22 Incredible List Of Things To Do In Bilbao, Spain

The Guggenheim Museum gleams in Bilbao, Spain, with its unique metal exterior catching sunlight from every angle. This remarkable building transformed the city since opening 25 years ago.

Two incredible sculptures greet people outside - a towering flower-covered dog called Puppy and an immense spider named Mamá. The museum's distinctive shape creates an unforgettable sight against the Spanish sky.

Inside, each room displays bold contemporary art pieces that inspire and amaze. The building's innovative design combines with exceptional exhibitions to make the Guggenheim a notable destination for experiencing modern art.

The Casco Viejo stretches across the oldest part of Bilbao, where cobblestone streets tell stories from 700 years ago. Local people nicknamed this district 'siete calles', meaning seven streets.

Though ancient in appearance, this neighborhood buzzes with energy as new restaurants and shops open alongside traditional buildings. Places like Los Jardines serve local wines, while Santa Maria offers delicious pintxo snacks.

Small stores line the narrow streets, selling interesting items to passing people. The mix of old stone buildings and fresh, modern businesses makes this historic area an essential part of experiencing Bilbao.

The bridges of Bilbao connect two sides of the city, divided by the Nirvión estuary. Each bridge tells a different chapter of Bilbao's past and present. The San Antón bridge dates back to the fourteenth century, displaying the earliest engineering skills.

The modern Zubizuri bridge, created by Calatrava, adds sleek white curves to the cityscape. The Puente de Deusto lifts to let boats pass beneath, while the new Frank Gehry bridge brings fresh design to these waters.

Together, these bridges link not just the city's shores, but also its rich history with its modern identity.

The Museo de Bellas Artes stands as one of Bilbao's earliest art spaces, established in the early 1900s. This museum contains remarkable paintings by El Greco, Murillo, Gauguin, and Goya.

Each room presents different artworks created by Spanish and Basque painters across different time periods. The building houses significant pieces of classical art, extending beyond the modern focus of the Guggenheim Museum.

People interested in traditional Spanish paintings discover countless masterpieces within this established cultural space.

Mercado de la Ribera exists as the largest covered market in Europe, displaying the finest elements of Basque cooking. Sunlight streams through stained-glass windows, illuminating fresh local ingredients from across the region.

The market includes dining areas that look out onto the river, perfect for tasting traditional Basque dishes. Beneath the main floor, a new jazz bar adds music to the experience.

This grand marketplace brings together the essential components of Basque food culture under one expansive roof, making it an important destination for experiencing local flavors.

Perched high above the city sits the beautiful Basilica of Begoña, a special church that holds a magical story. People say the Virgin Mary once appeared right where the church now stands!

The whole community came together to build this amazing place, giving their money and support. It took over 100 years to complete, but the result was worth it - a stunning Gothic church that's now home to Bizkaia's beloved patron saint.

Want to visit? Just be ready for a workout - you'll need to climb 316 steps to reach the top! Local people lovingly call the Virgin 'amaxu' (meaning mother), and they gather here on August 15 and October 11 to celebrate.

Casilda Iturrizar Park is Bilbao's green heart, where locals come to catch their breath from busy city life. The locals fondly call it "the duck's park" because of its lovely pond where different birds splash and swim.

You'll find people enjoying sports, having peaceful picnics under shady trees, or watching the beautiful water shows at the fountain. There's even a special spot for music performances!

Whether you want to feed the ducks, spread out a blanket for lunch, or simply enjoy nature's calm, this park offers a perfect escape right in the middle of the city.

The old town's Plaza Nueva buzzes with energy and laughter. Local families and friends fill the outdoor tables at the beloved Cafe Bar Bilbao, while others wander past, enjoying the historic atmosphere.

Sundays bring a magical transformation as sellers spread out treasured old books, furniture, and records across the square.

Just a short walk away, mornings at El Arenal burst with color - flowers of every shade line the paths, their sweet scents drifting through the air. Locals say this square captures the true soul of their city.

The riverside docks light up as the sun sets, drawing locals out for evening fun. Bilbao's residents flock to two special spots - Muelle Marzana, tucked behind the Rivera Market, and Muelle de Ripa, right across from Arriaga Theatre.

Here, friends share glasses of wine and tasty snacks while boats glide by on the water. The docks buzz with chatter and laughter as night falls. Some come for quiet evening drinks, others join the lively weekend crowds.

Either way, these waterfront hangouts show off the best of Bilbao's nightlife.

Among tall trees in El Arenal stands a unique little music kiosk. Its round shape and big windows let everyone see the musicians clearly on their beautiful Art-Deco stage, since there are no pillars blocking the view.

Local bands fill the air with music every Sunday, making the park come alive with melodies. Below ground, a cozy café welcomes visitors who want to grab a drink. The kiosk adds a bit of magic to El Arenal park, mixing music and nature in one special spot.

High above Bilbao sits Monte Artxanda, where locals love spending sunny afternoons. A historic cable car from the early 1900s carries visitors up the hillside, making the climb easy and fun.

At the top, the whole city spreads out below like a living map. You can spot famous buildings, winding streets, and the river cutting through town.

Many visitors grab a seat at one of the restaurants to sip Txakoli wine with gilda snacks while soaking in the amazing views of Bilbao below.

