Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Bilbao, Spain. #Top Attractions

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You won’t believe what Bilbao, Spain has to offer. Explore the top activities to do and sights to see in Bilbao, Spain, to make the most of your time there. Get the most out of your vacation by exploring the best things to do in Bilbao, Spain, and the best places to visit in Bilbao, Spain, below. Wondrous Drifter is a Web 3 travel company that brings the best travel ideas to travelers.

Guggenheim Museum

Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain
Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain / Dr. Matthias Ripp / Flickr

Explore the Guggenheim Museum’s attractions because there’s something for everyone here!

In Bilbao, the Guggenheim Museum is a must-see destination for most visitors. One of the most innovative examples of 20th-century architecture, the building is a piece of art in and of itself. 

Art-lovers will be in for a treat when they visit the sculpture-like edifice built between 1993 and 1997.

24,000 sq m of exhibition space is available inside the structure for displaying the artworks. A three-tiered circular stairway in the atrium with artwork lining its walls. Natural light floods the space, illuminating the artwork to its full potential. 

Its 20 galleries display the rest of its large collection in smaller spaces, starting with the atrium.

For many visitors, the temporary exhibitions—from Bill Viola retrospectives to wide-ranging Parisian art displays—are the most exciting part of the city. There are free audio tours in many different languages, and you can also buy a special audio guide for kids.

Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao

Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao, Bilbao, Spain
Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao, Bilbao, Spain / Elliott Brown / Flickr

The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum now has a collection of close to 10,000 works that are among the best in the world!

The Fine Arts Museum, which was established in 1908 and first opened to the world in 1914, as well as the Museum of Modern Art, which was established in 1924, are the two institutions that laid the groundwork for the current museum. 

When the structure that is now known as the old building was erected in 1945, the two museums finally united, bringing both of their collections together under one roof. The current look of the museum was achieved by a combination of the addition of the contemporary building in the year 1970 and a significant renovation that took place in the year 2001. 

Substantial purchases and contributions of artworks have steadily added to the collection and provided the foundation for the museum’s steady, consistent expansion. Local people, artists, and authorities have shaped the museum throughout the past one hundred years.

Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo, Bilbao, Spain
Casco Viejo, Bilbao, Spain / Naotake Murayama / Flickr

The area’s open-air food markets, where buyers can get some of Europe’s freshest and best-tasting fruits and vegetables, have made it a popular tourist destination.

The Old Town’s ancient seven streets are referred to as the “Old Town.” Residents of Villa de Bilbao relied on agriculture and fishing. When the Ria was built more than 700 years ago, it had already established itself as its primary means of communication with the rest of the world.

Casco Viejo was encircled by walls and had three parallel streets running through the center of the city. There came a time when it was essential to remove the barriers and create four more streets parallel to the estuary, forming what is known today as “Seven Streets.”

It is around these seven streets that the Casco Viejo is centered: Somera, Articalle, Tenderosocallenya, Belosticallea, Carniceria Vieja, and Barrencallenya Barena. It’s a joy to stroll through these charming ancient streets, which are dotted with quaint shops and cafés.

Another significant structure in the Casco Viejo is the San Nicolás de Bari Church. In 1756, the entire church was rebuilt from the ground up, with a Baroque front and a distinctive octagonal-shaped interior. In addition to the altar, Juan de Mena is responsible for a few of the paintings.

Zubizuri

Zubizuri, BIlbao, Spain
Zubizuri, BIlbao, Spain / Fred Romero / Flickr

In the wake of Bilbao’s marine industry’s downfall, the city’s famous Valencian architect won a contract to design a new bridge for the city. 

Santiago Calatrava built it in 1990 to connect the Bilbao neighborhood of Ensanche to the popular pedestrian area of Campo de Volantin, which is on the Ra del Nervión and has a number of parks and buildings with important architectural designs.

According to some, this optimistic rejuvenation is symbolized by the structure’s white tint; nevertheless, Calatrava has utilized this color in every one of his designs thus far. People could logically walk to and from different city sections over this bridge.

