free tour BILBAO
Why visit Bilbao?
It is said of people from Bilbao that we are very proud of our city and that, in reality, “those from Bilbao are born wherever we choose”. This popular expression is a good example of the boastful and amusingly cocky character associated with the people of Bilbao, which we locals take with a sense of humour. Although, to be honest, we must acknowledge that this city in the north of Spain, the most populous in the Basque Country, has a wealth of attractions that make it well worth a visit.
We could go on at length about the Old Quarter and its many monuments and squares of interest, or about the delicious pintxos and typical gastronomy we can enjoy in the city’s bars and restaurants, as well as the rich Basque culture and the distinctive identity of the people of Bilbao, who manage with great skill to combine tradition with modernity. We could also elaborate on the gems hidden in the Ensanche of Bilbao, which reflect the economic prosperity the city enjoyed between the 19th and 20th centuries, or we could describe the lush natural surroundings of the town, nestled among green hills and close to the rugged Basque Coast, but we are going to focus on another aspect that is essential to understanding Bilbao.
This city has undergone in a short space of time a process of urban, aesthetic and social transformation of such magnitude that it has become a world-renowned example. In fact, this phenomenon is known as the “Bilbao Effect” or “Guggenheim Effect” and, as one might guess, the famous museum is at the centre of it all. Since the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao opened in 1997, it has driven many other urban interventions carried out in the city that resulted in an unprecedented metamorphosis. This iconic building with its striking and avant-garde appearance, designed by an internationally renowned architect, arrived at the right moment and was placed in the ideal location. Its strategic position alongside the Bilbao estuary, or Nervión, which had been a source of dirt and pollution and had been turned its back on by the city, transformed the situation entirely, becoming the element that gives meaning to the city and is today celebrated as the axis around which everything revolves.
From this turning point, Bilbao has been able to reinvent itself completely, while never losing its roots. Vast urban areas have been reclaimed for its citizens, and what was once a grey, bleak and decaying urban landscape, anchored in an obsolete system of production, has given way to a new model based on culture and services, thanks to which the urban environment now overflows with vitality and optimism. The Bilbao of today is built on orderly urban planning and modern architecture, having transformed in just a few years from an industrial city — of which some interesting vestiges remain — into a vibrant and tourist-friendly city, well-kept and clean, with an efficient public transport system and a varied cultural offer.
This profound change experienced by the city has been emulated in countless places, but we dare say that nowhere has it achieved such resounding success as in Bilbao. Would you like to discover the keys that have turned this town into the dynamic and fascinating city it is today? Join our free tour in Bilbao and we will tell you all about it!
The essentials of Bilbao
Come on our guided tour and embark on a journey through the charms of Bilbao, a city that will captivate you with its rich cultural heritage and its bold modernity. Discover the essence of this ever-evolving destination as you explore its most outstanding sites in the company of local guides.
We begin this list of places in Bilbao you simply cannot miss with one of the city’s most famous attractions and an international architectural landmark: the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a temple of contemporary art that houses masterpieces by renowned artists. Designed by Frank Gehry, its undulating titanium and glass façade gives it ever-changing reflections and an appearance that shifts with the light, while its volume, resembling a great ship, seems to emerge from the estuary itself. The interior of the museum is also well worth a visit, not only to explore the permanent and temporary exhibitions, but also to admire the various spaces it contains, of different shapes and scales, which never fail to surprise the visitor and together form a simply breathtaking ensemble. We recommend viewing the building from the opposite bank of the estuary and from the La Salve bridge to appreciate it in all its magnitude, as well as strolling around the museum’s surroundings to take in the evocative sculptures on display. Among them, the celebrated Puppy stands out — an adorable giant dog covered in flowers, created by artist Jeff Koons, which guards the entrance to the museum and has become a true icon of Bilbao — as does the sculpture Maman, a large metal spider with long legs that carries various meanings and is the work of Louise Bourgeois.
We continue our selection of Bilbao essentials with the Old Quarter (also known as the Seven Streets), the historic heart of the city, made up of a labyrinth of alleyways overflowing with history and tradition. Compact and perfect for exploring on foot, it invites you to discover its corners that hide curious stories, which we are eager to share with you on our free tour of Bilbao. Stroll through lively squares such as the Plaza Nueva and the Plaza Unamuno, and visit monuments such as the Cathedral of Santiago, a stop on the Camino de Santiago, or the Church of San Antón, next to the San Antón bridge, a true emblem of Bilbao featured on its coat of arms. Let yourself be swept up by the hustle and authentic charm of the Old Quarter as you explore its pintxos bars and boutique shops in this unmissable part of the city.
