Bilbao

Introduction

Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country of northern Spain, offers visitors a compelling blend of rich history, striking architecture and renowned cuisine. Located along the Nervión River, just 11 km inland from the Bay of Biscay, this vibrant port city has transformed from its industrial past into a cultural hub. The iconic Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry and opened in 1997, symbolises this renaissance and has made Bilbao a destination for architecture enthusiasts. Beyond the Guggenheim, visitors can explore the atmospheric Casco Viejo (Old Town) with its seven historic streets, sample delicious pintxos (Basque tapas) in Plaza Nueva, admire the city's collection of distinctive bridges, and visit numerous museums and cultural attractions. With a population of over 347,000 and serving as the economic capital of the Basque region, Bilbao successfully balances its industrial heritage with modern innovation, offering tourists an authentic glimpse into Basque culture and cuisine.

Interesting Facts about Bilbao

• The iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, designed by Frank Gehry, is made up of 33,000 titanium plates and is guarded by a flower sculpture called Puppy.
• Bilbao's old town is popularly known as Zazpikale or Seven Streets, representing the original seven streets that formed the city's oldest neighbourhood.
• La Ribera market in Bilbao holds the Guinness record as the biggest municipal food market in Europe.
• There was an actual law in the 18th century that punished the ingratitude of local Bilbao residents.
• Bilbao is divided into two distinctive areas: the eastern bank with factories and working-class neighbourhoods, and the western bank with commercial, historic, and residential areas.
• The renowned composer Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga, known as the "Spanish Mozart," was born in Bilbao's historic centre.
• Bilbao's distinctive pavement tiles were created between the 1940s and 1950s specifically to prevent residents from slipping during rainy days.
• Champagne or cava has been known as "Bilbao Water" since the early 20th century when Basques boasted that "champagne was drunk like water".
• Athletic Club Bilbao has a unique policy of only signing players who are either born in the Basque Country or have Basque ancestry.
• The oldest house in Bilbao dates to the 14th century and is a pink building located on the corner of Jardines and Bidebarrieta streets.
• Despite being called the "Dog Fountain" (Fuente del perro), the famous fountain in Bilbao's old town is actually adorned with three lions.
• Nine bridges cross the Nervión River to link the old and new parts of the city.
• The "Guggenheim Effect" refers to how the museum transformed Bilbao's image and economy, attracting international attention and boosting tourism.

History

Bilbao's history begins with its founding on 15 June 1300, when Diego López V de Haro, lord of Biscay, established the town on the right bank of the Nervión river. Archaeological evidence suggests the area had been settled earlier, with ancient walls dating from around the 11th century discovered beneath the Church of San Antón. The new settlement was granted significant rights and privileges, and its strategic location soon attracted trade. In 1310, María Díaz I de Haro extended Bilbao's commercial privileges, making it a mandatory stop for trade between Castile and the sea. By 1372, John I of Castile had designated Bilbao a free port with special privileges concerning the trade of iron, strengthening its position as an important trading post.

Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, Bilbao continued to flourish as a commercial centre. A significant milestone came in 1511 with the creation of the Consulate of the Sea of Bilbao, which became the most influential institution in the borough for centuries. Under the Consulate's control, the port of Bilbao developed into one of the most important in the kingdom, establishing crucial trade links with Flanders and Great Britain. In 1602, Bilbao was designated the capital of Biscay, replacing Bermeo. The 18th century brought even greater prosperity as the city developed intensive trade with Spain's American colonies, cementing its position as a vital commercial hub.

The 19th century saw Bilbao transform into an industrial powerhouse. Despite being sacked by French troops during the Peninsular War and besieged multiple times during the Carlist wars, the city embarked on rapid industrialisation from the 1870s. Based on the export of iron ore and the development of steel and shipbuilding industries, Bilbao's population surged from 11,000 in 1880 to 80,000 by 1900. The late 20th century brought challenges as heavy industry declined, but Bilbao successfully reinvented itself. The devastating floods of 1983 damaged the Old Quarter, but it managed to recover and thrive. The city's remarkable transformation was epitomised by the opening of the Guggenheim Museum in 1997, designed by Frank Gehry, which helped establish Bilbao as a cultural destination and symbol of urban renewal. Today, Bilbao remains the economic and cultural capital of the Basque Country, having successfully bridged its industrial past with a vibrant, modern future.

