Bilbao is a city that reinvents itself without losing its soul. Once a hard-working industrial port, it has evolved into a global benchmark for urban regeneration, where titanium curves, medieval streets, and avant-garde bridges share the same postcode. For visitors, this creates a rare kind of travel experience: one where world-class art institutions sit just a short walk from bustling food markets and centuries-old Gothic cathedrals.
The geography of Bilbao shapes its character. The Nervión estuary cuts through the centre, separating the historic Casco Viejo from the modern Abando district and the former industrial peninsula of Zorrotzaurre. This waterway is not just scenic; it is the thread that connects many of the city’s most significant museums and landmarks, making it possible to explore centuries of Basque history on foot in a single day.
Understanding the local context enriches every stop. Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country, a region with its own language, culinary traditions, and a deep-rooted sense of identity. Landmarks here are not merely decorative; they reflect a community that has navigated floods, wars, and industrial decline, always emerging with a stronger sense of purpose.
For first-time visitors, the challenge is not finding things to do, but choosing how to balance the old and the new. Should you spend your morning inside a Frank Gehry masterpiece or wandering the seven original streets that gave the Casco Viejo its nickname, Las Siete Calles? The answer often depends on your appetite for art, your interest in Basque history, and how much you enjoy simply getting lost.
Practical planning matters in a city with a mild but unpredictable Atlantic climate. Rain showers can arrive quickly, making indoor attractions like museums and covered markets a sensible backup plan. Fortunately, Bilbao’s compact size means you can move between outdoor landmarks and indoor cultural spaces without losing much time to transit.
This guide focuses on the places that offer the deepest sense of place, from iconic architectural statements to lesser-known historical corners. Each entry is chosen for its ability to tell a story about Bilbao, not just for its popularity on social media. You will find practical details woven into the descriptions, helping you decide where to spend your time and energy.
Below, you will find a curated selection of the most rewarding museums and landmarks in Bilbao, followed by essential tips for making the most of your visit.
Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao
| Address | Museo Plaza, Artetxe Kondearen Zumarkalea, 2, Abando, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | 944 39 60 60 |
Bilbao has such a rich arts culture. We were sad to find the museum being under serious construction and renovation. Not good news for us but fantastic news for local people. It will be spectacular when the work completed.
There was a very limited amount of work on display.
And due to the renovations the entrance was completely free so we cannot complain.
We enjoyed the Denise Scott Brown exhibit - few quality pieces to view.
Cannot wait to return once works completed fine arts will be an incredible compliment to the wonderful Guggenheim.
We also very much enjoyed the park adjacent to the museum - profound calming influence.
There’s not very much to see here while it is under heavy renovation, but on the positive side, it’s now completely free. The bulk of the exhibition was „City. Street. House” devoted to Denise Scott Brown’s work on the ground floor.
Currently under renovation. There are two temporary exhibitions. It can be a quick visit. I've seen some of its collections when I was visiting other fine art museums in Spain, so I know it has potential.
A very strong visit. Large parts of the building were under renovation, which meant free entry — an unexpected bonus. We saw the Georg Baselitz exhibition, featuring large-scale works and a powerful selection overall.
The exhibition alone justified the visit. Seeing such a strong body of work without an entrance fee felt almost unreal.
Price: free (due to renovation).
As of April 2026, due to renovation works, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is only offering a free exhibition that explores the life and achievements of Denise Scott Brown, as well as her deep connection with the city of Philadelphia.
If you make a reservation on the museum’s website and visit, you can exchange it for an entry ticket at the reception. A walk in the nearby park is also recommended.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
| Address | Abandoibarra Etorb., 2, Abando, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 944 35 90 80 |
If you go to Bilbao then you shouldn't leave without visiting this amazing art museum.
We booked tickets online in advance and I'd recommend doing that.
Visually the building is stunning. It's exterior changes with the light and the time of day.
The art isn't confined to the galleries, there are number of stunning pieces outside.
Inside the art is in multiple galleries spread across 3 floors. There are lifts so those who may not be able to walk well can access everything.
The art in display changes from time to time so it's worth checking what is on show. The collection is large so the need to rotate is understandable.
There is a cafe and a Michelin starred restaurant on site and also a lovely open air cafe in the park next to the museum.
Our visit lasted about 3 hours and I'd say you could do a bit more or a bit less, depending on your taste in the art on show.
We are not art officianardoes but we enjoyed the experience a lot.
