[2025 Bilbao Attraction] Travel Guide for Casco Viejo (Updated Jul)

Bilbao is a stunning city located along the northern coast of Spain, surrounded by lush greenery, scenic views, and a beautiful coastline. If you’re looking to explore Bilbao by foot, especially along its coastal routes, there’s plenty to enjoy. Below is a walking guide for a coastal exploration that combines natural beauty, architecture, and local charm. 1. Starting Point: Bilbao’s Old Town (Casco Viejo) Start your journey in Casco Viejo (the Old Town) and explore its narrow streets and iconic sites like the Plaza Nueva, the La Ribera Market, and the Santiago Cathedral. While this isn't directly on the coast, it’s a great place to begin your walk. 2. Walk Along the River Nervión As you exit the Old Town, head towards the River Nervión, which runs through the heart of Bilbao and leads out to the bay. Along the riverbanks, you'll find lovely walking paths and plenty of spots to enjoy views of the city’s unique blend of modern and traditional architecture. Ruta de los Puentes (Bridge Walk): Cross over various bridges that connect different parts of the city. The most notable is the Zubizuri Bridge, designed by Santiago Calatrava, which is a futuristic footbridge that connects the Ensanche area with the Abando district. 3. Walk to the Guggenheim Museum From the river, you can head west towards the Guggenheim Museum, one of Bilbao's most famous landmarks. The museum is located near the water, and its sweeping curves and titanium exterior are a sight to behold. The Guggenheim Park around the museum offers a great spot for a stroll, and you can enjoy views of the River Nervión. Tip: Take a moment to admire Puppy, the giant floral dog sculpture near the museum’s entrance. 4. Follow the Coastal Path towards Getxo Continue your walk from the Guggenheim towards the Getxo district. The path will take you along the Nervión River, past industrial areas and towards the open sea. Estuary of Bilbao: As you approach Getxo, you’ll pass the Estuary of Bilbao, which connects the river to the Bay of Biscay. The coastline here becomes more scenic, with cliffs and beaches ahead. 5. Getxo and the Beaches Getxo is a charming coastal town and a great place to relax, with its lovely beaches and beachfront promenades. From the Neguri neighborhood, you can continue along the coastal path to enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay. Playa de Ereaga: This beach is a popular spot for locals, with plenty of cafes and bars along the promenade. You’ll get a good view of the Puerto Deportivo de Getxo, a harbor filled with yachts. Puente Colgante (Vizcaya Bridge): As you walk along the coast, you'll also encounter the Puente Colgante, the world’s oldest transport bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It connects Getxo to the town of Portugalete across the river and offers great views of the coastline. 6. Return via the Coastal Path or Take the Metro You can either retrace your steps or take the metro from Getxo back to Bilbao. The Bilbao Metro is quick and efficient, with se

You are the “Iron & Ink Traveler,” a seeker of beauty forged in contrast — drawn to places where grit meets grace. In Bilbao, a once-industrial city now brimming with art, cuisine, and quiet rebellion, you're on a mission to follow the threads of transformation. 8:00 AM – Awakening at the Nervión River 📍Zubizuri Bridge | ⏱️ 30 mins Icons: 🌉☀️🖋️ Stand on Santiago Calatrava’s gleaming white footbridge as the city stirs. Below you, the river mirrors the skyline — old shipyards, new museums. Whisper your name into the wind: “I am the Ink, Bilbao is my page.” 8:30 AM – Pintxos & Poetry 📍Café Iruña | ⏱️ 1 hr Icons: ☕🥖📝 Built in 1903, this café feels like a slice of Moorish Andalusia, hiding in Basque Country. Try tortilla de patatas or a pintxo with Iberian ham. You write a few words in your notebook — “Steel softened by saffron.” 9:30 AM – Art Strikes Back 📍Guggenheim Museum | ⏱️ 1.5 hrs Icons: 🏛️🐶🎨 Frank Gehry’s titanium curves hold masterpieces by Rothko, Serra, and Bourgeois. Outside, Puppy, Jeff Koons’ floral dog, watches the world like a gentle guardian. Ink Traveler’s Vision: The building itself feels alive, like it might take flight. 11:30 AM – Riverside Walk to Casco Viejo 📍7 Streets (Zazpi Kaleak) | ⏱️ 1 hr Icons: 🚶♂️🏘️🎭 Wander through Bilbao’s Old Town. Hear echoes of revolution, read stories in stone balconies, smell roasted peppers wafting through narrow lanes. Hidden Gem: Peek into Librería Cámara — an old bookshop filled with Basque legends and indie zines. 1:00 PM – Lunch at La Olla de la Plaza Nueva 📍Plaza Nueva | ⏱️ 1.5 hrs Icons: 🍷🥘🏛️ Sit under arcades, sip txakoli (sparkling Basque wine), and order a ración of bacalao al pil-pil. This square has seen duels, protests, and poets — and now, you. 2:30 PM – Quiet Art at Museo de Bellas Artes 📍Doña Casilda Park | ⏱️ 1 hr Icons: 🖼️🌳🕰️ Less famous than Guggenheim but deeply powerful. Goya, El Greco, and Basque painters line these walls. The air is calmer here — perfect for reflection. Iron & Ink Note: Every city has a silent gallery. This is Bilbao’s. 4:00 PM – Green Escape in Doña Casilda Park 📍Near Bellas Artes | ⏱️ 45 mins Icons: 🌳🦆☁️ Feed the ducks, sketch the fountains, or lie under a chestnut tree. You’ve traveled far. Let Bilbao hold you for a moment. 5:00 PM – Cable Car Ascent to Artxanda 📍Funicular de Artxanda | ⏱️ 1 hr Icons: 🚡🌄📷 Take the funicular to the top of Mount Artxanda for panoramic views of Bilbao’s rebirth — the cranes, the Guggenheim, the Casco Viejo domes. Ink Traveler’s Journal: “From above, the city looks like a wound healed by art.” 6:30 PM – Aperitivo Hour in Abando 📍Calle Ledesma | ⏱️ 1 hr Icons: 🍸🍤💬 Classy, buzzing, full of locals. Sip vermouth, nibble on anchovy-stuffed olives, and eavesdrop on conversations in Basque and Spanish. The energy? Electrified elegance. 8:00 PM – Dinner at Azurmendi (or local fave: Bascook) 📍Fine Dining or Neo-Basque | ⏱️ 2 hrs Icons: ⭐🍽️🌟 If you’re feeling bold (and have a reservatio