It allows pedestrian access to Calle Campo de Volantn, a region that is popular with people for taking leisurely strolls. This sleek and ultra-modern structure is sometimes frequently referred to as the Calatrava Bridge, after Santiego Calatrava, who was the architect who designed it. 

The bridge has become an emblematic representation of the city; it spans the estuary in an arching, undulating motion and has a glass deck at its highest point.

Plaza Nueva

Plaza Nueva, Bilbao, Spain
Plaza Nueva, Bilbao, Spain / Gary Bembridge / Flickr

As you sip a beverage or have a snack, take in the sights and sounds of the city below. Cafes abound around the area, all of which have well-trained staff. This is a fantastic area to rest and relax in the heart of the old town!

Historic Bilbao’s Plaza Nueva square has been turned into an urban monument in the city’s historic center. The colonnade of this neo-classical historic site is filled with stores, bars, restaurants, and cafes, making it hard not to stop and take in the lively ambiance of the plaza.

The Neoclassical city square Plaza Nueva was established in Casco Viejo in the mid-19th century. Restaurants, cafes, and tiny tapas bars line the street level of the square’s magnificent arcaded buildings. When the weather is nice, patrons can sit outside on the square.

In the Plaza Nueva, residents gather frequently. On warm days, the square transforms into an outdoor living room. A popular hangout for locals and tourists alike, tapas bars are bustling with social gatherings in the evenings. Tourists may begin their pintxos sampling adventure in this bustling area.

The Plaza Nueva is the site of several celebrations and cultural activities all throughout the year. On Sundays, a flea market takes place on the plaza.

Museo Vasco

Museo Vasco, Bilbao, Spain
Museo Vasco, Bilbao, Spain / Mari (Maria Giovanna Colli) / Flickr

Since it opened to the public in 1921, this museum has been in the same Baroque-style building in Bilbao’s historic district.

By preserving and presenting to the general public the various lifestyles that the Basque culture has evolved into over the course of history, the museum seeks to fulfill its mission. The permanent exhibits are spread out over all four floors of the museum. Each floor focuses on a different time in the city’s artistic or historical development.

In part devoted to archeology, artifacts from the prehistoric period that were discovered at various places in the Basque nation are on show, including memorial stones and fragments of sculpture. A strange idol of Mikeldi is included in the collection, and it is considered to be among the most valuable items there. 

The department of ethnography showcases a variety of Basque handicrafts and traditional works of art. In one of the rooms, there is a really amazing relief model of the Basque country’s regions.

Cathedral de Santiago

Catedral de Santiago, Bilbao, Spain
Catedral de Santiago, Bilbao, Spain / Andrew Crump / Flickr

The Cathedral of Santiago is an excellent example of Basque Gothic architecture. It is located in the heart of the Old City, known as Casco Viejo. 

Although the cathedral was erected in the 15th century, its façade and tower were reconstructed in the 19th century using Gothic Revival design principles.

The inside of the cathedral is quite magnificent, including rib-vaulted ceilings and three separate naves. The main nave comprises approximately 22 meters, which creates the sense of a grandiose and vast environment that is really awe-inspiring. The choir stalls and cloister, which also include fantastical Gothic elements, are the internal artistic highlights of the building.

On Fridays and Saturdays, when the cathedral is open to the public, anyone who wishes to go inside is more than welcome to do so. The Catholic Mass is held at the cathedral every day at seven o’clock in the evening. Every Sunday at noon, a supplementary Mass is held in both English and Spanish.

Bizkaia Archaeological Museum

Bizkaia Archaeological Museum, Bilbao, Spain
Bizkaia Archaeological Museum is one of the best places to go in Bilbao, Spain

In this museum, tourists may see how humans have evolved in the area for thousands of years by visiting the caves. Great place to take extra time here and gain a taste of a vast and rich past!

The Bizkaia Archaeological Museum, also known as the Arkeologi Museoa, was established in 2008 and presented visitors with the opportunity to investigate the area’s ancient history while also gaining an understanding of the existing disparities between the past and the present. 

The museum, which is found in the Casco Viejo neighborhood, has an exhibition that traces the development of Basque culture from ancient times all the way up to the present day. It focuses on significant historical events that have occurred throughout the years.

