The once unremarkable city with a gray appearance has now turned into a land of futuristic skyscrapers and significant places. Many of Bilbao’s attractions are known all over the world, but even aimless walks through the streets of the unofficial capital of the Basque Country are fun. We will advise you what to see in Bilbao during your trip. Industrial complexes, a lot of entertainment centers, a magnificent embankment offer excellent opportunities for shopping and walking.
What to see in Bilbao first of all
Despite the obvious development of the city in terms of architecture, folk traditions are still revered here, and ancient interesting places are harmoniously interspersed with modern facilities of developed infrastructure.
1. The Guggenheim Museum
Panorama of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and in the distance you can see the footbridge of the Subisuri Matt Kieffer
The sight of this object takes your breath away. All the guides in Bilbao recommend to see it first. It is difficult to understand what symbolizes the futuristic style of construction with a height of 50 m – a flower or a liner. The walls are represented by titanium plates in the shape of fish scales, sparkling in the sun. Inside there are stone installations, running video clips, if you’re lucky – exhibitions of paintings by famous artists, organized there from time to time. In front of the museum there is a metal sculpture of a spider, called “Maman”, and a 13-meter-high terrier made of flowers. In general, the rating of this place is deservedly high.
Official website: https://www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus
Bilbao | Hotels at competitive prices
Booking.com
2. Plaza Nueva or New Square
A square square surrounded on all sides by buildings with arcades
Don’t know what to see in Bilbao in 1 day if you don’t have much time? This square is interesting because it looks like a large courtyard surrounded by majestic buildings. Palm trees around the perimeter, a statue of King Ferdinand III and a flea market on Sundays. A sunny place with cafes and benches where you can sit away from the hustle and bustle. On holidays, mass celebrations are organized here.
3. Biscay Bridge
The oldest bridge with a suspended cabin over the night city
If you list the main attractions of Bilbao briefly, this bridge will definitely be among them. The transporter bridge, which began functioning at the end of the nineteenth century, is capable of moving a suspended gondola with people and cars around the clock. A panoramic elevator takes passengers to the top, from where you can walk to the other side, unless, of course, you are afraid of heights. The idea of creating such a bridge is amazing, as well as its implementation.
Official website: https://puente-colgante.com
4. The Campo Volantine Bridge
View from the Nervion River to the suspended arched pedestrian bridge of Campo Volantine
In the Basque language, its name means “White Bridge”, also one of the best attractions in Bilbao. The base of the 75-meter bridge is constructed from a large number of strings, according to this nuance, you can easily guess the author of the project. Santiago Calatrava’s fantasy has created several similar “string” bridges, each of them is original. The concept of an arched suspended structure creates a feeling of airiness, and the bridge itself is paved with glass tiles, which, as the reviews show, is extremely impractical, but very beautiful. In the dark, the glass fragments glow, emphasizing the contrast of the white bridge with the black water.
5. Basilica de Begogna
The facade of the Basilica de Begogna or the Basilica of Our Lady of Begogna, built in the XVI century
The church is located on a hill, from where you can overlook the city. In the temple there is an icon of the Virgin of Begonia, the patroness of sailors. His story is interesting and difficult. The church underwent a number of reconstructions and seizures, and for some time even served as a fortress for the army of the Kristinos. Not every tourist will find their way here, unless you have time left after visiting the main attractions.
Feel the atmosphere of Bilbao in this beautiful video!
6. St. Nicholas Church
The Church of St. Nicholas on San Nicolas Square is dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen
Spanish sailors have always been under the protection of the saints. Saint Nicholas is one of them, before sailing the sailors came here to pray to their patron saint. When going on a trip to Bilbao, plan a visit here. The Baroque style can be seen through the facade with clocks and towers, dimensions and exterior design. The interior with a lot of gilding is no less spectacular. The temple is located on the riverbank, so after the tour you can walk along the shore and walk along the bridge located nearby.
Official website: https://www.bilbaoturismo.net
7. St. James Cathedral
Facade of the Cathedral of St. James Zarateman
We will advise where to go in Bilbao for connoisseurs of ancient churches. The cathedral is a striking representative of the classical Gothic style, decorated with pointed arches and tall pointed spires. In the interior, a dozen and a half chapels, statues of saints dating from the Middle Ages, and other historical relics deserve special attention. Fruit trees grow in the courtyard of the cathedral.
Official website: https://catedraldesantiago.es
8. Artxanda Funicular
Artxand Funicular station at night
Opened at the beginning of the last century, this funicular lifts tourists to Artxanda Mountain in 3 minutes. The top of the mountain is equipped with a hotel complex, restaurants, a recreation park, and a sports ground. Well, what’s a trip without colorful photos? A wonderful view opens up from here – a great reason for a memorable photo shoot.
Official website: https://www.bilbao.eus
9. Arriaga Theatre
The main facade of the Arriaga Theater in the Old Town near the Arenal Bridge is convex with balconies
Travelers are fascinated by both the architecture of the theater and the location on the waterfront. It fits so well into the landscape of the city that it is visible from all sides. The luxurious interior is in no way inferior to the beauty of the facade, immediately at the entrance the wide imperial staircase strikes with beauty. If you succeed, try to get to one of the performances.