Be sure to make this part of your visit to Bilbao.
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is one of those rare places where the building itself is as much a work of art as the exhibitions inside.
Frank Gehry’s extraordinary design of flowing titanium curves has become an icon of modern architecture, and it’s easy to understand why. We found ourselves walking around the exterior several times, discovering new angles and details with every lap. Even if contemporary art isn’t normally your thing, the building alone is worth the visit.
Inside, the galleries are spacious and beautifully designed, hosting a mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions. Some artworks immediately resonate, while others leave you thoughtfully wondering whether you’ve just experienced profound artistic genius or a very expensive way of displaying everyday objects. Perhaps that’s exactly what modern art is supposed to do.
Don’t miss the outdoor sculptures either. Puppy, the enormous flower-covered dog, and Maman, the giant spider, have become attractions in their own right and are perfect examples of how the museum extends beyond its walls.
We visited as a family with two teenagers, and everyone found something to appreciate—whether it was the architecture, the engineering, the art, or simply trying to decide what on earth some of the installations were meant to represent.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just curious, the Guggenheim is an unforgettable experience and one of the main reasons Bilbao has become a world-class destination.
The museum’s design is very impressive, and the layout makes it easy to walk around and move naturally from one room to the next. There’s a great selection of interesting artworks and installations to explore.
We spent around an hour and a half there and found it a really enjoyable experience and a great activity to do while visiting Bilbao. The museum shop is also worth checking out, as it sells lots of cute and interesting items.
Wow - such an incredible building, inside and out. However, we struggled to find the bistro/cafe/restaurant - better directions needed please as we couldn’t even work out the location from the museum map, and had to ask a member of staff. Museum staff welcoming and happy to help. Didn’t realise that the first language given on exhibits was Basque, had to put it into Google Translate. Loved the Guggenheim Flower Puppy, Richard Serra’s Torqued Ellipses and enjoyed Rush Asawa’s exhibition, less so Jasper Johns exhibition. A reasonable €9 entry as seniors. A must if visiting Bilbao. Allow at least 2 hours.
Fabulous museum of Modern Art. I only knew this museum due to the famous building and wanted to see what all the fuzz is about. Well I found out:
The building (inside and outside) is stunning. It’s a joy to keep on looking up, down and enjoyed walking around the building during day- and night time.
I didn’t knew what to expect on the content of the exhibitions and I kept on being pleasantly surprised. I am not a great fan of modern art, but the exhibitions kept sucking me in. I was intrigued and amazed by these works and artists.
So in short, you don’t need to be a structural engineer, nor an art connoisseur to enjoy this museum. Take at least 1 hour per level and one for outside to get the best experience.
Book your tickets in advance and bring a (small) camera.
Bilboko Berreginen Museoa
| Address | San Frantzisko Kalea, 14, Ibaiondo, 48003 Bilbao, Bizkaia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Phone | 946 79 02 55 |
Lovely to be able to see such famous sculptures from different angles. The 3 floors also give one a wonderful close up view of the church windows.
Tucked away in Bilbao’s San Frantzisko neighborhood, the Museo de Reproducciones Artísticas is a hidden gem for art lovers on a budget! Housed in a striking neo-Gothic former church, this museum showcases incredibly detailed replicas of iconic sculptures like the Venus de Milo and Michelangelo’s Moses. The setting alone is worth the visit—there’s something magical about seeing these classical works in such a unique space.I loved how intimate and uncrowded it felt, perfect for soaking in the art at your own pace. The €3 entry fee (free on Thursdays!) is a steal, but don’t expect much signage in English—brush up on basic Spanish or use a translation app for the full experience. It’s a short visit (about 30-45 minutes), so pair it with a stroll through Bilbao’s Old Town nearby. If you’re into art history or just want a quiet, offbeat stop, this place is a must
Situated on the wrong side of the railway tracks!
A lovely old church been reasigned to serve as a museum of replica famous marble statues.
Worth about 30 minutes of your time if you're in the area.
Poorly made reproductions. They have a permanent collection and temporary collection across three floors but when we went there was one floor that was pretty much empty. Easy to book tickets online although not sure if you need to as we were the only ones there. Free entry every Thursday; I’m glad we didn’t pay as the museum is small and the information accompanying the replicas is not hugely interesting. The area around the museum didn’t feel very safe so if you are going to visit, I would recommend accessing the museum from the river path instead of going through the San Francisco area (behind the Abando train station) as we did.
