Discover the Best of Bilbao
Bilbao is a vibrant city full of culture, history, and gastronomy. Located in the heart of the Basque Country, Bilbao is a lively destination that blends innovation with ancient traditions.
Whether you're an art lover, a food enthusiast, or a history buff, Bilbao has something for everyone. Its stunning mix of contemporary architecture and the charming streets of the Casco Viejo make it a fascinating destination that surprises and delights visitors.
Here’s a selection of our must-see recommendations so you can savor the city from its iconic cultural landmarks and scenic viewpoints to its unparalleled culinary offerings.
Enjoy the experience!
What to Do in Bilbao
Bilbao is a city full of charm, where every corner tells a story. We want to share our favorite museums and spots with you so you can experience the best of this dynamic city..
From the iconic Guggenheim Museum to the enchanting Casco Viejo, every place has something special. Don’t miss the Fine Arts Museum, the Ribera Market, or the breathtaking views from Mount Artxanda.
Let yourself be surprised and discover everything Bilbao has to offer.
➤ Enjoy the experience!
Where to Eat in Bilbao
Some of our favorite pintxos bars and restaurants to eat and enjoy. In Bilbao, gastronomy is a true delight. While there are countless amazing options, we want to share some of our favorite restaurants and bars—those that never disappoint.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to neighborhood bars with irresistible offerings, we hope you enjoy these local gems as much as we do and let yourself be amazed by their flavors and quality.
➤ On egin!
Destinations Near Bilbao
Bilbao is the perfect starting point to explore incredible tourist destinations.
Just a short distance away, the Hanging Bridge of Portugalete, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will impress you with its history. You can’t miss San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a breathtaking spot, or the landscapes of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, perfect for nature lovers. Also worth visiting are the magical Oma Forest and charming coastal towns like Getxo and Bermeo. Explore the surroundings and enjoy an unforgettable experience.
➤ You’ll love it!
What to Do in Bilbao
La Ribera Market
A GASTRONOMIC PARADISE
An iconic place, formerly known as the old wholesale market, which still serves as a hub for high-quality local products. On the upper level, you'll find gastro bars where you can enjoy exquisite pintxos and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Find out more
Alhóndiga Azkuna Zentroa
ART & MODERNITY
This cultural center is one of Bilbao’s most unique spaces, featuring a suspended glass-bottom pool visible from the columned atrium.
To complete the experience, we recommend the Yandiola restaurant terrace, a fantastic spot to unwind while enjoying a wine or cocktail at sunset with Bilbao’s skyline as your backdrop.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
A WORLD ICON
Guggenheim Bilbao is much more than a museum; it is a work of art in itself, a symbol that marked the rebirth of Bilbao. Its avant-garde architecture, designed by Frank Gehry, not only changed the city’s skyline but also sparked urban transformation and the emergence of a new Bilbao, reflecting its ability to reinvent itself.
This cultural landmark is now the jewel that attracts thousands of visitors who want to experience modern art, both in its galleries and in its outdoor spaces, as well as witness the bold transformation of a once industrial city into a hub of design and innovation.
Buy your tickets in advance to guarantee access and fully enjoy the experience.
Museum of Fine Arts
MASTERPIECES TO ADMIRE
A more understated space, but with an impressive collection that includes works by Lucian Freud. Currently under renovation by Norman Foster, access is free during the construction. A unique opportunity to visit this future iconic building.
Reproduction Museum
A HIDDEN TREASURE
A small museum unknown to many, housing excellent reproductions of great works of art. Perfect for a quick and enriching visit.
Artxanda Funicular
THE BEST PANORAMIC VIEWS OF BILBAO
From the Funicular Square, take the historic funicular train that will take you to the top of Artxanda Hill. Enjoy the best panoramic views of the city. You’ll also find restaurants and grills there. If you prefer an active experience, you can follow the trail and walk back to the city center in about an hour.
Bilboats
SAIL THROUGH THE HISTORY OF BILBAO
Explore the city from a unique perspective: The Estuary. This one-hour boat tour will take you to the mouth of the river while you learn about the history of the stunning buildings designed by renowned architects that have transformed Bilbao in recent years.
Activities on the Estuary
IF WATER IS YOUR ELEMENT
If you’re a natural in the water and love water sports or exploring the city from a unique perspective, don’t miss the chance to try this experience. Bilbobentura offers fun tours to enjoy Bilbao from the water and turn your visit into an adventure.
Where to Eat in Bilbao
Bar El Globo
VARIETY AND QUALITY IN EVERY BITE
If you're looking for an authentic experience, don't miss their txangurro or gratinated cod pintxos, paired with a good Txomin Etxaniz txakolí. Although the place is usually packed, it's definitely a spot you can’t miss! Try them and let us know what you think.
Bar Txintxirri
THE BEST SPANISH OMELET
This neighborhood bar is the perfect spot for those looking for an unpretentious atmosphere but with quality dishes and local ingredients. Their famous Spanish omelet is a must-try, and their casual dinner offerings make it an ideal choice if you're near the Calatrava Bridge.
Victor Montes
AN TIMELESS GEM IN BILBAO’S PLAZA NUEVA
This iconic bar and restaurant perfectly blends traditional Basque charm with sophisticated elegance.
From the moment you step in, you'll be captivated by its beautiful classic décor, shelves filled with gleaming bottles of wine and spirits, and a cozy, immersive atmosphere that mixes history with a touch of elegance. Open for over a century, it has become a symbol of Bilbao's rich culinary and cultural heritage.
Sorginzulo
WHERE EVERY PINTXO IS A CELEBRATION
In the heart of Plaza Nueva, Sorginzulo is a standout spot for pintxo lovers. A lively atmosphere and an exceptional selection of pintxos make it a must-visit.
