Best Things to Do in Bilbao for Culture Lovers
Bilbao sits in northern Spain’s Basque Country. This city mixes old traditions with modern art. It’s where industrial heritage meets world-class museums. The things to do in Bilbao range from iconic museums to hidden local gems. In other words, it’s my kinda of city.
A friend told me I would love Bilbao, and he was right. Between the museums, the architecture and the food, it was a city filled with wonder. If you’re thinking of a city break in Spain, skip Barcelona and come here instead. Here are my top things to do in Bilbao for culture buffs.
A brief history of Bilbao
Bilbao’s origins trace back to settlements along the Nervión River estuary, with the city officially founded in 1300. Initially, the city was a small fishing village, but it soon developed into a thriving commercial center. Its location, with easy access to the sea, made trade easy with Europe and the Americas.
Bilbao became a free port, allowing for duty-free trade, which further boosted its commercial activity. The city’s economy flourished, driven by trade in wool, iron ore and its growing merchant fleet. By the 1800s, the city was Spain’s leading industrial center. The population jumped from 10,000 to 80,000 people in just 50 years.
The Spanish Civil War hit Bilbao hard in 1937. The bombings destroyed much of the old city. After Franco’s forces took control, the Basque language was banned for decades. Economic growth continued, but cultural identity suffered as a result.
The crisis emerged in the 1980s, when steel demand worldwide declined. Shipyards closed one by one. Unemployment reached 25%. Young people left for other cities. The river had been polluted for decades due to industrial activity.
Then came a bold plan in the 1990s. City leaders wanted to transform Bilbao into a cultural hub. They cleaned up the river and turned old industrial sites into parks and museums. The Guggenheim Museum opened in 1997, and it changed everything. Tourism boomed. The city has revitalized itself through art and culture, earning recognition for its urban transformation and innovative approach to city planning.
Why Bilbao is the perfect destination for cultural travellers
Bilbao feels like Spain’s best-kept secret. While tourists pack into Madrid’s Prado or Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, you can have world-class art almost to yourself here. The city’s compact size means you can see the Guggenheim’s titanium curves and then walk five minutes to medieval streets where locals still speak Euskera, the ancient Basque language.
This cultural richness runs deeper here than in most Spanish cities. Basque identity survived centuries of suppression. Today, it blooms in everything from street signs in two languages to folk festivals that predate Roman rule. You’re not just visiting Spain – you’re discovering a culture that exists nowhere else on earth.
The food alone justifies the trip. Sure, Bilbao has Michelin-star restaurants, but the real magic happens in neighbourhood pintxos bars where grandmothers’ perfect recipes are passed down for generations. Watch a chef torch a piece of foie gras, then serve it on bread next to his grandmother’s pickled peppers. Traditional and modern dance together on every plate.
Architecture tells Bilbao’s story in steel and stone. Frank Gehry’s flowing museum sits where shipyards once built vessels for the Spanish fleet. Medieval alleys wind past Art Nouveau mansions built by iron barons. Every corner reveals another chapter in the city’s remarkable transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a cultural capital.
Things to do in Bilbao
There are many things to do in Bilbao within a walkable city center. You can study Picasso in the morning, eat your way through the old quarter at lunch, and then catch sunset views from the hills. Most attractions cluster within a 20-minute walk of each other, making it easy to mix art, food, and history in a single day.
1. Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
The Guggenheim Museum is Frank Gehry’s titanium-clad masterpiece that changed how the world sees museum architecture. The building itself is as famous as the art inside. Here, you’ll find contemporary works displayed strategically around natural light and flowing curves. Don’t miss the Jeff Koons’ 40-foot flower-covered Puppy that guards the entrance year-round. Book tickets online to skip the lines, especially in summer.
2. Explore Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)
Seven medieval streets form Bilbao’s original heart, called Siete Calles. The maze of narrow alleys hides family-run shops, traditional bars and the Gothic Santiago Cathedral. On Sunday mornings, you’ll find a lively market in Plaza Nueva, where vendors sell everything from vintage books to local honey. This is where locals go to eat, shop and socialize. And so should you.
3. Discover Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
Spain’s second-largest art collection lives in this often-overlooked museum. The works here span from medieval religious art to contemporary Basque painters. You’ll find pieces by Goya, El Greco and Picasso without the crowds of Madrid’s major museums. Don’t miss the peaceful sculpture garden for a quiet break between galleries.
4. Browse Mercado de la Ribera
Europe’s largest covered market has fed Bilbao for nearly a century. Housed over three floors, the market highlights the region’s best produce, seafood pulled fresh from the Bay of Biscay, and local specialties like Idiazábal cheese. Stop by one of the top-floor restaurants for a lunch made from ingredients bought downstairs. Come hungry and early for the best selection.
5. Experience Pintxos bar hopping
Small plates line every bar counter in the old quarter. This is one of the most authentic things to do in Bilbao – locals stand, eat, drink and move to the next bar. Point to what looks good or ask for recommendations. It starts around 7 p.m. when the post-work crowd arrives. Each bar has its specialty, so trying multiple places is part of the experience. Not sure where to start? Take a pintxos food tour with a local.
6. Ride the Funicular de Artxanda
Take the century-old cable railway to Mount Artxanda. The ride takes three minutes, and the reward is the view of Bilbao that spreads out below with the Cantabrian Mountains in the distance. Time your visit for sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle. There are also a few restaurants at the top that serve dinner with views.
