Witness a city transformed by art. Grab a coffee and explore at your own pace.
Quick Facts
Weather Range
46-68F (8-20C)
Currency
EUR
Language
Spanish, Basque
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1)
Overview
Bilbao is one of the world's great success stories. This is a city that reinvented itself, turning its gritty, industrial past into a shining, post-modern future. The catalyst was the Guggenheim Museum, a mind-bending, titanium-clad masterpiece of architecture that is as stunning as the art it holds. But the Guggenheim effect is just the start. This city is the largest in Basque Country, a region with its own unique language, culture, and a legendary obsession with food. Dive into the Casco Viejo (Old Town) and go pintxo-hopping—the Basque version of tapas—where every bar has its own incredible, bite-sized specialty. This is a city that will feed your soul and your stomach.
Top Sights
Casco Viejo (The Old Quarter)
This is the charming, medieval heart of Bilbao, known as the seven streets. It's a dense, pedestrian-only area of. narrow streets, historic churches, and countless bars, perfect for a *pintxo* (tapas) crawl.
Funicular de Artxanda
For the best view of the city and the Guggenheim, take this funicular up Artxanda hill. The panoramic vista. shows the incredible contrast between the old town and the city's modern architecture.
Zubizuri Bridge
This striking, white, sail-like suspension bridge was designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. It's a beautiful symbol of. the city's modern revival, leading you across the river to the Guggenheim.
La Ribera Market (Mercado de la Ribera)
Located on the edge of the Casco Viejo, this is one of Europe's largest covered markets. Explore the stalls of amazing. produce, or head to the food court to sample pintxos with a river view.
Plaza Nueva (New Square)
This beautiful, 19th-century neoclassical square in the Casco Viejo is the perfect place to start. your pintxo tour. On Sundays, it hosts a lively collectors market.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
This is the city's star attraction, an architectural marvel of swirling titanium and glass designed by Frank Gehry. The building itself. is arguably the main event, but its collection of modern and contemporary art is.
Neighborhoods
Casco Viejo (Old Town)
Local eats and photo spots
Abando
Local eats and photo spots
Indautxu
Local eats and photo spots
Abandoibarra
Local eats and photo spots
Shore Things Excursions
Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.
Bilbao and Pintxos
Take a scenic drive through Bilbao and stroll the city's Old Quarter, seeing churches, shops, taverns, and theaters.
Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.
Worry-free excursions powered by Viator
Bilbao and Pintxos
Take a scenic drive through Bilbao and stroll the city's Old Quarter, seeing churches, shops, taverns, and theaters.
Serious Sailors™ Travel Agency was created by Charles Conroy, Top 10 travel advisor for Virgin Voyages.
The Virgin Voyages name, logo, and associated brand elements are trademarks of Virgin Enterprises Limited.Content, imagery, and intellectual property belonging to Virgin Voyages is used on this site for reference purposes only and remains the exclusive property of Virgin Voyages. All brand names and trademarks are owned by their respective holders.
Found or created a Facebook Group for your Virgin Voyages sailing? Submit it here! We'll review it and add it to the voyage page so fellow sailors can connect.
Book a Voyage with Serious Sailors
Ready to set sail? Fill out the form below to book your next cruise and start your adventure with us today!
