Bilbao

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Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao.

© BearFotos/Shutterstock

Overview

Staggering architecture, a venerable dining scene and stunning landscapes just outside the city centre: Bilbao is one of the great treasures of the Basque Country.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain, Architect Frank Gehry, 1997, Guggenheim Museum Detail Of Curving Titanium Wall. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a museum of modern and contemporary art. Built alongside the Nervion River, which runs through the city of Bilbao to the Cantabrian Sea.

    Museo Guggenheim Bilbao

    Bilbao

    Shimmering titanium Museo Guggenheim Bilbao is one of modern architecture's most iconic buildings. It played a major role in helping to lift Bilbao out of…

  • Bilbao, Spain - February 13, 2022: View of Carola Crane. It is a crane that was once used in shipbuilding at the Astilleros Euskalduna shipyard, now is part of Maritime Museum.

    Itsasmuseum

    Bilbao

    On the waterfront, this interactive maritime museum brings the watery depths of Bilbao and Basque maritime history to life. Start with a 10-minute video…

  • Streetlamp forest beside the Fine Arts Museum, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Basque Country, Spain

    Museo de Bellas Artes

    Bilbao

    The Museo de Bellas Artes houses a compelling collection that includes everything from Gothic sculptures to 20th-century pop art. There are three main…

  • View of the Houses in the old town called Casco Viejo of Bilbao.

    Casco Viejo

    Bilbao

    The compact Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s atmospheric old quarter, is full of charming streets, boisterous bars and plenty of quirky and independent shops. At the…

  • General view of Azkuna Zentroa, Alhondiga building.

    Azkuna Zentroa

    Bilbao

    Take a neglected wine storage warehouse, convert it into a leisure and cultural centre, add a shot of Bilbao style and the result is the Azkuna Zentroa …

  • Bilbao, Spain - May 1, 2023: Club trophies at the exposition in the museum at San Mames arena - the home ground of FC Athletic.

    Museo Athletic Club

    Bilbao

    A must for all AC Bilbao fans, this high-tech museum delves into the club's legendary past, with gear and trophies dating back to 1905. Interactive…

  • Spain, Bilbao, circular bandstand by the architect of Bermeo Pedro Ispizua in Plaza del Arenal.

    Plaza del Arenal

    Bilbao

    The morphing ground between the Casco Viejo and the newer parts of Bilbao, the Plaza del Arenal is a large open space that frequently plays host to…

  • Bilbao from above

    Funicular de Artxanda

    Bilbao

    Bilbao is a city hemmed in by hills and mountains, resting in a tight valley. For a breathtaking view over the city and the wild Basque mountains beyond,…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Uncover the best things to do in Bilbao, from must-see art and architecture to local flavors and interactive experiences that tell the story of the city.

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Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from Bilbao

March 10th 2024, Bilbao, Spain: people walking in the fog outside Guggenheim Museum ; Shutterstock ID 2438175359; purchase_order: 65050 - Digital Destinations and Articles; job: Lonely Planet Online Editorial; client: Guide to Bilbao; other: Brian Healy 2438175359 architecture, art, bridge, buildings, contemporary art, downtown, fog, guggenheim, museum, sightseeing, tourist, visitors, winter Bilbao, Spain: people walking in the fog outside Guggenheim Museum

Art and Culture

A first-time guide to Bilbao

Apr 4, 2025 • 8 min read

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