Bilbao Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Bilbao, Biscay, Basque Country, Spain)

Tourist attractions in the Bilbao are varied to say the least. Ranging from historical plazas and buildings in central Bilbao, to vast football stadiums and concerts halls on the outskirts, tourist attractions in Bilbao appeal to all visitors.

Some of the top historic tourist attractions in Bilbao include the Mercado Antiguo Lavadero (Old Market), the Plaza Circular, the Plaza Moyua and the Plaza de Miguel de Unamuno, where you can soak up Bilbao's historic character and charm.

For more lively tourist attractions in Bilbao, head to the Arriaga Theatre or the Palacio de Congresos y de la Música.

Biblioteca Municipal de Bidebarrieta (Bidebarrieta Municipal Library)

Address: Bidebarrieta, 4, Bilbao, 48005, Spain
Housed in a historic building dating back to the late 19th century, the splendid Bidebarrieta Municipal Library is home to much more than just books. Attractions here include a large hall which regularly hosts many of Bilbao's most notable events and concerts, numerous temporary exhibitions, and a modern computer suite, which offers Internet access.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:30 to 21:00, Saturday - 08:30 to 14:00
Admission: free

Estadio de Fútbol de San Mamés (San Mamés Football Stadium)

Address: Alameda Mazarredo, 23, Palacio Ibaigane, Bilbao, Vizcaya, 48009, Spain
Tel: +34 94 424 0877
This important football stadium regularly hosts many large matches and holds around 40,000 spectators. Opened in the early 20th century, the historic San Mamés Football Stadium has been renovated and modernised over the years, and stands on the outskirts of Bilbao, in the Ensanche area. Attractions nearby include a number of bars, which are always busy around match times.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:30 to 13:30, 16:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

Mercado Antiguo Lavadero (Old Market)

Address: Castanos, 11, Bilbao, 48007, Spain
Once a historic laundry house (lavadero), this brick building can be found in the Castanos area of Bilbao. With regular markets and nearby specialty shops, this area is full of character and the perfect place to head for souvenirs. The wash house itself was an important part of life in the early 20th century and was built in 1910.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Palacio de Congresos y de la Música (Music and Conference Centre)

Address: Abandoibarra, 4, Bilbao, 48011, Spain
Tel: +34 94 403 5000
A major entertainment venue in Bilbao, the Palacio de Congresos y de la Música hosts many important conferences, theatrical performances, ballets, operas and concerts throughout the year. Offering a maximum capacity of more than 2,000 spectators, this building stands in the historic Euskalduna shipyards and resembles an enormous ship. Other attractions here include restaurants, coffee shops, bars, a terrace area, landscaped gardens and seasonal events.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, charge for events

Plaza Circular

Address: Gran Via, Bilbao, Vizcaya, 48001, Spain
Home to the important statue of Don Diego López de Haro, Bilbao's official founder in the early 12th century, the Plaza Circular Is surrounded by many major businesses, company offices and modern buildings. One of the main tourist attractions in the plaza is the BBVA-ren Dorrea bank tower, the city's tallest skyscraper measuring around 85 metres / 279 feet, which was built in 1968 and has become a popular place to meet.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Plaza Moyua

Address: Gran Via, Bilbao, Vizcaya, 48009, Spain
Often known locally as the Plaza Eliptica, Bilbao's Plaza Moyua offers a range of fashion boutiques, landscaped French-style gardens and a central fountain. Located in the heart of the Gran Via, much of the Plaza Moyua was restored and renovated in the 1990s and features many notable buildings and hotels nearby, including the Palacio de Chávarri.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Plaza Nueva

Address: Cerea Arenal Puente, Bilbao, Vizcaya, 48005, Spain
Situated in Bilbao's Old Quarter, the Plaza Nueva is best known for its historic stone arches and extensive selection of shops, coffee shops and eateries, with al fresco dining on the terraces. The plaza is a popular meeting spot and dates back to the 18th century.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Plaza de Miguel de Unamuno

Address: Near Sombrereria Street, Bilbao, 48005, Spain
Tel: +34 944 70 1301
An important part of life in Bilbao, the Plaza de Miguel de Unamuno is a prominent square, known for its large statue of famous local author Unamuno. Surrounded by nearby attractions, museums, cafés and bars, the square is often used for major events and fiestas each summer, including the city's popular Semana Grande festival.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Plaza de Toros de Vista Alegre (Bilbao Bullring)

Address: Martin Agüero, 1, Bilbao, 48012, Spain
Tel: +34 94 444 8698
The Plaza de Toros de Vista Alegre is an enormous and impressive bullring, opened in the early 1960s. With many fiestas and bullfighting events from March to early October, this large arena has a capacity of around 15,000 and also features a museum, the Museo Taurino.
Open hours: March to early October, hours vary
Admission: charge

Universidad de Deusto (Deusto University)

Address: Avenida de las Universidades, 24, Bilbao, Vizcaya, 48007, Spain
Tel: +34 94 413 9000
The Deusto University is located in the Abandoibarra area of Bilbao and is highly regarded throughout Spain. A large complex comprising a number of notable, historical buildings and attractions, many people choose to visit the university's period chapels, vast main hall, library and gardens.
Open hours: daily - hours vary
Admission: free

Teatro Arriaga (Arriaga Theatre)

Address: Plaza Arriaga, Bilbao, 48005, Spain
Tel: +34 94 416 3533
Standing in Bilbao's Old Quarter, the Teatro Arriaga offers year-round performances, with attractions including plays, concerts and operas. This grand, ornate theatre dates back to 1890 and was rebuilt in 1914 after bad fire damage. Bilbao's Teatro Arriaga is known for its impressive architecture, which is reminiscent of the famous Paris Opera House.
Open hours: Box office, Saturday to Tuesday - 11:30 to 14:00, 17:00 to 19:00; Wednesday to Friday - 11:30 to 14:00, 17:00 to 20:30
Admission: charge for events