The 16 Best Things to Do in Bilbao

Bilbao stands out for its astonishing architecture, exquisite cuisine and vibrant culture, making it the ideal Spanish destination for a several-day getaway. Below, I present the 16 best things to do in Bilbao, especially if you're a true foodie.

Bilbao at a glance

• How many days: 2–3 to see the essentials.
• Must-sees: the Guggenheim, Puppy, the Old Town and the Artxanda viewpoint.
• Where to eat: a pintxo crawl through the Old Town and Indautxu, and the Mercado de la Ribera.
• With kids: the Artxanda funicular, a boat trip along the estuary, the Vizcaya Bridge and the robot at the Da Long Yi hot pot.
• Best time to visit: spring and autumn (mild weather; less rain than in winter).
• Book in advance: the Guggenheim, free tours and pintxo workshops.

1. Visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

The Guggenheim Museum is, without doubt, one of Bilbao's most popular attractions. This building of futuristic architecture, designed by Frank Gehry, is a work of art in itself. Inside, you'll find world-renowned modern and contemporary art exhibitions.

• Book your skip-the-line tickets for the Guggenheim here
• Book a guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao here
• Book a private tour of the Guggenheim Museum here

If you want a truly unique experience, I recommend booking the Skip-the-Line Guided Tour and Dinner at the Guggenheim Museum

2. Book a Free Walking Tour of Bilbao

One of the best ways to start your visit is by joining a free walking tour of Bilbao. A local guide will take you around the most iconic spots, from the Old Town to the Bilbao estuary, explaining the city's history and curiosities. As it's free, it's an excellent option for any traveller, though it's customary to leave a tip for the guide.

• Book your free walking tour of Bilbao here
• Book your Bilbao Legends free tour here (guided in Spanish)
• Book your Essential Bilbao free tour here (guided in Spanish)

3. Admire Puppy, Bilbao's Floral Dog

In front of the Guggenheim stands Puppy, the famous giant dog sculpture covered in flowers, created by the artist Jeff Koons. The sculpture depicts a West Highland White Terrier, stands 12 metres tall and is built on a metal frame that holds thousands of plants and flowers — begonias, petunias and lobelias — that change colour with the seasons. It's one of the city's best-loved symbols and a perfect spot for taking loads of photos.

4. Head Up to the Artxanda Viewpoint

For the best panoramic views of Bilbao, take the funicular up to the Artxanda viewpoint. From there, you'll enjoy spectacular views over the whole city and the River Nervión.

5. Shop at the Mercado de la Ribera

The Mercado de la Ribera is the largest covered market in Europe and a paradise for food lovers. Here you'll find fresh local produce and enjoy pintxos at the market's bars.

6. Wander Through the Old Town

The Old Town, known as Las Siete Calles (The Seven Streets), is the historic heart of Bilbao. Here you can lose yourself in its narrow streets, discover local shops and, of course, enjoy pintxos at the local bars. Don't miss the Santiago Cathedral and the Mercado de la Ribera.

• I recommend booking this Walking Tour of Bilbao's Old Town

7. Visit the Arriaga Theatre

The Arriaga Theatre, set on the banks of the estuary, is one of Bilbao's most iconic theatres. Opened in 1890, this majestic neo-Baroque theatre was inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris and is named after the Bilbao-born composer Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga. It's not only an architectural landmark but also an important cultural centre: its programme includes operas, concerts, plays and dance, by both local and international artists. By the way, it's the meeting point for many free walking tours of Bilbao.

Tip

If you have a sweet tooth, right opposite you'll find the lovely patisserie El Tilo de Mami Lou, one of my favourite places in Bilbao. You can read more about it and see photos in this article: Cupcakes & cakes at El Tilo de Mami Lou in Bilbao.

8. Explore Doña Casilda Park

This beautiful park is also known as the green lung of Bilbao and is an oasis of calm in the middle of the city. Doña Casilda Park has extensive gardens, a duck pond and areas perfect for a picnic.

9. Enjoy a Pintxo-Making Workshop

To talk about Bilbao is to talk about pintxos — they're a fundamental part of Basque cuisine. Taking a pintxo workshop is a delicious way to immerse yourself in local culture and learn to make these tasty bites. What's more, many of these workshops include a wine tasting.

• Book your Basque Cooking Class of Pintxos and Tapas with Open Bar here
• Book your Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting here

10. Discover Azkuna Zentroa (La Alhóndiga)

This cultural centre, formerly a wine warehouse, is now one of Bilbao's most innovative buildings. Designed by Philippe Starck, Azkuna Zentroa offers art exhibitions, cinema, live music and countless cultural activities. The space is also famous for its unusual glass-bottomed swimming pool, visible from the ground floor.

11. Cruise the Bilbao Estuary by Boat

And if you want to enjoy the city from the water, there's nothing better than a boat trip along the Bilbao estuary. You'll see how the city has transformed, from its industrial roots to its modern reinvention. A wonderfully relaxing way to discover Bilbao.

• Book a 1- or 2-hour panoramic boat tour here

12. Visit the Vizcaya Bridge in Portugalete

Just a few minutes from Bilbao you'll find the Vizcaya Bridge (Puente Colgante) in Portugalete, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This transporter bridge is the oldest still in operation anywhere in the world, and you can cross it by car or on foot for a truly unique experience.

• I recommend booking this tour: Getxo and the Vizcaya Bridge from Bilbao

13. Explore Plaza Nueva

Set in the heart of the Old Town, Plaza Nueva is one of Bilbao's most iconic spots. This neoclassical square is the perfect place to enjoy pintxos at its bars and restaurants or to browse the local markets.

By the way, every Sunday and public holiday from 10:00 to 14:00 Plaza Nueva hosts a historic antiques and collectors' market, where you can find real treasures.

14. Savour Basque Cuisine at a Michelin-Starred Restaurant

Bilbao is renowned for its top-quality cuisine. If you're after an unforgettable dining experience, I recommend booking a table at one of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants.

Among the most famous are Azurmendi (3 Michelin stars, by chef Eneko Atxa), Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao (1 star, by chef Josean Alija) and Ola Martín Berasategui (1 star, by chef Raúl Cabrera under the Martín Berasategui name).

15. Pose Beneath Maman's Legs

Maman, the spider sculpture by artist Louise Bourgeois, is another of Bilbao's most famous. Standing in front of the Guggenheim Museum, it was unveiled in 1999 and is 9 metres tall. It symbolises motherhood and protection, is made of stainless steel and marble, and is one of the artist's most recognised works.

16. Enjoy a Pintxo Crawl Through Bilbao

I've saved it for last, but this is my favourite thing to do in Bilbao: going out for pintxos.

Going out for pintxos in Bilbao is one of the most authentic and fun things you can do in the city. Pintxos are small culinary delights served on the bar counter, from simple ham-and-cheese combinations to elaborate gourmet creations. The best neighbourhoods for a pintxo crawl are the Old Town and Indautxu, where you can try local specialities at bars like Café Bar Bilbao or Gure Toki. Wash them down with a good txakoli or a zurito.

• Book a Pintxo Route and Wine Tasting with a local guide here
• Book your Walking Tour of Bilbao with a pintxo and drink here
• Book a Basque Food Tour with a guide here

As you can see, Bilbao is a city that has it all: art, culture, nature and incredible food. These 16 activities will let you discover the best of Bilbao and enjoy unforgettable experiences. Remember that many of these activities need to be booked in advance, and you can do so directly through the links you'll find in this article.

Ready to explore Bilbao? Start planning your trip and discover everything this amazing city has to offer!

I recommend reading: We eat at Da Long Yi, Bilbao's first hot pot