Bilbao Port Guide | Virgin Voyages

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.

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San Juan Monastery: Castle & Island Odyssey

Take a panoramic tour of the iconic Butròn Castle and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

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4×4 Experience – Bilbao Coast

A 4x4 adventure through the beautiful Basque Country, discovering stunning landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

View Details

Panoramic Drive Through Bilbao

Drive through beautiful Bilbao on a driving tour that brings you through all the city's most iconic sights.

View Details

Explore all Bilbao Shore Things

Shore 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.

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.

View Details

San Juan Monastery: Castle & Island Odyssey

Take a panoramic tour of the iconic Butròn Castle and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

View Details

4×4 Experience – Bilbao Coast

A 4x4 adventure through the beautiful Basque Country, discovering stunning landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

View Details

Panoramic Drive Through Bilbao

Drive through beautiful Bilbao on a driving tour that brings you through all the city's most iconic sights.

View Details

Explore all Bilbao Shore Things

Unlock up to $400 Sailor Loot, member-only pricing, and exclusive perks when you book with us!

Up to $400 Sailor Loot, member pricing & exclusive perks

Bilbao, Spain

Quick Facts

Overview

Top Sights

Neighborhoods

Casco Viejo (Old Town)

Abando

Indautxu

Abandoibarra

Shore Things Excursions

Bilbao and Pintxos

San Juan Monastery: Castle & Island Odyssey

4×4 Experience – Bilbao Coast

Panoramic Drive Through Bilbao

Shore Excursions

Bilbao and Pintxos

San Juan Monastery: Castle & Island Odyssey

4×4 Experience – Bilbao Coast

Panoramic Drive Through Bilbao

Map

Quick Facts

Ready to explore Bilbao?

Upcoming voyages that visit Bilbao

Unlock up to $400 Sailor Loot, member-only pricing, and exclusive perks when you book with us!

Up to $400 Sailor Loot, member pricing & exclusive perks

Bilbao, Spain

Quick Facts

Overview

Top Sights

Neighborhoods

Casco Viejo (Old Town)

Abando

Indautxu

Abandoibarra

Shore Things Excursions

Bilbao and Pintxos

San Juan Monastery: Castle & Island Odyssey

4×4 Experience – Bilbao Coast

Panoramic Drive Through Bilbao

Shore Excursions

Bilbao and Pintxos

San Juan Monastery: Castle & Island Odyssey

4×4 Experience – Bilbao Coast

Panoramic Drive Through Bilbao

Map

Quick Facts

Ready to explore Bilbao?

Upcoming voyages that visit Bilbao

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