The Ribera Market, the largest covered market in Europe, is an essential stop in Bilbao that offers a feast for the senses. Located next to the estuary and the Old Quarter, it is a gastronomic paradise where aromas and flavours mingle in a frenzy of colours and textures. This historic market retains its impressive original stained-glass windows and has been renovated with modern facilities in which tradition and modernity coexist in harmony. A grand Expressionist building spread over two floors, it offers a wide variety of stalls selling fresh and local produce, as well as bars and restaurants where you can savour the culinary delights of the area. This bustling and vibrant market is the perfect place to experience the daily life of the people of Bilbao and immerse yourself in the authentic local atmosphere.
The Ensanche of Bilbao, located in the heart of the city, is another indispensable part of the city. Its wide, straight streets, designed with meticulous planning, and its powerful architecture reflect the dynamic spirit of Bilbao and the spectacular economic expansion the city experienced at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. This area is home to imposing buildings of eclectic and modernist architecture that constitute an important cultural heritage and tell the story of the city through their façades, from the majestic palace of the Foral Deputation of Vizcaya to the BBVA Building (former headquarters of the Banco del Comercio), taking in the Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga) and the Teatro Campos Elíseos Antzokia, among many others. Standing out is the backbone of the Gran Vía, the main artery that guides our steps towards the emblematic Plaza Moyúa, one of the nerve centres of the city that serves as a meeting place for the people of Bilbao and forms the nucleus of the Ensanche, a living testimony to the urban evolution of Bilbao. These lively streets convey the wonderful energy of this city and become perfect settings for a stroll during the free tour, with busy shops and animated terraces that invite you to enjoy a coffee or savour the delicious Basque gastronomy.
Finally, we cannot conclude this overview of Bilbao’s essentials without dedicating a special mention to the Bilbao estuary, the central element in the life of the city. This winding waterway where the waters of the Nervión River and the Cantabrian Sea meet winds its way between different neighbourhoods, cutting through the entire city and merging its industrial past with avant-garde architecture. An essential element that gave rise to and brought prosperity to the city, the estuary represents an urban treasure filled with points of interest along its banks, from some of the places already mentioned to others that also deserve our attention.
Following the course of the estuary from the Old Quarter, we find the Arenal area with monuments such as the beautiful Arriaga Theatre, the eclectic city hall and the former railway station of La Concordia, all buildings with more than a hundred years of history and great beauty. Next, we are greeted by avant-garde structures that embody modern Bilbao, such as the Isozaki Towers and the graceful and controversial Zubizuri bridge by Santiago Calatrava, heralding the presence of the protagonist that awaits us around the bend of the meander — the Guggenheim. Shortly after, the prestigious University of Deusto appears, adding a touch of historic charm to the riverside landscape, alongside the minimalist Pedro Arrupe footbridge, which connects it to the Abandoibarra District. This new, landscaped area includes landmarks such as the Iberdrola Tower, the tallest skyscraper in the city and in northern Spain, the Euskalduna Palace, a modern congress and entertainment centre, and the Carola Crane, the last survivor of the many that once stood on the former dockside, situated next to the Maritime Museum and the new San Mamés stadium, home of Athletic Club, one of the most iconic football teams in Spain.
To explore the most important axis of Bilbao formed by the estuary, we recommend strolling at a leisurely pace along either of its pleasant banks, where you will find numerous benches to stop and rest along the way. It is also comfortable and practical to travel along this stretch by bicycle or on the sleek tram, which has large glazed windows from which to enjoy the views. You can even take a boat trip along the estuary and admire the surroundings from a completely different perspective.
Bilbao is much more than a transformed industrial city. It is a destination that constantly reinvents itself, merging tradition and modernity in an admirable symbiosis. Marvel at its contrasts and let yourself be carried away by the vibrant rhythm that pulses through its streets. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms on our free tour of Bilbao!
