Is Bilbao Worth Visiting? 12 Reasons To Visit Bilbao
Is Bilbao worth visiting? Yes, absolutely, and I’m here to tell you why!
Having spent a month exploring the north of Spain, I found myself drawn back to Bilbao not once, but twice. It’s a fantastic city to make your base for a few days, or even longer.
Whether you’re into soaking up culture, indulging in delicious food, or are an outdoor sports fan, Bilbao is your go-to destination.
If you’re reading this you’re probably wondering why visit Bilbao. I’m about to give you 12 compelling reasons to visit as well as discuss some of the cons. Spoiler alert: the good bits far outweigh the few downsides!
Read on and discover everything you need to know before planning your trip to Bilbao.
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Is Bilbao Worth Going To? The Pros and Cons
Bilbao has an interesting history. It used to be an industrial powerhouse, full of factories and busy docks – it’s changed a lot in recent years.
Now, Bilbao is all about art, culture, cool architecture and its culinary scene.
The city is a smorgasbord of old and new blending the historical with the contemporary to create a vibrant, dynamic atmosphere.
Where is Bilbao?
Bilbao is the key port city in the Basque Country, northern Spain. Even though it isn’t situated right on the coastline, the city sits along the banks of the Nervión River, which flows through its heart. It connects to the Cantabrian Sea and the Atlantic coast and is just 20 kilometres away.
The city sits in a bowl and is surrounded by mountains.
An interesting thing to know about Bilbao, Spain is that although it’s located in mainland Spain, the Basque Region is an autonomous community. They have a significant level of self-governance. Additionally, the region has their own unique cultural traditions and language.
Read Also: Is San Sebastian Worth Visiting?
Why Visit Bilbao
Pros of Bilbao
1. Home of the Guggenheim
One of the top things to see in Bilbao is the Guggenheim Museum.
This museum showcases modern and contemporary art, featuring both permanent and visiting exhibits by Spanish and international artists.
Even if you’re not a huge fan of modern art – I still recommend seeing the building.
The stunning building, designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, sits proudly along the Nervión River. Often hailed as one of the most important architectural projects, the Guggenheim is the most iconic building in Bilbao and possibly the entire Basque region.
2. Excellent Food and Wine
If you’re wondering what is Bilbao famous for apart from the Guggenheim, then it’s the food scene.
Bilbao is famous for its pintxos (pronounced pin-chos), which are small snacks typically served in bars.
These delicious bites have a long history and are a huge part of Basque culture.
You’ll find the best pintxo bars in Casco Viejo, the old town. Some of my favoruite spots were Gure Toki and El Globo. Bilbao is also known for its wine, especially Txakoli (pronounced chak-o-lee), a slightly sparkling, dry white wine that’s perfect with pintxos.
Don’t miss trying traditional Basque cheesecake if you’re after something sweet.
For a truly local experience, I also recommend checking out the Mercado de la Ribera – the largest indoor market in Europe.
Is Bilbao worth it for food lovers? Absolutely!
If you’re not sure what to eat and want to discover more about the cuisine in Bilbao? then join one of the small group walking food tours. You’ll get to visit several bars serving up some of the best food in the area with a knowledgeable local guide.
What Food Is Bilbao Known For
- Pintxos
- Traditional Basque cheesecake
- Txakoli wine
- Fresh produce from Mercado de la Ribera
3. Tons of Outdoor Activities
Bilbao is an amazing destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
There are tons of activities to keep you busy! If you love hiking, check out nearby Mount Artxanda or explore coastal routes – I met loads of people who were doing the Camino de Santiago Norte, which passes through the city.
And because the city has the Nervión River running right through the centre, there are plenty of options for rowing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
Being close to the sea means there are plenty of bays for surfing, swimming and snorkelling too.
4. Plenty of Interesting Architecture
Although Bilbao is a fairly small city, it’s jam-packed with a diverse mix of architectural styles.
The oldest places to visit in Bilbao are in Casco Viejo, which translates to Old Town. It is also known as the Siete Calles (Seven Streets).
The mostly pedestrianised area is packed with history, charming buildings, and a lively atmosphere.
