Quick Summary:

  • What is the history of Bilbao, Spain?
    • Bilbao was once an industrial giant for much of the twentieth century.
    • After years of decline, the city's image began to transform during the 1990s.
  • How did Bilbao’s transformation take place?
    • A number of well-known designers and architects helped revitalize the city's infrastructure and skyline.
    • Notable figures like Norman Foster and Frank Gehry played key roles in this transformation.
  • What is Bilbao known for today?
    • Bilbao has become a major center for design, architecture, and art.
    • The city is home to many architectural marvels, galleries, and museums.
  • What makes Bilbao’s food scene special?
    • Bilbao’s pintxos bars have garnered worldwide attention for their exceptional cuisine.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Guggenheim Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Guggenheim Museum | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© Mario/stock.adobe.com

2. Bilbao Art District ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Bilbao Art District | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© Panpiki/stock.adobe.com

3. Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao

Category: Museums & Culture
Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© JackF/stock.adobe.com

4. Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© Brad Pict/stock.adobe.com

5. Bilbao Cathedral

Bilbao Cathedral | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© fabiomancino/stock.adobe.com

6. Azkuna Zentroa

Azkuna Zentroa | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© Azkuna Zentroa

7. La Ribera Market

Category: Shopping
La Ribera Market | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© Noradoa/stock.adobe.com

8. Euskal Museo Bilbao

Euskal Museo Bilbao | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© Euskal Museoa Bilbao Museo Vasco

9. Bilbao La Vieja

Bilbao La Vieja | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© Adro Hache Erre/stock.adobe.com

10. Bilbao Maritime Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Bilbao Maritime Museum | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© Erlantz/stock.adobe.com

11. Archaeological Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Archaeological Museum | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© venerala/stock.adobe.com

12. Euskalduna Palace

Euskalduna Palace | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© Euskalduna Palace

13. Pintxos bars

Pintxos bars | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© Full Frame Visuals/stock.adobe.com

14. Abando Train Station

Abando Train Station | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© dudlajzov/stock.adobe.com

15. Rio Nervion

Rio Nervion | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© Brad Pict/stock.adobe.com

16. Artxanda Funicular

Category: Museums & Culture
Artxanda Funicular | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© Fernando Astasio/stock.adobe.com

17. Dona Casilda Park

Category: Activities
Dona Casilda Park | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© Pierre-Olivier/stock.adobe.com

18. La Salve Bridge

La Salve Bridge | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© JackF/stock.adobe.com

19. Museum of Artistic Reproductions

Category: Museums & Culture
Museum of Artistic Reproductions | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© schankz/stock.adobe.com

20. Zortziko

Zortziko | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© Zortziko

21. Restaurante Mandoya

Category: Food & Drink
Restaurante Mandoya | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© Restaurante Mandoya

22. Casa Rufo

Casa Rufo | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© Casa Rufo

23. Restaurante Víctor Montes

Category: Food & Drink
Restaurante Víctor Montes | Vacation Ideas in Bilbao, Spain
© Restaurante Víctor Montes

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