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About Bilbao
Bilbao has abundant natural beauty with parks, lush landscapes, and proximity to stunning coastlines.
The city of Bilbao is the capital of the Biscay province, and, located at the mouth of the Nervion River, is one of the five largest ports in Spain. Though it is the economic center of the heavily industrial Basque Country, Bilbao has abundant natural beauty with parks, lush landscapes, and proximity to stunning coastlines. It is also known for its outstanding architecture and dining scene and, in recent years, has become a vibrant, revitalized city.
Bilbao is home to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao which was designed by the famed Frank Gehry and has become the architectural symbol of the city due to its unique architecture, including over 33,000 titanium plates on its exterior. Inaugurated in 1997, the museum, with its unique avant-garde and futuristic look, put Bilbao on the world tourism map, attracting about 1 million tourists a year to see its modern and contemporary works.
Thanks to the museum, the shipyards were taken out, the river was cleaned, and international architects built additional spectacular projects, including the airport that looks like a bird and the white Zubizuri Bridge (“White Bridge”), designed by Santiago Calatrava, that crosses the river.
Other architectural highlights in Bilbao include the subway, designed by Norman Foster, and Alhondiga, a fascinating building that had served as a warehouse and has been transformed into an art and entertainment center with a library, cinema, auditorium, bars and restaurants- all designed by French architect Philippe Starck.
The Puente de San Anton, the famous 14th century bridge, is another of the city’s icons, and Mercado de La Ribera is one of the most beautiful historic markets in Spain.
The Palacio de la Diputacion (Delegation Palace), the seat of the executive branch of the government, is designed in royal baroque style and is famous for its stunning stained glass windows.
Bilbao is also home to a wide variety of museums, such as the Euskal Museoa and the Arkeologi Museo which present collections from centuries past, and performing arts halls such as the Euskalduna Palace.
Bilbao’s historic old city, dating back to the early 14th century, is full of narrow and interesting cobblestone alleyways with small shops and a collection of bars, restaurants, and wine bars. And be sure to partake of the dining scene in Bilbao- diverse and outstanding, you’ll find Michelin-starred restaurants alongside family-run restaurants, all offering a range of mouthwatering Basque cuisine.
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Things to do in Bilbao
Bilbao, located in the heart of the Basque Country in northern Spain, is a vibrant city that strikes a balance between contrasts: traditional and cosmopolitan, laidback and dynamic, sophisticated and avant garde.
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Looking for some interesting things to do in Bilbao? Here are some recommended attractions and sights for you.
art & culture
tours, sightseeing & cruises
Attractions in Bilbao
- Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao
- Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
- Maritime Museum, Bilbao
- Vasco Museum, Bilbao
- Historic Center, Bilbao
- Sacred Art Museum, Bilbao
- Vizcaya Bridge, Bilbao
Bilbao events and occasions
Most Popular Events in Bilbao, 2025-2026
Bilbao City voice guide
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Voice guided walking tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. You can start walking at any time and stop whenever and wherever you like, for as long as you like. For RoutePerfect customers with our partner VoiceMap's mobile app.
Bilbao Tour with Context: From the Old Town to the Guggenheim Museum
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