Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (the Basque Country)

Bilbao

One of Spain’s most avant-garde cities

Bizkaia

Basque Country

Bizkaia
Max 29ºC / Min 18ºC
Bizkaia /

We could also refer to this Basque Country destination as “The City of the Guggenheim”, as when this original museum was built in 1997, Bilbao was changed forever. In fact, to this day it is making an impact with its groundbreaking structures created by prestigious architects and stands as a true international benchmark of modernity.

Yet, curiously, what gives it its unique character is the blend of the avant-garde with the traditional charm of its old town, filled with delightful streets and bars where the counters are packed with pintxos that show just how passionately people here embrace their cuisine. All this has earned Bilbao a place of honour on the lists of Spain’s most interesting cities.

A walk full of contrasts

A visit to this city in the north of Spain could start with the Guggenheim Museum.It is one of the most surprising examples of 20th century architecture as Frank Gehry used 33,000 ultra-thin titanium plates to create its curious curves. Inside, it shares the world’s most important private collection of modern and contemporary art with New York and Venice. Also, Bilbao has another of the best art galleries in Spain: the Museum of Fine Arts.This commitment to a groundbreaking and imaginative image is complemented by the Euskalduna Palace, the metro stations by Norman Foster, the towers of Isozaki and Pelli, the Zubizuri Bridge in Calatrava or new Cultural Centres such as the Alhóndiga by Philippe Starck, converted from a former wine warehouse.On the other hand, it is impossible to imagine Bilbao without its characteristic old town with over 700 years of history. It’s a pleasure to stroll through what are known as the ‘Siete Calles’ and come across iconic buildings such as the cathedral or its most elegant theatre, modelled on the Paris Opera, the Arriaga, as well as a mix of shops and cafés ranging from the most traditional to the coolest.

Two strong points: Basque cuisine and a green city

The proof that in the Basque Country Gastronomy is an art – and it is one of the places in the world with the most Michelin stars per person – is the city of Bilbao itself. Plaza Nueva and its surroundings are full of bustling bars serving their famous pintxos: small bites of food, each more delicious than the last. Here, foodies can find their place among the buzzing bars, family-run restaurants and prestigious chefs. Above all, if we add to this the option of visiting the La Ribera Market, a beautiful building where you can have your shopping cooked for you or try a selection of pintxos and wine Txakoli to the beat of live music.Bilbao, with its rich cultural and gastronomic scene, is also a green city with parks such as Doña Casilda de Iturrizar Park, and surrounded by hills (do give the Artxanda funicular a go – it’s a real classic for seeing Bilbao from above). Its estuary is another symbol of the regeneration of Bilbao. In fact, you can see people paddleboarding or rowing on the water, or take a boat to the famous Vizcaya Bridge of Portugalete, a World Heritage Site.And, as if that weren’t enough, the beaches and the spectacular cliffs of Getxo are just over half an hour away by metro.

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Don’t miss it

What to visit

Select from the list or hover over the map to find out about points of interest.

Don’t miss it

What to visit

Select from the list or hover over the map to find out about points of interest.

What to do

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Practical information

How to get there - transport information

Select the means of transport to see how to get there or how to get around at your destination.

How to get to aeroplane

  • Bilbao Airport is about 12 kilometres from the city centre.

  • The A3247 bus runs to the Bilbao Intermodal bus terminal, with several stops in the city centre. It operates between 06:00 and midnight from the airport to the city and between 05:00 and 22:00 from Bilbao to the airport.

  • To get from the airport to the city centre by car, take the N-637. It will take about 15 minutes.

  • The journey by taxi costs between 24 and 29 euros and takes about 15 minutes.

  • More information

How to get to bus

How to get to train

  • The city’s main railway station is the Bilbao-Abando station.

  • Renfe trains run to cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Logroño, Zaragoza, Valladolid, Salamanca, Málaga, A Coruña, Vigo, Burgos, León and Segovia. (Book tickets

  • The commuter train services and the Euskotren connect Bilbao to its metropolitan area, other parts of Bizkaia and nearby cities in the rest of the Basque Country.

