Top 16 Best Things To Do in Bilbao

Discover the top 16 best things to do in Bilbao, the tenth biggest city in Spain! From the titanium curves of the Guggenheim to the buzzing pintxos bars of Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s streets are alive with culture, history, and local flair.

For a deeper dive into the city’s culture, a wide range of tours in Bilbao offer unique experiences beyond the usual sights. Walk through historic districts, explore contemporary art, or venture into the surrounding Basque landscapes. 

Enjoy a seamless trip with the largest selection of travel packages in Bilbao. Skip the hassle of planning and experience the city’s best moments without missing a thing. To make the most of your adventure, find out the best time to visit Bilbao and plan around the season that suits you best.

With world-class museums, legendary cuisine, and a vibrant local spirit, Bilbao is a place that leaves a lasting impression. Read on to start planning your adventure!

16. Discover Bilbao After Dark

Seeing Bilbao on a night tour is something special. The city lights up, the river shimmers, and the whole place takes on a new kind of magic. Bars and plazas fill with life, and the streets feel livelier than ever.

Start with a walk by the Guggenheim, where the lights create a subtle glow against the titanium panels. Then, head into Casco Viejo and grab pintxos at a buzzing bar. Plaza Nueva is the perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere with a drink in hand.

For the best views, take the funicular up Mount Artxanda. From the top, the city stretches out in a sea of twinkling lights. Even if you’re on a guided tour or just wandering, Bilbao after dark is something you won’t forget.

15. Learn To Cook Traditional Spanish Dishes in Bilbao

Taking a traditional paella cooking class in Bilbao is one of the best things to do for food lovers. Experience Spanish cuisine beyond just following a recipe. Immerse yourself in its flavors, techniques, and rich traditions.

Learn to make authentic dishes in a cozy local kitchen filled with flavor and tradition. A local chef will guide you through each step, from preparing the freshest ingredients to nailing the perfect simmer. And, of course, no Spanish meal is complete without a glass of homemade sangria.

After cooking, sit down and enjoy your own creations. The rich flavors, local insights, and hands-on learning make this an unforgettable way to connect with Bilbao’s culinary scene.

14. Go Behind the Scenes at Teatro Arriaga

Joining a two-hour small-group walking tour in Bilbao is a great way to explore the city’s history, and one of the highlights is a stop at the magnificent Teatro Arriaga. A knowledgeable guide will share stories about the site's past, and you'll gain a better understanding of the behind-the-scenes where the magic happens.

This 19th-century theater, inspired by the Paris Opera, is a masterpiece of Neo-Baroque design and one of Bilbao’s most treasured landmarks. Step inside to find large balconies, velvet seating, and dazzling chandeliers.

Visiting Teatro Arriaga is a must for anyone exploring the best things to do in Bilbao. Admire its beauty from the outside or take a guided tour to see its grandeur up close. This historic venue is a true city icon.

13. Hike the Scenic Trails Around Bilbao

Heading out on hiking tours around Bilbao is a great way to escape the city and enjoy the incredible scenery. Some trails offer easy climbs with coastal views, while others lead deep into rugged mountain landscapes. Two of the best hiking destinations in the region are Monte Serantes and Picos de Europa.

Hiking in Monte Serantes

If you’re looking for a hike with epic city and ocean views, Monte Serantes is a great choice. The trail takes you up to about 451 meters (1,480 feet), where an old fortress and sweeping scenery are waiting at the top. 

On a clear day, you’ll see Bilbao, the Bay of Biscay, and even the mountains in the distance. The route winds through green hills and quiet forest paths and offers a peaceful escape from the city.

Hiking in Picos de Europa

For something more rugged, the trails in Picos de Europa deliver serious adventure. This mountain range is packed with towering limestone peaks, deep gorges, and green valleys. If you’re up for it, you can take on Torre de Cerredo, the highest peak at 2,650 meters (8,694 feet).

This is one of the best things to do in Bilbao if you love the outdoors. It’s a bit of a journey from the city, but it’s totally worth it. If you want to see Spain’s raw beauty up close, this is the place to do it.

12. Explore Art and Culture at Bilbao’s Azkuna Zentroa

Azkuna Zentroa is one of the city’s most unique cultural spaces that feels special on a two-hour private walking tour in Bilbao. Once a wine warehouse, this striking building is now a cultural hub, hosting art exhibitions, indie films, and live performances.

