Top things to do in Bilbao
Attractions, tours, and activities in Bilbao
Recommended museums in Bilbao
Where to find art and culture in Bilbao
Bilbao: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in Bilbao
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Old Town
0.7 miles from downtown
A magnificent seven. Known as the “Seven Streets”, the Old Town is a window into a bygone Bilbao, where narrow alleys are lined with aged façades. Look out for hulking Basque architecture at Atxuri Station, then tuck into tapas at Xukela. To see Basque tradition in all its muscly glory, watch a game of squash-like “frontón” in La Esperanza.
Places to stay from $35 a night
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Ensanche
In downtown
Energetic Ensanche. This area hums with activity from dawn onwards, when suited salarymen stride out of the curved-glass exits from the metro. On matchdays, the area around Athletic Bilbao’s San Mamés stadium floods with red-and-white-shirted footy fans. After dark, sink a cocktail in Kafe Antzokia, then dance the night away in Loft or Cúpula.
Places to stay from $23 a night
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Deusto
1.1 miles from downtown
You say tomato, I say “tomatea”. Once a tomato-growing area, this quiet area now cultivates learned citizens at Bilbao’s main university. Fresh-faced students zip across Padre Arrupe Bridge on bikes, their baskets laden with books. Athletic youngsters enjoy kick-abouts on the lush grass of university sports grounds. Those were the days!
Places to stay from $16 a night
About Bilbao
Including tips for the best time to visit Bilbao
A Spanish treasure, Bilbao is a sprawling urban city filled with world-leading museums, avant-garde architecture and a buzzing food scene.
The Basque Country's largest city is home to a dizzying number of cultural institutions, led by the stunning Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Designed by influential architect Frank Gehry, the titanium building is considered one of the most important examples of contemporary architecture and is packed with artistic treasures. Elsewhere, you can discover a huge collection of Basque, Spanish and European art at the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum.
Modern and medieval architecture alike give Bilbao its distinctive edge. Check out the stylish culture and leisure centre Azkuna Zentroa – 43 eye-catching columns add a surreal charm to its new-age aesthetic. Another highlight is Bilbao’s oldest church, the 14th-century Santiago Cathedral. Fronted by a Gothic Revival facade, the monument stands as strong as ever, towering in heavenly-white above all in Casco Viejo.
Bilbao’s dining scene is a real treat for the tastebuds. Michelin-starred restaurants, lively pintxo bars and family-run eateries offer their own take on Basque cuisine. Hit the old town for a Bacalao al Pil-Pil, a favourite local dish featuring cod, garlic and olive oil that's best enjoyed with a delicious Spanish wine.
Bilbao Airport is located north of the city, about 12 kilometres from the centre.
Tonight
From $61 per night
This weekend
From $162 per night
Next weekend
From $295 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | € 1 = $1.07 |
| Language | Spanish |
| Average weekend price | $110 per night |
| Average weekday price | $115 per night |
| Average stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in Bilbao
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Bilbao
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San Mamés Stadium
0.7 miles from downtown
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Guggenheim Museumd, Bilbao
0.4 miles from downtown
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Vista Alegre Bullring
0.6 miles from downtown
Bilbao reviews
What other travelers say about Bilbao
It's a small city, easy to get around perfect for a...
May 30, 2023
It's a small city, easy to get around perfect for a short break of 2 or 3 days. If shopping is your thing you are well catered for. Architecturally the Guggenheim building is a must, but the exhibits were rather disappointing. There are other museums though, including the very interesting Museo de Bellas Artes. The old docks and pathway along the river have been upgraded and make for a very pleasant walk. In the local colourful restaurants you will find an excellent choice of pintxos (tapas) for lunch and dinner. The historic old town area with the cathedral and the Ribera Market are great places to visit. Happy to recommend Bilbao as a tourist destination.
Interesting city, lots to see and do for a couple of days...
May 29, 2023
Interesting city, lots to see and do for a couple of days and great fun doing the pinxtos bar crawls. Would recommend going up the furnicular and also going to Plaza Nuevo in the old town for food and drink
The Guggenheim museum is a must but take comfortable shoes,...
May 26, 2023
The Guggenheim museum is a must but take comfortable shoes, the building itself is amazing to walk around though there are places to sit and have a rest and admire the art. Eating out in Bilbao is cheap, pinxtchos are available everywhere and good.
Bilbao is lovely city.
May 25, 2023
Bilbao is lovely city. Very busy! Amazing culture, atomsophere. The foods are so lovely. People are friendly! Be aware of the barik card , if you bring up to 10 or less you can tap one a time. We didn’t know and we got fine for 20e
Bilbao is beautiful modern city attracting not only artists...
May 25, 2023
Bilbao is beautiful modern city attracting not only artists but young people from all over the world due to its climate, closeness to the sea and mountains, cleanliness, greenery and infrastructure. Historical part is well preserved and food is absolutely delicious.
Beautiful architecture, clean city and locals mostly...
May 22, 2023
Beautiful architecture, clean city and locals mostly friendly. Pintxos are everything - we stayed in new town but if I went again, I’d book a hotel in old town. That’s where the culture and vibrancy lives. Riverside is good to see and nice walks along to Guggenheim. Bilboats cruise along river was ok. we had a great pintxos and wine tour one night with our tour guide Oskar (Tourné Bilbao) - highly recommend.
Popular places to stay in Bilbao
Stay in some of the best accommodations Bilbao has to offer
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Apartament El Patio del Museo Bilbao, Spain
From $139 per night
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Bilbao High Apartment Bilbao City Centre, Bilbao
From $86 per night
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Old Town by Bilbao Living Old Town, Bilbao
From $114 per night
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Apartamento Alaia Old Town, Bilbao
From $150 per night
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Bilbao Sensations.OLD TOWN exclusive views&parking Old Town, Bilbao
From $217 per night
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Other accommodations in Bilbao
Pick from a wide variety of places to stay in Bilbao
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Apartments
From $42 per night
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Villas
From per night
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Cottages
From $70 per night
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Serviced Apartments
From $59 per night
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Vacation Homes
From $70 per night
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Guest houses
From $31 per night
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Hostels
From $14 per night
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B&Bs
From $48 per night
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Homestays
From $36 per night
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Self-catering Accommodations
From $23 per night
