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!
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.
Sheraton Bilbao Hotel
This modern hotel is set on the banks of the Nervión River, surrounded by some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and its business and cultural heart.
Lopez de Haro
The genuine five star hotel in Bilbao: Frank Gehry drew his first sketches of the Guggenheim Museum in one of its rooms.
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 Zubialde
Near the Guggenheim museum, overlooking the Nervion river, a few metres from the bus station and opposite the San Mames Stadium and the Euskalduna conference centre, the hotel offers comfort and modern facilities in a traditional but fully renovated
Miro Hotel
This boutique hotel was created by the famous fashion designer, Antonio Miró.
3 stars Hotels in Bilbao
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.
Best Western Bilbao Conde Duque
Set overlooking the impressive Calatrava Bridge on the River Nervión, this city-centre hotel is well located for visiting the cultural sights of the exciting Basque capital.
Barcelo Hotel Nervion
This elegant, contemporary hotel boasts spectacular views over Bilbao’s River Nervion from its setting near the world-famous Guggenheim Museum and old town.
2 stars Hotels in Bilbao
Artetxe
Hotel Artetxe was first opened in year 2000 as a personal challange by Artetxe family members.
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.
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 stars 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.
Unrated Hotels in Bilbao
Pension Roquefer
Located in the centre of Bilbao, in the Basque Country, Hostal Roquefer is a smart and modern hotel provides bedrooms with balconies and gives easy access to the top city sights.