Bilbao: The Complete Guide
Bilbao is a large city in northern Spain, in the province of Biscay and in the Basque Country. Featuring a striking mix of Gothic and contemporary architecture the city was transformed in 1997 when the glittering Guggenheim was opened making it the Basque Country’s artistic center. The city is located 16 kilometres south of the Bay of Biscay on the backs of a estuary.
It was founded in the early 14th century by the head of the powerful Haro family. Bilbao quickly became the commercial hub of the area. Throughout the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth, Bilbao experienced heavy industrialization.
History of Bilbao
Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1300. Initially a small port town, it grew into an important trade hub in the Middle Ages due to its strategic location along the Nervión River. Throughout the centuries, Bilbao’s economy was heavily reliant on shipbuilding and steel manufacturing. However, the city underwent a dramatic transformation in the late 20th century, shifting from industrial decline to cultural renaissance. This was spearheaded by the construction of the Guggenheim Museum in 1997, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture designed by Frank Gehry, which helped revitalize Bilbao and establish it as a world-class destination for art and design.
Visiting Bilbao for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Bilbao on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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15 Best places to See in Bilbao
This complete guide to Bilbao not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Bilbao and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Mercado de la Ribera
Location: Mercado De La Ribera 48005 Bilbao BI Spain | Hours: 8am-2.30pm Mon & Sat, 8am-2.30pm & 5-8pm Tue-Fri | Website | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Mercado de la Ribera
Catedral de Bilbao
Location: Bilboko Donejakue katedrala Done Jakue Plazatxoa, 1 48005 Bilbo Bizkaia Spain | Hours: 10am-9pm Jul & Aug, to 8pm Sep-Jun | Price: adult/child €5/free | Website | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Catedral de Bilbao
Catedral de Santiago de Bilbao
Location: Plaza de Santiago, 1 48005 Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain | Hours: 10am-9pm Jul & Aug, to 8pm Sep-Jun | Price: adult/child €5/free | Website | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Catedral de Santiago de Bilbao
Teatro Arriaga
Location: Arriaga Plaza, 1, 48005 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Basque Country, Spain | Website | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Teatro Arriaga
Bilbao Casco Viejo
Location: Casco Viejo Bilbao Biscay Spain | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Bilbao Casco Viejo
Plaza Nueva de Bilbao
Location: Plaza Barria 6, Bilbao, 14 48005 Spain | Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-11pm, Sat 8.30am-10.30pm, Sun 8.30am-3pm | Distance: 1.2km
Visiting Plaza Nueva de Bilbao
Gran Vía
Location: Federico Moyua enparantza Federico Moyúa Plaza, 5 48009 Bilbo Bizkaia Spain | Distance: 1.5km
Visiting Gran Vía
Bilbao Ayuntamiento
Location: Ayuntamiento de Bilbao - Bilboko Udaletxea, Ernesto Erkoreka Plaza, Bilbao, Spain | Distance: 1.7km
Visiting Bilbao Ayuntamiento
River Nervion & Zubizuri Bridge
Location: Zubizuri 48001 Bilbo Bizkaia Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting River Nervion & Zubizuri Bridge
Museo Bellas Artes de Bilbao
Location: Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao Museo Plaza, 2 48009 Bilbo Bizkaia Spain | Hours: 10am-8pm Wed-Mon | Price: adult/child €10/free, free 6-8pm | Website | Distance: 1.9km
Visiting Museo Bellas Artes de Bilbao
Bilbao Art District
| Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 2.1km
Visiting Bilbao Art District
Artxanda´s Funicular
Location: Funicular de Artxanda Ko Funikularra, Funikularreko Plaza, S/N, 48007 Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain | Hours: Every 15min 7.15am-10pm Mon-Thu, to 11pm Fri & Sat, 8.15am-10pm Sun Jun-Sep, 7.15am-10pm Oct-May | Price: adult/child one-way €2/0.31 | Website | Distance: 2.1km
Visiting Artxanda´s Funicular
Guggenheim Museum
| Hours: 10am-8pm, closed Mon Sep-Jun | Price: adult/child €13/free | Website | Distance: 2.1km
Visiting Guggenheim Museum
Puente de Vizcaya
| Hours: Pedestrian walkway - 10:00-14:00 / 16:00-20:00 Audioguide: €2 - Spanish / Basque / English / FrenchGondola - 24 Hours €0.45/Person / €1.60 Vehicle | Distance: 10.8km
Visiting Puente de Vizcaya
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Location: 48130 Gaztelugatxeko Doniene, Biscay, Spain | Hours: Island year-round, hermitage 11am-6pm Tue-Sat, to 3pm Sun Jul & Aug | Price: £Island free, hermitage €1 | Website | Distance: 24.8km
Visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Best Time to Visit Bilbao
The best time to visit Bilbao, Spain, is during the spring and autumn months, specifically from April to June and September to November. During these seasons, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city’s attractions and outdoor activities.
- Spring (April to June): Spring is a delightful time to visit Bilbao as the city comes to life with blooming flowers and warmer temperatures. The weather is comfortably mild, perfect for strolling through the historic streets of the Casco Viejo (Old Town), visiting iconic landmarks such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and enjoying outdoor activities along the Nervión River.
- Autumn (September to November): Autumn is another great time to visit Bilbao, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. The city’s parks and green spaces are ablaze with vibrant autumn foliage, providing a picturesque backdrop for exploring attractions like the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum and the Euskalduna Palace. Additionally, you can experience cultural events and festivals that take place during this time, such as the Bilbao International Film Festival (ZINEBI) in November.
While summer (June to August) can be hot and crowded in Bilbao, it’s still a popular time to visit for those who enjoy the lively atmosphere and outdoor events like concerts and festivals. However, be prepared for higher temperatures and larger crowds during this time.
Overall, the best time to visit Bilbao is subjective and depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and the types of activities you want to experience. Whether you prefer the mild temperatures of spring and autumn or the vibrant atmosphere of summer, Bilbao offers something for every traveler throughout the year.
Average Temperatures in Bilbao
- January 14°C 57°F 17
- February 15°C 59°F 17
- March 18°C 64°F 12
- April 17°C 64°F 12
- May 21°C 69°F 9
- June 24°C 75°F 11
- July 26°C 79°F 6
- August 26°C 79°F 6
- September 27°C 80°F 9
- October 24°C 75°F 10
- November 18°C 64°F 21
- December 16°C 60°F 14
How to get to Bilbao
By Air: Bilbao Airport, located just 12 kilometers from the city center, serves as the main gateway for international and domestic flights. It offers regular connections to major cities across Europe and limited intercontinental services.
By Train: Bilbao is well-connected by train to other major Spanish cities, including Madrid and Barcelona. The city has two main train stations: Abando Station, which handles long-distance and regional trains, and Atxuri Station, which serves local commuter services.
By Bus: The bus network in Spain is extensive, and Bilbao’s Termibus station links the city to various national and international destinations. Buses offer a budget-friendly alternative to trains, with frequent services covering most major routes.
By Car: Bilbao is accessible by major highways, including the AP-68 from Zaragoza and the A-8 along the northern coast of Spain. Driving to Bilbao offers flexibility to explore the scenic Basque countryside at your leisure.