Things to See in Bilbao Old Town
- Santiago’s Cathedral
- Church of San Antón
- Archaeological Museum
- Basque Museum
- Bidebarrieta City Library
- Plaza Nueva
If you’re looking for modern buildings, I’ve already talked about the Guggenheim. Close by is the Zubizuri Bridge, a sleek pedestrian-only bridge crossing the river.
5. Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
Although Bilbao is great for a weekend trip, it’s also a great place to base yourself for further exploration of the Basque Country.
There are plenty of awesome day trips and nearby attractions.
Here are my top suggestions:
- San Sebastian: A must-see with its beautiful beaches and amazing food.
- Vitoria-Gasteiz: Offers a rich history and stunning architecture.
- Rioja-Alavesa: Ideal for wine lovers, known for its famous vineyards.
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: A dramatic coastal site made famous by “Game of Thrones.” This was my favourite day trip from Bilbao
- Getxo: A charming coastal town with lovely beaches and historic mansions.
- Bizkaia Bridge: Known for its unique and historic design, it’s worth checking out.
6. Lots of Green Spaces
Bilbao is a wonderfully green city surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains, creating a stunning natural backdrop.
The city is situated in a bowl, so no matter which way you look, you’ll see lush green hills.
Within the city, you can enjoy plenty of green spaces, including parks, plazas, and shaded riverside walkways along the Nervión River.
The city has put a lot of effort into creating pleasant outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy. The nearby Vitoria-Gasteiz even won the “Global Green City Award” from the UN, showing just how green the Basque Country is!
7. Interesting Museums
There are several interesting museums in Bilbao – perfect for those rainy days when you want to find somewhere dry to go.
Wondering what to visit in Bilbao? Here are my top picks:
- Guggenheim Museum: Known for its stunning architecture by Frank Gehry, it features key exhibits of modern and contemporary art.
- Bilbao Fine Arts Museum: Home to important art collections spanning centuries – this is also free to enter.
- Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art: Showcases over 2,000 pieces, with about 500 on display, ranging from the twelfth to the twentieth century, plus some archaeological finds dating back to the third century – very pretty inner courtyard.
- Archaeological Museum: This two-storey museum explores the region’s history from prehistoric times to the present.
8. Packed Events Calendar
The city has a packed events calendar year-round.
I was in the city for Gau Zuria, the White Night, celebrating Bilbao’s 724th birthday with amazing light and sound performances all over the city. The date differs slightly each year, but it’s usually on the nearest weekend in the middle of June.
Other highlights are Aste Nagusia, a week-long festival focusing on cultural activities, and the Bilbao BBK Live festival, which attracts top international music artists.
9. Street Art
Bilbao is known for its impressive street art and innovative public art displays.
If you’re wondering where to go in Bilbao to see some amazing street art, head to the colourful houses between Zuberoa Avenue and Baiona Street.
Surrounding these streets there were also some pretty impressive murals.
Another of my favourite pieces called “Giltza” was under the Salbeko Zubia bridge on the opposite side of the river to the Guggenheim.
👉 Insider Tip – The best place to view this enormous piece of artwork (shown below) is from the steps above the elevators under the Salbeko Zubia – if you don’t want to walk up the stairs, take the elevator to the top and walk back down.
10. Excellent Shopping
Bilbao is one of the best places for shopping in the Basque region.
If you’re into designer shops and high-street names, head to Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro, often called Gran Via, the most famous Bilbao shopping street.
If you prefer independent boutiques and local artisan stores, then the Old Town is a fantastic area to explore. I’m not a huge fan of shopping – mostly because I travel with a hand luggage case only, so I can’t carry anything extra, but I loved some of the cute and quirky stuff in the shops here.
You’ll also find plenty of cute retro and vintage shops around this area.
If you’re after fresh and local produce to take home, then Mercado de la Ribera is a great place to shop.
11. Basque Country Has Its Own Heritage
I live in the south of Spain, and my first impression of Bilbao was that it felt like a completely different country. It didn’t feel typically Spanish at all, at least not like what I’m used to in the south.
One of the main differences is the language. Basque is the oldest language in Europe, and it’s unique because it doesn’t have roots in Germanic, Romance, Italic, Slavic, Celtic, or any other European language families.
You’ll notice the Basque language everywhere, including street signs, where one side is in Spanish and the other in Basque.
12. Easy To Get To
Bilbao is easy to get to and well-connected.
