One day in Bilbao

Casco Viejo and the Seven Streets

The old town, laid out in seven parallel streets on the right bank of the river, with small shops, bars and squares. It is a walk, with no ticket and no fixed route.

3 h 10 visitAlways open

Walk it in the morning when the shops are open, and return in the evening for pintxos.

Source: Bilbao Turismo (Ayuntamiento de Bilbao), checked November 2, 2026

Plaza Nueva

The arcaded square in the middle of the old town, lined with bars and cafes. It is a place to stop, not a visit.

45 min visitAlways open

Sit under the arcades with a pintxo and watch the square fill up at lunch.

Source: Bilbao Turismo (Ayuntamiento de Bilbao), checked November 2, 2026

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

The titanium museum designed by Frank Gehry on the river, with modern and contemporary art and a building worth walking around. The ticket includes an audio guide.

3 h 30 visitOpen 10:00 am–7:00 pmAdult ticket €12

Walk around the outside first, past the flower-covered puppy and the spider sculpture, then go in when the doors open and leave the riverside for last.

Tickets are sold on the museum's own site, tickets.guggenheim-bilbao.eus. A walk-up ticket is possible, but buying online avoids the queue at the desk on busy days and weekends.

Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00, and until 20:00 in Easter week (30 March to 12 April) and from 15 June to 13 September. It also opens on some Mondays: 30 March, 6 April, every Monday from 15 June to 7 September, 12 October and 7 and 28 December. Closed on 25 December and 1 January, and it closes at 17:00 on 24 and 31 December.

Source: Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, checked November 2, 2026

Arriaga Theatre

The neo-Baroque theatre on the river edge of the old town, worth a look from outside. It is a quick stop on the walk through the Casco Viejo.

30 min visitAlways open

Come in the evening when the facade is lit and the square by the river is busy.

Source: Bilbao Turismo (Ayuntamiento de Bilbao), checked November 2, 2026