Things to do in Bilbao for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Bilbao
All self-guided activities
Embark on an audio journey through the heart of contemporary art at the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Your adventure begins and finishes at the spacious quay in front of the museum. The tour explores the museum from different angles, inside and out, immersing you in the world of extraordinary art and architecture. Immerse yourself in the museum's architectural marvels with an insightful overview of its design, followed by an introduction to the prestigious art collections it houses. The audio guide will escort you through the galleries, where the masterpieces of Mark Rothko, Jeff Koons, and Anish Kapoor can't wait to tell their stories. Through historical context and artistic analysis, the audio brings each piece to life, offering a window into the minds of these artistic geniuses. The journey concludes with a leisurely promenade around the museum's exterior, designed by the visionary Frank Gehry. Here, you are invited to admire the breathtaking views of Bilbao, a fitting end to an unforgettable tour. This audio tour is more than just a visit; it's an immersive experience celebrating the fusion of art, architecture, and human creativity. Note! This tour is not affiliated with the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao but is provided by an independent creator. The ticket is included for the customer's convenience at no charge.
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao stands out as one of the most ambitious cultural endeavors of the 21st century. With this ticket, you'll embark on a captivating journey through this ambitious edifice dedicated to art, crafted from stone, titanium, and glass. Marvel at both the indoor and outdoor sculptures and immerse yourself in the breathtaking views. Let the enchanting works of art, including Puppy, Mama, and Los Tulipanes, among others, captivate your senses as they adorn the exterior of the Guggenheim. Covering a vast area of 24,000 m2, the structure stands as an architectural milestone, seamlessly blending its sculptural and spectacular design into the urban landscape of Bilbao and its surroundings. Delve into the museum's interior, where you'll uncover the architectural marvel and explore its exhibitions. Witness iconic artworks spanning from the 19th to the 21st century, representing movements like Pop Art, Minimalism, Postmodern art, and more. Leave behind conventional aesthetic notions as you step inside. Embark on a journey through one of the most cutting-edge museums globally envisioned by the renowned architect Frank Gehry. Opening hours: Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 am to 7 pm.
Embark on an immersive journey of splendor through Bilbao's Gran Via with this In-App Audio Tour. Designed for history enthusiasts and architecture admirers, the tour showcases lavish palaces and the stories of the influential families who inhabited them. Spanning the heart of Bilbao from the illustrious Hotel Carlton to the serene La Merced Bridge by the Nervión River, the tour guides you through the city's evolving architecture and social tapestry. Starting at the central Plaza Moyúa, near the landmark Hotel Carlton, the route meanders past architectural jewels like the ornate Chávarri Palace and the enchanting Sota House, to modern symbols such, as the towering BBVA Tower. The tour concludes by the Nervión River, marking the end of a path rich in history and beauty. Travelers will experience a tapestry of tales from the Belle Époque era at the Provincial Council of Biscay palace to the resilience of Bilbao reflected in the San Antón Bridge. Capture the vibrant essence of the Mercado de la Ribera and the artistry of La Concordia Station's façade along the way. This audio guide promises a captivating encounter with Bilbao's majestic past and the indelible marks it has left on the cityscape.
Embark on a journey through time with this self-guided audio tour, tailored for curious minds eager to explore Bilbao's Old Quarter. Diving into this tour, listeners will gain insight into the city's rich tapestry of history and culture. Starting at the famed Arriaga Theater and concluding at the Atxuri Railway Station, the route weaves through the Seven Streets of the original medieval town, leading travelers to discover tales of the past and the architectural marvels that stand today. The tour begins with the grandeur of Arriaga Theater, inviting you to step back in time to the days of the 'Spanish Mozart'. As you navigate the streets, you'll encounter the bustling Ribera Market, steeped in over 700 years of history, and the Santiago Cathedral, showcasing Gothic style and spiritual significance. You're not merely passing by buildings; you're tracing the footsteps of generations who shaped Bilbao. From the Bidebarrieta Library's ornate windows to the Saint Anton Church by the river, every stop is a chapter in Bilbao's story. The experience culminates with the modernist charm of the Atxuri Railway Station, a symbol of Bilbao's progress. As you journey through the Old Quarter, each site reveals layers of history and culture, leaving you with lasting impressions of Bilbao's transformation from a small port town to a beacon of urban evolution in the Basque Country.
