bilbao

Hello, bilbao

One of the jewels of northern Spain, Bilbao is a city full of surprises and delights. It boasts a unique blend of tradition and modernity, which is reflected in its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and outstanding cuisine. At its heart lies the magnificent Guggenheim Museum, one of the most impressive structures in the world. Its streets are alive with the sound of Euskara, Europe's oldest and most enigmatic language, while the Casco Viejo (Old Town) is full of traditional bars for sampling pintxos.

Need help to make the first move?

Talk to our agents

Get started

Best things to do in bilbao

Plenty of things to do and see

Show more

Santiago Cathedral (Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala)

Built from the late 14th to the 15th centuries, the Santiago Cathedral is the city’s oldest major church, dedicated to Saint James (Santiago), Bilbao's patron saint. The building features a mix of different styles: its core is Gothic (nave, vault, cloister), a grand Renaissance portico was added in the 1500s, while much of the façade and tower with spire were rebuilt in a neo-Gothic style in the late 1800s by Severino de Achúcarro. Inside, you’ll see three naves, several side chapels, the Gothic cloister accessible via the Door of the Angel ('Puerta del Ángel'), and beyond the main altar, there’s an ambulatory with chapels. Floods in 1983 caused damage, but the cathedral was restored and reopened around 2000.

Climbing Pagasarri & Ganekogorta

Take a walk in the shoes of a local with one of Bilbao’s most popular hikes. Pagasarri, at 673 m, is one of the smaller mountains surrounding the city, and most locals have tackled it at least once. Buses from the city centre take you to starting points around Zabalburu or Peñascal. At the summit, there’s a bar selling bocatas—baguette sandwiches stuffed with tortilla de patata, txistorra, or chorizo. If you’re feeling ambitious, continue on to Ganekogorta at 998 m, just a bit further along the ridge, for more sweeping views of Bilbao and the surrounding hills.

Artxanda Viewpoint

Artxanda is Bilbao’s hilltop viewpoint, offering wide panoramic views of the city, the Nervión River, and the surrounding mountains. It’s a nice escape from the streets below, with paths to wander and spots to sit and take it all in. You can reach the top via a small funicular railway from the Iralabarri district.

Plaza Nueva (Plaza Barria)

Plaza Nueva is Bilbao’s oldest surviving square, built in 1849. Pop by for some coffee, watch locals and visitors pass by, or try some of the city’s top pintxos. Café Bar Bilbao is one of the most famous here, known for its squid pintxo and the ham-and-onion version, which are local favourites.

City Information

Selection in bilbao

Show all
Passport/Visa
Bilbao Airport (BIO)
Best Time to Visit
Public Transport
Taxi
Post
Pharmacy
Telephone
Electricity

Best things to do in bilbao

Picked recommendation for you

Search stays

Live where you want

Browse by property type

Amazing studio in a residence, in Deustuko San Pedro-Erribera

Amazing studio in a residence, in Deustuko San Pedro-Erribera

Entire place
Charming single bedroom in a 5-bedroom apartment

Charming single bedroom in a 5-bedroom apartment

Bedroom
2-bedroom apartment

2-bedroom apartment

Entire place
Bright double bedroom near the underground station "Etxebarri"

Bright double bedroom near the underground station "Etxebarri"

Bedroom
Neat double bedroom near the underground station "Etxebarri"

Neat double bedroom near the underground station "Etxebarri"

Bedroom
Homely double bedroom near the underground station "Etxebarri"

Homely double bedroom near the underground station "Etxebarri"

Bedroom
Charming double bedroom in Indautxu

Charming double bedroom in Indautxu

Bedroom
Nice Double Bedroom close to Aiboa Metro

Nice Double Bedroom close to Aiboa Metro

Bedroom
Comfy Single Bedroom close to Ereaga Beach

Comfy Single Bedroom close to Ereaga Beach

Bedroom
Charming Double Bedroom close to Algorta Metro

Charming Double Bedroom close to Algorta Metro

Bedroom

Match who you are

Browse by profile type

Students

Students

Explore a variety of student accommodations across different neighbourhoods.

Digital nomads

Digital nomads

Change the way you discover the world, enjoy unique places with vibrant communities.

Professionals

Professionals

Work with reliable wifi and great amenities, stay productive, and do your best work.

Groups

Groups

Whether large or small, can be challenging but we can make it easier for you.

Families

Families

Whether a large familie or a small one can be challenging but we can make it easier for you.