Main Attractions

Casco Viejo (Old Town)

The historic heart of Bilbao, known as Casco Viejo or the Seven Streets (Siete Calles), represents the original urban core where the city began over 700 years ago. Nestled between mountains and the estuary, this atmospheric district features a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets filled with shops, restaurants and historic buildings. The seven original streets—Somera, Artekale, Tendería, Belostikale, Carnicería Vieja, Barrenkale and Barrenkale Barrena—were named after old trades or locations in Basque or Spanish. Carnicería Vieja, for instance, earned its name as the site of Bilbao's first slaughterhouse. The entire district was designated as a historical and artistic complex, with numerous architectural treasures from past centuries. Despite suffering extensive damage in the devastating 1983 floods, the area has been meticulously rehabilitated, preserving its position as one of Bilbao's most captivating attractions.

Plaza Nueva

This elegant Neoclassical square stands as Bilbao's culinary centre, enclosed by arcaded buildings housing numerous pintxo bars and restaurants. Constructed in the mid-19th century, Plaza Nueva serves as a vibrant social hub where locals gather to socialise. The square transforms on Sunday mornings into a lively flea market where visitors can browse for unique souvenirs. With its classical architecture and bustling atmosphere, Plaza Nueva perfectly embodies the blend of historic charm and contemporary vitality that characterises Bilbao. The square offers an authentic glimpse into Bilbaino culture, particularly in the evenings when groups of friends gather at tapas bars, converting the space into a sort of open-air living room for the city's residents.

Cathedral of Santiago

At the heart of the Casco Viejo stands the Cathedral of Santiago, an outstanding example of Basque Gothic architecture dating to the 15th century. The cathedral's façade and tower were rebuilt in the 19th century in Gothic Revival style, creating an impressive exterior that beckons visitors. Inside, three naves with soaring rib-vaulted ceilings create a sense of grandeur, with the main nave reaching an impressive height of 22 metres. The interior features ornate Gothic choir stalls and a beautiful cloister, demonstrating the architectural sophistication of medieval Bilbao. As the principal religious monument in the city, the Cathedral of Santiago serves as both an active place of worship and a significant historical landmark illustrating Bilbao's religious heritage.

Historic Buildings of Casco Viejo

Beyond the seven original streets, Bilbao's Old Town contains numerous architectural treasures. The Bidebarrieta Library, housing over 100,000 books, ranks among the city's top cultural centres. The 17th-century Casa Mazarredo exemplifies the luxurious homes of its era. Palacio de Yohn, commonly known as La Bolsa, features a distinctive lintel over its doorway that is rare in Bizkaia. The oldest stately mansion in Bilbao, Palacio Arana, was constructed in 1590 in late Renaissance style, complete with a round arch adorning the doorway. Other noteworthy structures include Atxuri Station, which combines regionalist mountain style with traditional Basque architecture, and Casa Cuna on the Urazurrutia quay, a beautiful Modernist building once used as a childcare facility for workers' children.

Arriaga Theatre

This elegant Neo-Baroque theatre stands as one of Bilbao's most recognisable landmarks. Inspired by the Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris, the Teatro Arriaga was built in 1890 and later renovated to preserve its splendour. Its ornate façade overlooks the Plaza de Arriaga near the Paseo del Arenal, making it a central feature of the northern section of the Old Town. The theatre continues to serve as a vital cultural venue, hosting classical music concerts, opera performances, dance productions and theatrical works. Its architectural grandeur and cultural significance make it an essential stop for visitors interested in both the visual and performing arts, representing the sophisticated cultural landscape of the Basque capital.

Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro

Bilbao's main commercial artery, Gran Vía stretches through the heart of the modern city centre, lined with elegant buildings, fashion boutiques and department stores. Named after the founder of Bilbao, this broad avenue represents the economic vitality and cosmopolitan character of contemporary Bilbao. The architecture along Gran Vía showcases various styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, illustrating the city's prosperity during the industrial era. Strolling along this thoroughfare offers insight into Bilbao's evolution from a medieval trading port to a sophisticated urban centre, with its blend of historic buildings and modern retail establishments.

Church of San Antón and San Antón Bridge

The Church of San Antón holds profound historical significance as it predates the founding of Bilbao itself. Situated at the site where Bilbao was established around an existing harbour in 1300, this church and the adjacent bridge mark the city's birthplace. Inside the church, remnants of the original city wall can still be seen, providing a tangible connection to medieval Bilbao. The bridge has been rebuilt several times following floods, connecting the historic neighbourhoods of Siete Calles and Atxuri on the right bank with Bilbao la Vieja and San Francisco on the left. Such is the historical importance of this location that both the bridge and church appear on the crests of Bilbao and its football team, Athletic Club.