The exhibitions feature remarkable archaeological artifacts from local digs. These materials, like ceramics, pottery, and other things, give insights into the distinctive Basque culture. 

Other displays contain fossils and other relics of prehistoric creatures that previously frequented the region, such as the lion of Arrikrutz, a creature that was far bigger than its contemporary relatives that are found in Africa.

The public can visit the museum from Tuesday through Sunday each week. There are options available for free guided tours. Throughout the course of the year, the museum plays host to a number of rotating exhibits as well as talks.

Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park

Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, Bilbao, Spain
Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, Bilbao, Spain / Matt Kieffer / Flickr

This urban green space, also known as Duck’s Park on occasion, is the perfect place to escape the noise and bustle of the famed Old Quarter in Bilbao. 

Doña Casilda Park has been one of Bilbao’s most prominent green areas for almost a century, and its Romantic and French-style gardens are still a focal feature of the Indautxu district. Enjoy views of the Nervión River while strolling along the palm-lined walkways, or visit the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, which is located in Doña Casilda Park.

Doña Casilda Park is frequently included on city tours due to its high level of popularity; nevertheless, art enthusiasts may opt to combine a visit to the park with sightseeing at the adjacent Guggenheim and Bilbao Fine Arts Museums. 

Meanwhile, families will like the children’s playground, rowboat rental possibilities, and basketball courts in particular. Views of the riverfront are another attraction, in addition to the various artworks, waterfalls, and a gazebo.

Basilica de Begoña

Basilica de Begoña, Bilbao, Spain
Basilica de Begoña, Bilbao, Spain / Fernando Jiménez / Flickr

In the early 1600s, the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared at the site of an ancient shrine.

“La Amatxo,” the Virgin of the cathedral in Bilbao, is revered by locals. In 1519, construction began on this stunning Gothic structure. The building’s exterior is adorned with a massive triumphal arch in the Renaissance style.

The neighborhood of Bego may be found in a greater position than the Old Town below it. The Basilica de Begoña, a significant pilgrimage church, can be found perched on top of this picture-perfect mountaintop. 

When the church was erected in the 16th century, it had a wonderful painting representing The Pilgrimage to Begos and an icon of The Virgin of Begoña, who has been revered throughout the city as a patron saint.

Taking the elevator that is located at the back of San Nicolás Church is the most expedient way to get to the church. Another choice is to use the footpath, which is a journey that will take you twenty minutes to complete. Visitors will be able to take in an unparalleled panorama of the city from this vantage point.

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Itsasmuseum Bilbao

Itsasmuseum Bilbao, Bilbao, Spain
Itsasmuseum Bilbao is one of the best places to go in Bilbao, Spain

The visitors of this one-of-a-kind museum are completely submersed in the realm of maritime exploration. The museum features an outdoor display space that incorporates the docks in addition to the ships that have been refurbished.

Bilbao’s history and progress can be traced back to the Ra and its port, thanks to this unique vantage position. When you go to Euskalduna Palace and the Guggenheim from the Abandoibarra promenade, you’ll see the Itsa Museum Bilbo, the city’s maritime museum. 

Intending to promote Bilbao’s nautical legacy and bring the oceans closer to humanity, Bilbao’s Maritime Museum opened to the public in November of 2003. Historical and cultural aspects of Bilbao’s estuary are to be preserved and disseminated through this museum.

Since its reopening, the Bilbao Estuary has been reclaimed as a public place for amusement and leisure by the Museum of Contemporary Art Bilbao (MACBA).

Exhibits in the museum teach visitors about the Bilbao Estuary’s ecology, maritime history, and local customs that have shaped its inhabitants.

Palacio Euskalduna

Palacio Euskalduna, Bilbao, Spain
Palacio Euskalduna, Bilbao, Spain / hansbrinker / Flickr

Beautifully designed and constructed in 1999, Spain’s Euskalduna Music and Convention Hall are widely recognized as a key illustration of contemporary Spanish architecture. To commemorate Euskalduna’s last vessel, the structure’s design resembles a ship and has an image of the vessel itself.

