🇪🇸 5 Incredible Places You Must Visit in Bilbao! ✨
Welcome to Bilbao, the cultural and culinary capital of Spain’s Basque Country! Nestled between lush green mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, this dynamic city is a fascinating mix of modern innovation, rich history, and world-class cuisine. Whether you’re an art lover, foodie, history enthusiast, or adventure seeker, Bilbao has something for everyone!
Here are 5 must-visit places in Bilbao that will leave you speechless! 📍✨
1️⃣ Guggenheim Museum – A Masterpiece of Modern Art & Architecture 🎭🏛️
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is one of theworld's most famous contemporary art museumsand a symbol of the city’s transformation. Designed by Frank Gehry, this stunning titanium-clad structure is an architectural marvel that attracts millions of visitors every year.
Beyond its futuristic design, the museum houses an impressive modern and contemporary art collection featuring works by Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, Anish Kapoor, and Mark Rothko. Outside the museum, you’ll find Puppy, a giant flower-covered dog sculpture, and Maman, a towering spider sculpture by Louise Bourgeois—both of which have become iconic landmarks.
🔥 Bucket List Experiences:
✅ Admire the breathtaking titanium curves of the building from the riverside. 🏛️
✅ Take a selfie with “Puppy,” the famous giant floral dog. 🐶🌺
✅ Explore the cutting-edge art exhibitions inside the museum. 🎨
📍 Best Time to Visit: Avoid crowds and capture stunning photos in the early morning or late afternoon.
🎟️ Tip: Buy tickets online to skip the line, and visit on a Monday when entry is free for locals!
2️⃣ Casco Viejo (Old Town) – A Historic Quarter Full of Pintxos & Charm 🍷🏡
Bilbao’s Casco Viejo, or Old Town, is a lively and colorful medieval district filled with winding cobblestone streets, vibrant plazas, and centuries-old buildings. Known as Las Siete Calles (The Seven Streets), this charming area is the historic heart of Bilbao, dating back to the 14th century.
The Old Town is home to lively pintxos bars, where you can taste the Basque Country’s famous small bites paired with local txakoli wine. Don't miss Plaza Nueva, a picturesque square surrounded by tapas, restaurants, and bustling cafés.
🔥 Bucket List Experiences:
✅ Explore the charming, narrow streets and admire the colorful facades. 🌆
✅ Visit the Santiago Cathedral, Bilbao’s oldest church, dating back to the 14th century. ⛪
✅ Hop from bar to bar, trying delicious pintxos with a glass of Basque cider or txakoli wine. 🍷🍢
📍 Best Time to Visit: Evening when the pintxos bars are full of energy and locals.
🎟️ Tip: Order pintxos the traditional way—grab what you like from the counter, and pay based on the number of toothpicks on your plate!
3️⃣ La Ribera Market – A Food Lover’s Paradise 🍽️🛍️
For an authentic taste of Bilbao, head to La Ribera Market, one of Europe’s largest covered markets. Located along the Nervión River, this historic market dates back to 1929 and is a paradise for food lovers looking to try fresh local produce, seafood, meats, and traditional Basque delicacies.
Inside, you’ll find over 180 stalls selling everything from Iberian ham and Basque cheeses to the freshest seafood. The market also has several pintxos bars, where you can enjoy delicious bites in a lively atmosphere.
🔥 Bucket List Experiences:
✅ Try freshly made Basque pintxos and seafood. 🦐🧀
✅ Browse the market stalls for local cheese, chorizo, and olive oils. 🛍️
✅ Sip a glass of txakoli wine while enjoying river views. 🍷
📍 Best Time to Visit: Morning, when the market is bustling with activity.
🎟️ Tip: Try a seafood pintxo—Bilbao is known for its incredible fresh fish and shellfish!
4️⃣ Mount Artxanda – The Best Viewpoint in Bilbao 🏞️🌇
For the best panoramic views of Bilbao, take a short funicular ride up to Mount Artxanda. This scenic hilltop viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the entire city, the Nervión River, and the surrounding mountains.
At the top, you’ll find a peaceful park, walking trails, and a giant red sculpture of a fingerprint, representing Bilbao’s identity. Whether you visit during the day for clear city views or at sunset for a magical golden-hour panorama, Mount Artxanda is a must-visit spot for photographers and nature lovers.
🔥 Bucket List Experiences:
✅ Take the historic Artxanda funicular, operating since 1915. 🚞
✅ Enjoy a picnic with a view at the hilltop park. 🍷🧀
✅ Capture the perfect panoramic shot of Bilbao’s skyline. 🌆
📍 Best Time to Visit: Sunset for stunning golden-hour views over the city.
🎟️ Tip: The funicular ride is quick and inexpensive, making it an easy and affordable way to enjoy Bilbao’s best views!
5️⃣ San Mamés Stadium – A Football Lover’s Dream ⚽🔥
If you’re a football fan, a visit to San Mamés Stadium, home of Athletic Club Bilbao, is an absolute must. Known as “The Cathedral of Football,” this modern stadium is one of Spain's most iconic football arenas.
Even if you’re not attending a match, you can take a guided stadium tour, including visiting the team’s locker rooms, the press conference area, and even the pitch. The Athletic Club Museum showcases the club’s rich history, trophies, and legendary players.
🔥 Bucket List Experiences:
✅ Watch a live football match and experience the electric atmosphere. ⚽
✅ Take a behind-the-scenes stadium tour of the locker rooms and press area. 🎤🏟️
✅ Visit the Athletic Club Museum and learn about the club’s century-long history. 🏆
📍 Best Time to Visit: Match days for an unforgettable experience.
🎟️ Tip: If you can’t attend a game, the stadium tour is a great alternative for football lovers!
Why Bilbao Should Be on Your Travel List!
Bilbao seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, offering world-class art, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking natural scenery. Whether you’re admiring the futuristic Guggenheim Museum, wandering through the historic streets of Casco Viejo, enjoying pintxos at La Ribera Market, taking in panoramic views from Mount Artxanda, or experiencing the passion of San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao is full of unforgettable moments.
Which of these Bilbao landmarks is at the top of your list? Have you visited any before? Let us know in the comments below! 👇💬