Top 6 things to do in Bilbao

It’s no secret that Spain attracts a huge number of visitors every year. But it’s often the cities in the south that are the most visited by tourists: we’re talking, of course, about Madrid, the capital, or the beautiful cities of Seville and Granada. But this time, it’s to the north that Navaway would like to take you on a journey, to the capital of the province of Bizkaia and the Comarca. Bilbao has a population of around 350,000 and is one of the best places in Spain to discover Iberian culture and enjoy a very pleasant climate. A day or two in the sun enjoying the good weather is part of a holiday, isn’t it? Without further ado, discover the six activities we’ve selected for you to ensure you have an educational, cultural and relaxing stay.

What to do in Bilbao

1. The Guggenheim Museum

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: When you ask a Bilbao resident “What’s the first place you should visit when you arrive in Bilbao? You’re likely to answer without a moment’s hesitation: “The Guggenheim Museum”. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm and located on the Avenida Abandoibarra, this is the city’s main attraction. Defined as an icon of modern architecture, the building was designed by Frank Gehry. From the outside, you’ll be blown away by the building’s structure made from glass, titanium and stone. The various works are proudly displayed side by side in 24,000 m² of floor space. Not to mention 9,000 m² dedicated to temporary exhibitions. Architecture fans and lovers of sculptural art, this outing will definitely be engraved like marble in your mind!

2. Zubizuri Bridge

Category: Free/Cultural

Description: This bridge, also known as the Calatrava Bridge after its creator, a famous Spanish architect, was inaugurated in 1997. Dear friends, this is not just any bridge, as you might think. In fact, it has a slender, arched structure. It’s the kind of monument you just can’t miss, because it’s so eye-catching. It is one of the symbols of the renewal of the capital of Bizkaia. Incidentally, Zubizuri means “white bridge” in Euskara, the Basque language. It’s a much-loved landmark for tourists, who like to come here after walking around the city during the day: the building seems to have emerged from somewhere else, as if from the future. This footbridge, suspended over the River Ria, is a superb spot from which to catch the last rays of sunlight as they fade in the evening.

3. Riverside Docks

Category: Free/Cultural/Sporting

Description: Walking along the docks is one of the most relaxing activities in Bilbao. Sometimes we tend to forget the true meaning of the word “holiday”. Of course, when you go to a foreign country or city, you have to immerse yourself in its history and cultural heritage. But you shouldn’t forget to take your time, relax a bit, and turn on your best playlist for a stroll. The Riverside Docks are Bilbao’s legendary quays, where some locals enjoy a morning jog, couples like to stroll hand in hand at the end of the day, and families come to sit down for an ice cream. If you’re travelling to Bilbao in summer, it’s an even better time for good weather. You can stop off by the quays while sipping a local speciality, and taking the time to chat with friends and family as you watch the sun go down. Isn’t life great?

4. Stroll around the city centre and discover the local gastronomy

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description: Yes, it may seem obvious, but many people forget that visiting a city necessarily involves exploring its city centre. Between visiting a contemporary museum and discovering an ancient cathedral, what would you say to taking a well-deserved break? It’s fun to wander through the narrow streets of Bilbao, looking for little food stalls with tempting smells, while admiring the colourful little houses side by side. It is said that gastronomy in Bilbao is not just about life. Of course, we have to eat to survive, but here, cooking is considered an art form in the same way as painting and sculpture. That’s right! So there’s no escaping the wine tasting, the bar crawls, the sweet and savoury food stalls… The city offers a real culinary experience, where the taste buds are king.

5. Santiago Cathedral

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Santiago Cathedral is unique. It is the oldest monument in the whole of Bilbao. Gothic in style, it was built in the 14th century on a former hermitage, during the famous era of the pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela. A place of great beauty, it arouses both curiosity and intimidation in its visitors. The marble silence that envelops the building compels you to pay attention to every detail, including the robust cloister and the magnificent crypt. Santiago Cathedral is also known for housing two porticoes, both in different styles: one inspired by the Renaissance era, the other neo-classical. Interesting, isn’t it? For those who appreciate Gothic art and have a soft spot for architecture, there’s no doubt you’re in the right place!

6. A paragliding flight

Category: €€/Insolite

Description: Yes, you read that right. To round off your stay, there’s nothing better than to mark the occasion in style: a paragliding flight. Paragliding is a fairly popular activity in Bilbao, so you’ll easily find good deals at very affordable prices. If there are any thrill-seekers among our readers and people who have always wanted to take to the skies, you should know that the beautiful beach of Sopela is not only renowned for its swimming, but above all for being a favourite spot for lovers of aerial sports. And there’s a simple reason for this: the cliffs overlooking the beach are oriented so that the winds from the west, east and north provide perfect conditions for take-off and landing. As well as enjoying a superb view, you’ll be able to admire the city from above – and that’s not for everyone!