In the north of Bilbao, there is a lot to explore along the waterfront. Nice walking sites for a cozy weekend on the sea 🐟🚤 Day 1 🛬 Arrival, walk along Nervión River, explore Casco Viejo (Old Town), pintxos dinner Day 2 🖼 Visit Guggenheim Museum, stroll the Zubizuri Bridge, chill in Doña Casilda Park Day 3 🏞 Ride up Artxanda Funicular for panoramic views, explore Bilbao La Vieja, shopping in Gran Vía Must-Visit Attractions 🐶 Guggenheim Museum – iconic architecture + modern art

#summerdestinations Spending a city break in Bilbao was absolutely delightful! 🌟 The city’s vibrant energy and unique blend of modern and historic architecture made it a memorable trip. I spent a few days exploring highlights like the stunning Guggenheim Museum and its iconic “Puppy” sculpture 🐶. The Casco Viejo, with its narrow streets and lively tapas bars, was perfect for evening strolls and delicious meals. A visit to the Artxanda viewpoint offered breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains 🌄. Bilbao is also known for its excellent public transport, making it easy to get around. For an affordable and enriching experience, I highly recommend exploring this dynamic Basque city! 🚶♂️🏙️ #trip #BilbaoBreak #GuggenheimMuseum #CascoViejo #ArtxandaViewpoint #BasqueAdventure

During my stay in Bilbao, a city in the Basque region of northern Spain, I thoroughly enjoyed the nightlife! In addition to eating at a bar, I also recommend taking a stroll around the old town on a quiet night🚶♀️ In particular, the lights of the buildings along the river were reflected on the water and it was very beautiful😍 It was so bright even at around 10pm, so you can thoroughly enjoy the nightlife🌉 The Santiago Cathedral at night had a different atmosphere from the daytime and was very beautiful✨ If you are traveling to northern Spain, I definitely recommend you visit Bilbao! #TravelingWithMe #TravelingToEurope #TravelingToSpain #TourismInSpain #Basque #Bilbao #bilbao #Walk

Bilbao, nestled in the heart of the Basque Country, offers a captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and architecture. Here are some travel notes to enhance your visit: 1. **Guggenheim Museum**: A masterpiece of modern architecture designed by Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum is a must-visit. Explore its striking titanium façade and discover contemporary art collections within. 2. **Casco Viejo (Old Town)**: Lose yourself in the narrow streets of the Old Town, where centuries of history come to life. Admire the charming architecture, visit traditional pintxo bars, and browse unique shops. 3. **Bilbao Fine Arts Museum**: Art enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive collection of Spanish and Basque artwork housed in this museum. From classical to contemporary pieces, there's something to inspire every visitor. 4. **Bilbao's Culinary Scene**: Indulge in the Basque Country's renowned gastronomy by sampling pintxos (Basque tapas) in local bars or savoring a gourmet meal in one of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants. 5. **Bilbao's Bridges**: Take a stroll along the riverside and marvel at Bilbao's iconic bridges, such as the Zubizuri (Basque for "white bridge") designed by Santiago Calatrava. 6. **San Mamés Stadium**: Football fans shouldn't miss the chance to visit the home of Athletic Club Bilbao. Even if you're not catching a match, a stadium tour offers insights into the club's rich history. 7. **Day Trips**: Consider exploring the picturesque Basque countryside or coastal towns like San Sebastián or Getxo, which offer beautiful beaches and charming seaside promenades. Remember to immerse yourself in the local culture, embrace the Basque way of life, and savor every moment of your Bilbao adventure!