Is Bilbao Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons Why to Visit Bilbao (2024)
Bilbao is a vibrant port city located in Northern Spain’s Basque Country and is widely known for its impressive mix of art, food, and culture. That said, the city is on the lesser-known side as most tourists opt to visit Madrid and Barcelona instead. Thus, you might be wondering, “Is Bilbao worth visiting?” As someone who has explored the vibrant streets of this Spanish gem and explored many of its unique cultural offerings, I’ll share my honest thoughts and experiences with you in this post. This way, you can determine if Bilbao is worth it for you!
Is Bilbao Worth Visiting in 2024?
I’ll cut to the chase, my genuine, albeit subjective, perspective is that Bilbao is absolutely worth visiting! Even after visiting 30+ countries, this city is still easily within my top 10 favorite cities that I’ve been to in Europe… (Nice and Stockholm are two others in case you were wondering LOL).
That said, I know that countless travel bloggers will say a place is worth visiting without explaining why or why not to visit. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think it’s particularly helpful since every place isn’t going to be worth visiting. I mean we all have different interests right? So, in the spirit of painting a full picture of the city and helping you make an informed decision, here are some cases where Bilbao may or may not be worth visiting.
Bilbao Is Worth Visiting If…
You are an art and architecture lover. For me, this was the main reason I initially wanted to visit Bilbao. I had learned about some of the artwork in the city in an art history class and wanted to see it in person. Little did I know, the city is full of contrasting colors and whimsical designs. Oftentimes, I would be walking around the city and find myself captivated by the innovative and contemporary design of a bridge or the Gothic architecture of a cathedral. There’s such an eclectic mixture of architectural styles.
Another reason Bilbao may be worth visiting is if you want to venture beyond the typical tourist path. I know Bilbao isn’t as small as Andorra or Liechtenstein, but it does provide an enchanting escape from more popular Spanish destinations like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. And whereas those cities can be a bit overwhelming with all the noise, Bilbao is pretty tranquil and peaceful to walk around. It has a nice balance of being an urban setting without too much commotion.
Similarly, Bilbao offers a refreshing and authentic experience. I’m not implying that you won’t get that in other places. But, if you’re in a huge city like Paris or Montreal, it’s basically mission impossible to see everything in a shorter trip. With Bilbao, you just need a few days in the city to feel as though you’ve genuinely experienced the local culture. So, if any of these scenarios resonate with you, then I’d argue that Bilbao would most definitely be worth visiting. But, even if they don’t, there are still tons of other reasons to visit, which I’ll dive into later! 😉
Bilbao Is Not Worth Visiting If…
As much as I enjoy Bilbao and its unique allure, I know it’s not the place for everyone. So aside from the scenarios above not interesting you, here are some other cases where Bilbao may not be worth visiting.
First, if your ideal vacation revolves around sun-soaked beaches and coastal relaxation, Bilbao may not be the ideal destination for you. While it is technically considered to be located on the coast, the city itself does not offer expansive beaches for leisurely sunbathing or water activities. Therefore, if you’re after a beach-centric vacation, I’d recommend San Sebastian, Barcelona, or even nearby locations that are outside of Spain, like beautiful Biarritz, Marseille, or Nice.
Likewise, for those seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures and exhilarating activities, Bilbao is probably not going to be what you’re looking for. While the city does offer outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking around the city, and exploring nearby natural landscapes, it’s a far cry from a thrill-seeker’s paradise. A better option would be Interlaken, Switzerland, or Austria if you crave high-intensity adventures.
Finally, if you’re in search of a bustling metropolis with an endless array of activities and attractions, Bilbao might be a bit boring for you. The city has its fair share of cultural landmarks, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods to explore, but it’s not on the same scale as Paris or even Lyon. So, if you thrive in an environment brimming with non-stop action, you might find Bilbao’s relatively smaller size and laid-back atmosphere less appealing.