Embark on an audio journey through the heart of contemporary art at the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Your adventure begins and finishes at the spacious quay in front of the museum. The tour explores the museum from different angles, inside and out, immersing you in the world of extraordinary art and architecture. Immerse yourself in the museum's architectural marvels with an insightful overview of its design, followed by an introduction to the prestigious art collections it houses. The audio guide will escort you through the galleries, where the masterpieces of Mark Rothko, Jeff Koons, and Anish Kapoor can't wait to tell their stories. Through historical context and artistic analysis, the audio brings each piece to life, offering a window into the minds of these artistic geniuses. The journey concludes with a leisurely promenade around the museum's exterior, designed by the visionary Frank Gehry. Here, you are invited to admire the breathtaking views of Bilbao, a fitting end to an unforgettable tour. This audio tour is more than just a visit; it's an immersive experience celebrating the fusion of art, architecture, and human creativity. Note! This in-app audio guide DOES NOT include a ticket! This tour is not affiliated with the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao but is provided by an independent creator. The ticket is included for the customer's convenience at no charge.
Cities in Spain
About Bilbao
The must-see attractions in Bilbao for a first visit are:
The best tours to do in Bilbao with kids are:
The best walking tours to do in Bilbao are:
Insider tips for visiting Bilbao
Anna S is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2024 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Bilbao on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Bilbao.
When I visit Bilbao for shopping, I usually split my time between Ensanche and Casco Viejo. In Ensanche, especially around Gran Vía, I find elegant Basque fashion, shoe shops, and gourmet food stores tucked into the side streets near Plaza Moyúa. Casco Viejo feels more local to me: along Calle Somera and nearby lanes, I browse indie boutiques, old bookshops, and small artisan stores that reflect Bilbao’s character. If you visit Bilbao and want shopping mixed with everyday city life, these two areas give the best balance. In my travel guide Bilbao notes, I always include them among the most enjoyable things to do in Bilbao.
I recommend late spring and early autumn in Bilbao, especially May, June, and September. When I visit Bilbao then, the light is soft, the riverfront is lively, and the weather is usually comfortable for long walks between Ensanche, Casco Viejo, and the Guggenheim area. August can feel festive during Semana Grande, but Bilbao gets busier and warmer. In my travel guide Bilbao notes, I often suggest June if you want terrace dining, green hills, and fewer crowds than peak summer. For me, that’s when Bilbao feels most balanced, and many of the best things to do in Bilbao are easy to enjoy on foot.
When I visit Bilbao for the first time, I always start on foot: breakfast near Plaza Nueva, then a slow walk through Casco Viejo to get Bilbao’s rhythm. From there, I follow the river toward the Guggenheim, but I like stopping at La Ribera Market and crossing the Zubizuri for changing views of Bilbao’s architecture. For me, the best things to do in Bilbao mix old and new in one day. If you’re deciding what to see in Bilbao, include the riverside, local pintxos bars, and the quieter streets behind Gran Vía. Many classic attractions in Bilbao are close together, so even self-planned tours in Bilbao feel easy and natural.
When I visit Bilbao for food, I usually divide my evenings between Casco Viejo and Indautxu. In Casco Viejo, I like drifting between pintxos bars around Plaza Nueva and the smaller lanes nearby, where the counters feel more local after the afternoon rush. Indautxu gives me a different side of Bilbao: less postcard-pretty, but excellent for sit-down dinners, Basque taverns, and wine bars around Licenciado Poza. If you visit Bilbao and want to eat like residents do, I’d also stop by La Ribera area at lunchtime. In my travel guide Bilbao notes, these are always among my favorite things to do in Bilbao.
In my travel guide Bilbao notes, I usually recommend two to three days in Bilbao. That gives me enough time to see the city at a local pace: one day for Casco Viejo and La Ribera, another for the riverfront, the Guggenheim area, and long meals in Ensanche or Indautxu. When I visit Bilbao for only one night, it feels rushed, because Bilbao reveals itself in the pauses between neighborhoods, not just at the headline sights. If you visit Bilbao with a third day, I’d use it for Artxanda or the coast. For me, that balance covers the most rewarding things to do in Bilbao.
When I want quieter attractions in Bilbao, I slip away from the main river route and head to places locals value more than postcards do. I love the Bidebarrieta Library in Casco Viejo for its ornate reading room, and I often stop at the church of San Nicolás before wandering the older streets behind it. Another favorite in Bilbao is the Mirador de Artxanda at dusk, when the city lights begin to gather under the hills. If you’re wondering what to see in Bilbao beyond the obvious, I’d add Doña Casilda Park and the small passages around Ensanche. These kinds of self-paced tours in Bilbao always feel more personal to me.