Some tips about Bilbao
If you are thinking of travelling to Bilbao, we share some useful tips to make the most of your stay and your guided tour of the city:
Bear in mind the climate: Bilbao has a humid oceanic climate, which means it enjoys mild temperatures and temperate weather throughout the year. Thanks to its proximity to the sea, there are no very marked thermal contrasts between seasons, so any time of year is a good time to visit the city. We recommend bringing an umbrella and a waterproof layer due to the frequent rainfall, as well as a light jacket even in summer, as some evenings can turn cool.
Enjoy nature: Although Bilbao is a cosmopolitan city, it also offers beautiful natural spaces to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Doña Casilda Park is located in the Ensanche and is a perfect urban oasis for a stroll or a picnic. You can also head up to Mount Artxanda via the funicular that departs from a central point in the city to reach the summit, where one of the most famous viewpoints in Bilbao is located. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the “botxo“, as we locals affectionately call the city (meaning “hole” or “pit” in Basque), since it is surrounded by mountains. Finally, Etxebarria Park, situated on a hill overlooking the estuary, provides a haven of tranquillity just a few steps from the Old Quarter. Its green meadows and panoramic views make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Immerse yourself in the culture of Bilbao: The Guggenheim Museum is undoubtedly the flagship of the cultural effervescence the city enjoys, but as we always say on our guided tours, Bilbao has much more to offer. We recommend visiting other exhibition centres such as the Maritime Museum: located in the former Euskalduna shipyards, it tells the story of Basque seafaring and displays traditional vessels. Also worth a visit is the Basque Museum: housed in a beautiful historic building in the Old Quarter, it is ideal for learning about the traditions, history and folklore of the Basque Country and gaining a deeper understanding of its rich culture. Heading to the Ensanche, one of the city’s highlights awaits: don’t miss the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, a treasure that houses an impressive collection of masterpieces from the 13th century to the present day, considered one of the most important and varied in all of Spain. This beautiful museum, currently undergoing an extension by architect Norman Foster, takes the public on an extensive journey through art history through artists as diverse as El Greco, Murillo, Van Dyck, Bellotto, Goya, Gauguin, Tàpies and Barceló, as well as renowned contemporary Basque artists such as Zuloaga, Oteiza and Chillida, providing the necessary international context for Spanish and Basque art.
Visit the Alhóndiga (Azkuna Zentroa): Head to this charismatic building located in the heart of the Ensanche to appreciate a true architectural gem. A former wine warehouse whose monumental exterior has been preserved, the complex has been masterfully renovated by French designer Philippe Starck using modern lines and a fusion of different materials to create a cultural and leisure centre that is unique in its kind. Upon entering the Alhóndiga, you are struck by a sense of wonder and discovery at the grand volume that greets you, while its spacious atriums and corridors invite you to explore the interior, where three large brick-clad cubes are suspended above 43 columns, each one different from the last. A meeting place for creativity and entertainment, it contains 8 cinema screens, an auditorium, a library (Mediateka), an exhibition hall, a gym, a swimming pool, a shop, restaurants and underground parking. In short, the surprising architecture and dynamic programming of this groundbreaking and stimulating cultural centre make it an unmissable destination in the city.
Savour the local gastronomy: Basque cuisine is renowned worldwide for its quality and refinement, with enticing aromas that will transport you to a feast of unforgettable flavours. Take the opportunity to try the delicious pintxos, small culinary works of art served in the city’s traditional bars, especially in the Old Quarter. The equivalent of tapas elsewhere, here it is customary to go from bar to bar trying different pintxos, from the most classic to the most elaborate and avant-garde, some of which even have a curious story behind them, such as the famous “Gilda“. You can wash them down with a zurito (a small beer) or a local wine. We also recommend trying local products such as fresh seafood or Idiazábal cheese and typical dishes such as bacalao al pil-pil, marmitako, bacalao a la vizcaína or txangurro (spider crab). To round off the experience, don’t forget to pair your meals with a good txakoli (local white wine) or a Basque cider. Furthermore, those with a sweet tooth cannot leave Bilbao without indulging in Basque pastry, so make sure to try some of its traditional sweets. Treat yourself to a pastel vasco, a bollo de mantequilla or a pastel de arroz, which you can round off with a patxaran for dessert. And don’t forget the famous pantxineta, a traditional puff pastry cake filled with custard cream, baked in the oven and sprinkled with almonds. A true delight for the palate!
