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Bilbao

Tourist Attractions in Bilbao

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Bilbao. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

15 Attractions
★4.5 Average rating
5 Categories

About Bilbao

Bilbao blends industrial grit with a soaring wave of contemporary art and design along the Nervión River. The centerpiece is the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a titanium-clad landmark that sparked a renaissance and houses cutting-edge modern art. Nearby Casco Viejo invites wandering tapas bars, lively markets, and centuries-old churches in a compact historic core. Art lovers will also savor the Fine Arts Museum and the spectacular Zubizuri bridge by Calatrava. Families and foodies revel in pintxos crawls, lush Doña Casilda Park, and riverfront promenades. A modern tram links the old town to the Guggenheim and the Basque cuisine scene, making Bilbao a dynamic gateway to the Basque Country.

Top-15 Tourist Attractions in Bilbao

Bizkaia Bridge — Landmark, rated 4.7/5 1
Landmark BridgeHistorical LandmarkHistorical PlaceTransportation Service

Bizkaia Bridge

4.7 ★★★★★ 35,030 reviews

The Vizcaya Bridge, known locally as Puente Colgante, is a groundbreaking transporter bridge spanning the Nervión estuary between Portugalete and Las Arenas, near Bilbao. Completed in 1893, it was the first of its kind and remains the world's oldest operating functional transporter bridge. Visitors ride the crystal-view lift to the upper viewing platform and watch a gondola-like platform shuttle vehicles and pedestrians across the river as engineers once did. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering panoramic river views, industrial history, and a memorable glimpse of Bilbao’s maritime heritage.

Puente de Vizcaya Zubia, 48930 Areeta / Las Arenas, Bizkaia, Spain
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Parking
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Artxanda viewpoint — Viewpoint, rated 4.7/5 2
Viewpoint Observation Deck

Artxanda viewpoint

4.7 ★★★★★ 13,798 reviews

Perched above Bilbao, the Artxanda viewpoint offers sweeping panoramas of the city, the Nervión River, and the Basque Country’s green hills. Accessible by funicular from the city center or a scenic drive, it combines easy accessibility with dramatic scenery, especially at sunrise or dusk. Visitors can stroll the terrace, savor a coffee at the hillside cafe, or hike nearby trails that reveal Bilbao’s blend of industrial heritage and verdant landscapes. It’s a perfect spot for photo opportunities, quiet reflection, and a quick, rejuvenating escape from the urban bustle.

Enekuri Artxanda Errepidea, 70, 48015 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids
Entrance Parking
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Guggenheim Museum Bilbao — Museum, rated 4.5/5 3
Museum Art Museum

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

4.5 ★★★★★ 93,798 reviews

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a striking contemporary art museum on the Nervión River, designed by Frank Gehry and opened in 1997. Its shelled titanium and limestone forms, sculpted by bold curves, turned Bilbao into a global icon and sparked the “Bilbao Effect.” Inside, twin galleries host cutting-edge exhibitions from modern masters to rising stars, with installations that challenge space and perception. Notable highlights include Jeff Koons’s Puppy guarding the entrance and Anselm Kiefer, among others. Visitors should expect a dynamic mix of architecture, immersive art, and riverside city views.

Abandoibarra Etorb., 2, Abando, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
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Puppy — Museum, rated 4.7/5 4
Museum Sculpture

Puppy

4.7 ★★★★★ 7,143 reviews

Standing outside the Guggenheim Bilbao, Puppy is a 12-meter-tall sculpture by Jeff Koons covered in thousands of blooming flowers that change with the seasons. This living sculpture anchors the museum’s riverside approach and has become one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. Visitors come for the whimsical, larger-than-life canine silhouette, the vibrant color palette, and the contrast with the building’s sculpted titanium curves. Inside, the museum offers contemporary art, but Puppy also invites strolls along the Nervión waterfront and a reminder that art can bloom in unexpected places.

Mazarredo Zumarkalea, 66, Abando, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Entrance
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Doña Casilda Iturrizar parkea — Park, rated 4.6/5 5
Park City Park

Doña Casilda Iturrizar parkea

4.6 ★★★★★ 12,197 reviews

Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park is Bilbao’s historic urban green space, tucked in the city center between the Ensanche and the Nervión river. Opened in the late 19th century, it blends English and French garden sensibilities with palm-lined paths, elegant lampposts, and a tranquil central lake that anchors the landscape. Visitors wander among flowerbeds, sculpted fountains, and shaded avenues, spotting ducks on the water and clans of locals enjoying a stroll, a jog, or a coffee from nearby kiosks. It’s a refreshing, easily accessible retreat that showcases Bilbao’s leafy, laid‑back side.

