Basque Route, Bilbao

Lonely PlanetJul 15

Come to know the incredible Spanish city of Bilbao through its art, food, architecture and our picks of must-do experiences.

Coastal cycle trail connecting Bilbao with Lekeito.

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

Basque Route