2024 Bilbao Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)

One of my favorites in Spain 🇪🇸

#summerdestinations Spending a city break in Bilbao was absolutely delightful! 🌟 The city’s vibrant energy and unique blend of modern and historic architecture made it a memorable trip. I spent a few days exploring highlights like the stunning Guggenheim Museum and its iconic “Puppy” sculpture 🐶. The Casco Viejo, with its narrow streets and lively tapas bars, was perfect for evening strolls and delicious meals. A visit to the Artxanda viewpoint offered breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains 🌄. Bilbao is also known for its excellent public transport, making it easy to get around. For an affordable and enriching experience, I highly recommend exploring this dynamic Basque city! 🚶♂️🏙️ #trip #BilbaoBreak #GuggenheimMuseum #CascoViejo #ArtxandaViewpoint #BasqueAdventure

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao 🇪🇸

#summerdestinations Visiting the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao was an unforgettable experience! 🎨 The museum itself is an architectural marvel designed by Frank Gehry, with its flowing titanium curves and striking design. The entrance fee is around 16 EUR, which is a bargain considering the incredible art collections inside. I was captivated by the modern and contemporary artworks, and the temporary exhibits were equally impressive. The surrounding area is just as delightful. The museum is located by the river, and you can enjoy a lovely walk along the riverbank or explore the nearby Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s charming old town. Don’t miss the iconic “Puppy” sculpture by Jeff Koons right outside—it’s perfect for photos! 🐶🌟 The Guggenheim is a must-see for art lovers and anyone interested in innovative architecture. #trip #GuggenheimBilbao #ModernArt #FrankGehry #BilbaoAttractions #CulturalHighlight

Artxanda viewpoint 🇪🇸

#summerdestinations Visiting the Artxanda viewpoint in Bilbao was a fantastic highlight of my trip! 🌄 The panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains are absolutely breathtaking. It's an easy 5-minute funicular ride to the top for just 5 EUR, which is well worth the cost. Once there, you can enjoy a leisurely walk around the observation deck, taking in the stunning vistas of Bilbao’s skyline and the lush Basque landscape. Nearby, you can explore the charming neighborhood of Artxanda or head back down to the city center to visit attractions like the Guggenheim Museum or Casco Viejo. The viewpoint offers a great perspective of the city’s layout and is a perfect spot for some memorable photos. 📸🌆 #trip #ArtxandaViewpoint #BilbaoViews #BasqueCountry #FunicularRide #CityscapeMagic

Guggenheim

🌟 Bilbao's Best: Radisson Collection Hotel Review 🌟

🏨 Nestled in the heart of Bilbao, the Radisson Collection Hotel, Gran Via Bilbao, is your luxe home away from home. Boasting a stellar location, you're right next to the hustle and bustle of train and metro stations, making exploration a breeze! 🚉 Plus, shopaholics rejoice, as you're smack in the middle of the shopping district. 🛍️ 🛏️ The rooms? Spacious, spotless, and oh-so-comfy (minus the pillows, but hey, nobody's perfect). And when morning comes, you're in for a treat with a top-notch breakfast spread that'll fuel your day's adventures. 🍳 🍴 Wander out and you'll find yourself spoilt for choice with an array of restaurants and cafes right on your doorstep. Whether it's a quick coffee or a lavish dinner, you're covered. 🍰 🌆 And for the football fans, you're just a metro hat-trick away from the San Mamés Stadium. Score! ⚽️ 📍Find this gem at Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro, 4, Bilbao, Basque Country. #Bilbao #BilbaoHotel #BilbaoTravel