Ultimately, this is just my take on the city based on my experiences. It’s more than possible you’ll have a completely different perspective. Thus, I’d encourage you to keep researching until you can comfortably and confidently decide whether or not Bilbao is worth it for you!
Map of Bilbao
For those who aren’t sure where Bilbao is located, here’s a little map you can reference. The purple pin represents Bilbao, and directly to right of the Bilbao is the idyllic town of San Sebastian. Since San Sebastian is only a little over an hour away by car, it’s a pretty popular day trip from Bilbao.
Just above that pin is Biarritz, which is a beach town in France that’s less than a 2-hour drive away. It’s often referred to as the surf capital of France since it has a thriving surf culture and pretty decent waves year-round! Then, the uppermost pin on the right side is Toulouse, the capital of France’s Occitanie Region. The city of Toulouse is about 4.5 hours away from Bilbao via car and is commonly referred to as the space capital of France since a couple of space agencies and companies are based there.
The pin below Toulouse is Andorra. This is not a city, but a very small country that I discovered most people don’t even know exists 😂. Andorra is known for being a tax haven and offering visitors gorgeous views of the Pyrenees mountains. That said, its mountainous location makes it harder to access, but you can still reach it easily from Barcelona.
Then on the bottom right, we have Barcelona, which is 6.25 hours from Bilbao. This is the most visited city in Spain, and I like to say Gaudi has his finger wrapped around Barcelona since lots of his works are featured across the city. Finally, the bottom left pin represents Madrid, Spain’s beautiful capital city. It’s ~4.25 hours from Bilbao. Therefore, it would be doable to transit between the two for a weekend trip!
10 Reasons Why to Visit Bilbao
Alright, so remember when I said there are plenty of reasons to visit Bilbao… Well, I can give you quite a few more… 😅 So if you need more excuses to travel, simply want to learn more about Bilbao before planning your trip, or are just curious about the city, here are 10 additional reasons why I think Bilbao is worth visiting!
1. The Iconic Guggenheim Museum
Without a doubt, one of the biggest draws to the city is the iconic Guggenheim Museum! This is Bilbao’s most famous landmark and is a true testament to the city’s dedication to art and innovation. It was designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, who is also credited with designing the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Prague’s Dancing House, and the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris — all of which I’ve seen in person and are truly spectacular!
But out of all his pieces, the Guggenheim is my absolute favorite. This architectural masterpiece boasts a striking titanium exterior that features deconstructionist architecture and glistens in the sunlight, mesmerizing visitors from the moment they lay their eyes on it.
And, of course, there are many exhibits within the museum. Inside, you’ll be treated to an ever-changing collection of thought-provoking contemporary art. When I visited, my friend and I spent 3 hours just wandering through the different halls and engaging with some of the more interactive areas.
So, if you’re an art enthusiast with an appreciation for innovative designs, the Guggenheim Museum alone is reason enough to make Bilbao a must-visit destination! And I know that sounds dramatic, but this museum was honestly the main reason I was so keen on visiting. The Guggenheim is my favorite art history piece I studied and proved to be everything and more.
The Economist even created a term known as “The Bilbao Effect,” which essentially describes how a striking and “imaginatively designed museum” can drastically improve a city through increased tourism. Therefore, if you end up coming just to see the museum, you won’t be alone lol. Over a million tourists visit Bilbao to see the Guggenheim!
2. Tasting the Culinary Delights
Another reason to visit Bilbao is that it’s a food lover’s paradise, where every meal becomes a feast for the senses. While walking, you’ll often see awards hanging on restaurant walls because the city is widely celebrated for its exceptional Basque cuisine.
From delectable pintxos, which are the Basque version of tapas to more than 10 Michelin-starred restaurants concentrated in this city, Bilbao offers an array of flavors and culinary experiences that will leave your taste buds in awe. So, if you’re a foodie or would like to discover the culinary delights of this city and region, then I’d say you have a pretty good reason to visit.