Inside, 43 columns stand tall, each with a different artistic style representing cultural and creative variety. The glass-bottom rooftop pool is another must-see and offers a surreal look down through the building.

Azkuna Zentroa is one of the best things to do in Bilbao for anyone who loves culture, architecture, or unique spaces. Stop by for an exhibition, a film, or just to take in the atmosphere. Every detail leaves an impression, making it a spot you won’t forget.

11. Admire the Historic Catedral de Santiago

See the stunning details of Catedral de Santiago on architecture tours in Bilbao. This Gothic masterpiece is the city’s oldest church and stands in the heart of Casco Viejo. Its intricate carvings, towering spires, and grand entrance make it impossible to miss.

Step inside to find vaulted ceilings, colorful stained glass, and a peaceful cloister. Every detail tells a story, from the elevated choir to the ornate chapels filled with history. Sunlight filters through the windows and casts a warm, almost ethereal glow.

Exploring Catedral de Santiago is one of the best things to do in Bilbao for anyone who loves architecture. Walk through its quiet halls, admire its breathtaking facade, and take in the rich heritage of the city. 

10. Ride the Artxanda Funicular for Panoramic Views

Take in the city's best views from the top of Mount Artxanda on a 10-day Spain tour that includes a funicular ride in Bilbao. This historic cable railway has operated since 1915 and carries visitors to one of the city’s most breathtaking lookouts. The short ride is quick, but the views make it unforgettable.

As the funicular climbs, the cityscape unfolds beneath you and reveals the Nervion River, the Guggenheim Museum, and the surrounding hills. A ride to the top is one of the best things to do in Bilbao, with panoramic views stretching to the coast. 

A trip to Mount Artxanda is the perfect way to escape the city’s buzz and enjoy a peaceful break. Walk along the scenic trails or simply take in the sweeping vistas. No matter when you visit, this spot offers a fresh perspective on Bilbao.

9. Explore Bilbao’s Best Museums

Beyond the Guggenheim Museum, exploring the other prominent museums on Bilbao’s historical tours is the perfect way to dive into the city’s culture. From world-famous modern art to Basque heritage, every museum has something different to offer.

Visiting Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

If you love classic and modern art, this museum is a must. The collection spans centuries, with works from Spanish masters like Goya and El Greco alongside modern pieces that push creative boundaries. It’s one of those places where you’ll find something new every time you visit.

Visiting the Basque Museum in Bilbao

To understand Bilbao’s roots, head to the Basque Museum in Casco Viejo. It’s packed with artifacts, traditional costumes, and exhibits that dive into the region’s history. From ancient traditions to everyday Basque life, this place gives you a deeper connection to the city.

Spending time in these museums is one of the best things to do in Bilbao if you want to see the city from a different perspective. If you love bold modern art, historic paintings, or local culture, you’ll find something here that stays with you well beyond your visit.

8. Pedal Through Bilbao’s Cycling Paths

Exploring the city on bike tours in Bilbao is one of the best ways to get around. The city has dedicated cycling paths, scenic routes along the river, and plenty of spots to stop and take in the views. It’s faster than walking but still lets you soak in every detail.

Ride through Casco Viejo, where narrow streets are packed with history, then follow the river toward the Guggenheim. Cycling past the city’s landmarks is one of the best things to do in Bilbao, admiring bridges, street art, and vibrant neighborhoods. 

A bike ride here is all about the experience. Grab some pintxos, stop at scenic spots, and enjoy the fresh air as you explore. 

7. Wander Through Mercado de la Ribera

A gastronomy tour of the Mercado de la Ribera is the perfect opportunity to dive into the city’s culinary scene. Sitting along the Nervion River, this market is a paradise for food lovers. Every corner is packed with flavors, colors, and the energy of local life.

Walking through the market is one of the best things to do in Bilbao, especially if you love exploring diverse food options. The stalls are filled with Basque cheeses, Iberian ham, and freshly baked bread. Stop by the pintxos bars inside, grab a glass of txakoli white wine, and munch your way through some of the city’s best bites.

As you wander, you’ll see locals chatting with vendors and chefs selecting the freshest ingredients. The scent of sizzling seafood fills the air, adding to the market’s lively atmosphere. Stop by for a quick snack or settle in for a full meal—either way, visiting the market is an experience you won’t want to miss.