Love the idea of an honest duplication of many great sculptures. The old church venue has been well repurposed.
Museum of Sacred Art of Bilbao
| Address | Encarnacion Plaza, 9B, Ibaiondo, 48006 Bilbao, Bizkaia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| Phone | 944 32 01 25 |
Beautiful museum - seems to be a bit of hidden gem. It's in a former convent and just an exquisite collection of sacred art, vestments, and silver items used in churches and basilicas in the Basque country.
Great spot if you are into religious art and history. Some exhibitions were closed but still had a great time.
Super nice museum few know or care about. Really interesting stuff to see. I was there with a couple people in the whole building. Free entry too (tuesday)
The Museo de Arte Sacro de Bilbao offers a calm and elegant journey through Basque religious heritage. Located in a former convent, it showcases sacred paintings, sculptures, liturgical objects, and impressive goldsmith works. The museum feels intimate rather than overwhelming, allowing visitors to appreciate craftsmanship and spirituality at a relaxed pace. A quiet cultural stop in Bilbao, ideal for art lovers interested in history, tradition, and regional identity.
Interesting museum dedicated to ecclesiastical art, mainly by Vizcaya artists, located in an old convent. It has paintings, statues, clothing and a large collection of jewellery.
Itsasmuseum Bilbao
| Address | Ramón de la Sota Kaia, Abando, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 946 08 55 00 |
Thoroughly enjoyed my visit today 14.12.25. A small museum but well displayed with a lot of the exhibits having an English explanation.
The paintings were really nice but the photographic exhibits were delightful. The video/films were also very informative. I particularly liked the “ light” display and video.the various models of ships and full sized models were very impressive.
I was very engaged in everything and spent about 3.00 hrs walking around looking at all the exhibits.
Well worth a visit.
I enjoyed my visit to the museum immensely. Thank you to all the staff and those that designed the exhibits.
For a Sunday afternoon, I was the only person in the museum which was very surprising.
The cafe alongside the entrance is also worth refreshing at, inside as well as terrace seating with reasonable prices.
It was an absolute pleasure to visit this museum. It has an incredible amount of exhibits that explain the history of shipbuilding industry in Bilbao. It has many interactive activities for kids as well. Highly recommended !
A small museum with a lovely collection of artefacts about Bilbao’s maritime history and city’s development as an important port. It is an ideal place for school trip or educational tour for school children with a lot of interactive displays - videos, storytelling, old and new maritime artefacts. Videos are in three languages, including English, Spanish and French. Can consider to visit if you are travelling with school age children or during rainy days for an indoor visit. About 15 walks from Guggenheim along the river so very accessible.
Came here to escape from being outside during a very windy day and I ended up loving this museum. Compared to the Guggenheim, this place barely had any visitors when I came. There was a lot to see and a lot of maritime history to learn about, I even got to learn about the history of the city of Bilbao here. There was also several videos and short films to watch and all of them had English translations which was great. This museum was a pleasant surprise and one that I'm glad I visited.
We thought this museum was going to be interesting for there kids but it lack interactive activities or directed info for kids ( in August). If you have mobility problems you might have to cover quite a distance to get there by a slope, as there is no elevator to get to the entrance but a steep stair.
Plus Google maps showed us the wrong way, if you are walking you should not step into the roundabout, as there is no traffic light to cross for pedestrians.
Euskal Museoa
| Address | Gurutze Kalea, 10, Ibaiondo, 48006 Bilbao, Bizkaia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Phone | 944 15 54 23 |
This was the first time we had managed to go in, after the extensive refurbishment. The building and architecture is great. There were not a huge amount of exhibits, it felt very empty. The staff at the main desk were very friendly and helped us get the best ticket prices. The exhibit explanations were only printed in Spanish and Basque, which is great, but English is only available via QR code. I felt this could limit the promotion and understanding of the Basque culture, by not having an explanation printed in English.
A great place to learn about the history of Bilbao and the Basque people. The building is beautiful, especially the use of wood and iron. Some areas felt unfinished, and the lighting could be better in a few sections, but overall it was an interesting and worthwhile visit.
Museum of ethnographic history and items of the Basque people. Free to enter on Wednesdays so worth visiting then. A few floors to look at and the building itself inside is very impressive!
Began the day in itsas museum and was hungry for some more of bizacay culture and history in euskal museum. But I wrong.
