If you want to stay near Bilbao’s cultural sights and historic Old Town, you may want to consider these hotels, which offer excellent locations for exploring the city’s art and heritage.

Must-Do Things in Bilbao for Art, History & Culture

Bilbao is a city full of surprises, where the striking Guggenheim Museum and its giant spider meet the medieval charm of Casco Viejo. A key stop on the Camino de Santiago, Bilbao invites you to explore its vibrant plazas like Plaza Nueva and discover cutting-edge architecture by Norman Foster and Frank O. Gehry. With so many things to do in Bilbao, this city is a must for any traveller seeking culture, history, and Basque local vibes.

1. The Guggenheim Museum – A Must-Do in Bilbao

Puppy, the Guggenheim.

No matter which direction you approach from, it becomes clear even from a distance that the titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum is something truly exceptional. Striking architecture blends with cutting-edge contemporary art in this iconic masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry. Even though our expectations were already high, they rise even further the closer we get.

The Guggenheim | Photo: Travel In Culture

The landmark is remarkable not only for the building itself, but also for the sculptures surrounding it, such as Puppy and the giant spider Maman on the opposite side. It is no surprise that a photo session with the long-legged creature is considered a must-do for Instagram users passing through Bilbao.

Maman | Photo: Travel In Culture

Inside, we are equally overwhelmed by the creativity and originality of the integrated artworks – from the vast spiralling wall structures to the immersive installations, where the art seems to wrap around visitors through inscriptions on both the floor and walls. The impressive steel sculpture ‘The Matter of Time’ by Richard Serra fascinates us deeply. The works engage all the senses, and the visual impact is heightened by the experience of physically moving within the installations. The visit reshapes the impression we arrived with, adding a fresh and enriching dimension to the museum experience – just as many others have described.

2. Stroll Through the Casco Viejo (Old Town)

The Old Town (Casco Viejo)

Strolling across charming plazas and through the narrow, cobbled streets, lined with historic buildings, wrought-iron balconies and traditional shops in the historic heart of Bilbao, is an experience in itself. The ‘Siete Calles’ are the original seven narrow streets that formed the medieval core of the city. Today, they make up a vibrant part of Casco Viejo. Here and there, the Basque flag peeks out from shopfronts as a quiet expression of local identity.

A visit to a local butcher ranks among the must-do things in Bilbao.

Sitting for a while on the steps in front of the Archaeological Museum, we take in the atmosphere and watch the passing crowds, gaining a sense of everyday life. Afterwards, we step into a traditional pintxo bar, which, even early in the day, already has an array of pintxo delicacies laid out on the counter. It offers an authentic glimpse into the local culture.

Santiago Cathedral is a must-do in Bilbao.

A must-see in Bilbao is Santiago Cathedral, a Gothic gem with its spire rising above the rooftops of the old quarter. We find this landmark and symbol of Bilbao’s religious heritage tucked away among the quaint streets. Pilgrims on the route to Santiago de Compostela still come to reflect in its peaceful interior. As a medieval building – in fact the oldest in the Casco Viejo – it served as a pilgrimage church even before it became a cathedral.

The neobaroque Arriaga Theatre.

Wandering around, you cannot help but discover magnificent pieces of architecture, each a testament to Bilbao’s rich cultural heritage. A must-see is the Arriaga Theatre, a stunning neobaroque building by the river, located in the Old Town of Bilbao. Over the years, it has survived two major disasters: a fire in 1914 and flooding in 1983, due to its proximity to the river. As we do not have the opportunity to attend an opera or theatre performance, we take the time to admire the architectural details of the façade from the outside.

San Nikolas Church.

Close by, also near the river, stands the baroque twin-towered San Nikolas Church, with its octagonal floor plan, serving as a reminder of Bilbao’s spiritual heritage. It was originally a seafarers’ church, serving the local fishermen and sailors.

3. Culinary Things to Do: Pintxo Culture in Bilbao

Plaza Nueva.

No visit to Bilbao is complete without savouring pintxos and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere at Plaza Nueva, where authentic bars and traditional taverns line the arcades. Here and in the surrounding streets, you can sample traditional, small Basque plates, often featuring freshly caught seafood.

Pintxo bar at Plaza Nueva.

Whether you choose to sit beneath the arcades with a glass of the local txakoli wine or pop into a bar tasting the delicious-looking pintxos, Plaza Nueva offers one of the finest things to do in Bilbao for experiencing the city’s rhythm and charm. We find a spot under a palm tree, where we can observe locals as they chatter and go about their day. With its lush palm trees, elegant arcades, and enticing pintxo bars, Plaza Nueva is the true cultural heart of Bilbao.

Photo: Travel In Culture

4. The Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao – A Must-See

Do not miss some of the must-see art highlights in Bilbao, where classic and modern masterpieces offer a striking contrast to the Guggenheim’s contemporary collection.

