If you’re the kind of traveler who loves wandering through old streets, imagining what life looked like centuries ago, Bilbao has plenty of stories to tell. Sure, the city is known for the Guggenheim and its shiny, modern look — but beneath that sleek surface lies a fascinating history that shaped the Basque Country. Spend a day digging into Bilbao’s past, and you’ll see the city in a whole new light.
Start your morning in Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s Old Town. This is where it all began back in the 14th century, when the city was just a small medieval port on the Nervión River. The narrow cobbled streets of the Siete Calles (Seven Streets) still hold that old charm, with colorful facades, traditional shops, and plenty of pintxos bars waiting for you later. Don’t miss Santiago Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic church that’s been welcoming pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago for centuries.
Your next stop is the Euskal Museoa — the Basque Museum — right in the heart of the Old Town. It’s housed in a 17th-century former Jesuit college and cloister, and it does a great job of explaining the deep cultural roots of the Basque people. From prehistoric artifacts to traditional fishing tools and folk costumes, it’s the perfect place to understand the history and identity that make this region so unique.
From there, head just a short walk away to the Archaeological Museum of Bizkaia. It’s smaller, but full of surprises. The exhibits walk you through thousands of years of local history — from ancient settlements and Roman remains to medieval life in the Basque Country. If you like stories told through objects, this museum is a gem.
By now, you’ve probably earned a good lunch break, and luckily, Casco Viejo is full of excellent options. Grab a few pintxos and a glass of local txakoli wine in Plaza Nueva, the lively square that’s been the social heart of Bilbao since the 19th century.
In the afternoon, make your way toward the river and visit the Itsasmuseum Bilbao, the city’s maritime museum. It’s located near the old Euskalduna shipyards, once a symbol of Bilbao’s industrial power. The museum’s exhibits tell the story of the city’s strong relationship with the sea — from shipbuilding and fishing to the port’s transformation over time. The outdoor area, with real ships and cranes, gives you a sense of just how important the river was to Bilbao’s growth.
End your day with a relaxed stroll along the Nervión River, watching the sunlight bounce off the bridges and buildings or take the subway to Areeta (Las Arenas) and admire the magnificent Vizcaya Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding contribution to the development of modern engineering.
By the time you sit down for dinner back in the Casco Viejo, you’ll have walked through centuries of Bilbao’s history — from its medieval beginnings to its modern rebirth. It’s a city that wears its past proudly, and for history lovers, that’s exactly what makes it so special.