About Bilbao
Explore Spain
Overview
Bilbao, situated along the banks of the River Nervión which flows into the nearby Bay of Biscay, is the ideal destination for experiencing all things Basque, from performing arts to pintxos, a uniquely Basque version of tapas. Bilbao’s venerated Old Quarter, or Casco Viejo, is a maze of mostly pedestrian-only streets teeming with shops, cafés, restaurants and pintxo bars. Here you will also find the Catedral de Santiago, the city’s oldest church, and some of Bilbao’s best museums, including Euskal Museoa Bilbao, dedicated to the history of the Basque people, and Arkeologi Museoa, an archaeological museum where visitors can take an interactive journey through the history of the region.
What to see
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao – This architectural wonder whose exterior is comprised of approximately 33,000 titanium plates is located along the River Nervión. The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao features modern and contemporary art by international artists and is one of the most acclaimed museums in the world.
Plaza Nueva – One of Bilbao’s most picturesque plazas, Plaza Nueva is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike. This neoclassical square in the heart of Casco Viejo has a cornucopia of restaurants and cafés and is one of the best places to go pintxos hopping.
Mercado de la Ribera – Europe’s largest covered food market, located in Casco Viejo along the Bilbao Estuary, houses around 180 businesses, including those that sell fish, meat, fruit, vegetables and more. This Art Deco building also has a food court.
When to Go
Like most major cities in Europe, the best time to visit Bilbao is shoulder season, approximately April through mid-June and September through October, in order to avoid the summer crowds. However, if attending Semana Grande, Bilbao’s annual festival celebrating Basque culture, plan your visit for the end of August.
You will be transferred to our traditional site.
We are currently working on enhancements to this part of our website. A new version will be available soon. Don’t worry – switching over will not interrupt your booking.
Welcome to the all-new Pleasant Holidays booking experience !
You can now plan your next vacation with our exciting new booking engine. Some advanced features are still being developed, and selecting these options may require you to return to our traditional booking experience. Don’t worry – switching over will not interrupt your booking.
We've updated your online experience to make sure you can get your dream vacation. Since our makeover is still in progress, you may experience shifts from our traditional booking experience to our new one.