Things to Do in Bilbao

Things to Do in Bilbao, Spain - Bilbao Attractions

Things to Do in Bilbao

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Casco Viejo, Walking Tours, Flea & Street Markets. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Bilbao.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Bilbao

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Monuments & Statues

Public art installation showcasing a 9-meter tall floral canine sculpture with live plants that change seasonally, providing a vibrant backdrop for photos and social gatherings.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Lively historic square in the old town, framed by Roman Neoclassical architecture, with family-friendly recreation, dining under covered arches, and a Sunday flea market.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Historic building blending contemporary design with heritage, featuring a creative ground floor, rooftop terrace, and cultural exhibitions amidst ongoing restoration.
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Other Top Attractions around Bilbao






*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Dimitris L
    Sydney, Australia54,398 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a stunning masterpiece. The building itself is a work of art on its own. It is a huge building and contains many exhibits, but for the amount of space it occupies it could accommodate many more art works. It is not very expensive to enter. It is located in a great spot by the river. It is definitely worth visiting.
    Written March 12, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • johnhouston2
    Knaresborough, UK5,435 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    When visiting cities in Europe we are always drawn to the old town centres and this one in Bilbao is a decent example of the genre.

    It’s not what I’d call pretty (nor is Bilbao on the whole) but has enough narrow streets and little squares to make it worth exploring. Clearly its main draw these days is for people who enjoy sampling the pintxo bars, of which there are many, and the atmosphere is very good.
    Written September 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • johnhouston2
    Knaresborough, UK5,435 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I love visiting food markets and whereas this one in Bilbao’s old town isn’t particularly large, it is in an attractive riverfront building.

    The best part is surely the food court where a good selection of food stalls serve an excellent variety of delicious looking cakes, pintxos and meals.
    Written September 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dimitris L
    Sydney, Australia54,398 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    “Puppy” is a delightful sculpture created by Jeff Koon in 1997 and is permanently displayed outside Guggenheim Museum. It stands over 12 metres tall and is covered in flowering plants depending on the season, including petunias, impatiens, pansies, begonias and others. It takes at least 20 people nine days to complete the transformation, in May and October every year! Interestingly the Puppy has a concrete base and the rest of it is stainless steel, covered by a layer of turf, wire mesh, and geotextile fabric that secures the turf and stimulates plant growth, under all those flowers! An unseen network of pipes water and feed the plants every 24 hours.
    Written March 16, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Clare & Graham
    19 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mix of old and new, industrial buildings too. Old Town pretty. Lots of places to grab a beer or coffee and pincho which are many,and varied. Walk along the river for photo opportunities, Bilbao is a very photogenic little city and can be explored in a few days at a fairly relaxed pace
    Written February 20, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tinkle_24
    Northampton, UK1,838 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Do not be deceived by the facade which to me was heavy and not so attractive but the interior was lovely with its columns representing different cultures. There is a library and a swimming pool above. You can actually see people swimming but mainly their legs. There is also an exhibition hall with temporary exhibits. Fun to wander. A staff member very kindly came to chat to us about the centre.
    Written December 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Harry G
    Solon, OH353 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a very nice museum, free as well. It has works by some historic artists, e.g. Goya, Picasso etc. The bulk of the collection is by Basque artists which we found very interesting. It is in an excellent location, close to the Guggenheim, shopping and restaurants. If in Bilbao we highly recommend a visit.
    Written November 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Thomas V
    Oakland, CA19,426 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very modern and streamlined bridge that links the old town to the newer section, crossing the big river that runs through the middle of the city. We walked across it and admired the design.
    Written February 8, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BlarghBlargh
    Birmingham, UK449 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely park area with a tiled pavilion with water fountain nearby. Great for a little stroll in nice weather if in the area.
    Written October 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Thomas V
    Oakland, CA19,426 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very grand theater/opera house set in a prominent place on the river. We stopped in our promenade around the town, especially in the older part of the city. This theater is impressive.
    Written July 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • John W
    Douglas, UK2,436 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The entrance tunnel is still depressing. Internal organisation of floors, ramps, lifts, a mess. BUT the concert hall/theatre/opera house auditorium is stunning. The acoustics excellent.

    Opera Bilbao production of Tristan was well produced and sung, with a huge Wagnerian orchestra.

    Really enjoyable.

    I use a wheelchair. The wheelchair boxes, with hydraulic lifts are amazing.
    Written January 29, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Thomas V
    Oakland, CA19,426 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I believe that this is the largest church in town and parts of it date back to the 13th century. It has a gothic style and has been added to and changed many times. It is the seat of the diocese and can be found in the middle of the old town. Much larger than anything else around it.
    Written February 11, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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