Abando, 48009 Bilbao, Biscay, Spain
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Dogs allowed
Entrance Parking
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Azkuna Zentroa-Alhóndiga Bilbao — Museum, rated 4.5/5 6
Museum Cultural Center

Azkuna Zentroa-Alhóndiga Bilbao

4.5 ★★★★★ 19,027 reviews

Azkuna Zentroa-Alhóndiga Bilbao is a cutting-edge cultural complex housed in a repurposed 20th-century wine warehouse, now celebrated for its striking architecture and diverse programming. Designed by Philippe Starck, its honeycomb-like concrete floors and 50,000-liter white wine vats hidden within create a bold, contemporary backdrop for cinema, art, design, concerts, and workshops. Visitors can explore rotating exhibitions, enjoy the rooftop pool with panoramic city views, and linger in stylish cafés and a cinema that showcases independent films. It’s a dynamic hub for Bilbao’s creative scene and urban leisure.

Arriquíbar Plaza, 4, Abando, 48010 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Monday8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom
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Begoñako Basilika — Religious site, rated 4.6/5 7
Religious site ChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Begoñako Basilika

4.6 ★★★★★ 6,816 reviews

Perched high above Bilbao on Mount Begón, the Basilica of Begonia is a historic Catholic church that blends Baroque and later architectural touches. Housing the revered image of Our Lady of Begoña, patron saint of the city, it draws pilgrims and visitors alike for contemplation and ritual. Inside you’ll find a richly decorated interior, a serene cloister, and a short climb or ride up the hill to panoramic views of the Nervión valley and the Basque Country. It’s a peaceful stop that combines spiritual heritage with striking city vistas.

Begoñako Andra Maria Kalea, 38, 48006 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
Opening hours · Today: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Monday8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Friday8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday9:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Entrance Parking
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Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao — Museum, rated 4.5/5 8
Museum Art Museum

Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao

4.5 ★★★★★ 10,111 reviews

The Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao is a premier art museum housed in a grand neoclassical building facing the city’s Doña Casilda Park. Its rich collection spans from the Middle Ages to the present, with standout strengths in Basque art, 19th-century European painting, and temporary exhibitions that illuminate contemporary trends. Visitors can wander through intimate galleries, admire works by Goya, El Greco, and Sorolla, and enjoy the museum’s sisterly charm to the nearby Guggenheim. Expect thoughtful curatorial pacing, a serene atmosphere, and insights into Basque artistic heritage.

Museo Plaza, Artetxe Kondearen Zumarkalea, 2, Abando, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Monday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • TuesdayClosed
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Restroom
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Zubizuri — Landmark, rated 4.4/5 9
Landmark BridgeTransportation Service

Zubizuri

4.4 ★★★★★ 13,070 reviews

Zubizuri, meaning “White Bridge,” is Bilbao’s elegant pedestrian bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava and completed in 1997. Spanning the Nervión River, it links the University of the Basque Country’s Deusto area with the Casco Viejo, forming a striking, white, curved arch over glistening water. It’s worth visiting for its sleek, futuristic silhouette and the photogenic views of surrounding landmarks, including the Guggenheim Bilbao. Travelers can expect a short, scenic stroll, with a smooth surface and occasional crowds, and a chance to witness contemporary architecture thriving alongside historic riverside paths.

Zubizuri, Abando, Abando, 48001 Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
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Etxebarri Parkea — Park, rated 4.4/5 10
Park Event Venue

Etxebarri Parkea

4.4 ★★★★★ 10,070 reviews

Etxebarri Parkea is a leafy hillside oasis in Bilbao that blends urban charm with panoramic city views. Perched above the Nervión valley, this park offers winding footpaths, broad terraces, and ampitheatre-like viewpoints where visitors can pause for sweeping vistas of Bilbao’s rooftops and bridges. It’s a relaxed bite-size escape from the bustle of the city, ideal for a stroll, a family outing, or a sunset photo stop. Expect shaded benches, gentle slopes, and a taste of local urban green space, with nearby cafes and easy access from central Bilbao.