The Itsasmuseum tells the story of Bilbao's deep connection to the sea. Once a busy shipyard, this museum now holds treasures from the city's ocean-going past.

Visitors learn how boats were built, discover stories of brave sea rescues, and see beautiful artwork inspired by waves and ships. The displays show how boats and trade shaped Bilbao into the city it is today.

Walking through the old shipyard, you'll see how sailors, builders, and workers made their living from the sea across many years.

Bilbao's Maritime Museum opens a window into the city's fascinating past. This special place, built in an old shipyard, shares stories of how boats, ships, and the sea shaped Bilbao's history.

Visitors discover amazing exhibits about building massive ships, brave sea rescues, and beautiful artwork inspired by ocean adventures.

Walking through the museum reveals how the busy port helped Bilbao grow into the vibrant city we see today. Kids and adults alike love exploring the displays that bring the city's seafaring heritage to life.

The beautiful Teatro Arriaga stands proudly in Bilbao, catching everyone's eye with its fairytale-like design. Named after a local musical genius, this special building matches the style of the famous Paris Opera.

The theater has survived tough times - a big fire destroyed it in 1914, and water filled its halls during a flood in 1983. Today, it fills Bilbao with music, dance, and wonderful shows.

Curious visitors can join tours to explore its hidden corners and learn stories from its 125-year history. The building's secrets and grand halls make every visit an adventure.

Far from Bilbao's busy streets sits a magical chapel on a tiny island - San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. A stone bridge leads away from the shore, stretching across the sea to meet 241 stairs climbing up to the chapel.

Movie fans might spot this place from Game of Thrones, where it starred as Dragonstone castle. The climb brings a special reward: a chance to ring the chapel bell three times and send wishes into the ocean air. 

Though it takes 45 minutes to drive here, the breathtaking sights of waves, cliffs, and sky make this little journey pure magic.

Standing tall as Bilbao's pioneering skyscraper, the Rascacielos de Bailén opened its doors in the 1940s, marking a bold step into the city's future.

When other buildings barely reached above the streets, this tower soared past 40 meters, catching everyone's eye. Today, its unique Chicago-inspired style from the 1800s makes it stand out among newer buildings - some might even call it unusual.

But the real magic happens when you reach the top. From the rooftop, you can soak in breathtaking views of Bilbao's historic heart, with its winding streets and ancient buildings spread out below like a living storybook.

Stretching across the waters stands the incredible Vizcaya Bridge, a groundbreaking achievement as the world's first ferry bridge built with metal.

This remarkable structure has connected people for over 100 years, earning its place on UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage list. Whether you drive, walk, cycle, or take the train across, each journey feels special.

But the real highlight awaits 50 meters up - the footbridge path offers stunning views of the Nervión river flowing into the vast Cantabrian sea.

This engineering marvel shows how dreams of connecting communities turned into reality through innovative design and determination.

The massive Mural Soñar brightens up a building in Olabeaga, spreading its message of dreams across Bilbao.

This huge artwork, created by the talented SpY group, quickly became one of the city's most recognizable sights and brought new energy to the Olabeaga area.

The Spanish word "soñar" (meaning "to dream") appears in bold, unique lettering that captures attention from spots all around the city.

While you can spot this artwork from different locations, standing near it lets you truly appreciate its enormous scale and the special style of its letters, making it worth the trip to see up close.

San Mamés stadium serves as the beating heart of Athletic Bilbao football club. The modern arena welcomes devoted fans who gather here regularly to cheer for their beloved team.

While the building itself features new, comfortable facilities, it holds onto the raw passion that makes Athletic Bilbao special.

Step inside the stadium's museum to uncover decades of remarkable wins, see treasured trophies, and learn about the players who shaped this legendary club.

From historic matches to unforgettable goals, San Mamés holds stories that paint a picture of one of football's most unique teams.

The elegant Gran Vía stands as Bilbao's central boulevard, ranking among Spain's most striking streets. This grand avenue showcases beautiful architecture at every turn, lined with charming shops and local restaurants serving mouthwatering pintxos.

Between Plaza Elíptica and Plaza Circular, people can walk freely without cars, making it perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll. The street carries the full name "Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro" to honor the city's founder.

At the eastern end, a special statue shows Don Diego López holding the 'Carta Constitucional', adding a meaningful touch to this historic boulevard's story.

Azkuna Zentroa brings new life to La Alhóndiga, a bold modernist building that once stored wine. Today, this cultural hub in central Bilbao amazes everyone with its unique design by architect Philippe Stark.

The space features 43 distinct pillars, each telling its own story about how art mixes with daily life. Inside this transformed building, people gather to enjoy shows, exhibits, and cultural events.

The creative design turns what was once a simple storage space into a place where imagination and culture come together under one roof.

Puerto Viejo de Algorta, just a 10-minute drive from Bilbao in the town of Getxo, preserves its rich fishing heritage in every corner.

This charming neighborhood welcomes people to savor local treats like quisquillas and caracolinos while looking out over Ereaga beach. Small squares dot the area, connected by winding streets lined with white houses that tell stories of the past.

Each hidden alley and quiet corner in this beautiful Bizkaia neighborhood shows the deep bond between the Basque Country and its seafaring roots.