Bilbao, Spain - Travel Guide

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Plan a free trip to Bilbao

Updated: 2026-09-28

Bilbao, a former industrial port city, has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub with spectacular modern architecture and rich Basque cuisine. Come and experience the unique blend of tradition and innovation, contemporary art, and authentic flavors.

Top things to do in Bilbao

Things to do in Bilbao include Guggenheim Museum, Casco Viejo (Old Town), Mercado de la Ribera. Here are 15 places worth knowing, with a short note on each.

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A sample 3-day itinerary for Bilbao

Here is what 3 days in Bilbao look like when the planner builds them: stops grouped by proximity so no day doubles back, one full day at a time. The same route can be built for any length, from two days to a week.

Day 1

Stops
5
Walking
26 min
  1. 1
    Casco Viejo (Old Town)Neighbourhood · Casco Viejo
    200 m (🚶 3 min)
  2. 2
    Plaza NuevaMonument · Casco Viejo
    200 m (🚶 3 min)
  3. 3
    Teatro ArriagaOpera house
    900 m (🚶 13 min)
  4. 4
    Plaza Elíptica and Gran VíaSquare
    400 m (🚶 7 min)
  5. 5
    Azkuna ZentroaMuseum
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Day 2

Stops
8
Walking
1h 8m
  1. 1
    Funicular de ArtxandaFunicular · Castaños
    600 m (🚶 10 min)
  2. 2
    La Salve BridgeBridge · Abandoibarra
    150 m (🚶 8 min)
  3. 3
    Palacio de OlábarriPalace
    350 m (🚶 14 min)
  4. 4
    ZubizuriBridge
    250 m (🚶 12 min)
  5. 5
    Palacio de IbaiganePalace
    350 m (🚶 6 min)
  6. 6
    Iglesia de San Vicente Martir
    350 m (🚶 6 min)
  7. 7
    Palacio de la DiputaciónPalace
    800 m (🚶 12 min)
  8. 8
    Guggenheim MuseumMuseum
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Day 3

Stops
7
Walking
50 min
  1. 1
    Santa y Real Casa de la Misericordia
    150 m (🚶 5 min)
  2. 2
    ItsasmuseumMaritime museum
    300 m (🚶 7 min)
  3. 3
    El Tigre
    250 m (🚶 8 min)
  4. 4
    Palacio EuskaldunaConcert hall
    400 m (🚶 9 min)
  5. 5
    Parque de Doña Casilda IturrizarPark · Abando
    200 m (🚶 4 min)
  6. 6
    Museo de Bellas ArtesArt museum
    1.2 km (🚶 17 min)
  7. 7
    Museo Taurino (Bullfighting Museum)Museum
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This is an example. The planner builds a different route for your dates, real opening hours, how you get around and your own preferences.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Bilbao?

Guggenheim Museum, Casco Viejo (Old Town), Mercado de la Ribera, Funicular de Artxanda, Puente Colgante de Vizcaya & Getxo, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and 9 more. Casco Viejo (Old Town): The historic heart of Bilbao with narrow streets, boutique shops, pintxos bars, and a lively atmosphere.

What can you do in 3 days in Bilbao?

Day 1: Casco Viejo (Old Town), Plaza Nueva, Teatro Arriaga, Plaza Elíptica and Gran Vía. Day 2: Funicular de Artxanda, La Salve Bridge, Palacio de Olábarri, Zubizuri. Day 3: Santa y Real Casa de la Misericordia, Itsasmuseum, El Tigre, Palacio Euskalduna.

Which areas should you explore in Bilbao?

The itinerary for Bilbao runs through Casco Viejo, Castaños, Abandoibarra and Abando.

Which museums are worth visiting in Bilbao?

Museums worth visiting in Bilbao: Guggenheim Museum, Museo de Bellas Artes, Azkuna Zentroa, Itsasmuseum and Museo Taurino (Bullfighting Museum).

Which churches are worth seeing in Bilbao?

Churches worth seeing in Bilbao: Basílica de Begoña and Cathedral of St. James (Santiago).

Destinations near Bilbao

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