Frist, majority of things was not explained. Descriptions on what defines the people in a general way, which could be applied to all cultres. Is this a modern arts museum where I am suppose to fill the gaps? Is the museum questioning my understanding of basic thing lika a festival and feel the need to explain it?
Secondly, the information in Spanish was more than English (videos and clips). Some QR codes for information in english did not work
I don't not think the museum is finished. It feet like a free subscription and was missing some premium feature that didn't exist yet. But still paid 10 euros for this....
The positive it was a nice building.
If you want to learn more about the biscay culture go to Itsas museum
Interesting dive into the basque culture, tools, games and language
Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala
| Address | Done Jakue Plazatxoa, 1, Ibaiondo, 48005 Bilbao, Bizkaia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | 944 15 36 27 |
Website said open 5-7pm, Wednesday. So I arrived at 5.15pm, to be told it closed at 6pm. Perhaps there was a service? Wandered around, & lit a candle for some poorly friends. Interesting, but the audio guide was too focused on who had commissioned & who had created, the various statues, and less on the iconography.
Bilboko Donejakue is a beautiful and historic church located in the heart of the old town. The architecture is impressive, and the atmosphere inside is calm and peaceful. It’s a great spot to visit while exploring the area and adds a cultural touch to your walk.
There are nice interiors, cloister, courtyard in the south, overall a great piece of (neo)gothic architecture carried over several hundreds of years. That said, the entry price is too steep at 46€ for a family of four.
BEAUTIFUL. Bilboa’s oldest church, a 14th-century landmark. Make sure you also check out the cloister hallways on either side - if you're lucky everything will be in bloom and it is quite magnificent. Also, their audio guide (we got it in English) is excellent.
The best part is the cloister and garden, which is sadly overlooked by modern buildings but still lovely and cool on a hot day. The cathedral has a few pretty corners and interesting artifacts but is rather pricy for a tourist visit. If you are a person of faith then this is a pilgrim route stop and a place of interest.
Archaeological Museum of Biscay (Bilbao)
| Address | Mallona Galtzada, 2, Ibaiondo, 48006 Bilbao, Bizkaia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 7:30 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 7:30 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 7:30 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 7:30 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 7:30 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Phone | 944 04 09 90 |
Superb, for the tiny and inexpensive experience that they are. Perhaps there are more fundamental archeological collections in Northern Spain. But the do great job telling the local story and linking it from prehistoric to early modern times. The highlight is the iron ore carrying vessel shipwreck from 15th century, together with the full story of recovering it from Gernika estuary.
amazing experience and highly recommend. it has two floors with different items to look at and read about its history. the information are written in español and euskera, but if you don't speak those you can simply listen to the free audio guides that come in french, english, among others. they have a VR section too to live the experience of seeing caves and the drawings in them. very good price wise too.
They did a lot with the little space they have. Well worth the 5€ ticket
Precious items from the rich Basque history and culture. They gave us a discount on tickets as pilgrims.
Nice little museum, showing off a good range of the history of the region from neolithic up to medieval. Good art pieces to set the scene for each period. We used Google Translate for the displays, though audio translations were available.
Bilboko Pasoen Museoa
| Address | Iturribide Kalea, 3, Ibaiondo, 48006 Bilbao, Bizkaia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 7:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 7:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 7:30 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 7:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Phone | 944 15 04 33 |
Interesting museum for a quick visit. There was not too much information in English, but there are plenty of things to see. It's worth dropping by if you're in the old town (tickets were only 2 euros).
Wonderful display of Basque Catholicism, many crafted model displays in the timeline of Christ, and the procession displays of many years past.
Incredible place! Must have for every tourists
A lovely visit to an 18th-century building housing a collection of sacred art and floats from Bilbao's Holy Week processions. The images are striking and the atmosphere intimate. Well-maintained and with friendly staff. The information in the display cases could be improved, as well as the lighting in some of the rooms.
A beautiful museum, the only one in Spain with something as uniquely ours as our Holy Week celebrations, and I love it. The person selling the tickets was super friendly and explained everything to us, and we loved it. He wasn't a tour guide, but my questions got him up from behind the ticket booth.
