If you’re the kind of traveler who can spend hours in a gallery, lose track of time staring at a sculpture, or geek out over urban street art — Bilbao is your kind of city. Nestled in the heart of the Basque Country, this former industrial port has reinvented itself as one of Europe’s most exciting art hubs. And the best part? You can soak in a whole lot of it in just one day.
Morning: Guggenheim, the Shimmering Star
Let’s be honest — no art itinerary in Bilbao can start anywhere else but at the Guggenheim Museum. Designed by Frank Gehry and opened in 1997, it’s the building that literally changed the city’s destiny. Its flowing titanium curves glint in the sun like some sort of alien ship that landed on the banks of the Nervión River. Even if you didn’t step inside (but you absolutely should!), the exterior is already a masterpiece.
In the outside, don’t skip Jeff Koons’ “Puppy”, the enormous flower-covered dog guarding the entrance, or Louise Bourgeois’ “Maman”, the towering spider that somehow manages to be both elegant and terrifying. Inside, the collection blends bold temporary exhibitions with modern heavyweights — from Rothko and Serra to Basque artists like Eduardo Chillida.
Grab a coffee at the museum café afterward or go eat some pintxos at the nearby Iparraguirre street; and just people-watch — half the fun of the Guggenheim is watching everyone else fall under its spell.
Midday: Classic Beauty at the Museo de Bellas Artes
From the futuristic to the traditional, a short walk takes you to the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, one of Spain’s most underrated art museums. This place has an amazing mix — from Spanish masters like Goya and El Greco to Basque artists such as Zuloaga and Iturrino. There’s also a strong modern collection featuring Picasso, Bacon, and Chillida again (you’ll start noticing he’s everywhere around here — and for good reason).
If you need a break, the museum’s cafeteria has a lovely terrace facing the park, perfect for a pintxo and a glass of txakoli before continuing your artistic wander.
Afternoon: Hidden Art Gems Around Town
Art in Bilbao isn’t confined to museums — it’s everywhere. The Azkuna Zentroa for example, a cultural center housed in a renovated wine warehouse redesigned by Philippe Starck — the interior alone is worth a peek, with floating cubes, surreal architecture, and a rooftop pool that lets you look down at visitors below through a glass floor!
And you cannot miss BilbaoArte, a contemporary art center dedicated to supporting emerging artists and promoting creative experimentation. Housed in a former warehouse from the early 20th century, visitors can often explore temporary exhibitions, open studios, and cultural events that showcase Bilbao’s vibrant creative scene.
If you like religious art, the Museo de Arte Sacro de Bilbao displays an extensive collection of religious art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Its galleries feature sculptures, paintings, and goldwork that highlight the spiritual and artistic heritage of the Basque Country.
If you love street art, take a detour through San Francisco district, where walls burst with color and the occasional political message. It’s gritty, creative, and completely different from the polished vibe of the Guggenheim.
Even the Bilbao metro entrances deserve their own little spotlight! They’re one of those details you might overlook at first, but once you notice them, you start seeing them as mini architectural gems sprinkled around the city. The locals affectionately call them “fosteritos”, and there’s a cool story behind that name. The Bilbao Metro system, which opened in 1995, was designed by Sir Norman Foster, the British architect famous for sleek, futuristic designs (he’s also behind London’s “Gherkin” building). When the stations were being built, Foster wanted the entrances to be elegant, functional, and seamlessly integrated into the cityscape — a bit like glassy portals to a world below.
Evening: Pintxos and Reflections
End your day the local way: with a pintxo crawl through the Casco Viejo (old town). The narrow streets, full of life and laughter, are a living gallery in their own right. Between bites of tortilla and sips of Rioja, you’ll notice art spilling out of shop windows, artisan boutiques, and quirky galleries.
Bilbao is a city that proves art doesn’t just belong in museums — it’s in the architecture, the people, the food, the rhythm of the river itself. Whether you’re here for one day or one week, it’s impossible not to leave inspired.
