Travel Guide of Bilbao in Spain by Influencers and Travelers
Bilbao is a city in northern Spain, the largest city in the province of Biscay and in the Basque Country as a whole. It is also the largest city proper in northern Spain. Bilbao is the tenth largest city in Spain, with a population of 345,141 as of 2015.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Bilbao
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a museum of modern and contemporary art designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, and located in Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain.
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2 - Vizcaya Bridge
10 km away
The Vizcaya Bridge is a transporter bridge that links the towns of Portugalete and Las Arenas in the Biscay province of Spain, crossing the mouth of the Nervion River.
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3 - Paragliding in Sopelana
13 km away
Experience the thrill of your lifetime on this paragliding flight over the coast of Sopelana, few minutes far from Bilbao. You will definitely love the view! The cliffs of Sopelana, 30 minutes from Bilbao, are one of the most popular and interesting ...
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4 - Plaza Nueva
The Plaza Nueva or Plaza Barria of Bilbao is a monumental square of Neoclassical style built in 1821. Its name comes from the previously existing Plaza Vieja or Old Square in the place where the Ribera Market was built.
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5 - Barakaldo
6 km away
Barakaldo is a municipality located in the Biscay province in the Basque Country. Located on the Left Bank of the Estuary of Bilbao, the city is part of Greater Bilbao with a population as of the 2019 census at 100,881;.
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6 - Tours & Sightseeing | Gaztelugatxe
24 km away
Take a scenic bus route from Bilbao to discover the beauty of the Basque Country with a guided tour. From **Bilbao**, leave for **San Juan de Gaztelugatxe**, an islet that can only be accessed by a pedestrian path. Take a panoramic tour of the area and discover the dreamy cliffs – a feature of the HBO hit series, _Game of Thrones_. Continue to the Guipuzcoan town of **Getaria** and enjoy a guided tour of its historic quarter. Admire the traditional fishing port, the **church of San Salvador**, and the monument built in honor of Juan Sebastián Elcano, a world-famous sailor born in this small town. Take a moment to eat in one of its many restaurants at Getaria. Enjoy the gastronomy of grilled **local fish and seafood** at your own expense. From here, leave for **San Sebastián** for a guided tour of the city. See the **Church of San Vicente** and the **Basilica of Santa María del Coro** before heading back to Bilbao.
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7 - El Arenal
El Arenal is a village and municipality of Spain located in the province of Ávila, within the autonomous community of Castile and León. The municipality has a total area of 27.08 km². It is part of the Sierra de Gredos Regional Park.
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8 - Ganekogorta
7 km away
Ganekogorta is a mountain in the border of the provinces of Biscay and Alava, just between Bilbao and Llodio. It has a height of 998 m AMSL and it is the main peak of a massif that comprises some smaller mountains like Pagasarri, Ganeta, Pastorekorta, Arnotegi or Arraiz.
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9 - Parapente in Sopelana
14 km away
Paragliding over the incredible coast of Sopelana for 20 min. and discovering the landscapes of the Biscay coast is an experience that you will never forget. The tandem paragliding flight in Sopelana, 30 minutes from Bilbao, offers an exclusive exper...
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10 - Pagasarri
Pagasarri is one of the two small mountain ranges that encloses the city of Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain and is part of the Basque Mountains.
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11 - Bilboko Itsasadarra itsas-museoa
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12 - Hiking / Trekking in Picos de Europa
Dare to experience a 10-day hiking route in the Picos Europa in Asturias departing from Bilbao! Spain is a country with something for everyone, whether you're a beach lover or a mountain lover. If you are one of the latter, the Pyrenees, the Tei...
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13 - Plaza Berria
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14 - Neguri
11 km away
Neguri is an affluent district of Getxo, in Biscay, Basque Country. It is traditionally regarded as the residence of the prosperous Basque industrial bourgeoisie. Its name, coined in the 19th century, means Winter Town in Basque language. The neighbourhood is serviced by two Bilbao Metro line 1 stations, Neguri and Aiboa.
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15 - Getxo
11 km away
Getxo is a town located in the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of the Basque Country, in Spain. It is part of Greater Bilbao, and has 77,946 inhabitants.
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16 - Barinatxe hondartza (La Salvaje)
14 km away
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17 - Barrika
16 km away
Barrika is a town and municipality located in the province of Biscay, Spain, in the autonomous community of Basque Country. It is considered one of the oldest municipalities of Biscay. It was founded by Sancho Vela.
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18 - Pobeña
18 km away
Muskiz is a town and municipality located in the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of Basque Country, northern Spain.
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19 - Gernikako Arbola
21 km away
Gernikako Arbola is an oak tree that symbolizes traditional freedoms for the Biscayan people, and by extension for the Basque people as a whole.
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20 - Bakio
21 km away
Bakio is a municipality in the province of Biscay.
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21 - Gaztelugatxe
24 km away
Gaztelugatxe is an islet on the coast of Biscay belonging to the municipality of Bermeo, Basque Country. It is connected to the mainland by a man-made bridge.
