The 11 best free attractions in Bilbao

Had a lovely time at the Guggenheim Museum. It was definitely smaller than expected but still a fun and entertaining experience. Tickets are definitely on the pricier side but I’d say worth it. We didn’t get tickets in advance but thankfully there was just a small line to get tickets. I visited on a Friday. There’s 3 floors and I’d say that 2 hours would be more than enough to see everything + take pictures. The building has amazing architecture both externally and internally.

Loved the Guggenheim in Bilbao. The building is beautiful. Inside, I really enjoyed this one area with huge bold texts and pieces that felt super activist-like. Not sure what to call that type of art, but it was powerful and really cool to walk through. Definitely a museum that makes you stop and think while also just being an awesome place to see

A absolutely place to come visit. Depending on what is in exhibit, you will find different tastes of art. Art with self expression was an inspiring sight. Will need around 2-4 hours to view all. The outside of the museum has more sculptures to appreciate as well as the “puppy” in o admire.

An absolute must-see when visit Bilbao. Outside and also the exhibition. The rooms seems to be larger than from outside. Really great! I was in the morning where it is empty! I didn't use any guide or smartphone. For me art need to touch you, or not. Any description can not cover this. Art is the moment where You are touched ♥️. But also CRcodes are available to scan. Entrance fee is 18€, which is full ok. You can directly go- no need to prebook in September. The museum has 3floors with good signs and directions. I spend 2hours. This time is ok, I think. I visited also the cafe, which is very good also.

It’s world-famous for a reason! I am in no way well-versed in art but I really enjoyed all 3 floors of the museum. I appreciated the variety of media, artists, eras, and kind of art featured here. I think what made it more fun was how interactive some of them are, and some exhibitions were also larger than life. It featured both big and rising, international and local names in the industry which was a great way to highlight other people in the industry. I appreciated how organized the museum was as well. There was a Yayoi Kusama exhibition, which would normally take forever to see but they planned it very well. It was a really quick few seconds to see it but this made the line go faster and didn’t hold up anyone who wanted to see it. The featured artist at that time was also very talented and fun to see! Lots of interactive and dynamic art featured that changed the experience for the viewer every room we visited. We also didn’t buy tickets ahead and I really thought we missed our chance, but the museum allotted tickets for walk-in visitors. The line went so fast as well which we appreciated a lot. So it was a very pleasant experience!!

Spectacular treat just to view it from the outside. We went in the doors and explored the lobby gift shop and absolutely incredible short video they provide for free. Just this and the outside art could be enough for you? We didn’t have enough time to explore further, but we’re in awe of what we did see and architecture. They were replanting the flower dog in early October.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao – An Architectural and Artistic Masterpiece As photographers for Photolator, visiting the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao was a feast for the eyes and the lens. Designed by Frank Gehry, this world-renowned museum is as much a work of art as the masterpieces it houses. Its sweeping titanium curves, shimmering in the sunlight, change character with the time of day, offering endless photographic possibilities from every angle. The surrounding area adds to the magic — from the playful “Puppy” flower sculpture to the striking riverside setting, each step offers a new composition. Inside, the museum’s spacious, light-filled galleries are home to exceptional contemporary art, thoughtfully displayed to inspire both art lovers and photographers alike. Service is impeccable, the layout is intuitive, and the atmosphere encourages both contemplation and creativity. For photographers, the Guggenheim is not just a cultural stop, but a dynamic canvas where light, form, and art converge. For Photolator, it stands as a prime example of architecture and art harmonizing to create an unforgettable visual experience. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An incredible space! The combination of culture, leisure, library and beautiful architecture is one of the things I love about Bilbao. We went to an incredible exhibition in the basement before checking out the rest of the building. I would highly recommend a trip here if you are visiting Bilbao for a few days!

It was a pleasant experience, the space it's huge and the exhibition was interesting ( but a little disturbing for me) All sugest blood and more blood...So I think that the Japanese artist was a little obsessed... Good thing , it was no tickets to pay 😉

Very unique experience. Space for artists and and people who love art. Many bars, cafes and butiques. You can also visit the terrace with beautiful views. I visited temporary exhibition My house is your house, which opened my eyes and showed me new views of many situations.

A beautiful space with a spectacular free art exhibition. Lots of free space for children to run around and for adults to explore especially during rainy days in Bilbao. There are restaurants and theatre, and a small shop selling art.

