Bilbao

🎭 Activities

Guggenheim Museum – Year-round: This world-famous museum, designed by Frank Gehry, is an architectural masterpiece showcasing contemporary art from renowned artists like Jeff Koons and Richard Serra. The shimmering titanium structure is as impressive as the artwork inside, with ever-changing exhibitions that push creative boundaries. Outside, visitors can admire iconic sculptures like Puppy and Maman, which have become symbols of the city. 

Casco Viejo – Year-round: Bilbao’s Old Town is a charming district filled with colorful buildings, narrow alleys, and lively plazas that reflect the city’s rich history. Visitors can explore traditional shops, historic churches, and cozy pintxos bars offering the best of Basque cuisine. The area comes alive in the evening, making it a great spot to experience local culture and nightlife. 

La Ribera Market – Year-round: Located along the Nervión River, this historic market is the largest covered food market in Europe, offering a vast selection of fresh seafood, meats, cheeses, and produce. It also features modern gastro-bars where visitors can enjoy high-quality Basque tapas paired with local wines. The lively atmosphere and stunning Art Deco architecture make it a must-visit for food lovers. 

Pintxos Tour – Year-round: Bilbao is famous for its pintxos, small gourmet bites that are a staple of Basque gastronomy, and hopping between different bars is a local tradition. From classic gilda skewers to innovative seafood creations, every stop offers a new taste experience. Exploring the best pintxos streets, such as Calle Ledesma or Plaza Nueva, is a culinary adventure in itself. 

Funicular de Artxanda – Year-round: This historic funicular takes visitors to the top of Mount Artxanda, offering breathtaking panoramic views over Bilbao’s skyline, the Nervión River, and the surrounding green hills. At the summit, there’s a park with scenic walking trails, local restaurants, and a famous Bilbao sign perfect for photos. It’s an excellent spot for a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. 

Bilbao Maritime Museum – Year-round: Located along the river, this museum highlights Bilbao’s naval history and industrial heritage through interactive exhibits, model ships, and preserved dockside cranes. Visitors can learn about the city’s evolution from a major shipbuilding center to a modern cultural hub. The outdoor exhibit area provides an up-close look at traditional Basque fishing boats. 

Azkuna Zentroa – Year-round: Originally a wine warehouse, this striking building has been transformed into a dynamic cultural and leisure center featuring art exhibitions, a library, a rooftop swimming pool, and modern event spaces. Designed by Philippe Starck, the interior is a blend of historic and futuristic elements, with colorful columns and unique architectural details. It’s a hub for creativity, entertainment, and relaxation. 

San Mamés Stadium Tour – Year-round: Known as “The Cathedral of Football,” this stadium is home to Athletic Club, one of Spain’s most historic football teams, and offers guided tours through its museum, locker rooms, and pitchside area. Fans can learn about the club’s unique tradition of only recruiting Basque players and its deep connection to local identity. On match days, the atmosphere inside the stadium is electrifying. 

Aste Nagusia – August: Bilbao’s biggest annual celebration transforms the city into a giant street party with fireworks, concerts, traditional Basque sports, and cultural performances. The festival is led by Marijaia, a symbolic figure representing joy and festivity, and includes lively parades and open-air festivities. Locals and visitors alike embrace the energetic atmosphere, making it an unforgettable experience. 

Zubizuri Bridge – Year-round: Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this sleek white pedestrian bridge arches elegantly over the Nervión River, connecting different parts of the city. Its unique curved glass walkway and futuristic design make it one of Bilbao’s most photographed landmarks. A nighttime visit is particularly magical when the bridge is beautifully illuminated. 

Basque Coast Day Trip – Year-round: Just outside Bilbao, the Basque coastline offers dramatic cliffs, picturesque fishing villages, and scenic beaches perfect for a day of exploration. Highlights include San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a stunning island with a winding stone staircase leading to a historic hermitage, famously featured in Game of Thrones. The breathtaking landscapes and fresh seafood make it a perfect escape from the city. 

Bilbao Nightlife – Year-round: The city offers a vibrant nightlife scene, ranging from chic cocktail bars to underground music venues and lively clubs. The Moyúa and Indautxu districts are popular for stylish lounges and dance clubs, while Casco Viejo is home to cozy pubs with live music. Whether enjoying a relaxed evening with local wines or dancing until dawn, Bilbao has something for every night owl. 

🔹 Small Facts

• The Origin of Bilbao’s Name: Bilbao was founded in 1300 and its name is believed to come from the Basque word “Bilbo,” meaning “mouth of the river.” The city was established as a port to facilitate trade along the Nervión River. Over time, Bilbao grew into an industrial powerhouse, particularly in iron and steel production. 