Artxandako begiratokia
| Address | Enekuri Artxanda Errepidea, 70, 48015 Bilbao, Bizkaia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Great views over Bilbao, although some of the best obstructed by cables so trickier for photography. An attractive park in its own right. I took a couple of beers and some snacks and watched the sun go down. Take the funicular. There's a toilet by the coach park. Nothing in the way of refreshments when I was there in march but anticipate that will change in peak season
Great views of Bilbao down in the valley. Very shady for these hot summer afternoons. I biked up but I recommend the tram
At the top of the hill , going with funicular ytain and have incredible view of Bilbao..Dont miss it!!
Nice viewpoint with sights of most of Bilbao. The Guggenheim museum especially feels so close!
Nice viewpoint over city but not that pretty when cloudy, not much to do up top and ended up leaving in about 10 minutes after it took 10 minutes to get up waiting for the funicular railway. There is a restaurant there if you need it though.
A few tour groups around but pretty quiet on the day I went.
Museo Ilusiones Bilbao
| Address | Buenos Aires Kalea, 5, Abando, 48001 Bilbao, Bizkaia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 671 47 70 94 |
We were prepared to be underwhelmed after reading previous reviews, but I'm glad we gave the museum the benefit of the doubt as we spent a very enjoyable hour here yesterday. The interactivity is great, there's plenty to see and learn about, and the whole experience delighted our two children (aged 2 and 8). It's a good example of a small museum sharing its founders' love of science and art and providing some nice photo opportunities in the process.
Super experience with our kids we loved it. Really funny and interactive. The girl of the museum was super lovely and took great care of us
Thank you to museum employee Arzu, because of her I enjoyed my visit, she was very helpful and friendly.
However the museum owners should invest the very expensive entrance fee to improve this space. There is a ventilation and bad smell issue in the basement.
This place is something fun to do for 30’ but the price is higher than what it should be.
If it wasn’t for Arzu’s pleasant help, I would not recommend this place to others.
Thanks again to you Arzu, you were great ☺️
It was really nice and really fun , me and my friends had so much fun
This was a complete waste of money. Lady at front desk recommended we buy an extra virtual experience on top of the regular ticket. The total was 20 euros per person. First of all, the museum is tiny. Second- the „illusions” are extremely poorly made- they don’t really work just because you see the imperfections everywhere. The virtual experience was strange- 3d goggles in a basement area with the staff member not speaking English, so he was unable to ask us if we are afraid of heights (does count for this „attraction”) or to explain anything. The quality of the whole museum was really, really bad. Didn’t see children having any fun, either, not to mention adults. I’m surprised it has a higher rating than 1. Value for money? None. I wouldn’t pay more than 5€ for this thing. Definitely do NOT recommend. Save your money for literally anything else.
Bilbao Historiko - Expogela
| Address | San Frantzisko Kalea, 32, Ibaiondo, 48003 Bilbao, Bizkaia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 946 79 33 79 |
Beautiful
Beautiful downtown area!
Bilbao Historiko - Expogela is a fascinating space that allows you to discover the city's rich history in an interactive and educational way. The permanent exhibition covers everything from Bilbao's medieval origins to its industrialization, offering a comprehensive view of its evolution. The models and interactive elements are especially engaging, making the visit enjoyable for all ages. The staff is very friendly and provides valuable information about each historical period. It's an ideal starting point for understanding the cultural and urban context before exploring the city.
I thoroughly enjoyed the "Adrift in Bilbao" experience.
It was undoubtedly a wonderful initiative to learn about the great work of Juan Carlos Eguillor and to discover details about Bilbao I didn't know, such as the fact that the image of the Virgin of Begoña in front of the Stock Exchange building is holding a small glass of txikito (a Basque wine glass).
Thanks to "Jaione" (excellent) and "Andoni" (perfectly in character), we were immersed in a review of the life and work of an author with astonishing creativity. We must thank Bilbao Historiko for initiatives like this. I hope that "Adrift in Bilbao" will be followed by many more journeys that help us love our beloved Bilbao even more.
So much for it being the Gelsenkirchen of Spain, Bilbao is worth seeing, and especially the Guggenheim Museum.
Begoñako Basilika
| Address | Begoñako Andra Maria Kalea, 38, 48006 Bilbao, Bizkaia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 944 12 70 91 |
Interesting but not to climb the steps take the bus. No information pamphlets available would have appreciated more detailed description of the wall paintings. Need to rely on Google.
I walked up the steps to visit the Begona Basilica. It is worth visiting if you are in Bilbao. The basilica itself is not as big as you’d expect but the altar is stunning. There are several large paintings on the walls which are interesting. I am here during their August holiday and there are food stalls lining outside with all kind of baked goods.