🌟 Bilbao's Gem: Stay & Sip at The Artist Grand Hotel 🎨

Nestled in the heart of Bilbao's cultural hub, The Artist Grand Hotel at Mazarredo Zumarkalea invites you to a stay draped in elegance and convenience. 🏨✨ Step into this haven of comfort across from the iconic Guggenheim, where the terrace bar on level 7 offers breathtaking views alongside delectable drinks and snacks. 🍸🌆 The staff, from the bar to the front desk, are the epitome of friendliness, always ready to enhance your stay. The hotel's prime location puts you steps away from the finest Basque dining, with an array of restaurants and cafes ready to tantalize your taste buds. Embrace the local dining schedule for an authentic culinary journey - late lunches, even later dinners, and the delightful pintxos in between! 🍽️🕗 Rooms are spacious and beds are a dream to sink into, ensuring a restful night's sleep. While the breakfast might be a bit pricey, it's a feast worth indulging in. And if you ever crave a taste of home, a fantastic Chinese restaurant is just a two-minute walk away. 🛌🍜 The only hiccup? Shopaholics will have to trek a 15-minute walk to reach shopping bliss. But with an airport bus just across the road, your travel logistics are a breeze. 🚌💼 # Bilbao # BilbaoHotel # BilbaoTravel

Bilbao Weekend tour

In the north of Bilbao, there is a lot to explore along the waterfront. Nice walking sites for a cozy weekend on the sea 🐟🚤

Beautiful Bilbao. One for Bucket list

#bilbao #bucketlist #architecture #stunningspain

Bilbao in Bloom: A June Journey Through Spain's Colorful Gem

Visiting Bilbao in June was like stepping into a vibrant painting where every corner burst with color and life. This Basque city, nestled in northern Spain, exceeded all my expectations with its unique blend of modernity and tradition, making it an unforgettable destination. From the moment I arrived, Bilbao's charm was evident. The cityscape is a harmonious mix of contemporary architecture and historic buildings, all set against the lush green hills that surround the area. The Guggenheim Museum, with its shimmering titanium curves, is a masterpiece that alone is worth the trip. Strolling through the Casco Viejo, Bilbao's old town, was like walking through a living postcard. The narrow, cobbled streets were lined with colorful buildings, each with its own character and story. June in Bilbao also meant perfect weather for exploring the city's numerous parks and outdoor spaces. The culinary scene in Bilbao was another unique highlight. In summary, Bilbao in June was a kaleidoscope of colors, flavors, and experiences. If you're looking for a destination that will captivate your senses and leave you with lasting memories, Bilbao is the place to be.

Trip to Guggenheim in Bilbao

Amazing trip to Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Wish to be there again next year. 😍#bilbao #guggenheim

Bilbao: Basque Culture and Cuisine

Bilbao, nestled in the heart of the Basque Country, offers a captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and architecture. Here are some travel notes to enhance your visit: 1. **Guggenheim Museum**: A masterpiece of modern architecture designed by Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum is a must-visit. Explore its striking titanium façade and discover contemporary art collections within. 2. **Casco Viejo (Old Town)**: Lose yourself in the narrow streets of the Old Town, where centuries of history come to life. Admire the charming architecture, visit traditional pintxo bars, and browse unique shops. 3. **Bilbao Fine Arts Museum**: Art enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive collection of Spanish and Basque artwork housed in this museum. From classical to contemporary pieces, there's something to inspire every visitor. 4. **Bilbao's Culinary Scene**: Indulge in the Basque Country's renowned gastronomy by sampling pintxos (Basque tapas) in local bars or savoring a gourmet meal in one of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants. 5. **Bilbao's Bridges**: Take a stroll along the riverside and marvel at Bilbao's iconic bridges, such as the Zubizuri (Basque for "white bridge") designed by Santiago Calatrava. 6. **San Mamés Stadium**: Football fans shouldn't miss the chance to visit the home of Athletic Club Bilbao. Even if you're not catching a match, a stadium tour offers insights into the club's rich history. 7. **Day Trips**: Consider exploring the picturesque Basque countryside or coastal towns like San Sebastián or Getxo, which offer beautiful beaches and charming seaside promenades. Remember to immerse yourself in the local culture, embrace the Basque way of life, and savor every moment of your Bilbao adventure!