Oh, and there’s an eclectic mix of tapas bars all over the city! I suggest taking a culinary tour with a local to easily navigate through the city’s vibrant streets, sample the best traditional dishes, and savor all the rich Basque flavors. This gourmet food tour is one I highly recommend. You’ll discover Bilbao’s medieval quarter, tasting various pintxos at 5 different bars. Plus, since wine and food go hand in hand, you’ll also sample a few regional wines, beers, and ciders at each place as you learn about the city’s history!
✅ 🇪🇸 Check rates & availability for this delicious Pintxos tour through Bilbao!
3. Bilbao Is a Cultural Hub
Beyond the Guggenheim Museum and discovering Basque culture through its food, the city is dotted with galleries, theaters, and music venues. This offers visitors the opportunity to participate in an array of artistic and cultural experiences.
For instance, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene by attending concerts, theater productions, dance performances, or any of the many art exhibitions. I’d even recommend stopping by the beautiful Teatro Arriaga, or Bilbao Opera House, just to admire the architecture!
Alternatively, spend some time strolling through the many stalls at the Ribera Market. As one of Europe’s largest covered markets, it has been a bustling center of commerce since the 19th century and holds a great amount of historical and cultural significance. My friend and I even found ourselves just appreciating the architectural beauty of the market building itself and soaking up the lively atmosphere!
Or, if you want to see some of the city’s religious sites, check out the Basilica of Begoña. This 16th-century basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of Biscay, the Virgin of Begoña, and is an emblem of Bilbao’s religious devotion. The basilica itself showcases a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. So, whether you are keen on delving into the arts or the historical side of the city, Bilbao is a diverse cultural hub.
4. Array of Fine Wines
For those who don’t know, Bilbao is the gateway city to the prolific wine region of Rioja. This picturesque area is home to over 550 wineries, ranging from boutique and family-run wineries to wineries that are famous for their striking architecture. And, with a short 1.5-hour drive, visitors can immerse themselves in this prosperous wine region and savor the rich flavors and aromas of Rioja wines. You’ll even pass through a medieval town or two on your way, allowing you to experience more than just Bilbao.
So, if you want to learn about the unique winemaking processes, tour some incredible wineries, and of course, indulge in tastings of exquisite vintages, I’d recommend adding Bilbao to your itinerary because of its proximity to Rioja. Oh, and this isn’t to say you can’t taste fine wines without leaving Bilbao. Many of the food tours in Bilbao offer at least one wine tasting, if not a few.
5. Surrounded by Natural Beauty
Another reason I love Bilbao is because you can experience the best of both worlds—urban city life and serene nature! Situated in the heart of the Basque Country, Bilbao is surrounded by gorgeous natural landscapes. And for those looking for a little reprieve from the urban environment, you can find one in the nearby mountains. For example, a popular tourist attraction is the Monte Artxanda. This small mountain range is about 300 meters above the city and offers sweeping views of the cityscape below.
To reach the top, visitors can either hike up by foot or take a convenient ride on a funicular to the top. Up top, you’ll find a lovely park, benches perfect for an afternoon picnic, an art piece referred to as “Fingerprint structure,” and a couple of designated observation decks that offer panoramic views of the city. And if you get hungry, you can walk beyond the park to find some restaurants and bars.
6. A Riverfront Promenade
Along with the mountains that encompass Bilbao, the Nervión River is another feature of the city I enjoyed. It gracefully winds its way through the heart of the city and is a pleasant setting for strolls. You’ll also notice that both sides are lined with cafes, restaurants, and parks, creating a serene atmosphere where you can relax, people-watch, and soak in the city’s ambiance.
Not to mention, walking along the river provides an easy way to see a lot of the city’s best highlights. For example, just next to the river, you’ll pass by the Guggenheim Museum, Zubizuri Bridge, and Palacio Euskalduna. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed my morning run along the river because I saw so many other runners out there and could just follow the river and bike paths. Yay for not worrying about navigating winding streets!
