Things to do in  Bilbao

Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is hailed as one of the most important architectural works of the 20th century. Within its undulating and reflecting walls on the banks of the Nervión River, you’ll find an abundance of contemporary pieces by artists such as Yayoi Kusama, El Anatsui, Richard Serra, and many more.

One of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, the medieval Bilbao Old Quarter (Casco Viejo) is best known for its 15th-century Siete Calles (Seven Streets), now lined with pintxo bars and cafés. Here, visit the Santiago Cathedral, stop by one of the largest covered markets in Europe, and catch a show at the lavish Arriaga Theater.

Mundaka may look like a quiet fishing village at first, but this Basque destination has an outsized reputation. That’s thanks to its world-class, left-hand barreling wave, considered one of the best in Europe, which has made the town a major international surfing destination. Other attractions include its beaches and old port.

Inspired by the Paris Opera House and named after the "Mozart of Spain"—Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga—the 19th-century Arriaga Theater (Teatro Arriaga) is a lavish neo-baroque building. Here, catch a play, opera, or dance recital in the 1,200-seat theater, which is dominated by plush red velvet seating, elaborate crown molding, and gold detailing.

Built atop a shrine in the 14th-century, Bilbao's Santiago Cathedral now towers over the original Seven Streets of the city’s Old Quarter. Follow in the footsteps of Camino de Santiago pilgrims and admire the Gothic Revival facade; elaborate portal—known as the Angel Door—on Correo Street; and the 15th-century Gothic cloister.

Straddling the Nervión River and connecting two of the city’s most popular attractions—the Guggenheim and Artxanda Funicular—the futuristic, steel cable–suspended Zubizuri Bridge is an architecturally notable landmark. Visit after dark to see the Santiago Calatrava–designed footbridge light up.

Billed as “a shipyard turned into a museum,” Bilbao’s Itsasmuseum is located right on the Bilbao Estuary, under the Euskalduna Bridge. Dedicated to Basque maritime history and tradition, the museum’s collection includes a number of historic vessels (many of which are displayed outside) and temporary and permanent exhibitions within.

Culture and leisure combine at the multipurpose Azkuna Zentroa, Bilbao’s former wine warehouse-turned-cultural center. Behind its 20th-century facade you’ll now find a glut of artistic, literary, and educational offerings including an arthouse cinema, on-site restaurant, library, fitness center, and more. Meanwhile, the 43 pillars, each one with a different design, are notable highlights of the Philippe Starck–designed interior.

With over 10,000 works of Spanish, European, and Basque art spanning from the Middle Ages to present day, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum (Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao) is one of the most-visited museums in the Basque Country. Highlights include masterpieces from El Greco, Francisco de Goya, and Mary Cassatt, plus regular temporary exhibits.

One of Bilbao’s largest and most impressive cultural centers, the Euskalduna Palace (Palacio Euskalduna) has been a city mainstay since it opened in 1999. Designed to resemble a ship, it houses an auditorium, theater, exhibition hall, and other gathering spaces. The ABAO Bilbao Opera and the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra regularly perform there.

A bustling Bilbao transport hub, Moyua Square (Plaza Moyúa) combines manicured flowerbeds with ample seating to turn a simple roundabout into a much-loved meeting point. Admire the surrounding buildings, such as the 20th-century Palacio Chávarri and Hotel Carlton, or use the square as a jumping-off point for further exploration of the city and beyond.

The world’s oldest shuttle or transporter bridge, the Basque Country’s Vizcaya Bridge (Puente de Vizcaya)—also known as the Hanging Bridge, or Puente Colgante—dates back to 1893. Designed by architect Alberto de Palacio, who trained under Gustave Eiffel, the iron and steel bridge is still used by car and pedestrians today.

For over a century, the tranquil Doña Casilda Park has been among Bilbao’s most important green spaces and its Romantic- and French-style gardens remain a focal point of the Indautxu neighborhood. Stroll the palm-lined pathways, enjoy views over the Nervión River, or stop by the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum which calls Doña Casilda Park home.

Clinging onto a cliff within the Aizkorri mountains, this modern architectural marvel holds an important place in the region’s religious tradition and artistic legacy. Melding Franciscan spirituality with avant-garde Basque art, the Sanctuary’s story started when the Virgin Mary appeared in a hawthorn bush, prompting a shepherd to ask, “Arantzan zu?” (“Is it you in the hawthorn?”).

Often overlooked by tourists on their way to San Sebastián or Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz is a seldom visited gem and the capital of the Basque Country. This city is home to one of the region's best preserved medieval centers and plenty of historic architecture, plus it’s only a short distance from the Spanish vineyards and wineries of La Rioja.