6. Walk Across the Vizcaya Bridge

Walk across one of Bilbao's most impressive bridges and beyond on a guided tour to Vizcaya, Urdaibai, and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. The Vizcaya Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a bold design and towering iron structure, has connected Portugalete and Getxo since 1893.

Crossing the upper platform offers breathtaking views of the Nervion River and the coastline beyond. The real highlight is the transporter gondola, a rare system that carries people and vehicles across the river while suspended from steel cables.

Feel the scale of its design and the legacy it carries. The mix of history, engineering, and sweeping views makes this an experience you won’t forget. 

5. Indulge in Bilbao’s Famous Pintxos

Taste your way through Basque flavors on a Bilbao’s pintxos food tour. These bite-sized delights fill the counters of bars across the city, each one packed with bold flavors and tradition.

The best way to enjoy them is by hopping from bar to bar, sampling specialties along the way. A guided pintxos and tapas tour in Bilbao takes you to the top spots, where locals gather over small plates and glasses of txakoli, a Basque white wine. Each stop brings something new, from fresh seafood to rich foie gras.

Pintxos unite people, filling the streets with energy from day to night. Walking through Casco Viejo, stepping into buzzing bars, and tasting local favorites is an experience that stays with you. 

4. Savor the Flavors of La Rioja Wine Country Near Bilbao

Take advantage of a harvest experience in the rolling vineyards of Rioja, where historic wineries and world-class wines await. In fact, this renowned wine country is just a short trip away. 

Tasting La Rioja’s bold reds and elegant whites is one of the best things to do in Bilbao for anyone who appreciates fine beverages. Sip, swirl, and discover flavors shaped by centuries of tradition.

Beyond the wine, the scenery is just as unforgettable. Vineyards stretch across rolling hills, and medieval villages dot the landscape. Conclude your trip by enjoying a tasting with stunning views or simply taking in the beauty of La Rioja at a relaxed pace.

3.  Stroll Through Bilbao’s Old Town (Casco Viejo)

Lose yourself in the charming streets of Casco Viejo on Bilbao’s private walking tour. The area is the heart of Bilbao, filled with centuries-old architecture, bustling markets, and local culture at every turn.

The heart of Casco Viejo lies in its Seven Streets, the original medieval layout of the city. Each street has its own personality, from boutique-lined alleys to lively pintxos bars serving up local flavors. Landmarks like the Catedral de Santiago and the Plaza Nueva add to the historic charm.

Exploring Casco Viejo is one of the best things to do in Bilbao, with a new discovery around every corner. Stop by Mercado de la Ribera, Europe’s largest covered market, for fresh seafood and Basque delicacies. Wander into a local bar, grab a plate of gildas, and sip on a glass of txakoli.

As the sun sets, the streets of Old Town are filled with music, chatter, and the scent of sizzling pintxos. Admire the centuries-old architecture, hunt for unique souvenirs, or simply take in the energy of the district. Casco Viejo pulls you in with its charm and makes you want to stay.

2.  Feel the Energy at Estadio San Mames in Bilbao

Kick off an unforgettable experience with a stadium and museum tour at Estadio San Mames, where Basque football culture runs deep. Home to the Athletic Club, this legendary stadium represents pride, passion, and generations of history.

Walking through the stands, you can almost hear the roar of the fans. Meanwhile, the museum showcases trophies, jerseys, and unforgettable moments from the club’s long history. Behind-the-scenes access takes you through the locker rooms, the tunnel, and even the dugout.

Match days take the atmosphere to another level, but the energy is always there. From the echoes of past victories to the devotion of its supporters, San Mames captures the spirit of Basque football.

1. Visit Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum

Admire one of Bilbao’s most iconic landmarks on a guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum. Designed by Frank Gehry, this bold structure stands along the Nervion River with its flowing curves and titanium panels. The museum’s striking exterior is reason enough to visit, but what’s inside is just as impressive.

Contemporary masterpieces from world-renowned artists fill the galleries, offering a mix of thought-provoking installations and stunning visual displays. Every exhibit pushes creative boundaries and makes each visit a new experience.

A private tour gives deeper insight into the museum’s most famous works, from large-scale sculptures to groundbreaking exhibitions. Even outside, the experience starts with iconic pieces like Puppy and Maman welcoming visitors at the entrance.

Walking through the museum is one of the best things to do in Bilbao, even if you're exploring solo or with a guide. The blend of innovative design and contemporary art makes this an unforgettable stop.