Bilbao Anti-Tourist Guide

Here’s our Bilbao Anti-Tourist Guide to make sure you take the best of it while feeling like a local

Bilbao is one of the biggest cities in the north of Spain, offering plenty of activities and must-see places. From various museums and contrasting architecture to vibrant streets to roam around, and nightlife to party all night long. To help you explore the best of Bilbao, we invite you to check out our Bilbao Anti-Tourist Guide to ensure you enjoy the city from the inside out.

First questions first:

How many days should I save to visit Bilbao?

For a quick peek, we would say that two days is okay here. Want to experience Bilbao without any rush and actually enjoy the vibe without checking the time 24/7? We suggest staying for three or four full days. It will be just enough to explore the city through a local’s eyes.

What are the main highlights of Bilbao?

1. Bilbao Cultural Scene

Bilbao is a treat for art lovers! Here you can choose from more than 40 museums and art galleries.

a) Must-visit Museums

• Guggenheim Museum: one of the most impressive and well-known museums in Bilbao. it holds mpressive artifact collections and exhibitions from the XX century. The building itself is already a piece of art! Even though this is not a hidden gem, this experience is worth it for sure!

https://www.instagram.com/museoguggenheim/p/DCWW-2qI9oy/?img_index=1

• Museum of Artistic Reproductions: have you ever wanted to visit the great art pieces of the Louvre or the Vatican City? Now you can do it from the confort of Spain! This museum specialises inreproductons from famous artists. Could you spot the real from the fake?

b) Art Galleries

• Bilbao Fine Arts Museum: this great art gallery features art from the most famous Spanish artists. From Velázquez, Goya to Picasso. Including other local artists as well. It is an experience like no other to see these famous paintings in person!

https://www.instagram.com/bilbaomuseoa/p/DBD9ZxDKTUB/

• Itsasmuseum: this museum shows the history that ties the city with the sea. It is a naval museum that shows the advancements of engineering and science. Every year, antique sail boats from all around the world come to take part in a yearly exhibition. These boats are open to the public and can even sail you around!

https://www.instagram.com/maritimemuseumbilbao/p/C_NT-39Nz3j/?img_index=1

2. Where to eat in Bilbao

Bilbao traditional culinary scene mostly is influenced by Spanish traditional cuisine as well as their own cultural treats. A local dish that we urge you to try is Marmitaco which is fish (with potatoes and vegetables) soup. When it comes to places where to head, we have some special suggestions that are undiscovered by tourists:

• Casa Rufo: this old grocery shop completely changed when the owner decided to add some tables and make some meals for the visitors. Now it has become in a little traditional restaurant well known to the locals. You will not find a more local atmosphere anywhere else!
• Toma Y Daka: this restaurant tries to give a more modern approach to traditional dishes, while keeping the taste that reminds of granma’s cooking! They focus on using local products and its a great spot for vegetarian lovers.

https://www.instagram.com/tomaydakabilbao/p/C-8IsEsMCPW/

• La Camelia Vegan Bar: an affordable Vegan restaurant with a variety of rich-in-taste dishes to offer. Known for being a cool and delicious place to eat by the locals.
• Rio-Oja: Authentic local food made by a family of chefs. Well known for the tapas and soup based food. A more off the beaten path approach if you wish for a more calmer and authentic experience.

3. What to see in Bilbao

• Santiago Cathedral of Bilbao: the cathedral of Bilbao towers over the city. The interiros are vast and covered in statues and art pieces. It lays in a beautiful corner of the city surrounded by colourful houses. It’s a quiet and precious spot of the city!
• Old Town: take a walk through the picturesque Bilbao historical center. Get lost through its many streets surrounded by local tapas restaurants and colourful streets.
• Guggenheim building: Apart from the museum, the building itself is a marvel to see. Around it there are also pieces of art. Such as the puppy. A dog statue made with flowers.
• Church of San Antón: this little church on the riverside marks the entrance to the old town. While more humble than the cathedral, it has an impresive belltower.

Looking forward to explore more places in Spain and beyond? Why not check our Eight European Routes For Your Summer Holidays and see which areas to visit!

4. Alternative places in Bilbao

• Etxebarria Parkea: this park has been built on top of what used to eb an industrail zone. you can still see some landmarks that belonged to old factories. It offers a beautiful view of the city.
• Route of the Murals: this open air museum is actually a collection of murals painted all over the city! They show froma rt to day to day scenes from the locals.
• Chávarri Palace: this huge palace located in the middle of the city was built by an arquitect that realy loved Belgium! He tried to recreate the lovely arquitecture that you can find in most Belgian cities.

https://www.instagram.com/bilbaoturismo/p/C1XhPoft0ph/?img_index=1

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