Church of San Nicolás de Bari

This distinctive Baroque church features a unique octagonally shaped interior that sets it apart from other religious buildings in the city. Located near the Paseo del Arenal in the northern section of the Old Town, the Church of San Nicolás de Bari contains beautiful carved altars and several paintings by Juan de Mena. Its architectural style and artistic treasures make it an important cultural landmark. Overlooking the lovely Arenal gardens, the church occupies a strategic position in the urban landscape, serving as a connection point between the Old Town and the newer districts of Bilbao.

Bridges of Bilbao

Bilbao's bridges are not merely functional structures but architectural landmarks that chronicle the city's evolution. La Salve Bridge, which crosses the estuary near the Guggenheim Museum, features "Arcos Rojos" ("Red Arches") designed by French artist Daniel Buren to commemorate the Guggenheim's 10th anniversary. This creative integration of art and infrastructure offers stunning views of the city. Nearby, the Zubizuri Bridge, designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, is a pedestrian-only crossing distinguished by its ultra-modern arched design that leads to the Calle Campo de Volantín waterfront promenade. These bridges reflect Bilbao's successful embrace of contemporary design alongside its historical heritage.

Vizcaya Bridge

This engineering marvel, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, straddles the mouth of the Ibaizabal estuary west of Bilbao. Designed by Basque architect Alberto de Palacio and completed in 1893, the Vizcaya Bridge stands 45 metres high with a span of 160 metres. It merges 19th-century ironworking traditions with the then-innovative lightweight technology of twisted steel ropes. Remarkably, it was the world's first bridge to carry people and traffic on a high suspended gondola, serving as a model for similar structures across Europe, Africa and the Americas. UNESCO considers it a perfect fusion of beauty and functionality, representing an outstanding example of architectural iron construction from the Industrial Revolution. The bridge continues to operate today, offering both practical transport and a glimpse into industrial heritage.

Basilica de Begoña

Perched on a hill overlooking Bilbao, the Basilica de Begoña holds profound religious and cultural significance for the local population. Dedicated to the Virgin of Begoña, patroness of Bizkaia, this sanctuary attracts both pilgrims and tourists. The basilica's elevated position provides splendid views of the city below, making the journey uphill rewarding for both spiritual and scenic reasons. Its architecture features a blend of Gothic and Renaissance elements, with impressive stone façades and a soaring interior. For centuries, the basilica has served as a symbol of Basque religious identity and a landmark visible from many parts of the city, connecting Bilbao's present with its deeply rooted religious traditions.

Funicular de Artxanda

This historic funicular railway transports visitors from the city centre to Mount Artxanda, offering one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Bilbao. Operating since the early 20th century, the funicular rises steeply up the mountainside, providing an increasingly expansive vista of the city, the winding Nervión River, and the surrounding green hills. Upon reaching the summit, visitors are rewarded with a complete perspective of Bilbao's urban layout, from the medieval Old Town to the contemporary architectural landmarks along the river. Mount Artxanda itself features walking paths, restaurants and recreational areas, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals seeking respite from the urban environment.

Azkuna Zentroa

Housed in a former wine warehouse, Azkuna Zentroa (formerly known as Alhóndiga Bilbao) represents one of Bilbao's most successful architectural renovations. Redesigned by French designer Philippe Starck, this cultural and leisure centre combines preserved industrial elements with striking contemporary features. The building's interior is particularly noteworthy for its 43 unique columns supporting the structure, each with a different design representing various cultures and architectural traditions. Beyond its architectural interest, Azkuna Zentroa functions as a multi-purpose venue housing exhibition spaces, a cinema, a library, restaurants, and a rooftop swimming pool with a transparent floor. This cultural hub exemplifies Bilbao's commitment to repurposing industrial heritage for contemporary cultural and social use.

Top Museums

Art Museums

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Set majestically on the edge of the Nervión River, the Guggenheim Museum is an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry. This iconic structure features complex, swirling forms and captivating materiality that responds to its industrial urban context. Since opening in 1997, it has attracted more than ten million visitors and transformed Bilbao's economy so dramatically that the phenomenon of urban renewal through architecture is now known as the "Bilbao Effect". The building itself creates a dialogue with its surroundings, incorporating pathways reminiscent of gorges and features that echo the neighbouring river.

Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao (Fine Arts Museum)

This museum houses an impressive collection spanning from the 12th century to the present day, with more than 10,000 works including 1,500 paintings, 400 sculptures, over 6,500 works on paper, and 1,000 pieces of applied arts. The collection is organised into five main sections: ancient art, modern and contemporary art, Basque art, works on paper, and applied arts. Visitors can explore an excellent combination of classical art by masters such as Cranach, El Greco, Van Dyck, and Goya alongside contemporary works by Bacon, Kitaj, Serra, and Tàpies. The museum is particularly noted for its outstanding Flemish and Dutch paintings and boasts the largest collection of Basque artists.

