Top 6 Activities to Do in Bilbao

It's no secret that Spain attracts a very large number of people every year. But quite often, it's to praise the southern cities that remain the most visited by tourists: we're obviously talking about Madrid, the capital, or the very beautiful cities of Seville and Granada. But this time, it's to the north that Ryo wants to take you, more precisely to the capital of the province of Biscay and the Comarca. Bilbao is a city with about 350,000 inhabitants and one of the best places in Spain to discover Iberian culture and enjoy a very pleasant climate. A day or two in the sun enjoying the good weather - that's what vacations are about too, right? Without further ado, discover the six activities we've selected for you to guarantee an instructive, cultural, and peaceful stay.

What to do in Bilbao?

1. The Guggenheim Museum

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: When you ask a Bilbao resident "What is the place to visit first once you arrive in Bilbao"? They're very likely to answer you without a shadow of hesitation "the Guggenheim Museum". And yes, open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm and located near Avenida Abandoibarra, this is the main attraction not to be missed in the city. Defined as an icon of modern architecture, the place was designed by Frank Gehry. On the exterior, you'll be amazed by the building's structure made from glass, titanium, and stones. It's in 24,000 m² of surface area that the various works are proudly displayed next to each other. Not to mention that 9,000 m² is dedicated to temporary exhibitions. A heads-up to architecture enthusiasts and sculpture art lovers, this outing will definitely remain engraved like marble in your mind!

2. The Zubizuri Bridge

Category: Free/Cultural

Description: What is also called the Calatrava bridge in reference to its creator, a famous Spanish architect, was inaugurated in 1997. Dear friends, this is not just any bridge as one might easily think. In fact, it has an arched and slender structure. It's the kind of monument you can't miss because it catches the eye so much. It's one of the symbols of the renewal of the capital of Biscay. By the way, a nice anecdote: "Zubizuri" means "white bridge" in Euskera, the Basque language. It's a monument very much loved by tourists who appreciate coming here after walking around the city during the day: the edifice seems to have come from somewhere else entirely, as if from the future. This footbridge suspended above the Ria river constitutes a superb spot to see the last rays of sun taking their bow in the evening.

3. The Riverside Docks

Category: Free/Cultural/Sports

Description: The walk along the docks is what constitutes one of the most relaxing activities in Bilbao. Sometimes, we tend to forget the true meaning of the word "vacation". Certainly, when you go to a foreign country or city, you must immerse yourself in the history and cultural heritage. But you also mustn't forget to take your time, to hang out a bit, while playing your best playlist for a stroll. The Riverside Docks are the legendary docks of Bilbao, where some residents like to jog in the morning, where couples like to come for evening walks hand in hand, and where families come to sit and eat ice cream. If you travel to Bilbao during summer, the period will be even more conducive to good weather. You can stop at the edge of the docks while sipping a regional specialty, and taking time to chat with your loved ones while watching the sun set. Isn't life beautiful?

4. Stroll downtown and discover local gastronomy

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description: Well, yes this may seem obvious, but many forget that visiting a city necessarily involves exploring its downtown. Between visiting a contemporary museum and discovering an ancestral cathedral, how about taking a well-deserved break? It's fun to wander through the small streets of Bilbao looking for small food stands with tempting smells, while admiring the colorful houses side by side. It's even said that gastronomy in Bilbao is not just vital. Certainly, we must nourish ourselves to survive, but here, cuisine is considered an art just like painting and sculpture. Yes, yes! Thus, you're not safe from wine tastings, bar tours, sweet or savory food stands... The city offers a real culinary experience, where taste buds reign supreme.

5. The Santiago Cathedral

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: The Santiago Cathedral is unique. It's the oldest monument in all of Bilbao. Gothic in style, it has the particularity of having been built during the 14th century on an old hermitage, during the famous era of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimages. Of great beauty, it's a place that inspires both curiosity and intimidation among its visitors. The marble silence that engulfs the edifice pushes you to pay attention to every detail: among them, the robust cloister as well as the magnificent crypt. The Santiago Cathedral is also known for housing two porticoes, both of different styles: one inspired by the Renaissance era, and the other neoclassical. Interesting, right? For those who appreciate Gothic art and have a weakness for architecture, no doubt, you'll be in the right place!

6. A paragliding flight

Category: €€/Unusual

Description: Yes, you read correctly. To conclude your stay, nothing better than making a mark in a grandiose way: paragliding flight. It's a fairly renowned activity in Bilbao, so much so that you'll easily find good offers at quite affordable prices. If there are thrill-seekers among our readers and people who have always wanted to fly through the air, know that the beautiful beach of Sopela is not only renowned for swimming, but especially for being the favorite spot for aerial sports enthusiasts. And for a simple reason: the cliffs that overlook the beach are oriented so that the west, east, and north winds can offer perfect conditions for takeoff and landing. In addition to enjoying a superb view, you can admire the city by gaining altitude, and that's not given to everyone!