A cultural centre with beautiful artistic pilasters. Great view from the rooftop, and the architecture is wonderful (Philippe Starck)

Nice enough pool. Cold showers. Can be very busy. 7.50euro adult ticket at time of writing

This building is really stunning. So many different activity offers there, impressive architecture, funny interior and lots of things to explore. It offers gastronomy, an exhibition, cinema, rooftop terrace, etc. Probably one of the highlights is the rooftop pool with a glass bottom. So you can see the people swimming while you are in the centre’s ground floor.

Under renovation, the exhibition is limited, but it is free to enter. Apart from a whole section filled with inflated plastic which is unexplained and hazardous to elderly visitors, there are some interesting works and a few masterpieces. A good place to come on a rainy day. Not suitable for children or people who need accessible space. After renovation this will probably change and the experience will be better.

👍🏽 Fantastic FREE museum with mostly modern + some contemporary & renaissance pieces. 1-2 hours. Free large lockers + bathroom downstairs (there’s an elevator, but bathrooms didn’t look accessible). Grab a folding stool on the first floor under the stairs to make your visit more comfortable. If I lived here, I’d come every month! Not recommended for children (at least not this set of exhibits Sep 2025).

In June 2025 the museum was undergoing substantial building work. As a result, only part of the collection was on display. But entry was free, instead of 7 Euros, during the building work. Part of the available display space was taken up with modern art consisting of enormous inflated balloons, each one occupying a whole room. From my point of view this was a waste of the limited available space. However the five rooms devoted to classical paintings, including El Greco and his contemporaries, were very interesting.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Bilbao is a nice, smaller museum. The collection wasn’t too impressive, and one installation spread across many rooms felt confusing. That said, the visit is pleasant and can be done in about an hour. Good option if you’re looking for something quieter than the Guggenheim.

End of August 2025. Still reconstruction, so free entrance. Few masterpieces, Max Ernst, some big inflations, two El Grecos. Nice and kind visit.

Its under major renovation but still has a small area open for free, some great works by el greco and goya, also some interesting temporary audio visual exhibition linking flamenco with the geography and psychology of 9 inhabitants as they walk the streets of Sevilla.

Some interesting pieces, but some left me a little cold or confused. However, as renovations are being carried out, our visit was free. And it was another "should see" done during our 3 days in Bilbao

A peaceful morning walk around this park is perfect for clearing the mind and energising the body. Pretty pavilions and flower planting. It is in need of a little refreshing of the paths, especially around the pond but it's very accessible and relaxing for all ages.

🐶🦆👶🏽✅♿️ Ramps and/or stairs down (depends on what side you enter). Very comfortable lounging chairs to nap or read near the fountain, plenty of shade, dog friendly (some off leash), benches, trash cans, lights, ducks.

Great park to escape the heat. Perfect for kids and prams.

Very nice park and big enough to walk and admire the fountains. But, not enough park benches

Beautiful park, next to the Museo Bella Artes —- well worth a quiet hour or two in the sunshine, watching the dogs and people stroll by

What a wonderful park for all seasons.

Lovely park, perfect for relaxing in company. I think this is the nicest park of Bilbao and it’s completely in the center! It’s perfect for taking your dog also, there will be many to play with him.

Beautiful bridge providing pedestrian traffic to Abando neighborhood.

A bit disappointed by the street and bridge. Maybe I overthought the place , seen in movies etc. Honestly no reason to visit at all. Only if you would hang out or stay in a hotel on the other side , you would use the bridge

Beautiful and interesting if in Bilbao don’t miss it.

Nice esthetic, but a total Calatrava disaster

Ideal

(Translated by Google) It's worth it, beautiful, ever-present, but it's a shame some of the glass tiles are broken. The place is incredible, and stay for the wonderful surroundings. (Original) Vale la pena, lindo, siempre presente, lastima el estado de algunas de las baldosas de vidrio rotas. El lugar es increíble y quédate con el entorno que es maravilloso.

(Translated by Google) Small bridge with interesting structure. (Original) Piccolo ponte con struttura interessante.

Go if the only thing you want to see is the viewpoint (make sure it is not a foggy day at the top). Otherwise, there is nothing else to do. There is so much potential which is a shame. For example, it advertises a roller skate park but it is barren and nothing is there in the height of June. There is no cafe or anything to sit and chill. Some lonely chairs and decorations. Spend your time elsewhere, we regret it!

It is worth €3 to take the funicular or hike up to Mt Artxanda. It was a foggy day when I visited, lovely and cool. There is a small park at the top and a wide viewing area. I hiked down - well worth it although you do need GPS so you don’t get lost.