Reproductions Museum Bilbao

This unique institution houses high-quality replicas of famous artworks from around the world, offering visitors an opportunity to examine masterpieces closely. The meticulous reproductions allow for detailed study of brushstrokes and techniques that might be difficult to observe in original works in busier museums. With informative panels and clear descriptions accompanying each piece, the museum provides an educational experience in a more relaxed atmosphere than typically found in larger art institutions.

History and Culture Museums

Museo Marítimo Ría de Bilbao (Maritime Museum)

Located near Parque de Doña Casilda on the site of a former shipyard, this maritime museum covers over 27,000 square metres divided between indoor and outdoor areas. The outdoor section features docks with historic vessels and original buildings, whilst the indoor exhibitions chronicle the region's trade history, seafaring traditions, and Bilbao's industrial development. The museum provides fascinating insights into the evolution of shipping, fishing, shipbuilding, and whaling industries that flourished along the Nervión River.

Euskal Museoa Bilbao Museo Vasco (Basque Museum)

Housed in the former San Andrés College in Bilbao's historic centre (Casco Viejo), this museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing Basque history, culture, and folklore. The collection includes old ship models and artefacts from 16th-century daily life. Set within a Baroque monastery formerly belonging to the Jesuits, the museum spans four levels with permanent exhibitions covering architecture, heraldry, weapons, maritime history, textile arts, ceramics, porcelain, metalwork, and local history.

Archaeological Museum of Biscay (Arkeologi Museoa)

This museum offers a comprehensive look into the region's rich history with artefacts spanning from prehistoric times to the medieval period. The chronologically arranged exhibits provide an informative journey through local heritage, with particularly noteworthy prehistoric and Roman-era sections displaying tools, remnants from ancient settlements, and everyday objects. The museum's setting in a restored 16th-century cloister adds to its charm, blending historical architecture with modern museum design.

Specialty Museums

Museo Athletic Club (Athletic Club Museum)

Dedicated to one of Spain's most prestigious football clubs, this museum chronicles Athletic Club's evolution since its founding in 1898. The exhibits include trophies, historical jerseys, and engaging multimedia displays that explore both the club's sporting achievements and its cultural significance in the Basque region. Interactive elements make this an engaging visit for all ages, whilst the design thoughtfully merges modern exhibition techniques with traditional football culture.

Museum of Sacred Art

Founded in 1961, this specialised museum aims to conserve, restore, study, and disseminate the religious heritage of the Diocese of Bilbao. Its permanent exhibition features over 500 pieces, though the museum's full collection is much larger, comprising works of art from churches throughout Bizkaia and private donations. Beyond its exhibition role, the museum also oversees the preservation of religious artworks across the Biscay region, managing restorations and relocations.

Local Cuisine

Bilbao's cuisine showcases the exceptional flavours of the Basque Country, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and hearty traditional dishes. No visit is complete without sampling pintxos, bite-sized delicacies served atop bread with various toppings. Cod is a staple ingredient, featured in iconic dishes like bacalao al pil-pil with its garlic-infused emulsion and bacalao a la Vizcaína in rich red pepper sauce. Seafood enthusiasts should try txipirones en su tinta (baby squid in ink) and kokotxas (fish cheeks). For something more substantial, marmitako (tuna and potato stew) and txuleton (a magnificent grilled ribeye steak) showcase the region's expertise with both sea and land. Round off your meal with a sweet Carolina pastry and a glass of local Txakoli wine for the complete Bilbao dining experience.

Pintxos Culture

Pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, form a fundamental part of Bilbao's culinary identity. These small culinary delights, often described as edible works of art, are available throughout the city but particularly concentrated in the Old Town. From traditional Gildas (skewers of olives, anchovies and chilli peppers) to creative modern interpretations, each bar competes to offer the most delicious and innovative creations. The pintxos experience extends beyond food to encompass a social ritual where both locals and visitors hop from one establishment to another, sampling different specialities at each stop. This gastronomic tradition reflects the Basque approach to dining as a communal, leisurely activity centred on quality ingredients and culinary craftsmanship.

Shopping

Bilbao's shopping is concentrated in four main areas: Gran Vía's "Golden Mile" with international brands, the historic Casco Viejo with over 800 shops, Ensanche with luxury and gourmet options, and Indautxu with specialised retailers. The impressive Mercado de la Ribera is Europe's largest covered market where locals source fresh fish, meat and produce. Most shops open from 10:00 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 20:00, while shopping centres like Zubiarte operate until 21:00. Visitors looking for authentic souvenirs should consider local Txakoli wine, Ideazabal cheese, or a traditional Basque beret (Txapela).