Etxebarria Parkea, Ibaiondo, 48005 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Dogs allowed
Entrance Parking Restroom
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Artxanda Funicular, rated 4.4/5 11

Artxanda Funicular

4.4 ★★★★★ 6,904 reviews

Artxanda Funicular is a short, scenic railway that climbs the hillside above Bilbao, transporting visitors from the city’s historic center to the green summit of Artxanda. The vintage carriages glide up a steep track, delivering a quick, charming ride followed by sweeping panoramic views of Bilbao’s roofs, river, and modern skyline. At the top, a leafy park, viewpoints, and relaxed cafés invite strolling, photo ops, and a break from urban tourism. It’s ideal for a sunny afternoon, combining easy access with a rewarding perspective on Basque City’s blend of old and new.

Carretera Artxanda-Santo Domingo Errepidea, 27, 48015 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
Opening hours · Today: 7:15 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Monday7:15 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday7:15 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday7:15 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Thursday7:15 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Friday7:15 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday7:15 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday8:15 AM – 10:00 PM
Parking
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Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala — Religious site, rated 4.3/5 12
Religious site ChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala

4.3 ★★★★★ 9,217 reviews

Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala, Bilbao’s Gothic cathedral, dominates the old town with its tall flying buttresses, stone tracery, and a centuries-old atmosphere. Begun in the 14th century and completed in stages through the 18th, it blends medieval Gothic architecture with Renaissance and Baroque details in its chapels and cloister. Inside, visitors admire the serene nave, ornate choir stalls, and a venerable organ. The cathedral’s cloister and sacristy host quiet corners for reflection, while its towers offer sweeping views of Bilbao’s roofs and river. A timeless glimpse into Basque religious history.

Done Jakue Plazatxoa, 1, Ibaiondo, 48005 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
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Albiako Lorategiak — Park, rated 4.3/5 13
Park

Albiako Lorategiak

4.3 ★★★★★ 4,354 reviews

Albiako Lorategiak, a tranquil park in Bilbao’s Old Town, blends verdant landscapes with Basque charm along the Nervión River. Strolling its neat avenues, visitors encounter sculptural installations, shaded benches, and seasonal flower beds that soften the city’s urban edge. It’s a bite-sized green retreat perfect for morning jogs, leisurely picnics, or a reflective pause after exploring nearby historic streets and churches. Expect well-maintained paths, family-friendly corners, and pleasant views of riverfront activity, making it an accessible, refreshingly quiet counterpoint to Bilbao’s busier museums and markets.

Albia Lorategia, 2, Abando, 48001 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted
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Itsasmuseum Bilbao — Museum, rated 4.4/5 14
Museum

Itsasmuseum Bilbao

4.4 ★★★★★ 2,627 reviews

Itsasmuseum Bilbao is a dynamic maritime museum housed in a renovated shipyard on Bilbao’s Nervión riverfront, near the iconic Guggenheim. The museum immerses visitors in Basque seafaring history, from traditional fishing boats to modern shipbuilding, with authentic vessels, models, interactive exhibits, and engaging audiovisual displays. Expect informative galleries, a stroll along the historic dockyard, and panoramic river views from the upper levels. Families and curious travelers will appreciate hands-on stations, shipyard history, and a sense of Bilbao’s industrial heritage intertwined with its contemporary culture. A thoughtful complement to the city’s modern art scene.

Ramón de la Sota Kaia, Abando, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
Opening hours · Today: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Restroom
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Vista Alegre Zezen plaza — Landmark, rated 3.9/5 15
Landmark Amusement CenterStadiumSports ComplexSports Activity Location

Vista Alegre Zezen plaza

3.9 ★★★★★ 1,449 reviews

Vista Alegre Zezen Plaza is a historic bullring-turned-cultural hub in Bilbao, gracefully perched beside the Nervión River. Its neoclassical exterior conceals a dynamic interior that hosts concerts, theater, and community events, blending Basque tradition with contemporary arts. Visitors can wander the restored arcades, admire statues and stately façades, or catch a performance under the plaza’s warm lighting. The site offers insight into Bilbao’s industrial-era wealth and evolving urban identity, making it a compelling stop for architecture lovers, arts enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a tangible link to the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

Calle Martín Agüero, 1, Errekalde, 48012 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
Good for kids Cards accepted
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