It feels less like a polished museum city and more like a warm, bustling living room where old-world charm meets sharp modern wit. Today, it remains a vibrant industrial hub transformed into a cultural beacon, inviting you to wander from Guggenheim’s titanium curves down to the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo, sipping txakoli in bars that have welcomed strangers since the age of sail.
Do Bilbao the way locals do: start slow at Doña Casilda Iturrizar parkea, eat where the regulars do at El Globo, let the evening run long at Sir Winston Churchill Pub.
Top things to do in Bilbao Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Art museum · ★ 4.5 (96,066 reviews)
Gleaming titanium and glass museum, designed by Frank Gehry, housing major 20th-century artworks.
Check tours & tickets 2
Bizkaia Bridge
Bridge · ★ 4.7 (35,681 reviews)
Architectural iron bridge – the world's first to carry people & traffic on a high suspended gondola.
Check tours & tickets 4
Azkuna Zentroa-Alhóndiga Bilbao
Cultural Center · ★ 4.5 (19,262 reviews)
Fitness center, cinema, theater, exhibitions & lectures in a Philippe Starck-designed space.
Check tours & tickets 5
Doña Casilda Iturrizar parkea
City Park · ★ 4.6 (12,329 reviews)
City center 21-acre park with sweeping lawns, a pond, fountains & pergola, open since 1907.
Check tours & tickets 6
Puppy
Sculpture · ★ 4.7 (7,320 reviews)
A 43-foot flower-covered West Highland terrier by Jeff Koons guarding the Guggenheim since 1992.
Check tours & tickets 7
Zubizuri
Bridge · ★ 4.4 (13,200 reviews)
Pedestrian bridge over the Nervión River with a futuristic tied-arch design & a curved walkway.
Check tours & tickets 8
Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao
Art museum · ★ 4.5 (10,277 reviews)
Art venue including works by Velázquez, Goya & Picasso & known for its pieces by Basque artists.
Check tours & tickets 9
Begoñako Basilika
Church · ★ 4.6 (6,913 reviews)
Grand 16th-century church on a hill with mostly Gothic architecture & an ornate gold altarpiece.
Check tours & tickets 10
Etxebarri Parkea
Park · ★ 4.4 (10,103 reviews)
Hillside park on regenerated industrial land with a brick chimney & views looking over the city.
Check tours & tickets Where to eat Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
El Globo
Bar · ★ 4.5 (13,732 reviews)
Cozy restaurant serving classic pintxos & Spanish wines in a low-lit, wood-clad dining room.
Website 12
Restaurante Amaren
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (9,803 reviews)
Classic dishes served in a relaxed steakhouse featuring exposed-stone walls & outdoor seating.
Website 13
Hambueysería Amaren
Hamburger Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (6,662 reviews)
Contemporary, sophisticated grill with a covered terrace serving burgers, steak & wine.
Website 14
Café Iruña
Bar · ★ 4.2 (15,305 reviews)
Regional food & grilled meats served in a long-standing locale that has decorative tiles & murals.
Website 15
La Olla de la Plaza Nueva
Bar & Grill · ★ 4.5 (4,853 reviews)
Website 16
Víctor Montes
Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (5,036 reviews)
Long-running Basque pintxos restaurant in a former market space with an ornately painted facade.
Website 17
ETXANOBE
Basque Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (2,521 reviews)
Fine-dining venue offering a tasting menu of artfully plated meat & fish dishes, plus wine pairings.
Website 18
El Eme
Bar · ★ 4.3 (5,166 reviews)
Compact, easygoing, family-run eatery serving homestyle sandwiches & standard cafe fare.
Website Hungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Bilbao
Tours worth booking ahead These sell out, so lock them in early.
Get outside 25
Doña Casilda Iturrizar parkea
City Park · ★ 4.6 (12,329 reviews)
City center 21-acre park with sweeping lawns, a pond, fountains & pergola, open since 1907.
Website 26
Urkiola parke naturala
National Park · ★ 4.8 (5,055 reviews)
Scenic mountain views are offered in this nature preserve that draws hikers, bikers & climbers.
Website 27
Etxebarri Parkea
Park · ★ 4.4 (10,103 reviews)
Hillside park on regenerated industrial land with a brick chimney & views looking over the city.
Website 28
Europa parkea
Park · ★ 4.4 (4,950 reviews)
Large green space featuring paved walking & biking paths, ponds, a skate park & ping pong tables.
Website 29
Monte Pagasarri
Hiking Area · ★ 4.8 (1,274 reviews)
After dark 30
Sir Winston Churchill Pub
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.6 (1,888 reviews)
31
La Mula de Moscú
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.4 (1,902 reviews)
Bright, stylish lounge with banquettes offering seasonal & classic cocktails plus Spanish tapas.
Website 32
Residence kafetegia
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.6 (1,161 reviews)
Website 33
La Antigua Cigarrería
Bar · ★ 4.1 (2,084 reviews)
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