful cloister and intricate stained glass windows make it a must-visit for those interested in religious architecture.
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Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga Bilbao)
Azkuna Zentroa, formerly known as Alhóndiga Bilbao, is a multi-purpose venue located in a renovated wine warehouse in Bilbao. The building, redesigned by Philippe Starck and opened in 2010, contains a cinema, fitness centre, library, exhibition spaces, and a rooftop swimming pool with a glass bottom. The venue’s 43 columns, each with a unique design, are a notable feature, reflecting Bilbao’s commitment to innovative architecture.
Google map 4.5/5