Wow! What a great place. Definitely a must visit when travelling in Bilbao. We took the tram up to the viewing point using our barrik cards so it was super cheap (although very busy). You can see the whole of Bilbao from Mount Artxanda and it’s beautiful.

Amazing view of Bilbao, fresh air and a lot of green parks — that’s everything i needed

Very nice place to be on, if you visit bilbao. It a peak view of Bilbao, recommended

Must see place. Terrific views of Bilbao. Can be accessed via a funicular train.

First you take the Funicular up the mountain, which on its own is absolutely charming, up to some of the best views/romantic views of Bilbao. Not a quick walk but close enough to reach from the Guggenheim

Amazing club. The tour was fantastic and access all areas. It's easy to see why la cathedral is so special to the people of bilbao

Really good visit lots to look at and lots to learn about the history of the club, even for non football supporters, standard visit of changing rooms, media and of course the stadium dugouts, would recommend and the price is reasonable, we chose the roam free tour 15€ for adults.

A fully immersive experience for the hardcore Athletico Bilbao fan or general football enthusiast. Much like the club itself, the museum balances cutting-edge technology with deep respect for tradition; access to the ground was truly thrilling.

An excellent interaction during the tour and you certainly get the feeling of how committed the club is to make sure that spectators enjoy watching a spectacular game of football

Very well structured tour, atmospheric settings, one of the most romantic football tours i had

Fantastic museum and stadium tour. The access within the stadium was great. Incredible venue.

Lots of interesting facts laid out in different ways to keep up interest level. Not just same reading little plaques. Could download videos by finding correct picture as part of audio guide. We did not do a guided tour but used the free audio guide and listened at our own pace skipping anything we did not want to listen too. Took lots of photos sitting in the famous seats around the stadium including press box and dressing room. Would recommend only one of our party likes football but we all enjoyed this visit.

(Translated by Google) Footbridge that runs from Ibarrekolanda passing the bridge over the highway to Artxanda along Mount Banderas, passing over Arangoiti and next to the Olympic shooting range, spectacular views of Deusto, the estuary, San Mamés and all of Bilbao, bikes and scooters prohibited , viewpoint and rest area, you have the option in Artxanda to continue along a path next to the road that takes you to the funicular, about 4km more, opt to go down through Arangoiti and from here to the starting point in Ibarrekolanda (Original) Pasarela que discurre desde Ibarrekolanda pasando el puente sobre la autopista hacia Artxanda por el monte Banderas, pasando por encima de Arangoiti y al lado de campo de tiro olímpico, espectaculares vistas de Deusto, la ría, San Mamés y todo Bilbao, prohibido bicis y patinetes, zona de mirador y descanso, tienes la opción en Artxanda de seguir por un sendero al lado de la carretera que te lleva al funicular, unos 4km más,opte por bajar por Arangoiti y de aquí hacia el punto de partida en Ibarrekolanda

(Translated by Google) Very pretty, worth the climb. The views are gorgeous, and the funicular ride takes no time at all. Plus, the funicular is included in your travel card, and it's very cheap this way. Here are the letters for Bilbao/Bilbo. It's very cool, I recommend it. (Original) Muy bonito, merece la pena subir. Las vistas son preciosas y no se tarda nada en subir en funicular. Además, el funicular entra en la tarjeta de transporte y sale muy barato de esta manera. Aquí están las letras de Bilbao / Bilbo, es muy chulo, lo recomiendo.

(Translated by Google) Inaugurated 3 months ago. For the most part the existing shoulder has been used and it has been fenced with wood. There are benches in the old viewpoints near the funicular and parking areas at the height of the swimming pools. It has caught my attention that in several sections there is no lighting despite having advertised that they were street lights with solar energy 24 hours a day and that the road is not fully operational from the roundabout of the swimming pools to Nogaro with separation of lanes with cones. Much to improve in a much needed recreation area. (Original) Inaugurado hace 3 meses.En su mayor parte se ha utilizado el arcén existente y se ha vallado con maderos.Hay bancos en los antiguos miradores cerca del funicular y zonas de aparcamiento a la altura de las piscinas.Me ha llamado la atención que en varios tramos no exista iluminación a pesar de haber publicitado que se trataba de farolas con energía solar las 24 horas del díay que la carretera no esté totalmente operativa desde la rotonda de las piscinas hasta Nogaro con separación de carriles con conos.Mucho que mejorar en una zona de esparcimiento muy necesitada.