Mercado de la Ribera

One of Europe's largest covered markets, the Mercado de la Ribera stands as a testament to Bilbao's gastronomic heritage. Located near the Church of San Antón, this emblematic food market offers visitors a glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of the Basque Country. The market features numerous stalls displaying fresh local produce, from seafood freshly caught off the Basque coast to artisanal mountain cheeses. Beyond being a commercial space, it serves as a cultural institution where chefs and locals gather to select ingredients and share culinary knowledge. The market's Cooking School organises practical workshops and gastronomic experiences, allowing visitors to learn about traditional Basque cuisine through show-cooking sessions followed by tastings.

Nature in and around Bilbao

Bilbao, surrounded by green mountains, offers diverse natural attractions for visitors. In the city, the Green Ring of Bilbao features 10 accessible routes to peaks like Mount Arraiz and Pagasarri, while the Nervión River and Dona Casilda Iturrizar Park provide urban green spaces. The Mount Artxanda funicular delivers panoramic city views, and nearby natural parks including Gorbeia, Urkiola, and Armañón showcase the region's forests, limestone formations, and cave systems. For day trips, the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and the dramatic coastal formation of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe offer exceptional natural landscapes within easy reach of the city.

Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park

Built in a Romantic style in 1907, Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park serves as Bilbao's green lung, offering a peaceful retreat amid the urban landscape. Covering over eight hectares, this verdant oasis hosts various species of swans and ducks and contains more than 1,500 species of plants and trees. Also known as the 'park of ducks', its attractions include 'La Pérgola', featuring a lake and a fountain that creates spectacular plays of light and water. The park provides a refreshing contrast to the city's architectural density, inviting visitors to relax and enjoy nature. Within its boundaries stands the Fine Arts Museum, blending cultural and natural experiences in a harmonious setting.

Etxebarria Park

Perched on a hillside in Bilbao, Etxebarria Park offers panoramic views of the city that capture the urban landscape against the backdrop of surrounding mountains. This modern green space was developed on the site of former industrial facilities, symbolising Bilbao's transformation from an industrial centre to a cultural and tourist destination. The park provides a perfect vantage point to appreciate Bilbao's geographic setting and architectural diversity, from historic buildings to contemporary landmarks. Its elevated position makes it an ideal location for photographers and those seeking to understand Bilbao's urban layout and development through the centuries.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

Located approximately 30 kilometres from Bilbao, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a breathtaking coastal formation featuring a small islet connected to the mainland by a man-made bridge. The name "Gaztelugatxe" means "castle rock" in Basque, aptly describing this dramatic landscape of steep cliffs and crashing waves. A zigzagging stone staircase of 241 steps leads to a small hermitage dedicated to John the Baptist that crowns the islet. This spectacular setting gained international recognition after appearing in the popular television series "Game of Thrones." The site forms part of a Protected Biotope designated in 1998 and a Special Area of Conservation since 2013, highlighting its ecological importance. The surrounding area features unspoilt beaches and magnificent coastal scenery, making it one of the most photogenic locations in the Basque Country.

Getting There & Around

Bilbao is well-connected and easy to navigate thanks to its efficient public transport system. Visitors can reach the city centre from the airport via the A3247 bus for just €3, with a journey time of about 20 minutes. Once in Bilbao, the rechargeable Barik Card (€3) offers a cost-effective way to use all public transport options, including the metro, buses, tram, and trains. The Metro Bilbao operates three lines with extensive coverage and runs until late on weekends. Bilbobus, the city’s red buses, covers all districts with frequent services and a night service on weekends. The tram is ideal for exploring central landmarks, while Euskotren and Renfe trains connect Bilbao to nearby towns. For tourists, there’s also a double-decker sightseeing bus available. Walking is another great way to explore Bilbao’s compact city centre, especially in pedestrian-friendly areas like the Old Town.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Bilbao is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) when you can enjoy mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, considerably fewer crowds, and lower accommodation prices compared to the peak summer months. These periods offer the perfect balance of pleasant weather for exploring the Guggenheim Museum, strolling along the Nervion River, and enjoying outdoor activities, whilst avoiding both the tourist influx of July and August and the frequent rainfall of winter months. Summer visitors will experience warmer temperatures and vibrant festivals like Semana Grande in August, but should be prepared for higher prices and busier attractions. Those who don't mind occasional showers might also appreciate the city's authentic charm in spring when the parks bloom with colourful flowers and the nearby Basque countryside showcases its lush greenery.