• Bilbao and the Industrial Revolution: During the 19th century, Bilbao became a key industrial center in Spain, driven by its location and its booming shipbuilding, steel, and iron industries. This period of rapid industrialization transformed the city’s economy and architecture, with factories and warehouses populating the landscape. The legacy of this era can still be seen in its industrial architecture. 

• The Guggenheim Museum and Bilbao’s Transformation: The opening of the Guggenheim Museum in 1997, designed by Frank Gehry, marked a cultural renaissance for Bilbao. The museum’s striking contemporary design has become a symbol of the city’s transformation from an industrial hub to a modern cultural capital. It has attracted millions of visitors, boosting tourism and the city’s economy. 

• Bilbao’s Role in Basque Culture: Bilbao is the cultural heart of the Basque Country, with deep roots in Basque traditions, language, and identity. The city’s cultural institutions, such as the Euskal Museoa, showcase Basque history, art, and heritage. Bilbao’s role in preserving and promoting Basque culture is a significant part of its identity. 

• The Bilbao Ría and Its Historical Importance: The Bilbao Ría, or river, has been central to the city’s development since its founding. The Nervión River facilitated trade and transportation, establishing Bilbao as an important port. Over the years, the river has been the lifeblood of the city, shaping its economic, social, and cultural landscape. 

• The Old Quarter of Bilbao (Casco Viejo): The Casco Viejo, or Old Quarter, is the historical heart of Bilbao, where the city was first established. The area is home to narrow, winding streets, charming squares, and traditional Basque architecture. It retains its historic charm with landmarks like the Santiago Cathedral and the Plaza Nueva. 

• Bilbao and the Spanish Civil War: During the Spanish Civil War, Bilbao was a significant Republican stronghold, and it endured heavy bombing by Nationalist forces in 1937. The city’s industrial infrastructure was severely damaged during the conflict. Today, the effects of the war are remembered through monuments and museums. 

• The Bilbao Cathedral and Its History: The Bilbao Cathedral, also known as Santiago Cathedral, is a Gothic-style church dating back to the 14th century. It stands as a testament to the city’s medieval past and is a key stop along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The cathedral’s architectural beauty and historical importance make it one of Bilbao’s most visited landmarks. 

• The Plaza Moyúa and Bilbao’s Modern Heart: The Plaza Moyúa is one of Bilbao’s most important and central squares, reflecting the city’s blend of tradition and modernity. Surrounded by historic buildings, it is also home to the elegant Hotel Carlton and serves as a major transport hub. The square plays a key role in Bilbao’s urban life and is a focal point for both locals and visitors. 

• Bilbao’s Role in Basque Cuisine: Bilbao is renowned for its culinary traditions, particularly its pintxos (small tapas-style dishes). The city has a vibrant food scene, with numerous bars and restaurants serving up Basque specialties such as bacalao (salted cod) and marmitako (fisherman’s stew). Bilbao’s food culture is an integral part of the city’s identity. 

• The Abandoibarra District and Urban Renewal: The Abandoibarra district in Bilbao has undergone extensive urban renewal since the 1990s, transforming from an industrial area to a modern cultural and commercial hub. The construction of the Guggenheim Museum sparked this revitalization, and today, Abandoibarra features a blend of contemporary architecture, parks, and museums. 

• Bilbao and the Basque Language (Euskara): The Basque language, Euskara, is widely spoken in Bilbao, and the city plays a key role in promoting its use and preservation. While Spanish is also spoken, Euskara remains an integral part of the city’s culture, with many signs, schools, and cultural institutions operating in the language. 

• Bilbao’s Green Spaces and Parks: Despite its industrial history, Bilbao is home to many green spaces and parks, offering a balance between urban life and nature. The city’s most famous park is Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, known for its beautiful landscapes, fountains, and tranquil atmosphere. These green spaces are central to the city’s quality of life. 

• The Art of Bilbao’s Street Murals: Bilbao is increasingly known for its vibrant street art scene, with murals adorning buildings throughout the city. Artists use the city’s walls to express social, political, and cultural themes. These murals have become an important form of artistic expression, adding color and creativity to the urban environment. 

• Bilbao’s Festivals and Traditions: Bilbao hosts a variety of annual festivals, celebrating Basque culture, music, and traditions. The Bilbao BBK Live music festival and the Aste Nagusia (Great Week) are among the most famous. These festivals bring together locals and tourists for a celebration of music, food, and Basque heritage.