What to see and do in Bilbao

Bilbao, or Bilbo in Basque, is the capital of Biscay and the most populated city in the Basque Country, set at the mouth of the Nervión River on the Northern Way. Pilgrims can visit the Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry, the 15th-century Gothic Cathedral of Santiago, the neoclassical Plaza Nueva, and the eclectic 1900 Palacio Foral.

This area was a center of heavy industrialization during the 20th century, which led to a severe crisis during the industrial restructuring of the 1980s. However, unlike many other industrial regions that fell into decline, Bilbao successfully reinvented itself economically. Its process of reconversion and the environmental restoration of the estuary is one of the most celebrated in Spain. Today, it stands as one of the country's most dynamic metropolises, offering a cultural scene on par with cities like Madrid or Barcelona.

A little history

Bilbao was founded in the year 1300 by Diego López de Haro V, Lord of Bizkaia. Its historical dynamism and consolidation were driven by the establishment of the Northern Way of Saint James and the growth of its commercial port.

Would you like to walk this part of the Camino with your accommodation booked for every stage? These organised trips pass through Bilbao: Northern Way from Irún to Bilbao and Northern Way from Bilbao to Santander.

Foral Palace of Bilbao

This beautiful building was built in 1900 in an eclectic style by the architect Luis Aladrén. The main façade presents a combination of old Renaissance palaces inspired by the work of Alberti, featuring "alla rustica" rustication, combined with neoclassical structures and clear Baroque ornamentation.

Guggenheim Museum

The impressive building that houses the museum is the work of the brilliant contemporary architect Frank Gehry. Pilgrims who have walked the French Way through La Rioja will recognize his style from the Marqués de Riscal winery.

Located on the Abandoibarra promenade, the museum was inaugurated in 1997. It primarily houses contemporary art, including works by renowned artists such as Louise Bourgeois (the "Maman" spider located outside), Mark Rothko, Antonio Saura, Jorge Oteiza, Anselm Kiefer, and Andy Warhol, among others.

Plaza Nueva

Built in a neoclassical style, Plaza Nueva is one of the city's main hubs for leisure and commerce. On Sundays, it hosts a weekly market that is a popular attraction for all visitors.

Cathedral of Santiago

The Cathedral of Santiago de Bilbao was built in the 15th century in the Gothic style. It is the most historic religious building in the city and a key landmark for pilgrims.

www.bilbao.eus