Best things to do in Bilbao

1. The unavoidable Guggenheim Museum

More than 20 years ago, the Guggenheim Museum opened on the banks of the Nervión. The abstract metallic and glazed structure is a symbol of the transformation that Bilbao went through, from industrial production to an authentic center of groundbreaking art, with a fascinating architecture and a spectacular gastronomy.

Visiting the Guggenheim Museum is a great experience. The Frank Gehry-designed building is more architecturally daring and innovative than anything you've ever seen. Visitors can spend hours observing the entire museum, wondering whether they are more impressed by the structure itself or by the contemporary compositions of Jeff Koons (like the iconic giant puppy covered in flowers), Richard Serra, and other artists who push their art to the limit.

2. Through the estuary: more art and sport

Walking along the estuary is one of the most recommended plans and features some of the most iconic images in the city, waiting for you to photograph them. In addition to the Guggenheim Museum, this route also offers imposing bridges, like the Zubizuri or Pedro Arrupe, museums, such as the Maritimo or the Museum of Fine Arts and buildings like El Tigre—all must-visit locations when you travel to Bilbao. 

A terrific addition to this route is the San Mamés stadium, rising on the banks of the river. Locals tell you that Bilbao's pores breathe passion for soccer like no other city in Spain: the Athletic Club is their religion and San Mamés is their temple. The club also offers a Michelin-starred Gastro Area during matches. Visiting the stadium is truly one of the main activities for soccer lovers.

3. A walk through the old town: the cathedral and the marketplace

After strolling along the river, you will reach a maze of narrow streets that make up the old town, the historic heart of the city. Here, you can visit the Gothic Cathedral of Santiago, a traditional point of pilgrimage on the road to Santiago de Compostela.

You can also make a quick stop to take a photo at the Plaza Nueva, near La Ribera Market, an immensely popular market that is full of fresh produce. Watching the many locals who come in to shop right before it closes is a remarkably interesting thing to do in Bilbao.

4. Wineries, pintxos and Michelin stars

Bilbao is a compact city, for this reason there are always establishments nearby where you can taste the famous Basque gastronomy. Any place is good to enjoy a glass of txacolí, a local white wine with a fresh flavour. 

The food of Bistró, the Guggenheim’s restaurant, reflects the museum’s innovative philosophy. La Alhóndiga is an old winery in the heart of the modern zona of Indautxu. It is one of the many daring design projects in Bilbao. The red bricks hide an interior that has been completely refurbished by Philippe Starck. And to top it off, it has a rooftop terrace. 

La Terraza del Yandiola offers a large variety of cocktails, classic and contemporary, with nice views to the green hills that mark the city limits. The Licenciado Poza street is full of high-quality bars, out of which we can highlight Ziriport for its mosaic floor and cheap beer.

Also, the chefs at the Michelin-starred restaurant Mina have a close connection with local products: they structure their menu around seasonal products available on the local market. 

Enjoying the traditional pintxos (a type of tapa) is one of the most emblematic things to do in Bilbao. To try them, we recommend visiting the following bars: Victor Montes (in what was an ancient food shop in Plaza Nueva), Gure Toki (where the patatas bravas come in gigantic portions), and Irritntzi (young people and an interesting interior design).

5. A funicular ride

The Funicular of Artxanda, which goes up to Mount Artxanda, has been used since 1915, only being interrupted by the Civil War and by the complete rehabilitation it underwent in 1983. It works every day and, in just 3 minutes, allows you to contemplate fabulous views of the entire city.

In addition, once at the top, there are attractive hiking trails that allow you to enjoy wonderful places such as Potongo or Altamira. For those who are wondering what to do in Bilbao, you should not think twice about riding the funicular!

6. The breath-taking views from the suspension bridge

Many of Bilbao’s visitors will look for the emblematic Bizkaia Bridge in the city. To get there, just take the metro and get off at the Areeta/Portugalete stop. Visiting and being impressed by this structure is truly stunning. 

The bridge-ferry that connects Las Arenas (Getxo) with Portugalete is a World Heritage Site and has been in operation since 1893, when it was designed by the architect Alberto Palacio, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel. 

Vehicles and passengers make the trip in a small boat, suspended from a 36-wheel and 25-meters-long carriage.

7. Two can’t-miss excursions: Getxo and Portugalete

Visiting these two towns are fantastic options if we want to escape to quieter corners away from the city center. 

Portugalete attracts attention thanks to its Tourist Office, located in the old railroad station "La Canilla", dating to the late nineteenth century. In this charming town you can enjoy its promenade, the botanical garden Parque de Doctor Areilza, the Basilica de Santa Maria, the Museo de la Industria or the Torre de Salazar, which includes a museum and a restaurant. 

Getxo is a municipality composed of Areeta-Las Arenas, Algorta, Andra Mari, Neguri and Romo, with great beaches and cliffs and places full of magic like the mill of Aixerrota, the palaces located in the Paseo de las Grandes Villas or Galerías Punta Begoña.

Author: James Sessions

Guest Relations at NH Collection Villa de Bilbao

Kaixo! My name is James Sessions and I am the Guest Relations here at the NH Collection Villa de Bilbao. I am born and bred in this city therefore know some “secret” places to visit in Bilbao and its outskirts. I want guests to enjoy and love this beautiful city the same as I do. Not everyone is looking for the same thing so I always to try to tailor my recommendations about the city to every individual guest.