Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
A world-famous art gallery housing some of the world’s most important contemporary art exhibitions. In Frank Gehry’s striking swirl of a building.
Best for ages: 18+ | £22
Recommended itinerary:
Bilbao 3-day Itinerary
Last updated: 02 March, 2023
Where to go and what to see in Bilbao to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
Editor note – Dana has not included specific recommendations of where to stay each day unless it’s necessary. Instead, see the ‘Where to stay’ section in our Bilbao destination guide.
Start with the titanium marvel – Frank Gehry’s fabulous Bilbao Guggenheim, then lunch in the museum, either at Michelin-starred Nerua or a more affordable bistro.
In the evening, stroll through the Casco Viejo – the lively historic centre of Bilbao – joining in a txikiteo (tapas crawl) with the locals.
Let your senses be deliciously assaulted in the Ribera Market, one of the largest markets in Europe, before visiting the Basque Museum.
Have an elegant lunch at Etxanobe, before heading over to the Fine Arts Museum. Relax in the adjacent Casilda Iturrizar park, then dine in the traditional La Vina del Ensanche, one of the city’s most popular restaurants.
Ribera Market
Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
One of the biggest covered markets in the world, this Basque food market is a lush, colourful extravaganza of wonderfully fresh produce.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Experience
Basque Museum of Bilbao
Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
A Basque ethnographic museum in the old part of Bilbao dedicated to the culture and history of one of Europe’s oldest peoples. Closed on Tuesdays.
Best for ages: 18+ | £5
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Experience
Bilbao Museum of Fine Arts
Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
Bilbao’s fine arts museum boasts a superb collection of masterpieces, from El Greco and Zurburan to Gaugin and Francis Bacon.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Spend a day dedicated to the sea, starting with the Bilbao Maritime Museum.
Lunch at nearby Restaurante Aizian, then take the metro north to Bidezabal, and follow La Galea Walk over the sea cliffs passing by beautiful Gorrondatxe beach.
In the evening, choose one of 400 gins at the Abadia del Gin Tonic, before a seafood feast at Mugarra.
Experience
Bilbao Maritime Museum
Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
This recently-added museum hosts special exhibitions dedicated to Bilbao’s seafaring and shipbuilding past.
Best for ages: 13+ | £5
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