La olla de la Plaza Nueva
PINTXO PARADISE IN PLAZA NUEVA
Another must-visit spot in Plaza Nueva, known for its impressive variety of pintxos, top-quality products, and continuous kitchen service. The perfect place for a light meal, a glass of wine with friends, or a complete culinary experience..
Solete Guía Repsol.
Hambueysería Amaren
GOURMET BEEF BURGERS GRILLED TO PERFECTION
Hambueysería Amaren specializes in gourmet burgers made with top-quality beef, offering bold options as pintxos or à la carte in the restaurant.
Aitxu
TORTILLA TO YOUR DOOR
The bar is proudly run by the winner of the Master Chef competition, who has since specialized in creating a variety of delicious omelettes, adding a special twist each week with a new flavor called 'Tortilla of the Week'.
Bar Marvelous
CALLE HEROS 18
Liven up your afternoon with a glass of wine before dinner, or relax and enjoy a cocktail afterwards.
And also:
Restaurant Los Fueros
Calle Los Fueros 6 – 48005 Bilbao
Excellent traditional cuisine. The menu ranges from €40 to €65.
Restaurant Al Margen
Calle Muelle de Urazurrutia 2 – 48003 Bilbao
Fresh, seasonal, and high-quality cuisine, known for its subtlety, attention to detail, and professional expertise.
Restaurant Ágape
Calle Hernani 13 – 48003 Bilbao
Simple cuisine with a traditional base, marked by seasonality, but updated with modern touches and some international influence, even fusion.
La venta del Romerete
Calle Arbolantxa 2-4 – 48001 Bilbao
A budget-friendly version of a classic seafood restaurant, decorated like a tavern from the south. Seafood at reasonable prices, well cooked. Excellent value for money.
Restaurant Dando La Brasa
Calle Arechaga 7 – 48003 Bilbao
Culinary fusion with grilling as the main feature, highlighting tropical flavors.
Restaurant La Casita de Sabino
Calle Iparraguirre 1 – 48009 Bilbao
A restaurant specializing in fish, cooked with care and delicacy. Excellent.
Restaurant Peso Neto
Calle San Francisco 1 – 48003 Bilbao
The place is a lively mix full of character, with personal furniture from the owners. Ingenious cuisine: traditional Basque cooking with a Nikkei style, combining Japanese and Peruvian influences.
Calle Santa María
Calle Santa María - 48005 Casco Viejo
One of the busiest and most popular streets in the city. Modern twists on traditional Basque recipes: bars Gatz, Irrintzi, and Kasko.
Destinations Near Bilbao
Getxo
OLD PORT AND SEAFRONT WALK
Getxo, just a few minutes from Bilbao, is an ideal destination to enjoy the coast. Stroll through its charming old port, admire the majestic mansions, and relax on its beaches, such as Ereaga or Arrigunaga. Its lively atmosphere, terraces with sea views, and delicious gastronomy make it the perfect place for an unforgettable getaway.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
A MAGICAL PLACE
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a unique spot that blends nature and mysticism. Climb the 241 steps to the hermitage and enjoy breathtaking views of the Cantabrian Sea. Surrounded by cliffs and legends, this location is a must-visit for adventure lovers.
Flysch Deba - Zumaia
A JOURNEY THROUGH MILLIONS OF YEARS
The Flysch of Deba is a geological paradise that unveils millions of years of history in its stunning cliffs. Walk the route between Deba and Zumaia to discover unique rock formations and breathtaking landscapes by the Cantabrian Sea. Perfect for hikers and nature lovers, this place is an unforgettable gem. After the hike through the Flysch, you can complete your trip with a meal at a grill house, where they serve exquisite fish.
Portugalete Suspension Bridge
A SYMBOL THAT UNITES HISTORY AND MODERNITY
The Portugalete Suspension Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a unique architectural and cultural icon. This hanging transporter bridge, in operation since 1893, connects Portugalete and Getxo over the Bilbao estuary. Enjoy spectacular views from its upper walkway or cross in its gondola for a historical and unforgettable experience.
Hondarribia
WHERE TRADITION MEETS THE SEA
Hondarribia is a charming coastal town full of history and color. Stroll through its walled old town, with cobblestone streets and traditional houses, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the La Marina neighborhood. Its beaches, port, and delicious gastronomy make it an unforgettable destination.
Oma Forest
ART TRANSFORMS NATURE INTO MAGIC
Oma Forest, created by artist Agustín Ibarrola, is a magical place where art and nature merge. In this enchanted forest, the painted trunks form shapes and figures that come to life depending on the angle from which you view them. Located in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, it’s the perfect destination to enjoy hiking and creativity in the great outdoors.
Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
NATURE AT ITS FINEST
A natural paradise declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Among marshes, beaches, and mountains, this unique environment offers activities such as hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching. Discover beaches like Laida and Laga, and charming towns like Mundaka. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
Donostia – San Sebastián
ELEGANCE, FLAVOR, AND SEA VIEWS
Donostia, the jewel of the Cantabrian Sea, blends spectacular landscapes with a rich cultural and gastronomic scene. Stroll along the iconic La Concha Bay, explore the old town, and enjoy its famous pintxos. Don’t miss the Peine del Viento and the views from Mount Igueldo. An unmissable destination to fall in love with the north.
Tell us about your experience.
We’d love to hear how your stay was and how you experienced each moment. We believe your feedback is essential for our continuous improvement, we learn and grow with you!
We’d be very happy to know about your experience and continue improving to offer you the best!
alojarte.bilbao@gmail.com
We look forward to hearing from you soon!