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Spain Bilbao travel guide
22 things to do in Bilbao, where to stay, airport transfers, 4 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Bilbao
- Guggenheim Museum Bilbao — Museum of modern and contemporary art in Bilbao, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- St. James' Cathedral — cultural property in Bilbao, Spain (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Bilbao Fine Arts Museum — art museum in Bilbao, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Church of San Antón — cultural property in Bilbao, Spain (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Basilica of Begoña — minor basilica in Bilbao, Spain (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Teatro Arriaga — theatre in Bilbao, Spain (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Chavarri Palace — landmark building in Bilbao, Spain (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Plaza de Toros de Bilbao — bullring in Bilbao, Spain (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Alhóndiga Bilbao — cultural property in Bilbao, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Euskal Museoa — Basque Country Museum (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Plaza Nueva — town square in Bilbao, Spain (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Doña Casilda Iturrizar park — park in Spain (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Plaza Elíptica — square in Bilbao (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Biscay Foral Delegation Palace — Headquarters of the Provincial Council of Vizcaya. (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Bilbao's Iron Ring — Spanish Civil War fortifications (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Teatro Campos Elíseos — theatre in Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Parque Etxebarria (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Church of San Nicolás, Bilbao — church building in Bilbao, Spain (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Church of San Francisco de Asís, Bilbao — Bilbao (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Reproductions Museum Bilbao — art museum in Basque Country, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Ibaigane Palace (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Casa Arróspide — cultural property in Bilbao, Spain (visit ≈ 15 min)
2-day Bilbao walking itinerary
Starting point: Casco Viejo. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 8.3 km · 11,140 steps · 1 h 51 min on the way): Teatro Arriaga → Chavarri Palace → Guggenheim Museum Bilbao → Bilbao Fine Arts Museum → Plaza de Toros de Bilbao → Church of San Antón → Basilica of Begoña
- Day 2 (≈ 0.1 km · 160 steps · 2 min on the way): St. James' Cathedral
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Bilbao
- Mercado de la Ribera — Large 1920s covered market with stained glass on the riverbank in the Casco Viejo. (visit ≈ 40 min)
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe — Little hermitage on a rocky islet reached by a stone bridge and some 240 steps; booking needed in summer. (visit ≈ 180 min)
Where to stay in Bilbao
- Casco Viejo: Seven old streets and pintxo bars; the historic centre.
- Abando: Main avenues and stations; central and practical.
- Indautxu: A smart local area full of shops and cafés.
- Abandoibarra / Guggenheim: By the river, next to the museum and parks.
Getting from the airport to Bilbao
- Bilbao (BIO): Airport bus ≈ 20 min
Getting around
The metro and tram link the city well; the centre and riverside are great on foot.
Classic places to eat
- Café Iruña: A historic café with Mudéjar decor since 1903.
- Gure Toki: Known for creative pintxos on Plaza Nueva.
- Víctor Montes: Pintxos and wine on Plaza Nueva since 1849.
- El Globo: A central local bar with award-winning pintxos.
- Casa Rufo: Txuleta steak in the back room of a shop.
- Pastelería Arrese: Basque sweets since 1852.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- Nerua — 1 MICHELIN star, Creative Basque
- Zarate — 1 MICHELIN star, Seafood
- Eneko Bilbao — 1 MICHELIN star, Modern Basque
- Ola Martín Berasategui — 1 MICHELIN star, Modern Basque
Romantic views
- Mount Artxanda (Sunset): The whole city from the hilltop, reached by funicular.
- Riverside Promenade (Evening): A riverside path leading to the Guggenheim.
- Zubizuri Bridge (Evening): Calatrava’s white footbridge.
- Doña Casilda Park (Afternoon): A large city park with a duck pond.
Football stadiums in Bilbao
- San Mamés Stadium: Home of Athletic Club
- Lezama Facilities: Home of Athletic Club
Good to know before visiting Bilbao
- Fine: Drinking in the street (botellón) is fined in many cities.
- Fine: Coastal cities such as Barcelona, Málaga and Palma fine walking around in swimwear or shirtless.
- Fine: Swimming when the red flag is flying is fined.
- Fine: Smoking is banned indoors and near children's playgrounds.
- Warning: Cover shoulders and knees in cathedrals and churches.
- Warning: You must carry ID or a passport; police can ask for it.
- Emergency: 112 (police 091, ambulance 061, fire 080)
- Plugs: C/F, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe, though it can taste chalky in some cities.
- Tipping: Tipping isn't required; small change or 5–10% is plenty.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Spain, Wikivoyage — Spain, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Bilbao travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Bilbao?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 3 days for the top 20 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Bilbao?
- Highlights: Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, St. James' Cathedral, Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, Church of San Antón and Basilica of Begoña. The map has 22 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Bilbao?
- Casco Viejo: Seven old streets and pintxo bars; the historic centre. Other options: Abando, Indautxu and Abandoibarra / Guggenheim.
- How do you get from the airport to Bilbao city centre?
- Bilbao (BIO): Airport bus ≈ 20 min
- How do you get around Bilbao?
- The metro and tram link the city well; the centre and riverside are great on foot.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Bilbao?
- According to the last known data there are 4 starred restaurants: Nerua (1 star), Zarate (1 star), Eneko Bilbao (1 star), Ola Martín Berasategui (1 star). Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Bilbao?
- Emergency: 112 (police 091, ambulance 061, fire 080).
- Do you tip in Bilbao?
- Tipping isn't required; small change or 5–10% is plenty.
Nearby cities
San Sebastián · Bordeaux · Madrid · Andorra la Vella · Barcelona · Valencia · Porto · Córdoba
Spain travel guide: all cities · All cities