Nestled between green hills and the Bay of Biscay, Bilbao is a city where tradition and innovation meet in the most captivating ways. From world-renowned art to centuries-old streets, it offers visitors a rich blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal charm. Whether you’re an art lover, a foodie, or a history enthusiast, you’ll find something unforgettable waiting around every corner. Here are 10 Wonderful Things to Do in Bilbao, Spain.

Admire the Art at The Guggenheim

If you only have time for one thing while visiting Bilbao, make it a visit to the iconic Guggenheim Museum! Designed by Frank Gehry, this striking structure is a work of art in itself. Inside, you’ll find contemporary masterpieces from artists like Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, and Anselm Kiefer, alongside ever-changing exhibitions.

The museum was smaller than I originally anticipated, given it’s reputation, but that made it all the easier to explore. During my visit I was introduced to the fun and cartoonish-style works of Yoshitomo Nara, and let’s just say, I’m now huge fan!

Even if you’re just passing through the city and don’t have time to stop inside, the silver waves that make up the exterior of the museum, it’s famous giant spider sculpture, and its large flower puppy are certainly worth a stroll by.

Entry Cost: Starting at €15/person, with discounts available for children, students, and seniors*.

Hours:

• Tuesdays to Sundays from 10AM to 7PM
• Summers, open every day from 10AM to 8PM

Sample Pintxos at Mercado de la Ribera

Of course, if you’re traveling to Spain’s Basque coast, you’ve likely heard about Basque cuisine and there’s no other foodie spot in the city quite like Mercado de la Ribera, Bilbao’s lively riverside market. Here, you’ll find stalls piled high with pintxos, the Basque Country’s famous small bites. It’s the perfect place to graze your way through local flavors, from fresh seafood to inventive takes on traditional recipes, all under the soaring Art Deco roof of Europe’s largest covered market.

Entry Cost: N/A*, but costs of tapas, drinks, and other items vary*

Hours**:

• Mondays to Thursdays from 8AM – 10PM*
• Fridays to Saturdays from 8AM – 11PM*
• Sundays from 11AM – 10PM*
• **Individual stall hours vary.

Explore The Grounds at Butron Castle

Just a short drive from Bilbao, Butron Castle is a picture-perfect storybook castle from the 13th century. Though the interior isn’t open to visitors, the castle’s dramatic towers and lush grounds make it a dreamy spot for a leisurely stroll or an impromptu picnic!

When I visited, the castle was under restoration and mostly hidden behind construction walls, but even so, the sheer height and beauty of the architecture made a lasting impression. The restoration work may already be complete by the time you visit, making now a perfect moment to experience this storybook setting for yourself.

Entry Cost: N/A

Hours: The castle is privately owned, so entry inside is not allowed, but the façade and walking paths around the property can be visited at anytime*

Wander Casco Viejo

Bilbao’s Old Town, known as Casco Viejo, is a maze of narrow lanes, colorful buildings, and hidden plazas. Spend an afternoon wandering without a map (trust me, that’s half the fun). You’ll stumble across artisan shops, cozy cafés, centuries-old churches, and lively pintxo bars that fill the air with the scent of grilled seafood and fresh bread.

Light a Candle at Bilbao Cathedral

Bilbao Cathedral, also known as Santiago Cathedral, is a peaceful refuge tucked into the heart of Casco Viejo. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, this Gothic cathedral served as an important stop for pilgrims traveling the northern route of the Camino de Santiago toward the tomb of the Apostle St. James.

My partner and I easily spent half an hour here, just admiring the cathedral’s quiet architectural details. We particularly loved seeing how the sunlight filtered through the archways in the cloister, lined with green plants on the courtyard side and stained glass windows on the interior cathedral side.

I recommend taking a moment to wander its hushed interior after enjoying a long lunch at the nearby Mercado de la Ribera. Admire the craftsmanship, and perhaps light a candle for the journeys still ahead!

Entry Cost: €10/person, with discounts available for children, unemployed persons, students, and seniors*.

Hours:

• Mondays to Saturdays from 10AM to 6:30PM
• Sundays from 1PM to 6:30PM

Enjoy the Fine Arts Museum

Often overshadowed by the Guggenheim, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is a must for anyone who loves classic and modern art. With works by El Greco, Goya, Picasso, and contemporary Basque artists, it offers a wonderful array of Spanish and European art. What’s more, the museum is currently (April 2025) undergoing expansion to continue building an even more robust collection for the future.

Entry Cost: Admission to the museum is currently free* during its ongoing construction. When the building expansion is completed, ticket prices are expected to start at €7/person, with discounts available for children, young adults, and seniors*.

Hours:

• Mondays and Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10AM – 8PM
• Sundays from 10AM to 3PM
• Closed Tuesdays

Walk Along The Riverfront

The Nervión River has always been the heart of Bilbao, but recent decades have transformed its banks into a vibrant public space. A walk along the riverfront will take you past striking architecture, lush parks, and quirky public art installations. Don’t miss the Zubizuri Bridge, a sleek, modern footbridge designed by Santiago Calatrava.

Tour the Arriaga Theater

Modeled after the Paris Opera House, the Arriaga Theater is a jewel of 19th-century architecture. Whether you catch a live performance or join a guided tour, stepping inside this grand, gilded space feels like a trip back to Bilbao’s elegant Belle Époque era.

Guided Tour Cost: €5/person, with discounts available for children and patrons with reduced mobility*.

Hours: Vary by show and tour availability. Check the Arriaga Theatre website (linked above) for the latest information.

Take a Day Trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

Perched on a rocky island connected to the mainland by a winding stone bridge, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is magic. The steep climb up 241 steps is rewarded with sweeping coastal views and the chance to ring the hermitage bell for good luck. Fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon might recognize it as the filming location for Dragonstone from the epic fantasy series.

Want to plan a day trip? Here’s Everything You Need to Know about Visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

Entry Cost: N/A*

Hours: Varies*. See link above for details.

Take a Day Trip to San Sebastian

Just over an hour from Bilbao, San Sebastian is one of Spain’s most beautiful seaside cities. Spend the day lounging on La Concha Beach, exploring the elegant old town, and indulging in more world-class pintxos.

*At time of writing.