Bilbao Local Attractions

The main tourist attractions in the beautiful city of Bilbao include the Guggenheim Museum; the Mercado Antiguo Lavadero which is city's original old market situated in an ancient laundry house; the Museo a Euska/Museo Vasca depicts the Basque lifestyle during the 16th century.; the Palacio de Congresos y de la Musica hosts regular concerts, ballets and operas and the Plaza Circular at the end of Gran Via which is dominated by the statue of Don Diego López de Haro, Lord of Vizcaya and founder of Bilbao in 1300. This square houses the headquarters for the main financial institutions including BBVA bank skyscraper with the famous sculpture by the Basque artist, Eduardo Chillida and one of most famous fountains in Bilbao.

Plaza Nueva in the City`s Old Quarter (Casco Viejo) is well worth exploring as it is full of eighteenth century stone arches and plenty of restaurants with pretty outside terraces where you can sit and watch the world go by; the Plaza de Toros de Vista Alegre is a huge bullring which still hosts regular bullfights; the Teatro Arriaga was built in the late 19th century and is still fully operational and the Puente de San Antón is one of the most historic bridges in Bilbao.

The main museums and art galleries apart from the Guggenheim which is one of the city’s main attractions include the Museo Taurino bullfighting museum; Ria de Bilbao Maritime Museum standing on the docks of the Euskalduna shipyard; Museo de Bellas Artes which exhibits modern works and Gothic paintings and the Museo de Reproducciones Artisticas which is full of reproductions of many world-famous sculptures and statues.

Bilbao has some beautiful parks including the Parque de Dona Casilda, Parque de Europa, Paseo del Arena and Jardines de Albia with its beautifully landscaped areas and ancient church.

You will find the city of San Sebastian to the east of Bilbao near to the French border. It has a busy port area, popular theme park and funicular railway; Santander is to the west with its large bay, sandy beaches and rich Roman cultural heritage; Gatika is a charming town close to Bilbao with a medieval castle; Durango is small town with its own palace exhibiting many important local artefacts and paintings and finally the Puerto Deportivo El Abra Getxo is a very attractive marina in the city’s suburbs with a number of waterfront restaurants and shops.

If you are planning to explore the area outside of the city centre and play some golf or go to some of the more out of the way beaches then you might consider hiring a car. There are a number of car hire firms based at Bilbao Airport who will be pleased to have a vehicle awaiting your arrival. This also cuts down on transfer costs for you and your family.

We have local knowledge and have provided detailed information on sporting and leisure amenities in Bilbao including an Area Guide which includes the best Bilbao Shopping, Bilbao Markets, Bilbao Golf Courses, the different types of Bilbao Beaches, recommended Bilbao Restaurants and Local Attractions in Bilbao