The city has its own airport, Bilbao Airport (BIO). It’s also around an hour’s drive from San Sebastian and Vitoria-Gasteiz, both of which also have airports.
If you prefer public transport, you can get to Bilbao by either train or bus.
Because Bilbao is fairly near the French border, it’s a great city to spend a few days. Extend your Bilbao visit and plan a longer trip that combines both Spain and France.
Cons of Bilbao
The Weather Can Be Unpredictable
Keep this in mind for your Bilbao trip: the city gets a lot of rain.
Although not quite as wet as nearby San Sebastian, Bilbao receives a lot of rain compared to most of the rest of Spain.
The city gets rain on average 128 days each year amounting to around 1.2 meters (47 inches) of annual rainfall. The rainiest months in Bilbao are from October to January, particularly November and December.
When I visited Bilbao in June, I expected warm weather. Some days were hot and humid, other days were cold and wet. Some days, I experienced rain, strong winds, and glorious sunshine all in a matter of a few hours.
In a word, I’d describe Bilbao’s weather as unpredictable. Carrying my rain jacket and umbrella became standard.
Bilbao Is Expensive
If you’re travelling on a budget, it’s useful to know that Bilbao can be rather pricey compared to some other Spanish destinations. That said, it wasn’t as expensive as nearby San Sebastian.
The main place I noticed the higher taif was for accommodation and hotels.
I came back to Bilbo a couple of times during my trip around northern Spain and stayed in a mix of accommodations here. Basic dorm rooms were pricey (at the time of my visit, an average of €45 a night for a dorm of 4!), similar to what I’ve paid in Amsterdam and London, which are known for being expensive. I didn’t expect that for Spain.
I found that food was moderately priced. A main meal in a restaurant was about €15-18. A coffee was around €3.50
A pintxo was between €3 and €5 each. The wine was very affordable, between €3 and €4 a glass, so no complaints there!
So Who Would Enjoy Bilbao?
So is Bilbao worth it? Yes, I totally recomend visiting Bilbao especially if you’re a:
- Food enthusiast
- Love the outdoor pursuits
- Looking for a city break with tons of art and culture
Is Bilbao Worth the Visit FAQs
When Is the Best Time to Visit Bilbao?
The best time to visit Bilbao is from May to September. Although it can rain all year round, the weather is warmer during these months and there are plenty of outdoor events and festivals to enjoy. Winter in Bilbao is cold and wet, so unless you have a specific reason to go, I’d skip visiting during this season.
What Are the Best Places to Visit in Bilbao, Spain?
If you’re wondering what to see in Bilbao, topping your list should be the Guggenheim Museum. Also worth exploring is Casco Viejo, the charming old town, and pintxos bars and walk along the Nervión River.
Is Bilbao Safe for Tourists?
Yes, generally Bilbao is safe for tourists, especially in the historic centre and around the Guggenheim. I did go on a walk outside the main centre to find street art, and some of the areas to the south of the city and around the main train station did feel a bit rough at the edges. Nothing happened – it was just a vibe I got. I probably wouldn’t have wanted to be in that area on my own late at night.
Is Bilbao Expensive to Visit?
Yes, Bilbao can be a bit expensive to visit compared to other Spanish cities. Accommodation and some dining options can be pricey.
Is Bilbao Worth Visiting for a Week?
Yes, Bilbao is worth visiting for a week. There’s plenty to explore, from the Guggenheim Museum to the charming old town and beautiful parks. You’ll also have time to take day trips to nearby attractions. Whether you spend a weekend in Bilbao or a whole week, you’ll find lots to enjoy!
How Do You Get to Bilbao?
The best option is to fly to Bilbao Airport (BIO), which has connections to many major cities. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus from other parts of Spain.
Why Is Bilbao Famous?
Bilbao is home to the world famous Guggenheim Museum and delicious cuisine.
So Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?
Yes, Bilbao is definitely worth visiting.
Despite the unpredictable weather and higher costs, the city’s charm, adventure sports opportunities, and cuisine make it a must-see destination.
Why visit Bilbao? Its unique blend of culture, history, and outdoor activities makes it a truly fabulous destination.
If you’re convinced, check out more Bilbao travel tips and articles on Northern Spain to start planning your stay.
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