Ginebras in Bilbao
Indie band Ginebras brings their upbeat energy to Kafe Antzokia. A night full of catchy tunes and good vibes in Bilbao.
Plizio Visual Lab
Bilbao
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Bilbao
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The Guggenheim Museum is best visited in the late afternoon to avoid the longest queues and enjoy the sunset reflecting off the titanium exterior.
- Get a Barik card for public transport; it's cheaper and works on the metro, tram, and funicular.
- Don't expect tapas; look for 'pintxos', usually displayed on the bar counter. You pay at the end based on what you ate.
- Take the Artxanda Funicular for the best panoramic view of the city and the river valley.
🍽 Food
🍽
Bacalao al Pil-Pil
Try this classic Basque cod dish in the traditional restaurants of the Casco Viejo (Old Town).
🍽
Txakoli wine
Order this slightly sparkling, dry white wine at any local pintxo bar, poured from a height to aerate it.
🍽
Pastel Vasco
Find this traditional almond and pastry cream cake in the older bakeries near the central market.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Mercado de la Ribera
Explore the largest indoor covered market in Europe for fresh local produce and Basque delicacies.
🛍
Gran Vía
Walk along this main avenue for a mix of international brands and high-end local boutiques.
🧘
Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park
Relax by the duck pond or enjoy the shaded pathways in this classic English-style park.
🧘
Paseo de Uribitarte
Take a leisurely stroll along the riverside promenade, admiring the modern architecture and bridges.
Water temperature…
Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country and the administrative capital of the province of Biscay, situated along the Nervión River. Founded in 1300 by Diego López de Haro V, it evolved into a primary industrial hub focused on iron ore mining and shipbuilding. The city underwent a profound urban regeneration in the late 20th century, shifting from an industrial landscape to a global center for art and contemporary architecture. This transformation was anchored by the 1997 opening of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, designed by Frank Gehry, which triggered significant economic growth. The Casco Viejo district retains its medieval essence through the Siete Calles (Seven Streets) and the 14th-century Santiago Cathedral. Today, Bilbao is a major financial center for northern Spain, featuring a highly integrated transport network and a renowned culinary scene focused on pintxos.
- Location: Galicia, Spain
- Top sights: Itsasmuseum Bilbao · Pabellón 6 · Euskararen Etxea
- Nearby: Barakaldo (6 km)
- Population: ~347.342
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 10 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 17 | 13 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 126 | 98 | 94 | 80 | 65 | 56 | 35 | 36 | 53 | 95 | 146 | 120 |
Live webcam – Bilbao
See what it looks like near Bilbao right now.
Bilbao: San Mames Stadium · 1.1 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- Founded on June 15, 1300, by Diego López de Haro V.
- The Guggenheim Museum's exterior features over 33,000 titanium sheets.
- The Vizcaya Bridge, completed in 1893, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Norman Foster designed the city's metro system, which opened in 1995.
- The Port of Bilbao is among the top five busiest commercial ports in Spain.
- The historic center was originally composed of exactly seven streets.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→15:272.5 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
Morning: Start at the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Late morning: Walk to the Azkuna Zentroa cultural center. Midday: Explore the Arriaga Theatre and the Cathedral in the old town. Afternoon: Enjoy pintxos in the streets of Casco Viejo and finish at the Ribera Market.
← swipe for more places →
🚶 19'0.79 km
🚶 30'1.35 km
🚶 5'0.11 km
🚶 5'0.11 km
🚶 6'0.16 km
09:00→15:115.7 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 31–41 €Entries 24€ · Transport 12€
Morning: Bike tour along the riverbank near Guggenheim. Late morning: Take the funicular up Artxanda for the best view. Midday: Visit the Old Town and San Antón Bridge. Afternoon: Leisurely ride to Olabeaga for a riverside lunch and ride back past the maritime museum.
← swipe for more places →
🚲 9'1 km
🚲 10'1.16 km
🚲 5'0.35 km
🚲 20'2.83 km
🚲 5'0.4 km
09:00→17:5428.5 km drive8 places0/8
Day budget: ≈ 31–43 €Entries 32€ · Transport 5€
Morning: Visit Guggenheim and Azkuna Zentroa in the city center. Midday: Drive to the old town for Arriaga Theatre and lunch in Casco Viejo. Afternoon: Trip to Getxo to see the famous transporter bridge (UNESCO) and finish with panoramic views from Artxanda hill.
← swipe for more places →
🚗 6'0.79 km
🚗 8'1.35 km
🚗 4'0.16 km
🚗 4'0.16 km
🚗 45'12.58 km
🚗 8'1.54 km
🚗 43'11.96 km
Sights in the town Bilbao (22)
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous museum in Bilbao?
The Guggenheim Museum by Frank Gehry, a futuristic building made of titanium, glass, and limestone.
What are 'Pintxos'?
Basque tapas, often served on slices of bread and held together with a toothpick. Best enjoyed in the Casco Viejo.
Is there a good view over the city?
Yes, take the Funicular de Artxanda to the mountain of the same name for a panoramic view.
What is the Casco Viejo?
The welcoming old town of Bilbao, also known as 'Las Siete Calles' (The Seven Streets).
Is a boat trip on the Nervión river worth it?
Yes, it gives a new perspective on modern architecture and bridges like the Zubizuri.
Bilbao: where is it located?
Bilbao is located in Galicia, Spain.
Bilbao: what is there to see?
Highlights include Itsasmuseum Bilbao, Pabellón 6, Euskararen Etxea.
Bilbao: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Bilbao: why is it worth visiting?
Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country and the administrative capital of the province of Biscay, situated along the Nervión River.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Spain →
Nearby cities
Zaragoza
Zaragoza is located on the Ebro River in northeastern Spain and serves as the capital of Aragon.
Valladolid
Valladolid is located in central Spain on the Pisuerga River.
Gijón
Gijón is the largest city in Asturias, located on the Cantabrian coast.
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Vitoria-Gasteiz is the capital of the Basque Country, located in northern Spain.
Oviedo
Oviedo is the capital of Asturias in northern Spain.
Pamplona
Pamplona is the capital of Navarre in northern Spain.
Alcalá de Henares
Alcalá de Henares is located near Madrid and is the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes.
Leganés
Leganés is a major city within the Madrid metropolitan area.
Burgos
Burgos is located in Castile and Leon in northern Spain.
Santander
Santander is the capital of Cantabria on the northern coast of Spain.
Alcorcón
Alcorcón is a large city in the southwest of the Madrid metropolitan area.
Logroño
Logroño is the capital of the La Rioja wine region in northern Spain.
Torrejón de Ardoz
Torrejón de Ardoz is located east of Madrid.
Alcobendas
Alcobendas is located north of Madrid and is known as a dynamic economic center.
Barakaldo
A dynamic city near Bilbao in the Basque Country, proudly blending its industrial heritage with modern architecture.