The building’s 53,000-square-meter floor area makes it a popular venue for classical music acts such as symphonies, ballets, and operas. The theater’s amphitheater is the second-biggest in Europe and the largest in Spain, making it one of the most impressive venues in the world.

This location, which was inaugurated as a conference and entertainment center on February 19, 1999, is also known by the name Palacio Euskalduna at times. Dolores Palacio and Federico Soriano are responsible for the building’s architectural design.

It features a number of spaces that may be used for corporate meetings in addition to those that are devoted to the performing arts. 

It is situated adjacent to the Rio de Bilbao and occupies a portion of the area on which the Euskalduna Fortresses were originally constructed. It serves as the administrative headquarters of the Symphony Orchestra of Bilbao.

The La Ribera Market

The La Ribera Market, Bilbao, Spain
The La Ribera Market is one of the best places to go in Bilbao, Spain

Plaza Vieja de Bilbao’s history may be traced back to La Ribera Market, the world’s biggest covered food market, which opened in 1990. Its important placement on the Nervión River’s right bank has allowed it to bear witness to a long and colorful history.

The market building is clearly influenced by the rationalist architecture of the era in which it was constructed. The inside resembles a factory, with huge open areas devoid of pillars and an extensive array of Art Deco tinted glass panels that flood the room with natural light. 

The riverside patio of the café-bar La Ribera, located on the ground level, highlights the property. In addition to the dining area, the bar has seats, a reading area, and a small stage where domestic and international jazz ensembles perform on a regular basis. If you’d rather, you may have your fresh market products prepared right in front of you at the café-bar.

Mount Artxanda

Mount Artxanda, Bilbao, Spain
Mount Artxanda, Bilbao, Spain / Mari (Maria Giovanna Colli) / Flickr

Climbing Mount Artxanda gives you a unique vantage point from which to view Bilbao. Seeing a place from its highest point is a terrific approach to better appreciate what we see. 

Similarly, from this vantage point, we can see how the Basque city has evolved and how it skillfully combines the past and present, tradition and modernity. 

The observation point atop Mount Artxanda, which is where you’ll realize how much you like Bilbao.

The vantage point atop Mount Artxanda, which is approximately 300 meters above mean sea level, is among the favorite sites of locals for exhibiting their city to visitors. Due to the geology of Bilbao, which is characterized by its complete encirclement by mountains and hills, there is a great deal of rivalry among residents over which of the city’s vantage points has the finest view. 

Mount Artxanda, on the other hand, offers breathtaking vistas and a diverse assortment of opportunities for recreation and separation.

If you take into account the hill’s beautiful natural backdrop (it’s called the city’s primary lung), the diverse dining alternatives, and the convenience of traveling by funicular, it’s clear to conclude that a trip to Mountain Artxanda is ideal for visitors of all ages.

Artxanda Funicular

Artxanda Funicular, Bilbao, Spain
Artxanda Funicular, Bilbao, Spain / Tim Adams / Flickr

Tourists are mesmerized by the breathtaking views of Bilbao’s metropolitan scene from the peak. There are wonderful paths and viewpoints all around Mount Artxanda’s peak.

The city of Bilbao is located in a narrow valley that is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills and mountains. You may take a ride on Artxanda’s funicular railway, which has been operating since 1915.

This cableway, which first opened its doors in 1915 and is fondly referred to as the “Funi,” is a magnificent way of taking in the sights of Bilbao and its surrounding area. 

The ride on the Artxanda Funicular through the slope of the Arangoiti neighborhood and all the way to the summit of Mount Artxanda, which is a genuinely gratifying destination, takes only three minutes.

This will provide you with a beautiful perspective over the city as well as the rugged Basque mountains that are located beyond it.

Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro

Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro, Bilbao, Spain
Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro, Bilbao, Spain / Fred Romero / Flickr

One of the best ways to explore Bilbao is to take a stroll around the city’s commercial district, but it’s also a terrific place to see some of the city’s most historic structures. There are several business establishments along this stretch of road, however, it finishes at Plaza Federico Moya.

The Neo-Flemish façade of the Chávarri Palace, one of the most striking structures along the route, captures the attention of onlookers from all directions. 