Take part in cultural events and enjoy live music: Bilbao is known for its vibrant cultural life and offers a wide variety of events throughout the year. Check the calendar of festivals, shows and exhibitions to see if there is anything special happening during your visit. From the Aste Nagusia, Bilbao’s Big Week, to open-air concerts and art exhibitions, there is always something interesting going on. Bilbao also enjoys a lively music scene, so don’t miss the chance to enjoy live concerts with options to suit all tastes, from indie music to jazz or rock. Check the programme of concert venues such as the Kafe Antzokia, the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC) or the Sala BBK to see which artists will be performing during your stay. Meanwhile, the Arriaga Theatre is an important centre for the performing arts, where numerous theatre productions, musicals and dance shows are staged, making it the perfect excuse to visit the interior of this impressive neo-Baroque monument.
Discover urban art: Bilbao is a city that breathes art at every turn. In addition to its countless museums, numerous works of urban art are scattered across walls throughout different parts of the city. If you are a street art enthusiast, the neighbourhood of Bilbao La Vieja and San Francisco is the perfect place to explore it, as its bohemian and alternative atmosphere has turned it into a fashionable neighbourhood and a canvas for artistic expression. Stroll through its streets and through the Zorrotzaurre district, an island with an industrial past located further down the estuary that is currently undergoing urban revitalisation, to discover murals and graffiti by local and international artists on a route that will take you to unexpected corners full of creativity.
Use the Bilbao Metro: Although the city is not very large and lends itself to walking, the extension of the urban area along the estuary, which together with the nearby towns forms Greater Bilbao, requires efficient connectivity along this important axis. Since its inauguration in 1995, Metro Bilbao has become one of the symbols of the city and is a convenient way to get around and access the main points of interest in its metropolitan area. Designed by British architect Norman Foster, this modern underground system has received prestigious awards for its aesthetic cleanliness, the intelligent use of light and the confluence of engineering and architecture. The access canopies, built in a distinctive shape from glass and steel, have been nicknamed “fosteritos” by the people of Bilbao and have become one of the defining features of the city. Meanwhile, spacious and bright stations welcome travellers, with the Sarriko station standing out for its singularity.
Explore the surrounding area:
Cross the Vizcaya Bridge: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was the first transporter bridge of metal structure built in the world and is an iconic symbol of Bilbao. This spectacular suspension bridge of enormous dimensions connects the banks of the Nervión estuary between Portugalete and Getxo and allows the crossing of pedestrians and vehicles in its gondola, while also enabling maritime traffic beneath its beautiful framework, making it a major innovation in transport. The Bizkaia Bridge, with its monumental metal lattice and steel cables, is one of the most outstanding constructions of the European Industrial Revolution and of iron architecture, representing one of the greatest engineering achievements of the late 19th century. Dare to cross it and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the riverside towns and the sea.
Discover the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve: A place of great ecological richness, it is the most important wetland in the Basque Country and a significant refuge where numerous migratory birds rest and overwinter. The list of possibilities is endless: you can go hiking and enjoy the beaches, stroll through the fishing village of Bermeo or surf in Mundaka, admire the famous Tree of Gernika and its Peace Museum in what was the historic capital of the Basque Country, get lost in the artistic Forest of Oma or travel back in time in the Santimamiñe Caves… And as if that were not enough, nearby lies San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a breathtaking spot on the rugged Basque Coast where a small hermitage sits atop an islet and which served as a filming location for the celebrated series Game of Thrones.
Immerse yourself in Basque culture: The strong identity of the Basque people is nourished by a blend of ancient and contemporary history, where Euskera, the ancestral language, is intertwined with a passion for gastronomy, sport and music. In every corner, you can feel the spirit of a proud and enthusiastic community that values its traditions and combines them with a modern and bold vision. We recommend getting acquainted with local customs through the simple gestures that locals always appreciate with a smile, such as greeting someone with a “kaixo”, saying goodbye with “agur” or expressing thanks with “eskerrik asko”. You will start to feel like one of us!
With these tips, you will be able to explore different aspects of Bilbao and discover its beautiful natural surroundings, its cultural richness and the passion of its people for art, architecture and gastronomy. From Bilbao Free Tour, we wish you a truly memorable trip!