  • Bilbao is also on the route of tourist trains such as the Transcantábrico.

How to get to boat

  • Ferries:

  • The regular ferry services from Portsmouth (UK) and Rosslare (Ireland) operated by Brittany Ferries arrive in Bilbao twice a week.

  • The Port of Bilbao passenger terminal is in Santurzi, a 15-minute drive by car or taxi from central Bilbao.

  • If you're using public transport, you can take the bus A3321 next to the port, then change to the C-1 commuter train (Peñota station), Line 2 of Metro Bilbao (Santurzi or Peñota stations) or by bus A3115 (Abaro 11 bus stop, in Portugalete). In all cases the journey takes about an hour and 20 minutes.

  • Cruise lines:

  • The Port of Bilbao cruise terminal is located in Getxo, 10 kilometres from the city centre, about 15 minutes by car or taxi.

  • The best options for public transport are the Metro (Neguri or Gobela stations, Line 1); and the bus 3411, Stop on Av. Zugartzarte 54. In both cases it takes about an hour, and you have to walk approximately one kilometre to the terminal.

How to get there by road

  • The AP-8 motorway runs to Donostia-San Sebastián, from where you can travel to France.

  • The AP-68 motorway runs to Barcelona via Burgos, where there are motorways to Madrid or Portugal.

  • Check where to park your vehicle if you are driving to Bilbao and, once you’re there, it’s best to get around using the extensive public transport network.

  • Part of the city centre, the Abando district, has traffic and parking restrictions from Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 20:00 as it is a Low-Emission Zone. If you plan to visit Bilbao by car or motorbike, find out about the possible restrictions before your trip through your accommodation.

Practical information

  • Bilbao is a very walkable city, although it has plenty of public transport options.

  • You have two public transport cards:The Barik public transport card is a “contactless” chip card-wallet for discounts on public transport. You can use it for Metro Bilbao, Bilbobus, Tranvía trams, Euskotren local trains, the Bizkaia Transporter Bridge, the Artxanda and Larreineta funicular railways, and more.The Bilbao Bizkaia Card allows unlimited use of almost all forms of public transport, and also includes guided tours and discounts on cultural and leisure activities. It is available in three versions: 24, 48 and 72 hours.

How to get around in metro/tram

  • Bilbao Metro:

  • The metro has 3 lines that run from 06:00 am to 11:00 pm, until 02:00 am on Friday and the eve of public holidays, and all night long on Saturday.

  • You can buy single tickets or a Barik public transport card, which can be downloaded in various forms and offers journeys at lower prices.

  • More information

  • Bilbao trams:

  • Trams run from approximately 06:00 am to midnight, connecting Atxuri Station with La Casilla.

  • Here you can view the single ticket prices. You can also use the Barik card.

  • More information

How to get around in bus

  • Bilbobus, the city bus network, operates from 06:00-07:00 a.m. until 10:00-11:00 p.m.

  • You can buy a single ticket or use the Barik travel card.

  • There are eight night buses, known as Gautxori, which operate between 11.00 p.m. and 2:30 a.m. on Fridays and throughout the night on Saturdays.

  • In the city, you can also find stops for intercity buses, which connect Bilbao with other nearby towns.

How to get around in other means of transport

Calendar

Shows, festivals, sports...

View some of the most relevant events you will be able to enjoy at the destination.

Fireworks at Bilbao's Semana Grande festival

Bilbao's "Aste Nagusia" (Great Week) Celebrations

Bilbao

22 August 2026 - 30 August 2026
22 Aug
Bilbao Triathlon 2019
Sport

Bilbao Triathlon

Bilbao

19 September 2026
19 Sep
Bilbao Night Race
Sport

Athletics: Bilbao Night Running Fest

Bilbao

17 October 2026
17 Oct
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