Things to do in Bilbao

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao featuring modern architecture and night scenes
Bilbao which includes a city, a bridge and a river or creek
Santiago Cathedral which includes heritage elements, a church or cathedral and interior views
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao which includes modern architecture, outdoor art and a sunset
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao showing interior views

Bilbao Attractions

Sitting on the banks of the Nervión River near the northern coast of Basque Country, the Spanish city of Bilbao is an industrial port destination that has recently undergone a revival. In the last few decades, the once gritty city has become a hub for art and architecture, thanks in large part to the cutting-edge Guggenheim Museum. Though it's not known as much for its physical beauty as the nearby resort town of San Sebastián, Bilbao boasts an unexpected mix of things to do, eat, and see. Modern skyscrapers mingle on the streets with centuries-old churches, and long-standing fish markets meld with high-end boutiques. Along with its art, Bilbao is renowned for its culinary culture-one that centers around traditional small bites known as pintxos. In the outskirts of town, Basque Country offers a quiet retreat from urban living, full of tiny villages, rolling vineyards, and beautiful beaches.


Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.


Most popular activities in Bilbao

Tours & day trips

See all 182 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 65 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 19 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 9 activities

Shows & concerts

See all 4 activities

What to do in Bilbao

Free Things to Do in Bilbao

Leave your purse in the hotel room. It's easy to have a ball in Bilbao without surrendering a cent.

Puerta de los Honorables - If you're eager to discover more of the area's thriving arts and culture scene, make sure you drop by.

Funicular de Artxanda - If you're eager to ramp up the fun factor on your getaway, head straight here.

Zubizuri Bridge - Stop by this modern landmark and take in its impressive design.

Bilbao City Hall - Get ready to feel like you've taken a step back in time while learning the secrets of this historic site.

Plaza Nueva - Stop for a while in this lively spot and imagine life as a local.

Ribera Market - Make room in your to-do list to take a look at this place of local significance.

Parroquia de San Vicente Martir de Abando - Get an insight into the local beliefs at this place of worship.

Dona Casilda Iturrizar Park - Cultivate your green thumb and appreciate the beautiful and diverse plants on show.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Bilbao

While Bilbao is technically divided into 8 distinct districts, the city is split roughly in half by 2 notable regions-Abando and Ibaiondo, each of which have unique barrios of their own.

Abando - Located right in the center of the city, Abando is the modern heart of Bilbao, bursting with many of the area's most contemporary attractions, tallest buildings, and top shopping destinations. Of its landmarks, the most distinguished is the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a curving titanium-and-glass structure that reflects the water and the sky. In the rest of the district, locals and visitors enjoy access to theaters, music halls, riverside walkways, and luxury boutiques, the latter of which are gathered around the main avenue of Gran Vía. The west side of the district is broken into a smaller neighborhood known as Indautxu, which thrives with the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, the Azkuna Zentroa cultural center, the San Mamés sports stadium, and some of the city's best bars along Poza Street.

Ibaiondo - Covering much of the east and south parts of the city, Ibaiondo is the largest of Bilbao's official districts, broken up into 10 diverse neighborhoods. The most famous of these is the medieval hub of Casco Viejo, home to narrow streets lined with 14th-century churches, Basque history museums, and colorful, romantic apartments. Always buzzing, the barrio is where you'll find the art deco Ribera Market-one of the largest retail markets in Europe-along with a wealth of pintxos eateries and wine bars in and around Plaza Nueva. Directly across the river from Casco Viejo, San Francisco is an immigrant neighborhood filled with interesting shops selling aromatic spices from around the world. Directly to the south, Bilbao la Vieja-known to locals as "Bilbi"-is the hippest neighborhood in the city, having turned into a hotbed for urban art, funky boutiques, and craft beer bars.

What to See in Bilbao

See all of Bilbao's best sights on a 3-day tour that lets you create your own itinerary. With an accommodation package at a 4-star hotel, gain admission to the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum to admire its impressive collection of contemporary art, including works by masters like Mark Rothko, Cy Twombly, Andy Warhol, and Jeff Koons. After the museum, see the city from a new perspective on the water of the Nervión River. With your own kayak or standup paddleboard, follow a guide along the riverfront, taking in views of landmarks like the sparkling Iberdrola Tower and the futuristic Zubizuri bridge.