7. Visit the Bilbao Maritime Museum
Learn about the city’s shipbuilding past through interactive exhibits and restored vessels. Don’t miss the submarine simulator and shipbuilding workshops. The museum is situated in the former Euskalduna shipyard, where workers once constructed everything from fishing boats to naval destroyers. It’s one of the best things to do in Bilbao on a rainy afternoon.
8. Get a cultural fix at Azkuna Zentroa
This striking cultural center sits in a converted 1900s wine warehouse. Philippe Starck transformed the industrial space into a modern hub for art, film and design. The building’s 43 glass-topped columns create a cathedral-like atmosphere. Check out rotating exhibitions, catch an art-house flick, or just admire the architecture. The rooftop pool and gym offer city views if you need a break from exploring.
9. Catch a game at Estadio San Mamés
Athletic Bilbao’s home stadium is known as “The Cathedral” for good reason. This temple to Basque football has one of Europe’s most passionate fan bases. The club only signs Basque players, making every match a celebration of local identity. Even if you’re not a football fan, the pre-game atmosphere in nearby bars is infectious. Check the schedule – tickets can be hard to get for big matches.
Don’t have time for a game? Take a tour of the San Mamés museum and stadium instead.
10. Grab a drink at Plaza Nueva
This elegant neoclassical square is Bilbao’s social heart, especially after dark. Covered arcades house some of the city’s best pintxos bars and traditional taverns. Sunday mornings bring a bustling market, but evenings are when the plaza comes alive. Order a kalimotxo (red wine mixed with cola) like the locals do, or stick to traditional Rioja. The outdoor terraces fill up fast on warm nights.
11. Walk across Zubizuri Bridge
Visit Santiago Calatrava’s white arch bridge that connects old Bilbao with the modern Abandoibarra district. The glass walkway can get slippery when wet, but the views of the river and surrounding architecture make the crossing worthwhile. It’s become one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.
12. Attend a show at Teatro Arriaga
Bilbao’s elegant opera house has hosted performances since 1890. The neo-baroque building survived Civil War bombing and decades of neglect before its 1980s restoration. Check the schedule for opera, ballet, or concerts during your visit. Even if you don’t catch a show, the lobby’s ornate ceiling and grand staircase are worth seeing, especially if you love architecture.
13. Visit the Bizkaia Bridge
This UNESCO World Heritage site spans the Nervión River between Portugalete and Las Arenas, about 20 minutes from central Bilbao. Built in 1893, it was the world’s first transporter bridge where a high platform carries cars and passengers across without blocking ship traffic below. If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Bilboa, take a ride on the hanging gondola or climb to the top walkway for panoramic views of the river mouth and the Bay of Biscay. The engineering marvel inspired similar bridges worldwide and remains a symbol of Basque industrial ingenuity.
14. Go for an architectural hunt
Having undergone a transformation from an industrial port to a cultural capital, Bilbao has a great deal to offer architecture enthusiasts. There are gorgeous buildings everywhere. Start with Frank Gehry’s flowing Guggenheim, then contrast it with the Gothic Santiago Cathedral just blocks away.
Stroll down the Gran Vía to see Belle Époque mansions built by iron barons in the early 1900s. Don’t miss the Art Nouveau Bar Basque for a drink in style.
Don’t miss the Bilbao architecture and churches tour – book your spot today.
15. Take a guided tour of Bilbao
One of the best things to do in Bilbao is to take a guided tour. Tours are a great way to see Bilbao, especially if you don’t have a lot of time or are unsure where to start. I recommend starting your city break in Bilbao with a tour to get a better lay of the land. Here are several tour ideas to get you started.
How to get to Bilbao
- By air: Bilbao Airport sits 12km from the city center. Budget airlines connect to major European cities. The airport bus runs every 20 minutes to downtown. Taxis cost about €25.
- By train: High-speed trains don’t reach Bilbao yet. Regular trains connect to Madrid (5 hours) and Barcelona (7 hours). The train station sits in the city center.
- By bus: Long-distance buses are cheaper than trains. ALSA runs services across Spain. The bus station is next to the train station.
- By car: Bilbao sits on the A-8 highway along Spain’s north coast. Parking in the center costs €1-2 per hour. Many hotels offer parking deals.
Practical travel info
- Best time to visit: May through September offers warm weather. July and August can be crowded and very hot. Spring and fall have mild temperatures and fewer tourists.
- Getting around: The metro connects all major attractions. Single tickets cost €1.70. Day passes cost €4.50. Most sights are easily accessible on foot in the compact city center.
- Language: Spanish and Basque are both official languages. Most people speak some English in tourist areas. Learning a few basic phrases can be helpful.
- Money: Spain uses the euro. Cards work everywhere. ATMs are common. Tipping isn’t expected, but 5-10% is nice for good service.
- Where to stay: The Old Quarter puts you near restaurants and sights. The Ensanche district has modern hotels. Book early during festival seasons.
- What to pack: Bring a light rain jacket. Weather changes quickly near the coast. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Final thoughts on things to do in Bilbao on a city break
Bilbao rewards travellers who want a culture without chaos. When planning your list of things to do in Bilbao, schedule two to three days to see the main sights. The city’s compact size makes everything easily accessible, but you do want to enjoy the city, not just jump from one place to another. I loved exploring Bilbao and I think you’ll love it too.