Official website: https://www.teatroarriaga.eus
10. Alondiga Entertainment Complex
The cultural and entertainment center of Alondiga in the building of the former winery of the beginning of the XX century Tereajuria
Rest, in the understanding of many, is not only a visit to the sights. If you are wondering what to visit in Bilbao for the purpose of having fun, then this entertainment complex is perfect for this. Inside there are venues for concerts, a disco, nightclubs, restaurants, a library, and the center of the courtyard is illuminated by an artificial sun! For lovers of original recreation– go to the upper floor, to the pool with a transparent bottom.
Official website: https://www.azkunazentroa.eus
11. The Basque Museum
Mikeldi stone sculpture in the outdoor courtyard of the KneeniG Basque Museum
With the aim of preserving Basque culture, at the beginning of the last century, the city authorities created this museum. The first exhibitions consisted of gifts from citizens who voluntarily parted with old clothes of historical value, artifacts, books, dishes, etc. Today, more than a thousand exhibits are collected here. The museum will be of interest to anyone interested in Basque culture and the region as a whole.
Official website: https://www.euskal-museoa.eus
12. Museum of Fine Arts
Futuristic building of the Museum of Fine Arts with glass walls
It is a traditional museum with a good collection of fine art objects. The works of El Greco, Goya, Tapies, Bermejo, etc. are kept here. It is convenient to differentiate the halls by time periods. The reviews mention cheap tickets, a pleasant cafe on the 1st floor, the proximity of the river and the park, where you can take a walk after visiting the expositions.
Official website: https://www.museobilbao.com
13. Maritime Museum
The exposition of the open-air maritime Museum in the docks of the old shipyard of Euskaldun Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
(3445068239).jpg)_
This museum attracts visitors with the non-standard architecture of the building and the original design of the exhibits, some of which are located in the open air. Don’t know what to see in Bilbao? Come here! Inside, on the third floor, there is a collection of schooners, boats, longboats and ships from ancient times. Other exhibits include cabins of research scientists and instruments. Some of the exhibits tell about the hard work of fishermen and their way of life. If you wait until noon, you can see how a diver descends into a large aquarium to feed its inhabitants.
Official website: https://www.museomaritimobilbao.eus
14. Euskaldun’s Palace
The building of the Euskaldun Palace on the riverbank in night illumination
The city Symphony Orchestra operates in a building built in the shape of a huge ship. In addition to the traditional concert venue and rows, there are opportunities for shopping and recreation in the form of restaurants (one of them has been awarded a Michelin star) and galleries with shops.
Official website: https://www.euskalduna.eus
15. The Palace of the Council of the Province of Biscay
The Council Palace is the building where the Government of Biscay sits
The building, also a landmark of Bilbao, was built at the junction of the XIX-XX centuries in an original eclectic style. The architectural project was approved only as a result of two competitions. The building turned out to be recognizable, monumental, richly decorated. In front of the main entrance there are original cast iron lanterns in the shape of eagles with lamps in their beaks. At the beginning of this century, the building was renovated.
Bilbao Attractions: What else to visit in Bilbao?
Looking at the sights of Bilbao with photos with names and descriptions before the trip, you involuntarily analyze the contrast between the ultramodern architecture and the dignified restraint of ancient buildings. But he is mesmerizing, captivating with the desire to see it firsthand.
16. Bilbao City Hall
The elegant Bilbao City Hall or the Consistory House on Ercoreco Ernesto Square
Quite a classic building, topped with a spire, is located on the riverbank. It is made in a classic manner, is not burdened with unnecessary decorative elements, has clear lines and strict proportionate proportions. Not to say that it is incredibly beautiful, but still catches the eye even from the other shore. It is always crowded in front of the building, sometimes you can witness rallies and demonstrations taking place in front of the city hall.
17. Concordia Train Station
The stunning Concordia Train Station in the Ensanche area of Björn S.
The best hotels in Bilbao with high-quality European service are located near the station. The area in which it is located began to be built up at the dawn of the nineteenth century. The station building was built in the early years of the last century, the conceptual style of the author of the project chose modern. Despite the modest decoration with architectural elements, the building is quite interesting and attracts attention.
18. Ribera Market
The Art Deco Ribera Market stands at the water’s edge
One of the largest in Europe, this market can be considered a landmark in Spain. The building, made in the shape of a liner with three decks, accommodates a huge number of shops with fish, vegetables and seafood, restaurants. The farm department is located on the top floor.
19. San Mames Stadium
View of the San Mames Stadium from the Nervion River
Persistent recommendations to football fans to look at this impressive structure. Built several years ago, the stadium can accommodate up to 40 thousand fans. As of today, construction work continues. The tourist reviews note its comfort and convenience of location.
Official website: https://www.athletic-club.eus
20. Dona Casilda Iturrisar Park
Fountain on the territory of Dona Casilda Iturrisar Park
After an eventful excursion to Bilbao, a walk through this park will relieve fatigue. The eye is pleased with the garden created in the English style, a pond with swans and ducks, peacocks strutting around the territory. Here you can also visit the Museum of Fine Arts. Visitors enjoy the view of the singing fountain and the variety performances that take place in the evenings.
This city is devoid of the traditional Spanish fiery fuse inherent in conquistadors, graceful girls and, in general, the indigenous population of Spain. The beauty of Bilbao lies in the antiquity of traditions, the mystery of the people, the originality of their life. The Basque country is a special land, it can surprise you! Read also about the sights of Granada and be inspired to travel further in Spain.
English 
Russian 
German 
Polish