Bilbao, as the center of the Basque Country, is one of Spain’s most unique locations. The dialect, culture, and almost everything else makes it an exciting city.
The city is considered by the Basques as their national capital. The city was founded in 1300 by Don Diego López de Haro, Count of Vizcaya. Its strong industrialisation in the 19th and 20th centuries made it the second most industrialised region in Spain, after Barcelona.
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Bilbao attractions
Old Town (Casco Viejo)
The historical center of the city is located on the right bank of the Nerbioi River. This is the most authentic and charming part of the city.
Its most famous part is the renowned Siete Calles (Seven Streets), which form the original medieval core of the city. These narrow, cobblestone streets are full of small shops, local bars, and restaurants where you can taste Basque pintxos.
Santiago Cathedral
The most important religious building in Bilbao is located in the old town.
Construction began at the end of the 14th century and was completed in the 15th century. It originally served as a pilgrim church and was built in honor of Saint James the Apostle (Santiago in Spanish), who is the namesake of the famous Spanish pilgrimage route.
Its architectural style is mainly Gothic, but it also contains Neo-Gothic and Renaissance elements, which are the results of transformations over the centuries. The cathedral includes several smaller chapels, each dedicated to different patron saints.
San Antón Church and Bridge
They are considered historical symbols of Bilbao, as both appear on the city’s coat of arms.
It was named after Saint Anthony the Abbot, who is the patron saint of healing and the poor. The church’s façade and tower are striking examples of Gothic style. Its interior is impressive, with high arches and a richly decorated altar. Besides the main altar, there are several smaller chapels, each dedicated to different patron saints.
The San Antón Bridge spans the Nerbioi River next to the church. It was built in the 14th century and was one of the city’s first stone bridges. It was originally made of wood and later converted to stone.
Zubizuri Bridge
One of Bilbao’s most iconic modern architectural creations is a tourist attraction.
The futuristic pedestrian bridge has a unique, curved structure. Its walking surface is made of glass and receives beautiful illumination at night.
La Ribera Market
One of Europe’s largest covered markets is located in the old town.
An open-air market existed here already in medieval times, which was transformed into an impressive art deco style covered building in 1929. At one time, the Guinness Book of Records recognized it as Europe’s largest covered market (with its area of 10,000 m²).
Naturally, many Basque products are available. One of the market’s most popular sections is where you can taste the famous Basque pintxos (the local version of tapas), fresh seafood, meats, and wines.
Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park
One of Bilbao’s most beautiful and largest green spaces is a favorite relaxation spot for locals.
The park was named after Doña Casilda Iturrizar, a Bilbao philanthropist who left her fortune for community purposes and played a major role in the park’s creation.
One of its most beautiful features is the small artificial lake. Nearby is an aviary that was once home to rare bird species. The park is full of impressive fountains, as well as numerous sculptures and monuments. One of the most famous fountains is the Fuente del Perro.
Mount Artxanda
One of Bilbao’s best viewpoints, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding green hills.
Getting to the mountain itself is a great experience. The Funicular de Artxanda quickly takes you up and rewards you with wonderful views. At the summit, there are parks, walking paths, sports fields, and rest areas.
At the top of the mountain, there is a huge metal screw-shaped monument (La Huella) that commemorates the victims of the Spanish Civil War.
Basque Museum (Museo Vasco)
Located in the old town, the museum focuses on Basque history, traditions, and ethnography.
The building itself is historically significant: it is housed in a 17th-century Renaissance monastery, the former Jesuit monastery. The museum was founded in 1921.
Its main theme is the history and origin of the Basque people: archaeological findings and historical documents help understand the roots of Basque culture. The exhibitions showcase the Basques’ famous maritime past, whaling, and sea trade.
The museum’s famous symbol is the Mikeldi idol. This is a mysterious prehistoric stone sculpture depicting a bull or wild boar. It is one of the most well-known Basque archaeological finds. Another significant attraction is the huge relief map of the Basque Country, which details the region’s geography.
All information can be found here!
Guggenheim Museum
The museum is one of the most famous cultural attractions not only in the Basque Country but in all of Spain.
It is famous for its unique, futuristic architecture and modern art exhibitions. The museum’s undulating, curved forms stand on the banks of the Nervión River and create an effect as if the building itself were moving. The titanium cladding reflects varying shades depending on the lighting conditions.
It showcases modern and contemporary artworks by world-famous artists such as Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, Anselm Kiefer, Richard Serra. The latter’s work, „The Matter of Time” is one of the most famous artworks in the museum, a monumental spatial installation consisting of huge steel spirals.
At the museum’s entrance stands a massive 12-meter-high flower sculpture in the shape of a dog. The creation called Puppy changes seasonally as it is covered with living flowers. The 9-meter-high bronze spider next to the building is one of the most iconic contemporary artworks, symbolizing motherhood and creation.
All information can be found here!
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
The museum houses one of Spain’s most significant fine arts collections.
Its collection includes more than 10,000 artworks, from the Middle Ages to the present day. The exhibitions are divided into five main thematic sections:
- Old Masters: Artworks from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Flemish masters (Van Dyck, Bosch) and Spanish classics (El Greco, Zurbarán, Murillo)
- Basque Art: One of the museum’s specialties is its focus on Basque artists, such as Ignacio Zuloaga or Eduardo Chillida
- 19th Century Art: Works by Francisco Goya, Sorolla, and other Spanish masters, alongside French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works
- Modern and Contemporary Art: Works by Picasso, Francis Bacon, Chillida, Tàpies, and other significant artists
- Sculpture Collection: Modern and classical sculptures can be found both in the museum’s garden and interior spaces
All information can be found here!