Bilbao City Centre has come a long way since the late 20th century when the first seeds of a regeneration program were sewn. What was once a gritty industrial port has flourished into a cosmopolitan, sophisticated and continually evolving metropolis with stunning architecture, leading cultural attractions and beautiful riverside walks. Visit Bilbao City Centre to study the works of legendary and up-and-coming artists, marvel at beautiful buildings and visit the place where the city started.
Start your sightseeing adventure with a stroll on promenades that line the River Nervion. On the left bank lies the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the glittering titanium riverfront building that kick-started Bilbao’s regeneration in the late 1990s. The modern and contemporary art museum is part of Bilbao’s Art District, which includes other prestigious institutions such as the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum and numerous independent galleries.
During Bilbao’s metamorphosis, one part remained unchanged, the Casco Viejo (Old Town), which is where the city originated in the 15th century. This charming district with its narrow and predominately pedestrian-only streets is filled with shops, bars and a handful of ancient churches. Visit the 15th-century gothic St. James Cathedral and unwind at Plaza Nueva. Go on a self-guided tour of the Basque Museum, housed in a former Jesuit school from the 17th century. Browse thousands of artifacts that highlight the traditions and culture of the Basque people.
Feel like a local and get behind Athletic Bilbao, the city’s soccer team who play at San Mamés Stadium. Even if you're not a fan of the sport, enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere on match days in the bars and cafés around the arena and the nearby Pozas district. Sample the local pinchos, which are creative tapas-like dishes served on small skewers.
In the evening, return to the Old Town for a performance at the Arriaga Theater, a 19th-century neo-baroque opera house.
Bilbao City Centre is easy to travel around on foot. If that’s not for you, make use of the excellent public transportation system. Drivers can pay a fee to park on the street or in underground parking facilities.
