Things to do in Bilbao

Activities, attractions and tours

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

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Most popular experiences in Bilbao

Tours & day trips

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The Basque Country Full-Day Tour

The Basque Country Full-Day Tour

Activity duration is 9 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 5,050 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Bilbao: Basque Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Guide

Bilbao: Basque Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Guide

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is P 6,396 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Bilbao: Basque Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Guide

Bilbao: Basque Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Guide

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is P 6,396 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 17 activities
From Bilbao: Loyola, Getaria, Zarautz and San Sebastian Tour

From Bilbao: Loyola, Getaria, Zarautz and San Sebastian Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is P 5,050 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 9 activities
Paragliding flight in Sopelana

Paragliding flight in Sopelana

Activity duration is 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is P 4,377 per adult
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What to do in Bilbao

Popular places to visit

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao showing a city and modern architecture

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Investigate a vast collection of modern and contemporary art both inside and outside one of the most recognizable buildings in Bilbao.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
San Mames Stadium featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

San Mames Stadium

Join local soccer fans and shout your support for a well-known European team that calls this spectacular stadium its home.

San Mames Stadium
Plaza Nueva which includes outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Plaza Nueva

Feast on an appetizing variety of local gourmet dishes while marveling at the architectural splendor of this popular city plaza.

Plaza Nueva
Plaza Moyua showing heritage architecture, a garden and flowers

Plaza Moyua

Take time out in this attractive city plaza and contemplate the beauty and majesty of the architecture of the surrounding historical buildings.

Plaza Moyua
Ribera Market showing heritage architecture, a city and a river or creek

Ribera Market

Bring your shopping bags for three floors of market stalls at this centuries-old fresh produce market in the city’s historical quarter.

Ribera Market
Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall

Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall

Attend a conference, concert or dramatic performance, go on a guided tour and browse an eclectic collection of art at this riverside venue.

Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall
University of Deusto Bilbao

University of Deusto Bilbao

Explore the campus of University of Deusto Bilbao during your visit to Bilbao. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.

University of Deusto Bilbao
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum showing night scenes, heritage architecture and a park

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

Spend hours wandering through the exhibition halls of this grand institution that is filled with works of art that span several hundred years.

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
Bilbao City Hall showing modern architecture, a city and street scenes

Bilbao City Hall

Tour the interior and exterior of an architectural gem, an important government building that lies close to Bilbao's old town.

Bilbao City Hall

Areas of 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

Discover characterful bars, historic architecture, colorful independent stores and much more amid the largely pedestrianized streets of Bilbao’s atmospheric heart.

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
Default Image

San Francisco

You'll enjoy the bars and theaters in San Francisco. You might want to make time for a stop at Ensanche or Bay of Biscay.

San Francisco
Photo by Freddie Hoff

Derio

Portugalete

Portugalete

Photo "Barakaldo" by Fernando Vázquez (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Fernando Vázquez (CC BY)

Barakaldo

Photo by Marion MacQueen

Santurtzi

Photo by Caminante

Castro Urdiales

Photo by Valérie Deberdt

Mungia

Photo "Sopelana" by Alfa.Alfa (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Alfa.Alfa (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

Sopelana

Bermeo

Bermeo

Frequently asked questions

Is Bilbao worth visiting?
Renowned for its festivals and dining, discovering awesome things to do in Bilbao is easy. Make sure to add Castle of Butron to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Bilbao?
Castle of Butron and Playa de las Arenas are two excellent places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Bilbao while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bilbao?
The top tourist attraction in Bilbao is Castle of Butron, so be sure to put it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Bilbao?
You can easily enjoy top sights like Palacio de la Diputación Foral de Vizcaya, Museum of Passages of Bilbao and Reproductions Museum Bilbao with a three-day break in Bilbao. On average, many travelers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a while longer and venture to Derio.
Is Bilbao a walkable city?
That depends on what you'd like to do and see in Bilbao. Several top attractions, including Palacio de la Diputación Foral de Vizcaya and Museum of Passages of Bilbao, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Bilbao's neighborhoods, Bilbao City Centre is 0.48 kilometers away from downtown, while Abando is 0.64 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Bilbao with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all the family, we've got some terrific ideas for what to do in Bilbao with kids.

What to do in Bilbao for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Bilbao, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Museo de la Mineria del Pais Vasco.
Are there free things to do in Bilbao?
In Bilbao, Funicular de Artxanda is a popular spot for anyone wishing to see the city without taking their wallet out. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighborhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a great way to discover the best free things to do in Bilbao.