Begonako Basilika is up the hill and it worth a visit in sunset time especially. Beautiful architecture!
A relatively tough climb to get here, I chose to take the stairs instead of the elevator and was glad I did. The church is very beautiful both inside and out and I very much enjoyed my short time coming here.
An imposing Church perched on a hill overlooking the centre of Bilbao. It backs onto some beautiful gardens with fine views of the city and is located along the Camino de Norte pilgrim route.
Txabarri Jauregia
| Address | Pl. Eliptikoa, 5, Abando, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Jauregia is a charming and elegant building that stands out for its classic architecture and historical feel. It’s not a major attraction, but it adds a nice touch to the area and is worth a quick stop if you’re nearby and enjoy discovering local landmarks.
It’s a beautiful building. Didn’t go inside.
Just wow! Plaza Moyua is a must visit. This bldg was a castle. Photos do not do it justice.
Historical building. With atmosphere of las century. Beautiful rooms with different styles.
Nice building. But in all honesty, it looks pretty much like any other.
Puppy
| Address | Mazarredo Zumarkalea, 66, Abando, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
It didn’t look as dog like in person but it still was amazing. I really want to know how they keep the flowers alive and so vibrant. There were a lot of people nearby but fun to visit and take a picture.
Visiting the Puppy is a must in Bilbao.
The giant flower dog sits right in front of the Guggenheim museum.
Really lovely to see the riot of colours and the many different flowers. A unique piece of art.
This is a stunning living sculpture thats self irrigating to keep the flowers alive. Best not to stand directly under it without an umbrella
A west highland terrier called Puppy. This 40ft puppy was created by US artist Jeff Koons, the puppy is self irrigating and the flowers are changed every season. The structure is composed of stainless steel. Puppy is located outside the Guggenheim Museum in Bilboa. The structure is free to see.
Bilbao landmark. Flower dog near the Guggenheim. Excellent location to disrupt tourist selfies.
Practical Tips for Visiting Bilbao’s Museums and Landmarks
Bilbao rewards visitors who plan a little but leave room for spontaneity. The city’s compact layout and excellent public transport make it easy to see a lot in a short time, but a few local insights can help you avoid common frustrations and discover the city more like a resident. Here are five practical recommendations to keep in mind as you explore.
Buy tickets online for the Guggenheim and Bellas Artes. Queues at the ticket desks can eat into valuable sightseeing time, especially on weekends and during summer. Booking a timed entry slot online usually takes less than five minutes and often allows you to enter through a separate, faster line. If your plans change, most official websites allow free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Use the Bilbao Bizkaia Card if you plan to visit multiple paid attractions. This official tourist card includes free or discounted entry to many museums, unlimited travel on the metro, tram, and Bilbobus, and discounts at selected restaurants and shops. For a day of heavy sightseeing, it can pay for itself after two or three major museums.
Wear comfortable, waterproof footwear. Bilbao is a walking city, but its pavements can be uneven in the Casco Viejo and slippery after rain. A pair of trainers or walking shoes with good grip will serve you far better than fashion footwear, especially if you plan to cross the Nervión multiple times or walk from the Guggenheim to the Old Town.
Time your visits around meal hours. Many museums close for a long lunch break, particularly smaller cultural centres and churches. The big institutions stay open, but you will often find them quieter between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, when locals are eating. Plan a long Basque lunch during this window, then return to the sights when the crowds thin out.
Respect photography rules without letting them ruin the experience. The Guggenheim allows photos in most permanent galleries but prohibits flash and tripods. Many churches ask visitors not to photograph during services. A good rule of thumb is to look for signage at the entrance of each room and ask staff if you are unsure. More importantly, put the phone down occasionally. The best memories of Bilbao often come from simply standing still and looking.
Exploring Bilbao’s museums and landmarks is less about checking boxes and more about understanding a city that has mastered the art of transformation. The contrast between a Gothic cloister and a titanium gallery is not a contradiction; it is the essence of Bilbao. As you walk along the estuary or through the narrow streets of the Old Town, you will notice how proudly the city carries its industrial past while embracing a creative, forward-looking identity.
Take your time. Sit on a bench in the Arenal, watch the boats drift under Zubizuri, or linger over a coffee in a plaza that has hosted markets for five centuries. The true value of these landmarks lies not in how many you see, but in how deeply you connect with the stories they tell. Bilbao does not demand your attention; it earns it.
