Bilbao

Travel Guide

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao which includes modern architecture and night scenes
Bilbao which includes a city, a skyscraper and a bridge
Santiago Cathedral showing interior views, a church or cathedral and heritage elements
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao featuring street scenes, modern architecture and outdoor art
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao featuring interior views

This former industrial city is now a major European arts center, home to cultural attractions including the famous Guggenheim Museum.

Bilbao, in northern Spain, was once an industrial center, but today is better known for its thriving arts and cultural scene. Come to visit world-class museums, dine at sophisticated restaurants or head out into the surrounding countryside. Start your visit by climbing the Mallona stairs from Plaza Unamuno to Parque Etxebarria or take the Artxanda funicular railway to enjoy some of the best views in the city. Many travelers come to Bilbao to see the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, one of the most renowned art institutions in Europe. The remarkable modern building, with its curved glass and titanium walls, houses art from the mid 20th century to today. Other art attractions include the Fine Arts Museum and the Basque Museum. Bilbao also has a full annual program of cultural events featuring many important exhibitions and performances. See some of these events at the Palacio Euskalduna, a striking modernist building in the city center.The city is revered not just for its modern architecture, but also for its buildings dating back to the 14th century. Visit the Gothic-style Cathedral of St. James and the Alhondiga, a complex containing a library, several bars and restaurants, a cinema and a rooftop pool with a glass floor.Bilbao is known for its sophisticated dining scene, with a host of Michelin-starred restaurants. Try local cuisine such as baby squid and lamb stew.As well as art and food, Bilbao is a city keen on sport. In town there are 18.5 miles (30 kilometers) of cycling lanes, as well as many swimming pools, gyms and parks. Around Bilbao there are nature reserves and hiking trails, as well as several nearby golf courses.Rent a car and drive out of town to enjoy the countryside or coast surrounding the city. There are traditional fishing villages along the nearby bay. Further down the coast you’ll find picturesque and quiet beaches. An inland route will take you to hiking trails through mountainous scenery. Check the weather forecast before planning your beach day, as the mild climate brings more rain than in other parts of the peninsula.

Where to stay in Bilbao

San Mames Stadium featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

Bilbao City Centre

Plaza Moyua and Gran Casino Bilbao are top sights in Bilbao City Centre, and you should be sure to explore the fascinating museums. Hop aboard the metro at Moyua Station or Abando Station to see more sights in the area.

Bilbao City Centre
Ribera Market featuring a bar, interior views and food

Bilbao Old Town

Museums, shopping, and theaters highlight some notable features of Bilbao Old Town. Make a stop by Santiago Cathedral or Plaza Nueva while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Arriga Tram Stop or Casco Viejo Station to get around town.

Bilbao Old Town
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao featuring street scenes, modern architecture and outdoor art

Abando

Abundant dining options, interesting museums and stunning river views are just a few top things to explore in Abando. A visit to Plaza Moyua or Ensanche might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Moyua Station or Indautxu Station to get around town.

Abando
Plaza Moyua showing a fountain, a park and flowers

Indautxu

If you're spending time in Indautxu, check out sights like Ensanche or Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall and hop on the metro to see more the city at Indautxu Station or Sabino Arana Tram Stop.

Indautxu
Plaza Nueva which includes outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Casco Viejo

Museums, theaters, and historic sites highlight some notable features of Casco Viejo. Make a stop by Plaza Nueva or Museum of Archaeology Bizkaya while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Casco Viejo Station or Arriga Tram Stop to get around town.

Casco Viejo
Bilbao showing night scenes, a city and modern architecture

Ibaiondo

While you're in Ibaiondo, take in top sights like Ribera Market or Santiago Cathedral, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Atxuri Tram Station or Ribera Tram Stop.

Ibaiondo
The Artist Grand Hotel of Art

The Artist Grand Hotel of Art

5 out of 5
Alameda de Mazarredo, 61, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,007 reviews)
Perfect location to enjoy Bilbao
"One of the few 5 star hotels in Bilbao center. Comfortable beds and pillows. Large bathroom. Rooftop bar is great. Hotel is literally across the street from the Guggenheim museum. Very close to the canal which has a great running and biking path along the sides. Walking distance to many restaurants. ..."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

The Artist Grand Hotel of Art
Hotel ILUNION San Mamés

Hotel ILUNION San Mamés

4 out of 5
Calle Perez Galdos, 56, Bilbao, Vizcaya
The price is P7,393 per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
P7,393
P8,132 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (770 reviews)
"빌바오 hot places와는 조금 떨어져있지만 대중교통 이용 (Metro, 트램) 하기는 매우 편리함. 호텔 내부는 간결하게 그리고 편리하게 잘 구비되어 있음. 주차에 대한 보다 자세한 사전 설명이 필요함. 터미널 빌딩안에 있는 호텔이라서 자동차로 호텔 접근하려면 처음에 당황스러움. 호텔 보유 주차장이 아니라 터미널 빌딩 자체 지하 유료주차장을 이용하는 것임."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Hotel ILUNION San Mamés
NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels

NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels

3.5 out of 5
Areatza Kalea 4, Bilbao
The price is P5,382 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P5,382
P5,920 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (963 reviews)
"Staff are okay. I am not sure if some of them are just tired or have had a long day, they are just don’t seem approachable. Otherwise okay stay, very convenient to transportation, shopping and restaurants."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Apartamentos Líbere Bilbao Museo

Apartamentos Líbere Bilbao Museo

3.5 out of 5
Alameda de Mazarredo, 57, Bilbao, Bizkaia
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and San Mames Stadium ...
9/10 Wonderful! (68 reviews)
"Travelled with friend to see a concert, from the moment we arrived at the apartment our hosts Nerea and James could not do enough for us! Lovely location,buses and trains within walking distance, We had a great tome"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Apartamentos Líbere Bilbao Museo
Batimont Suites & Apartments

Batimont Suites & Apartments

4 out of 5
Colón de Larreátegui K. 13, Bilbao, Bizkaia
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and San ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (54 reviews)
"Great apartment!"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Batimont Suites & Apartments
Líbere Bilbao Ledesma

Líbere Bilbao Ledesma

4 out of 5
C/ Ledesma 5, Bilbao
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room espresso maker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (46 reviews)
Lovely studio for short stay
"Lovely studio apartment - more than enough room for a 2 night stay, and the layout and design is really modern yet feels welcoming. Lots of lovely little touches, amenities and storage. I arrived early and enquired about early check in, which they were very accommodating of. Bed was incredibly comfortable ..."

Reviewed on May 19, 2025

Líbere Bilbao Ledesma
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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