Lonely PlanetJul 15
The top things to do in Bilbao, Spain and how to do them
Come to know the incredible Spanish city of Bilbao through its art, food, architecture and our picks of must-do experiences.
Food market where many city chefs shop.
25 things in this story
- Museo Guggenheim BilbaoMuseumGleaming, titanium-clad museum, city's most striking building.
- Plaza NuevaNeighborhood19th-century arcaded plaza, home to pintxo bars.
- Gure TokiPubMany consider its pintxos to be Bilbao's best.
- SorgínzuloPubStrong local following with standouts including calamari.
- BacaicoaPubKnown for mushroom pintxos cooked to order.
- BasterRestaurantKnown for octopus skewers and house-made croquettes.
- IrrintziRestaurantOffers vegetarian or gluten-free options.
- Taberna BasarasBarTraditional tavern known for anchovy pintxos.
- Euskalduna PalacePlaceVenue hosts orchestras, operas, concerts and musicals.
- Ría del NerviónSightRiver is central to life in Bilbao.
- Puente San AntónSightBridge to paddle to and back from on kayak tour.
- Ayuntamiento de BilbaoSightCity hall passed on kayak tour.
- Teatro ArriagaTheatreTheater passed on kayak tour.
- Concordia Train StationSightTrain station passed on kayak tour.
- Mercado de la RiberaMarketFood market where many city chefs shop.
- ItsasmuseumMuseumMaritime museum explaining sea's historical importance.
- Carolaren ArimaSightInstallation of light and sound on the dock.
- TournéPlaceOffers daily guided city tours by bike.
- Puerto ViejoSightPort visited on a 19.5km bike route.
- Basque RouteTrailCoastal cycle trail connecting Bilbao with Lekeito.
- Puente ColganteTrail
- Bar CharlyPub
- Cafe-Bar BilbaoCafé
- Vizcaya BridgeSight
- Bizkaia BridgeSight