The relatively new Guggenheim Museum Bilbao devoted to modern art is one of the main attractions in the city. It was designed by the renowned Frank Gehry who believed to be one of the best contemporary architects working on this planet. The museum's core collection is focused (but not limited) on works by Vasily Kandinsky, Paul Klee and Piet Mondrian.
Other landmarks in Bilbao include the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, the Bellas Artes Museum, the Museum of Sea, the 14th century Gothic Church of Santiago and Ensanche Park. Though, perhaps most of the visitors flock to Bilbao just to witness marvelous metro (subway), designed by Norman Foster.
Bilbao also features some good beaches and a few scenic spots. The most popular picnic site is on Monte Archanda, northward from the old town. Getxo beach is the number one spot among surfers with a 100-year-old suspension bridge and an array of noisy bars and lively bars.
From Bilbao you can reach Pamblona to attend the annual San Fermin festival famous for its Running of the Bulls. But if you prefer calmer, non-violent pastime then International Festival of Documentary and Short Film of Bilbao is for you. The festival takes place end of November, early December.
And for food-lovers Saint Thomas Day is a must. It's held on 21 December and features traditional products from the region's rural areas and displayed on more than 300 stalls stretched between El Arenal and Plaza Nueva. The point is that you can buy or taste anything you want. We recommend talo con chorizo (corn tortilla and salami) and txakoli (sweet regional white wine).
The city offers lots of accommodations. Use our directory to find the best hotel deals and head for the vacation of your life!
The occupancy level for the hotels in Bilbao throughout the year is rather big. It could be very difficult to find cheap hotels in Bilbao at a reasonable price in a few weeks before the visit. The best way to arrange your hotel in Bilbao is minimum of 2 - 3 months in advance. You could get better prices and find more available hotels. If you could not find your hotel here, we could recommend Booked.net with Bilbao hotel booking at reasonable prices.
5 stars hotels in Bilbao
Silken Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
This trendy, design hotel is full of fun features, in the same spirit as its world-famous neighbour – the Guggenheim Museum.
Melia Bilbao
This modern hotel is surrounded by Bilbaos best-known landmarks, and boasts fantastic facilities and design, including award-winning dining, a spa, and a fabulous contemporary art collection.
Hotel Carlton
This elegant 5-star hotel is one of the citys most emblematic buildings and dates from 1926.4 stars hotels in Bilbao
Silken Indautxu
The hotel, recently renovated, takes its name from the traditional district of Indautxu in the heart of the city´s commercial and financial area.
Hesperia Bilbao
Located across the river from Bilbao’s world-famous Guggenheim Museum, this design hotel offers a fashionable setting for your stay in the Basque capital.
Spa Husa Jardines de Albia
Located in Bilbao’s main business district, this contemporary hotel and spa is just a 5-minute walk from the instantly recognisable Guggenheim Museum.3 stars hotels in Bilbao
Petit Palace Arana Bilbao
This ultra fashionable hotel combines a contemporary interior with a historic setting.
Abba Parque Hotel
Renovated in 2002, this hotel has fashionable, modern decoration with spacious lounges.
Tryp Arenal
The Tryp Arenal is set in the heart of Bilbao, next to the Arriaga Theatre and the main train station of Abando, a short walk from the iconic Guggenheim museum.2 stars hotels in Bilbao
Sirimiri
Sirimiri Hotel is small familiar hotel, although it's a newly built building, it maintains the enchantment of the Casco Viejo (old area) of Bilbao.
Hotel Vista Alegre
The Vista Alegre Hotel is named after the bullring situated beside it.
Bilbao Jardines
This innovatively designed, new hotel is very well located for exploring on foot all the main sights of the city, and is close to the river in the old part of central Bilbao.1 star hotels in Bilbao
Pension Don Claudio
Recently reformed, the guesthouse located just 2 km from the centre of Bilbao in the Zorroza district.
Hotel Ripa
The Ripa Hotel Bilbao is situated in the city centre, three minutes away from the train station and with perfect connections with metro and tram.
