Designed by Alberto Palacio, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, the Unesco World Heritage–listed Puente Colgante (also known as the Vizcaya or Bizkaia Bridge) was the world's first transporter bridge, opening in 1883. The bridge, which links Getxo and Portugalete, consists of a suspended platform that sends cars and passengers gliding silently over the Ría del Nervión. You can take a lift up to the superstructure at 46m and walk across for some great, though decidedly breezy, views.
Puente Colgante
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
5.62 MILES
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…
5.3 MILES
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5.64 MILES
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14.45 MILES
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22.58 MILES
Discovered in 1903 (second only to Altamira among Cantabrian caves with prehistoric artwork), the World Heritage–listed Covalanas cave is home to several…
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7.13 MILES
The world's first underwater winery, Crusoe Treasure, ages its vintages 20m below the surface on an artificial reef. Tastings of its whites and reds are…
6.51 MILES
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…
5.97 MILES
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 …
Nearby attractions
0.13 MILES
At the foot of Portugalete's medieval centre, this cobbled square makes for a fine photo with its handsome 19th-century buildings and august monument to…
0.2 MILES
This stubby four-storey tower was originally part of a defensive complex built by the local Salazar family during a period of baronial fighting in the…
0.23 MILES
Portugalete's impressive basilica (1580) stands atop an earlier 14th-century church that originally marked the town's highest point. A striking structure,…
4. Rialia Museo de la Industría
0.35 MILES
Learn about Portugalete's industrial history at this small waterfront museum. Displays, which include paintings, models and machinery parts, chart the…
5. Paseo de las Grandes Villas
0.68 MILES
The Paseo is the unofficial name given to Getxo's seafront – made up of Muelle de Las Arenas Areeta and Calle Marques de Arriluce e Ibarra. The 'Villas'…
0.83 MILES
This small 1911-built mansion is one of several designed and built by Bilbao architect Manuel María Smith in the early 20th century. It's not open to the…
1.09 MILES
A local landmark, this castle-like mansion was originally built in 1902 but was subsequently revamped by Manuel María Smith in 1921. Its central tower is…
1.21 MILES
This massive stone structure was built in 1919 as a continuation of Getxo's defensive wall. It's an impressive sight, complete with columns and a…