Located in the heart of the Spanish Basque Country, Bilbao is a city that has reinvented itself by blending industrial heritage with cultural renewal. Driven by contemporary architecture and a vibrant arts scene, it now embodies one of the most interesting cultural and gastronomic destinations in Europe.
The story is well-known. A declining industrial city, a commission given to architect Frank Gehry in the 1990s, and the appearance of a titanium-clad building on the banks of the Nervión River, which helped change the destiny of an entire metropolis. The "Guggenheim effect" is often cited as a prime example of urban regeneration. But reducing Bilbao to this single building would be a mistake. In just a few decades, the Basque city has become one of the most attractive destinations in Europe.
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao remains the essential starting point. Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry and opened in 1997, the building is a work of art in its own right. Its spectacular architecture, characterized by a cladding of 33,000 titanium plates combined with glass and limestone, has the unique ability to change its appearance depending on the light. The temporary exhibitions it hosts regularly rank among the most ambitious on the continent, while its permanent collection includes major works by artists such as Mark Rothko, Richard Serra, and Andy Warhol.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Abandoibarra Etorbidea, 2, Bilbao
Within the museum complex, the visit continues with a gastronomic experience at Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao, one of the most remarkable restaurants in the Basque Country. Under the guidance of chef Josean Alija, the restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star. Its concept, named "Muina" ("essence" in Basque), celebrates a cuisine centered on the purity of the ingredients, showcasing a selection of local produce from gardens, the sea, and surrounding farms. The result is a cuisine of refined flavors, where each ingredient finds its perfect place. The setting, with its clean lines and natural light, is in perfect harmony with this culinary philosophy.
Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao
Abandoibarra Etorbidea, 2, Bilbao
Andra Mari, located in Galdakao, a few kilometers from Bilbao, is well worth the trip. This family-run restaurant, founded in 1964, is a Basque Country institution. It showcases the region's traditional cuisine in all its generosity: seasonal vegetables, meats grilled over a wood fire, and fish from the coast. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the setting rustic, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Awarded a Michelin star, it proves that excellence and simplicity can go hand in hand. An ideal address for those wishing to discover the roots of Basque gastronomy.
Second Mary
Barrio Elexalde 22, Galdakao
Another expression of Bilbao's culinary talent, the Mina restaurant stands out as a top choice. Led by chef Álvaro Garrido, it boasts a Michelin star. Mina distinguishes itself through its seasonal cuisine, working with the freshest ingredients and striving for a balance of flavors and textures, alternating between freshness and indulgence, simplicity and sophistication, in a precise and creative contemporary approach. This commitment has earned it a solid reputation on the international gastronomic scene.
Mina Restaurant
Ercilla Kalea, 37, Bilbao
As for the Zarate restaurant, it completes this gastronomic picture with its flagship specialty: fish. Under the direction of chef Sergio Ortiz de Zarate, also a Michelin-starred chef, this establishment showcases the finest Atlantic species, sourced from the ports of Lekeitio and Ondarroa. Signature dishes are created around sea bream, turbot, and kokotxas (cod or hake cheeks). The restaurant offers 15- or 20-course tasting menus, allowing for an exploration of Basque seafood cuisine.
Zarate Restaurant
Poza Lizentziatuaren Kalea, 65, Bilbao
But Bilbao's cultural ambition isn't limited to its museum. The Azkuna Zentroa is a perfect example. This former wine warehouse from the early 20th century was transformed by architect Philippe Starck into a multidisciplinary cultural center. The interior is stunning: 43 columns in various styles, evoking the diversity of cultures throughout history, support three buildings and a semi-transparent swimming pool suspended high above, bathed in natural light. Below, cinemas, exhibition halls, restaurants, sports facilities, and a study room coexist. More than a million people visit it every year. It's the place that best encapsulates what the Basque city has become: a city where culture is accessible to everyone, every day.
Azkuna centroa
Arriquibar Plaza, 4, Bilbao
Bilbao's historic center – Casco Viejo in Spanish – is another facet of the city, older and just as vibrant. The district's seven medieval streets, lined with remarkable buildings, are bustling at all hours. Pintxo bars abound, centuries-old bodegas stand alongside gourmet shops, and dinner begins after 21 p.m., in keeping with the local rhythm. It is here, in this joyful and popular bustle, that Basque culture beats strongest.
For a high-end stay in Bilbao, The Artist – Grand Hotel of Art is a top choice, ideally located opposite the Guggenheim Museum. A true homage to the art world, this hotel feels like an "artist's home," where every detail—from the design conceived by Javier Mariscal and Fernando Salas to the collection of contemporary artworks adorning the spaces—creates a unique experience. Its rooftop offers panoramic views of the city, while its Michelin Key distinction underscores the establishment's excellence.
The Artist – Grand Hotel of Art
Mazarredo Zumarkalea, 61, Bilbao
Similarly, the Hotel Miró is ideally located in the city, offering a direct view of the iconic museum. This boutique hotel, created by the designer Antonio Miró, embodies a concept of understated luxury and comfort in the heart of the bustling shopping district. Its spacious rooms and private "Acqua Wellness," including a hydromassage bath and sauna, are sure to delight wellness enthusiasts!
Hotel Miró
Mazarredo Zumarkalea, 77, Bilbao
Bilbao is far from being a city frozen in the success of the Guggenheim. The capital of Biscay cultivates a unique identity, where art, architecture, gastronomy, and lifestyle interact with remarkable harmony. Between leading cultural institutions, exceptional restaurants, and vibrant neighborhoods where Basque identity remains deeply alive, it offers a rich and authentic experience. A destination that constantly reinvents itself, without ever denying its roots.
