Bilbao is the largest city and economic centre of the Basque Country (País Vasco ) in northern Spain. It is built on the banks of theNervión River and has an industrial past, It stands out for its cultural richness and modern art scene.
The Basque Country is both culturally and geographically distinct from the rest of Spain. The region has a unique identity with its distinctive Basque language (Euskara), cuisine and traditions. Bilbao, as the economic capital of this region , is characterised by its industrial and commercial past, Today, we can say that it is in a great transformation in terms of art, gastronomy and tourism.
Bilbao grew rapidly in the 19th and 20th centuries, with sectors such as the iron and steel industry, shipbuilding and mining. In the 1980s, however, industry began to decline and the city faced an economic crisis. During this period Bilbao embarked on a major urban regeneration project to transform the former industrial area into a modern cultural and artistic centre.
One of the greatest symbols of this transformationwas the Guggenheim Museum , opened in 1997 . This iconic building was designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry, It consolidated Bilbao’s place in global tourism. With the opening of the museum, the city has become a modern artistic centre, shedding its identity as an industrial city, has becomea gastronomic and cultural centre.
Restaurants, bars and venues we tried in Bilbao:
– Porrue
– Horma Ondo
– Zapirain
– Demaio
– Lasai
– Café Iruña
– La Viña del Ensanche
– Restaurante Abando
– Hambueysería Amaren
– Basquery
– ARVO Specialty Coffee
– Bølge Café
– Café Originale
– Nokora Coffee
Museums & Culture & Art Venues
Historic Buildings & Neighbourhoods
Parks & Nature
Places to see around Bilbao
Bilbao is a city where modern and historical texture combine, from art to gastronomy, A city that offers many different experiences from nature to city life. Old Town (Casco Viejo) area, while offering a traditional Basque atmosphere with its narrow streets and historic buildings, TheAbandoibarra area is characterised by its modern architecture.
How many days to visit Bilbao? We think 2-3 days is enough to visit Bilbao. However, if you combine it with San Sebastian and the surrounding villages , 1 week would be an ideal time.
When to go to Bilbao?
Bilbao is a mild but rainy city throughout the year due to its oceanic climate.
There are several different areas for accommodation in Bilbao:
The most common methods to get to Bilbao:
Porrue: In a modern and stylish atmosphere, a great restaurant serving traditional Basque cuisine with creative touches. Grilled meats and seafood stand out. Especially the fish cooked oncharcoal fire is worth trying.
Horma Ondo: A place where you can experience the most authentic flavours of Basque cuisine against themagnificent nature view. It adds a different touch to a trip to Bilbao, both for its food and its location. Located 15 minutes from Bilbao city centre, this restaurant is definitely worth a day trip. or come at sunset time and enjoy the view.
Zapirain: an excellent choice for those who want to try seafood in Bilbao. A restaurant that is famous for itsfresh fish and seafood.
Demaio : A great alternative for those looking for Italian cuisine in Bilbao. Freshly baked pizzas, especially Neapolitan-style pizzas, are very successful. According to 50 Top Pizzeria, this is one of the best pizzerias in Europe in 2024. Their fresh pasta is also delicious. It has two branches and there is always a queue in front of it.
Lasai This Michelin-recommended restaurant stands out for its modern and minimalist presentation. The dishes are prepared with fresh and local ingredients, adds a different perspective to the city’s gastronomic scene.
Café Iruña: one of the most iconic places in Bilbao. Famous for itshistoric atmosphere and traditional flavours such as lamb on a spit (pintxo moruno). Ideal for a coffee break and evening tapas.
La Viña del Ensanche: One of the best pintxos bars in Bilbao. It is especially famous for its iberico ham pintxos and traditional Basque dishes. It has maintained unchanged quality for many years.
Restaurante Abando : A place wherelocal dishes are served with modern touches. Especially successful in seafood and pintxos.
Hambueysería Amaren: one of the best burger joints in the Basque region. Their burgers made fromdry rested meat are a real feast for meat lovers.
ARVO Specialty Coffee: One of the places that best reflects thethird wave coffee culture in Bilbao. Filter coffee and espresso based drinks are very successful. They havetwo branches.
Bølge Café: A cosy breakfast or coffee break with minimalist decor.
Café Originale: A cosy place that stands out with its desserts as much as its coffee options.
Nokora Coffee: A small but cosy coffee shop. You can tryespresso and filter coffees prepared withcarefully selected coffee beans.
Cocooncafé A nice alternative for a quick breakfast or coffee in Bilbao, Very close to the Guggenheim Museum. You can have a good start to the day withhealthy snacks and coffee varieties.
🏛️ Museums & Culture-Art Venues
1. Guggenheim Museum 🎨
2. Bilbao Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes) 🖼️
3. Azkuna Zentroa 🏗️
4. Archaeological Museum 🏺
5. Maritime Museum (Itsasmuseum) ⛵
Historic Buildings & Neighbourhoods
6. Casco Viejo (Old Town) 🏘️
7. Santiago Cathedral ⛪
8. San Antón Bridge and Church 🌉
9. Plaza Nueva
10. Alhóndiga (Azkuna Zentroa)
🌳 Parks & Nature
11. Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park 🌿
12. Artxanda Hill & Cable Car 🚠
13. Paseo del Arenal 🌊
📍 Must-See Places Around Bilbao
14. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe 🏝️
15. Getxo & Puente Colgante (Scales Bridge) 🌉
16. Gernika (Guernica) 🕊️
Now that you have reached this part of the article , you are seriously planning to visit the Basque Country. Then here is our guide to San Sebastian: here! Other Spanish cities are here.
Day 1 – Getaria & San Sebastian
Day 2 – San Sebastian
Day 3 – San Sebastian & Orio
Day 4 – Astigarraga, Tolosa & Bilbao
Day 5 – Bilbao
Day 6 – Bilbao
Day 7 – Bilbao & Surroundings