Beautiful Bilbao

The city is absolutely pleasent with lots to do. The locals are really friendly and are happy to help at any point, would really recommend this place to anyone#mytravelhacks #好似自己拍緊discoverychannel

Basque

Located near the incredible stadium and beautiful waterways, ibis Bilbao is just what you need, with friendly staff and great accommodations you will be able to relax comfortably #localguides

“Unbelievably Nice Little City”

Bilbao is not a place I would normally find myself in. Tuck away and a small city compared to Madrid and Barcelona, I would never had thought of coming here if I didn't have a friend there to visit. And what a lucky guy I am !! It’s definitely worth the visit very reasonable, priced very close to the airport €3 for the Metro bus or €8 for the day pass definitely coming back here again#mytravelhacks

Stunning neighborhood

This hotel has one of the most convenient neighborhood, museum and markets are all just within 10 mins walk. #Consular

I love this city!

the Bilbao's Lights

city of bilbao

My travel experience in Bilbao, the main character

This city's cultural charm is irresistible, with two of Spain's best art museums, six themed museums, contemporary art exhibitions, and a rich variety of cultural programs: opera, symphony, theater, dance, film, light music, and rock. The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao has become a driving force for culture and tourism in the Basque region. The spectacular building (Frank Gehry, 1997) is covered with titanium plates. Inside the museum, there is a series of important art collections, as well as a private collection of modern and contemporary art shared with New York and Venice, which is the largest and most important. In this place, food is an art. Many famous local restaurants offer traditional or innovative cuisine. Of course, you can also taste famous snacks in different places. Various snacks can satisfy the most picky appetite. Art avant-garde, fashion, music, and leisure entertainment are fully displayed in Bilbao. The latest trade methods, large-scale light music concerts, rock music, and live performances of modern pop music lead the trend.

Bilbao Guggenheim Museum

Campo Volantin Footbridge, designed by Spanish architect Calatrava, spans the Nervion River in the center of Bilbao, adjacent to the Guggenheim Museum. Like the Guggenheim Museum, the Campo Volantin Footbridge is also part of Bilbao's urban renewal plan and immediately became one of Bilbao's landmarks after its completion. The huge sculpture outside the museum, "Puppy", is a classic work by American artist Jeff Koons. This cute and lovable dog serves as a welcoming host, bringing visitors closer, as shown in image 2. The rose is also a work by Koons, as shown in image 1. The museum uses titanium alloy instead of steel plates with excessive reflectivity, which echoes with the weather and creates a hazy texture like Impressionist paintings. Image 3.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain.

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, designed by the deconstructivist architecture master Frank Owen Gehry, born in Toronto, Canada, was officially completed and put into use in 1997. Its unique shape, peculiar structure, and innovative materials immediately attracted worldwide attention. In the galaxy of human architectural creations in the 1990s, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao undoubtedly belongs to the greatest, like the Sydney Opera House, they both belong to the future architecture that has come ahead of time, and are urban poems not written in earthly language. The museum covers a total area of 24,000 square meters, with 11,000 square meters of exhibition space divided into nineteen exhibition halls, one of which is also one of the largest art galleries in the world, with an area of 130 meters by 30 meters. The entire museum structure was gradually designed by architects using a computer software for aerodynamics (introduced from the French military aircraft manufacturer Dassault and called CATIA). The museum uses glass, steel, and limestone in its building materials, with some surfaces covered in titanium, echoing the city's long-standing shipbuilding tradition.

wonderful trip to Spain

#2023travelwish

The Puppy near the Guggenheim museum

Puppy is the largest flower sculpture in the world and was created in 1992 by American artist Jeff Koons. It’s located right outside the Guggenheim museum so you don’t need to go far to find it. The flowers are replaced twice a year and the statue has an internal irrigation system to keep the flowers beautiful. It’s completely free and conveniently located so I definitely recommend seeing it. #tripblazers #fallingforfall