Right next to Parque Doña Casilda Iturrizar, you will find the city’s Museum of Fine Arts, full of treasures. Its collection spans everything from medieval and classical works to eye-catching modernist pieces, with both Basque and Spanish art well represented. Renowned artists such as Picasso, Goya, and Velázquez are among the highlights.

5. Cultural Things to Do in Bilbao: Modern City & Plazas

Photo: Travel In Culture

Strolling through Bilbao and discovering its state-of-the-art architecture is one of the most inspiring things to do in the city. We are often surprised to find striking sculptures in unexpected corners and catch glimpses of sleek glass buildings in the modern business district, which reflect Bilbao’s bold contemporary identity, even if they are not famous destinations in themselves.

Photo: Travel In Culture

Spectacular architecture on Bizkaia Plaza.

A must-do for those interested in urban design is a visit to Plaza Federico Moyúa, a central point in the early 20th-century expansion of Bilbao, characterised by elegant architecture, broad boulevards, and intricately planned urban design. It was designed by the architect José Luis Salinas in the 1940s. Surrounded by graceful façades, historicist buildings, and the grand avenues of the Ensanche district, the plaza blends symmetry and formality with a calm, spacious atmosphere.

Federico Moyúa Plaza.

As we cross the square on foot, we sense how the manicured, colourful flower beds contribute to a distinctive ambiance — one that reflects a European-style elegance. Whether simply passing through or pausing on a bench, you get a strong sense of Bilbao’s refined, early-modernist character — a sharp contrast to the winding streets of the Old Town.

6. Step Inside Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga Bilbao)

The cultural centre Alhóndiga Bilbao.

You must visit Azkuna Zentroa, also known as Alhóndiga Bilbao, a vibrant cultural centre housed in a former wine warehouse. Here, you can explore a range of things to do in Bilbao all under one roof — from thought-provoking art exhibitions and independent cinema screenings to workshops and live events. Don’t miss the rooftop pool with its stunning glass floor, where you can relax while enjoying panoramic views of the city. The building’s quirky design and bold architecture perfectly highlight Bilbao’s remarkable urban transformation.

7. Walk Along the Ría de Bilbao Riverfront

The elegant Zubizuri bridge.

Walking along Bilbao’s riverside feels like uncovering the city’s story step by step. You pass the elegant Zubizuri bridge, its curved white structure standing out against the skyline, then further along, the graceful Areatzako Zubia. Nearby, the vibrant Mercado de la Ribera invites you to explore its lively market atmosphere.

Areatzako Zubia is one of the elegant bridges spanning the river.

Along the way, sculptures and public artworks catch our attention – like the striking statue of four women holding a rope, quietly reminding us of Bilbao’s history and community.

Photo: Travel In Culture

The riverbanks reveal a fascinating mix of old and new façades, while Arenal Park and the historic Areatzako Kioskoa offer peaceful spots to pause and take it all in. This walk is a perfect way to experience how tradition and modernity go hand in hand in the city.

8. Discover Basque Modernism

Bilbao La Concordia train station designed in the Basque Modernist style.

Bilbao is not only celebrated for its bold contemporary architecture – its early 20th-century buildings reveal a completely different style, Basque Modernism, which truly fascinates us. If you are an architecture enthusiast, you must really visit Bilbao La Concordia train station. This stunning example of Basque Modernism welcomes you with its elegant façade and intricate decorative details, offering a rare glimpse into the city’s rich architectural heritage. Passing the station is a vivid reminder of Bilbao’s cultural flourishing over a century ago.

Edificio Guridi.

Equally captivating is the Edificio Guridi, built in 1902 for Bilbao’s upper-middle class. Its ornate façade draws you in with floral motifs, wrought-iron balconies, and beautiful stained-glass panels that reflect the sunlight. Discovering gems like this is among the most fascinating things to do in Bilbao if you are keen to experience the charm of Basque Modernism. As you wander through the Ensanche district, keep an eye out for similar Art Nouveau details on other buildings. The style is slightly distinct from Catalan Modernism, which you can read more about in our article: Gaudí in Barcelona.

9. Experience a Basque Festival

Photo: Travel In Culture

A must-do in Bilbao is to experience a traditional performance and connect with the Basque living cultural heritage. Throughout the year, the city hosts a range of musical celebrations, from folk music and popular concerts to seasonal festivals, offering a variety of cultural things to do in Bilbao beyond museum visits.

The Bilboko Kalealdia Festival.

We experience the decorations and vibrant atmosphere of the Bilboko Kalealdia Festival, a celebrated street theatre and performing arts event held in Doña Casilda City Park. Walking through the park feels like stepping into a world of dance, circus, and puppetry, brought to life by captivating live performances and enchanting characters. For anyone visiting at the right time, attending such a festival adds an inspiring new dimension to exploring Bilbao.

You may also like to explore the culture and history of San Sebastián, easily accessible by bus from Bilbao – find inspiration in this guide: Explore San Sebastián – Explore Belle Époque Attractions and Top Things to See & Do.

An easy day trip from Bilbao or San Sebastián is to the Flysch Cliffs of Zumaia or to the Seafaring Village of Pasaia.

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