Gran Va is ideal for shopping as a semi-pedestrian boulevard in which only urban vehicles or taxis are permitted. Many well-known national and international fashion labels can be found in the region, as well as shops specializing in accessories, technology, and recreation.

The “Gran Va” is Bilbao’s major street, housing business, government facilities, and a thriving neighborhood.

You may take in more of the town’s architecture while browsing high-end stores and then pausing at one of the numerous fine dining, cafés, or elegant pastry shops in this vibrant and picturesque neighborhood.

Museo Bellas Artes

Museo Bellas Artes, Bilbao, Spain
Museo Bellas Artes, Bilbao, Spain / Beatrice Murch / Flickr

The Museo Bellas Artes is, contrary to the Guggenheim, home to the most significant display of fine art throughout Basque Country. Founded in 1914, the museum’s collection has grown significantly since then.

In December of 1896, the National Museum of Fine Arts was opened to the public in the former Bon Marché department store on Florida Street, which is today known as the Galeras Pacifico. 

Since the museum first opened its doors, it has been envisioned as a place to exhibit works of art from all over the world and to foster the development of Argentine art, which was only getting its start at the time the museum was established.

Goya and El Greco are two well-known Spanish artists whose works are on display in the Visual Arts Museum, along with several pieces by Gauguin, Bacon, and Chillida. This museum has a classic atmosphere that is sure to make everyone who appreciates art feel perfectly at home.

Gran Via & Plaza Moyua

Gran Via & Plaza Moyua, Bilbao, Spain
Gran Via & Plaza Moyua is one of the best places to go in Bilbao, Spain

Gran Via in Bilbao is a prime example of the city’s ability to stay on the cutting edge of fashion and design because of its proximity to Spain’s famously expansive retail boulevards.

The Gran Via in Bilbao is the place to go if you’re looking for everything and everything related to fashion, including Spanish designers, quick fashion, and department shops selling premium brands. Therefore, regardless of what it is that you are looking for, you will definitely find it here.

Plaza Moyua is a public plaza that was originally constructed in the 1940s and then renovated in the 1990s. It is located roughly in the middle of the Gran Via neighborhood.

Today, the completely remodeled space is among the most popular areas in all of Bilbao for people to hang out because it is accessible to the public. Plaza Moyua is a popular gathering spot in the city and is the ideal place to chill your knees before continuing to shop till you drop before being surrounded by vibrantly colored and artistically created gardens, fountains, and trees.

Nervion River

Nervion River, Bilbao, Spain
Nervion River, Bilbao, Spain / David Baron / Flickr

At the mouth of the Nervion and Ibaizabal rivers near Basauri, they meet to form the Nervion Estuary in Bilbao. Greater Bilbao is traversed by this canal until El Abra, when its mouth expands, and it joins the sea. This is where the river ends.

As a result of the river, this area has and continues to be defined by its geography. In Greater Bilbao, this natural barrier separates the working-class and proletariat left bank from the wealthy right bank, based on the port, mining, and industrial activities that both sides depend on.

Because of the river, The Historical Territory of Biscay has a strong sense of identity and identity development. There were big towns and cities built along its banks. A modest economic and nautical center that was established on its rivers in 1300, Bilbao has been a driving factor in its surroundings ever then.

Aste Nagusia

Aste Nagusia, Bilbao. Spain
Aste Nagusia, Bilbao. Spain / Bilboko Konpartsak / Flickr

Spain is well-known not just for its tapas and its shopping but also for its yearly festivals, which are held all around the nation.

The Aste Nagusia Festival in Bilbao, also known as the Big Week Festival, is widely considered to be one of the rowdiest and most enjoyable events of its kind. At the very end of August, it lasts for a whole week, and since then, you get to experience the best that the Basque Country has to offer.

Keep your eyes peeled for the rocket that will be launched from Teatro Arriaga’s terrace to signal the festival’s beginning; otherwise, you could miss it. People get into these enormous costumes and march throughout the city. At the same time, fireworks, concerts, and other festivities are going on. Being in the city at this very moment is undoubtedly your most thrilling experience!

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