(Translated by Google) I stayed at the Artxanda for a week. A wonder to be able to enjoy this walk that runs from Enekuri to Santo Domingo. Enjoy the views of the city, near the funicular 1 km from where I stayed. We were advised several routes using the funicular. Quite a discovery. (Original) Me hospede en el Artxanda una semana. Una maravilla, poder disfrutar de este paseo que discurre desde Enekuri a Santo Domingo. Disfrute de las vistas de la ciudad, cerca el funicular a 1 km de donde me alojé , Nos aconsejaron varios recorridos utilizando el funicular. Todo un descubrimiento.

(Translated by Google) Highly recommended if you want to see the sunset or sunrise over the city, or at any time. It's easy to get there with the rack railway and it's cheap. (Original) Muy recomendable si se desea ver el atardecer o amanecer de la ciudad o en cualquier momento, se sube fácilmente con el cremallera y es barato.

(Translated by Google) A great ride. (Original) Un paseo estupendo.

(Translated by Google) The best panoramic view of the city, adapted park with services and plenty of parking (Original) La mejor Vista panorámica de la ciudad parque adaptado con servicios y bastante aparcamiento

The most beautiful library I have ever seen in life. Definitely go. Don't expect a big library but it's cute and absolutely stunning.

A true gem in the city. Beautiful place.

Gorgeous medium-sized library. Really well conserved, with tons of chandeliers and beautiful decorated windows.

Beautiful environment!

incorrect opening hours on google

Beautiful building, definitely pop in if you're walking past

Gorgeous.

(Translated by Google) Nice place to walk and sunbathe (Original) Bonito sitio para pasear y tomar el sol

(Translated by Google) A beautiful park with a view of the whole of Bilbao. The horses are a beautiful sight and I like how they are used to tourists here. (Original) Krásný park s výhledem na celé Bilbao. Na koně je krásný pohled a líbí se mi, jak jsou tu zvyklý na turisty.

(Translated by Google) Recreational area: picnic areas, showers, children's games and a beautiful view (Original) Zona recreativa: merenderos , duchas,juegos para niños y una bonita vista

(Translated by Google) A wonderful mountain, close and with beautiful views. Although I think there are too many playgrounds (3 in a small space) that take away the charm of nature, but hey, errors from a City Council that does not know that the mountains and the city are different things. (Original) Una maravilla de monte, cercano y con vistas preciosas. Aunque creo que hay demasiados parques infantiles (3 en un pequeño espacio) que le quitan encanto a la naturaleza, pero bueno, errores de un Ayuntamiento que no sabe que el monte y la ciudad son cosas diferentes.

(Translated by Google) The site is very good, but they should fence the fountains so that loose animals cannot access them. Let them make some exclusive watering holes for them. I say this because my son approached the fountain and as he hit the tap, a cow approached and pushed him with its horn to push him away so she could drink. He was left in shock and had a scratch on his chest. (Original) El sitio está muy bien, pero deberían cercar las fuentes para que los animales sueltos no puedan acceder a ellas. Que les hagan unos abrevaderos exclusivos para ellos. Lo digo porque mi hijo se ha acercado a la fuente y según le ha dado al grifo, se ha acercado una vaca y le ha empujado con el cuerno para apartarle y beber ella. Se ha quedado en un susto y un rasponazo en el pecho.

(Translated by Google) The mountain is ideal, the views are very good, a lot of shade and above all many tables under trees, shadows, the only and disappointing drawback that for me is very, very important is that there is only one fountain where you can drink water and it Worst of all is that some heartless person who I believe to be very intentional has torn down the wood that protects this only source of cows' access to said source, which causes you to find cows drinking from the fountain from which every passerby drinks, whether child or adult with the consequences that this can cause in a human being (infections and so on), this image of seeing cows drinking from a public fountain is very disappointing. (Original) El monte es ideal, las vistas muy buenas,mucha sombra y sobre todo muchas mesas debajo de árboles,osease sombras,la única y decepcionante pega que para mí es muy pero que muy importante es que solo hay una fuente donde poder beber agua y lo peor de todo es que algún desalmado que yo creo muy intencionado ha derribado las maderas que protegen esta única fuente del acceso de las vacas a dicha fuente, lo que provoca que te encuentres vacas bebiendo de la fuente en la que bebe todo viandante sea niño o adulto con las consecuencias que esto puede provocar en un ser humano( infecciones y demas), es muy decepcionante dicha imagen de ver a vacas bebiendo de una fuente pública.

(Translated by Google) A very attractive, clean and good place to spend a good afternoon. (Original) Un lugar muy atractivo, limpio y bueno para pasar una buena tarde.