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22 - Urdaibai
24 km away
The Urdaibai estuary is a natural region and a Biosphere Reserve of Biscay, Basque Country, Spain. It is also referred as Mundaka or Gernika estuary. Urdaibai is located on the Bay of Biscay coast, in the north of the Iberian Peninsula.
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23 - Escalinatas de San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
24 km away
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Pictures and Stories of Bilbao from Influencers
9 pictures of Bilbao from Jose Vidal Velar, Àlex Folguera, Mostapha Abidour and other travelers
- Just taken before dawn in Bilbao ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Jose Vidal Velar | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit Bilbao ?
Travel to Bilbao if you like:
🗼 Landmark 🚢 Dock 🏘️ Town 🏘️ CottageHow to visit Bilbao ?
Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country of Spain, is an excellent travel destination for those seeking a mix of rich culture, history, and modern architecture. The city is renowned for its Guggenheim Museum, which is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Bilbao has also witnessed an urban transformation, making it an attractive destination for architecture lovers. Additionally, the city offers exquisite Basque cuisine and a lively atmosphere.
To get to Bilbao, you have a few options. The most convenient would be flying into Bilbao Airport (BIO), which is well-connected to major European cities. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus from cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or San Sebastian. If you're already in Spain, consider renting a car for a scenic road trip to Bilbao.
Before your trip, it's wise to book tickets for the Guggenheim Museum in advance to avoid long queues. You can also book guided tours of the city to explore its rich history and modern architecture.
Visiting Bilbao can be relatively affordable when compared to other major European cities. The costs will vary depending on your preferences, but expect to spend around €50-€100 per day on accommodations, food, and activities. To save on costs, consider purchasing a Bilbao Card, which provides free or discounted access to many attractions and transportation services.
While in Bilbao, don't miss out on the following experiences:
1. Guggenheim Museum: Visit this iconic museum designed by Frank Gehry to see modern and contemporary art exhibitions.
2. Casco Viejo (Old Town): Wander the narrow streets, visit historical sites such as Santiago Cathedral, and shop at the local boutiques.
3. La Ribera Market: Explore the largest covered market in Europe, where you can buy fresh local produce and sample Basque cuisine.
For dining, try the following restaurants:
1. Mina: A Michelin-starred restaurant offering a unique tasting menu showcasing the Basque culinary tradition.
2. La Viña del Ensanche: A popular spot for pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, with a wide variety of dishes to choose from.
3. El Perro Chico: A local favorite for traditional Basque cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
Bilbao offers various accommodation options to suit different budgets. Consider the following:
1. Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao: A luxury hotel located just opposite the Guggenheim Museum, offering stunning views and excellent service.
2. Hotel Miro: A stylish, mid-range boutique hotel situated near the Guggenheim and Fine Arts Museum.
3. Basque Boutique: An affordable guesthouse located in the heart of Casco Viejo, offering uniquely designed rooms inspired by Basque culture.
Off the beaten path:
For a unique experience, take a day trip to the nearby Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. This protected area is home to diverse ecosystems and offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and surfing at the stunning Laga Beach. It's a perfect way to escape the city and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Basque Country.
Learn More about Bilbao
Bilbao is the heart of the Basque Country and its largest metropolis. Constantly changing, it is the most cosmopolitan city in the region. During industrialisation, the population really grew and prospered thanks to metal production, maritime trade, shipbuilding and banking. During the 1970s, however, the city and its grey smokestacks faced a severe economic crisis. In response, a new recovery plan was devised and the declining city gradually regained its momentum. The industrial complexes along the river Nervión were demolished to make way for new housing projects, improving the existing infrastructure: the rebirth of the entire city could begin.
Combining traditional Basque culture with a new conception of the future. It is a must-see destination for design and culture enthusiasts.
Between tradition and modernity, Bilbao is one of the most interesting cities and perfect balance that appeals to millions of tourists every year.
Bilbao is now a sophisticated, fast-paced metropolis, yet a stress-free city to live in. A great place to visit, Bilbao has a lot to offer its visitors whatever their interests: a unique high quality gastronomy, traditional Basque culture, shopping, a lively nightlife... Bilbao is waiting for you !
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Bilbao
Bilbao remains the largest city and port in the Basque Country. Divided into eight districts, it has become very modern, while retaining the charm of its old quarters. Its splendid architectural heritage attracts many visitors.
Opened to the public in 1997, the Zubizuri Bridge (white bridge, in Basque) spans the Ria. With its peculiar shape, reminiscent of a sailing ship, it is one of the symbols of the Spanish city.
You must visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. With a surface area of 24,000 m2, 9,000 of which are dedicated to exhibitions, the building is a true architectural landmark, thanks to its bold configuration and innovative design, which provide an attractive backdrop for the art on display.
Where to Stay in Bilbao
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Bilbao
🗼 Landmark spots 🏘️ Town spots 🚢 Dock spots 🏰 Historic site spots 🌉 Suspension bridge spots 🌉 Bridge spots Water park spots 🏘️ Cottage spotsTravel map of Bilbao
Explore popular touristic places around Bilbao
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