So, whether you choose to take a leisurely walk, join a bike tour along the riverfront, or embark on a boat ride, the riverfront promenade offers a delightful environment to unwind and enjoy the city’s charm.
✅ 🚶♀️ ⛴ 🚴♀️ Check out the different sightseeing tours around Bilbao
7. Excellent Transportation Network
When it comes to transportation, Bilbao has a fantastic transportation network, making it incredibly convenient for visitors to explore the city and its surroundings. The city’s public transportation system includes a modern metro network, trains, trams, and buses. They also have electric bikes that you can rent. This makes navigating around Bilbao’s various attractions, neighborhoods, and cultural sites super easy to do!
Even getting from Bilbao International Airport is easy since there’s a specific bus line. It runs between the airport and the city center every 20 minutes and only takes 20 minutes. And knowing what a pain it is to go from Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport to the city center via public transport, I love Bilbao so much for this.
8. Convenient Location
Bilbao’s convenient location is another reason the city may be worth visiting. Its prime location provides the perfect opportunity to do a day trip or two! For instance, the most popular day trip from Bilbao is to San Sebastián and Rioja. San Sebastián is known for its beautiful beaches and thriving culinary scene. Meanwhile, as I mentioned previously, the Rioja wine region invites visitors to sample a wide array of prestigious wines.
But, if you want to travel to even smaller towns, you can visit the charming coastal towns of Gaztelugatxe and Santander. Gaztelugatxe takes less than an hour to reach while Santander is 1.5 hours outside of Bilbao.
Alternatively, you could opt to spend a day exploring the idyllic Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. This coastal region is about an hour and 20 minutes outside the city via public transport. Here, you’ll find an abundance of golden sandy beaches, perfect for surfing and relaxing. You’ll also have the chance to spot lots of wildlife in the wetlands and along the coastal cliffs.
Whether you prefer a coastal adventure, a mountain retreat, or an exploration of Basque culture and heritage, Bilbao’s excellent location allows you to access a diverse range of experiences easily!
🌊 Explore some of the day trips available to nearby small, coastal towns!
9. A Clean City
Ok, something that I think is very underrated and underappreciated is how clean Bilbao is. Maybe it just had to do with the time I was visiting or something, but it was remarkably clean when I visited.
At one point, my friend and I were sitting at a café and sipping on some drinks. Moments later, we see a city worker vacuuming the streets. There weren’t even a bunch of leaves or lots of trash.
It was the first time I had seen someone literally vacuuming the streets… So in my books, Bilbao is basically the gold standard for cleanliness. Again, maybe it was just the time I was there, but the city was remarkably clean.
10. Festivals and Celebrations
Finally, Bilbao comes alive with an array of festivals and cultural events throughout the year that showcase the Basque spirit and traditions. For example, Aste Nagusia, which means “The Great Week,” is the largest annual festival that celebrates Our Lady of Begoña. It begins the first Saturday after August 19th and goes on for 9 days, filling the streets with music, dances, and fireworks.
Another major festival is Bilbao BBK Live, which takes place in early July. This pop and rock music festival features some of the largest artists in the music industry. As a result, the 3-day festival receives more than 100,000 attendees, making it one of the biggest festivals in Spain. For the 2024 season, Arcade Fire and Jungle are two of the artists headlining. See the full lineup and event details here.
And then, there’s the festival of Santo Tomas! On 21st December, locals flood the Plaza Nueva as 200 local farmers who generally live outside of the city come to sell their goods! It’s a tradition that dates back to the 19th century and helps bring the city together just before the holidays!
Best Time to Visit Bilbao Spain
If you’re feeling convinced that you should visit Bilbao, I would recommend going between June – October. During these months, the days are long and the weather is usually mild, with average high temperatures in the high 70s °F (21°C) and average low temperatures in the low-mid 50s°F (10 °C).