Sightseeing in Bilbao

For History Buffs

Dive into the centuries-old story of Bilbao on a guided walking tour of Casco Viejo. With a local guide leading the way, set off on foot down the neighborhood's narrow, winding pathways. As you walk, listen as your guide explains the history of the city's original "Seven Streets" and how they've been transformed into a pedestrian center for dining and entertainment. Get close to the oldest landmarks in the city, including the Gothic Santiago Cathedral, the baroque Church of San Antón, and the neoclassical Plaza Nueva.

For Foodies

Immerse yourself in the mouthwatering food scene of Bilbao during a hands-on workshop with a professional chef. Held in one of the top restaurants in the heart of Casco Viejo, this class brings you into the world of Spanish creations called pintxos. Begin with an overview of these tapas-like bites as you sip on a glass of sparkling txakoli wine. Once you have a better understanding of authentic Basque cuisine, it's time to get cooking. Roll up your sleeves to make delicacies such as spicy cod salad, beef tartare sliders, and olive-and-anchovy skewers known as gilda.

For Thrill Seekers

Feel the rush of adrenaline as you fly through the Basque forest on a fast-paced zipline. Located roughly 15 minutes north of the city center, Forestal Park Bilbao is a wild world full of thrilling courses, suspended bridges, and formidable climbing walls. Upon arrival, get strapped into your safety equipment for a daring adventure on 4-route zipline through the verdant trees. After your ride, continue the fun with dozens of additional challenges and games designed for a variety of skill levels.

Things to Do in Bilbao with Kids

There are loads of outstanding experiences in Bilbao that the whole gang will love. These are a few of the best family friendly experiences around.


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Bilbao? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Bilbao

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Bilbao

San Mames Stadium which includes a river or creek and modern architecture

Bilbao City Centre

4.5/5(43 area reviews)

Discover centuries worth of art treasures and ancient churches and palaces on a trip to the heart of this northern port city.

Bilbao City Centre
Ribera Market which includes interior views, food and a bar

Bilbao Old Town

4.5/5(63 area reviews)

Discover characterful bars, historic architecture, colorful independent stores and much more amid the largely pedestrianized streets of Bilbao’s atmospheric heart.

Bilbao Old Town
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao which includes modern architecture, outdoor art and a sunset

Abando

4.5/5(227 area reviews)

Outstanding architecture, museums filled with the work of artistic legends and gorgeous parks and squares are among the top attraction of this central district.

Abando
Plaza Moyua showing a fountain, flowers and a garden

Indautxu

If you're spending time in Indautxu, check out sights like Ensanche or Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall and hop on the metro to see more the city at Indautxu Station or Sabino Arana Tram Stop.

Indautxu
Plaza Nueva which includes outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Casco Viejo

Discover the most colorful part of Bilbao, where you can explore historical churches like San Antón and San Nicolás, shop at Mercado de la Ribera, and enjoy local taverns. Easily accessible via Casco Viejo station and public elevators.

Casco Viejo
Bilbao featuring a city, modern architecture and night scenes

Ibaiondo

While you're in Ibaiondo, take in top sights like Ribera Market or Santiago Cathedral, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Atxuri Tram Station or Ribera Tram Stop.

Ibaiondo

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Bilbao

Frequently asked questions

Is Bilbao worth visiting?
With a blend of festivals and dining, there are many things to do in Bilbao. When you're here, head to Castle of Butron, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Bilbao?
Start your day with a visit to Castle of Butron and Arrigunaga Beach. Then, check out different parts of Bilbao for a bite to eat and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bilbao?
Castle of Butron is one of the top tourist attractions in Bilbao and should feature high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Bilbao?
You can easily tick off top attractions like Palacio de la Diputación Foral de Vizcaya, Museum of Passages of Bilbao and Reproductions Museum Bilbao with a three-day escape to Bilbao. On average, many travelers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Derio.
Is Bilbao a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to do and see in Bilbao. Several sights, like Palacio de la Diputación Foral de Vizcaya and Museum of Passages of Bilbao, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Bilbao's neighborhoods, Bilbao City Centre is 0.3 miles away from downtown, while Abando is 0.4 miles away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Bilbao with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a fun-filled itinerary makes all the difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Bilbao with kids.

What to do in Bilbao for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of Mother Nature, there are plenty of things to do in Bilbao for adults including Museo de la Mineria del Pais Vasco.
Are there free things to do in Bilbao?
In Bilbao, Funicular de Artxanda is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to tour the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the local parks and neighborhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's an easy way to find out about the best free things to do in Bilbao.