What Activities Can I Do in Bilbao?

Bilbao, a township and municipality in the northern Spanish province of Biscay, is a bustling metropolitan area with several different attractions for travelers. First inhabited during the 15th century, Bilbao has centuries of history to explore and admire. On top of the many historic landmarks, cultural hotspots and the grandeur of its natural settings, Bilbao is full of remarkable activities to do while visiting. Whether you’re looking for exciting outdoor activities or more relaxing pursuits, there’s something for everyone to do and enjoy in Bilbao.

Visit Guggenheim Museum

The jewel of Bilbao’s many attractions is without a doubt the Guggenheim Museum. Opened in 1997 and designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, it quickly became a renowned international symbol of architecture. Featured in many movies, TV programs and music videos, this iconic building has attracted and inspired visitors from all around the world. Not only does the museum boast several floors dedicated to highlighting the artistic expression of different cultures, but you can also wander through its luminous outdoor sculptures and admire the incredible exterior design of the building. A visit to the Guggenheim Museum is a must for anyone visiting Bilbao.

Explore Old Town

If you’re looking for a slice of traditional Basque culture, Bilbao’s Old Town is one of the best places to head to. Located at the very center of Bilbao on the left bank of the Nervión River, this ancient district is bustling with unique attractions and activities, most notably its grand architecture. Stroll through its cobblestone streets, explore its ancient churches and appreciate its captivating cultural landscape. Not only can you find traditional Basque shopping, but also vivid local markets and several cafes that offer flamenco performances and serve traditional Basque tapas.

Cliff-Jumping in Urdaibai Estuary

Urdaibai Estuary is a large basin located on Spain’s Cantabrian Sea, just a one-hour drive from Bilbao. This stunning spot gives visitors some of the best cliff-jumping experiences in Europe due to its fun environment, game sets of rocks, crystal clear waters and chalk cliffs soaring high above the water. What makes it even more unique is that this spot is surrounded by beaches with golden sand so you can cool down afterwards in the heat of the summer days. This activity is particularly popular among thrill-seeking travelers and daredevils who want to get their adrenaline pumping.

Surfing at El Abra

El Abra beach is one of Bilbao’s premier coastline locations located just south of Barrika in Mundaka. This surfing beach has attracted surfers for over 40 years due to favorable swells that forms during wintertime. This spot offers some mellow waves perfect for longboarding and beginners. Additionally, this beach spot offers plenty of activities from beach volleyball and slacklining to horseback riding or simply enjoying a hot beach day. As El Abra offers black sand beaches for sunbathing, it is especially well-liked by travelers and locals alike during summertime.

Go Canyoning In Ibardin Natural Park

Ibardin Natural Park is an idyllic spot situated in the Biscayan province of Vizcaya just 16 miles away from Bilbao’s city center. It’s the perfect place to go canyoning – which involves descending down an incredibly beautiful natural landscape while making use of climbing techniques such as rappelling and abseiling down steep slope made out of rocks that sit’t be climbed easily. The park has a plethora of different gorges that are excellent for canyoning and can be tailored to all levels of experience as well as for families with kids or groups of people looking for fun shared experiences.

Pinxtos Tour

Pinxtos are not just another snack or appetizer option that can be enjoyed while visiting Bilbao; they’re practically a way of life! This famed dish is smaller than tapas but has a bigger explosion flavor. As an integral part of Bilbao’s culture, embarking on a pintxos tour is an absolute must when visiting this stunning township. This tour will take you to some top pinxtos locations across the city where you can sample some of the best pintxos – not only traditional ones, but also modern creations made with local ingredients like tortilla de patatas and boquerones anchovies. You’ll never forget this unforgettable Basque culinary experience!

Book a Bilbao: Food and Architecture Guided Walking Tour

If you want to take your experience vibrantly exploring Bilbao’s culture up a notch, why not book a local guide-led walking tour? Booking a Bilbao: Food and Architecture Guided Walking Tour with GetYourGuide will take you on a unique gastronomic voyage through the town where you’ll get to taste local specialties, sip great wines and learn more about Bilbao’s vibrant architecture. Not only that, but also appreciate some incredible street art spots all around town accompanied by your local guide; it’s the perfect way to learn more about the history and culture of this amazing city all while having fun! To make the most out of your trip to Bilbao, make sure to book a tour with GetYourGuide today!

Overall, there are plenty of fun activities that anyone can enjoy while spending time in Bilbao. The beauty of this city lies in its combination of captivating attractions for all tastes: art lovers, outdoor enthusiasts or foodies; there’s something for everyone! Whether you choose to visit some cultural hotspots or take part in an adrenaline-filled activity, you can be sure that you won’t have a dull moment during your stay in this vibrant city. So, come explore Bilbao’s diverse offering and discover why it’s quickly become one of Spain’s most popular cities!