Plus, rain is at its lowest during this period. That’s not to say there won’t be any rain because even during the summer months, Bilbao sees a fair amount of rain. But, if you get lucky, you may have a completely sunny trip. And, as I previously mentioned, Bilbao truly comes alive in the summertime with festivals and concerts! Just remember that summer is often the busiest and most crowded time in Bilbao. So, be prepared for larger crowds and higher accommodation prices.
How Many Days Do You Need in Bilbao?
In the beginning, I mentioned one of the best parts of Bilbao is that you only need a few days to feel like you’ve seen the city… Well, with this in mind, I’d recommend spending a minimum of two full days in Bilbao! This is the ideal amount of time to see most, if not all, of the city’s main highlights without feeling pressed for time.
But, if you want to fit in a day trip or two, I’d aim for four full days. In fact, if I were planning the perfect trip for a friend with the knowledge I have now, I’d recommend spending 4 days in Bilbao, with a day trip to Rioja and Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Afterward, I’d tell them to spend a couple of days in San Sebastian. But, that’s just me because I’m a sucker for small coastal beach destinations with amazing food. 😅
Where to Stay in Bilbao
If you’re looking for accommodations in Bilbao, here are some recommendations. Also, you’ll be happy to know that housing is pretty affordable in Bilbao, at least compared to a LOT of other Western European places. So, if you’re looking to stay in a fancy hotel, this is a pretty good place to do it! 👀
Low-Cost Stay
- Sercotel Coliseo Bilbao — 4-star hotel centrally located near train | ⭐️ 8.5 / 10
- Hotel Vincci Consulado de Bilbao — 4-star hotel by Guggenheim! | ⭐️ 9 / 10
Mid-Range Stay
- Hotel Tayko Bilbao — 4-star hotel with Michelin-star restaurant | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
- Catalonia Gran Via Bilbao — 4-star hotel w/ spa services| ⭐️ 9.6 / 10
Fancy Stays
- Hotel Carlton — elegant 5-star hotel that’s centrally located | ⭐️ 9 / 10
- Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao — 5-star hotel with full-spa service | ⭐️ 9.6 / 10
Feel free to click these buttons to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options there.
Visit Bilbao: FAQ
As the unofficial capital of Basque Country, Bilabo is known for many things. But, to name a few, the city is known for being home to the Guggenheim Museum, its tasty gastronomic food scene that features all kinds of pintxos, and for being an industrial hub. After all, the city was created around its steel and shipbuilding industries.
This depends on your financial background, but generally, Bilbao is on the cheaper side. That said, it’s pretty on par with its Spanish counterparts. You can check out this post for a full breakdown of prices you can expect to spend while visiting Bilbao.
Some other things to do in Bilbao include visiting the Azkuna Zentroa, which is a cultural center in Bilbao. You can also check out the various city parks, plazas, and the Museum of Fine Arts for free.
Yes! Bilbao is a very flat and walkable city. The only thing is that if you have mobility and want to go to the top of Monte Artxanda, you should opt to use the funicular. And if you want to spend less time in transit, you can always opt to use the public transit system!
Honestly, it depends on your interests. Bilbao is better in terms of its art culture scene and accessibility in going to other places since there’s an international airport. But, San Sebastian is better suited for those looking for a beach destination or who want to intimately experience Basque culture.
Wrap-Up: Is Bilbao Worth Visiting in 2024?
Overall, Bilbao is a city filled with colorful and innovative architecture, delicious Basque food, and gorgeous views. It promises visitors a serene urban environment and a rich cultural experience. And with its efficient and expansive transportation network, you should be able to explore Bilbao and its surroundings with ease.
That said, I know the city doesn’t fit every traveler’s specific desires. So regardless of whether you think Bilbao is worth visiting or not, I hope this post has been insightful and you’ve learned a little more about what this lovely city can offer.
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