The 48 best sights in Bilbao (2024)

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, an impressive structure crafted by renowned architect Frank Gehry, is a remarkable contemporary art museum. It resides in a former industrial area of Bilbao and showcases significant 20th-century artworks from the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation collection. This gleaming museum, composed of titanium and glass, stands as a masterpiece according to architecture experts.

Bilbao was one of the stops for our cruise (August 2022). I didn't go inside because I'm not a big fan of modern art, but the design of the building is the main reason I visited (there's a building near my job that was designed by the same architect that has a similar roof pattern). There are some sculptures outside to see as well.

Tiffany Vaughn — Google review

The best thing about this museum is the design of the museum itself. Very impressive building.There were a few really nice pieces and the majority of the pieces were too modern for my taste.But when in Bilbao... Just pay a visit. You can go through the museum in 1,5 hours if time is an issue

Darby de Bies — Google review

Universal accessibility could have been better in terms of signs to the restaurant and back, but if you ask for help, you’ll get it. Definitely a place to visit, you don’t have to be a self proclaimed art lover to appreciate the Guggenheim. They’ve got modern, contemporary stuff, but also great engineering and figurative art.Even walking around outside is wonderful, and I’d say it’s enough to tick the bucket list if you’re a jet setter, but do pop in if you’ve got the time. No regrets.The gift store has a few cool gadgets, too!We ate at the bistro. Great service, weird seating, a bit pricey, but what do you expect… Very tasty food, and all the more energy to continue enjoying the museum and whatever comes next! Recommended as well.

Anders Eggum — Google review

Such a beautiful architecture and modern art! It was the first attraction I’ve booked before going to Bilbao. I was impressed by the design and grandeur of the art around the museum and of the building itself. There is a bit of wait for the light room but it’s definitely a must! Couldn’t recommend this more. 5/5

Daniela Andreea — Google review

The building was already amazing on the outside, but love to walk through it too. The exhibitions were quite diverse, so I like some of it. However, other things did not fully suit my taste. Currently the second floor is not open, so a 1 hour visit was all we needed. Luckily the tickets were relatively cheap. Definitely worth a visit!

Marjolein Velthuizen — Google review

The place that deserves to be visited at any time of the year. The architecture is amazing and unique. The exhibitions are of different authors and certain periods. Through the QR code, you can enter the application and benefit from an audio guide in all halls and galleries.

Anton Ivanov — Google review

A fascinating museum of contemporary art. Seeing him live is a special experience. The facade of the golden reflection is surprisingly live. Artworks of huge sizes approach the scale of a huge space and work fascinatingly. You can also view the building from the bridge above, where it works particularly fascinatingly and where the sculptural architecture comes to life in its entirety.Contemporary art becomes much more interesting in such an object

Marjan Poboljšaj — Google review

Wonderful collection of art. Just as great as seeing the art inside is taking in the architecture of the building itself and the grounds surrounding. There is a bridge right next to it that has been painted by artists it's a great place to get some photos of the city and river.

Brett Norman — Google review

Came here on a Monday Morning. It was relatively empty. No wait, got tickets and in we went. The top floor was closed for construction, so had to knock them down a star. Shouldn’t charge full price if 1/3rd of the museum isn’t open.Some cool exhibits. Ours was all cars themed, so worked for us.I would not recommend traveling a long distance for this museum. But it was fun regardless of the long trek.

Robin Mehera — Google review

An amazing museum, the building itself is a piece of art. The exhibits are displayed to great effect with plenty of room for viewing each picture. The Time structures were my personal favourites, it's rare to find something so massive inside, weird feelings of distorted volume, space and time when walking through them.

Dorian Wall — Google review

It has the name but does not live up to its fame. The architecture from the outside is beautiful. On the inside it is quite plain and cold. The collection is disappointing for a museum like this and you have to get in a virtual waiting line to visit the infinity mirrored room which takes forever. I suggest go scan the QR first (on the 3rd, visit the 2nd and 3rf floor and probably then it will be your turn for 1 minute in the room.The staff is without exception unfriendly, uncaring or uninterested at best. The cloak room is a mess, they better install lockers.Of you buy your ticket online you will save 2 euros. You can most usually do this for a time slot only 15 minutes after buying.

Jesper Bexkens — Google review

Amazing experience. Visit and walking around the gigantic museum, experiencing all the shades and reflections depending on the weather of Bilbao is an experience. As well as visiting the different exhibitions continuously researched by the Museum. The ground floor with the steel curves from Serra is a must see, no space could better fit the dynamics of the art.

Francesca Margherita Padula — Google review

Frankly speaking disappointing. Great building with terrible finishing. Walls and floors are badly done.I must admit that modern art is something I do not understand.Whole level devoted to Picasso is something.I'd say the place is spacious with interesting gift shop.

Jakub Olszewski — Google review

I supposed everything that needs to be said about this iconic building is said.I must admit after reading and seeing pictures of the Guggenheim remotely, I set the bar too high. That said, it is still an overwhelming sight. I am just glad I am able to see it in person.If you come to Bilbao, a big part of that decision is because you want to see this. And the exhibits if they are to your taste.

Keat Chiew — Google review

This one is very hyped up so when you go, you go with expectations. The ticket is not expensive. The building is an architectural wonder. The exhibitions were not as impactful or wonderful for us, to be honest. Some of the sculptures, unless made by Picasso, who would care about them? Lots of space hard to fill, you walk and walk without purpose. Quite nice outside actually. The shop is overpriced massively.

Cristi — Google review

I love the architectural structure of the building more than many of the art works being displayed there. The museum is very managed and it is safe. The workers are very polite and kind. I love Puppy and all the monuments outside the museum, I also love that you have enough space to sit and rest from touring the city before or after going into the museum. I really love Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.

Nwanne Campo — Google review

Unique shaping and design defines this museum at the heart of Bilbao. It is tidy, clean, spacious and with good indications. It changes the content to be displayed. On-line booking is cheaper than on-site. <18 years old do not pay. Prices are ok. Unlike other museums in the basque country, child-entertainment not available: you need to entertain yourself your kids while walking the museum 😅

Jos? Antonio Gil Linares (JoseAn) — Google review

Just wow! The Guggenheim one is the most stunning museums I have ever visited, and probably one of the best in the world. The outside of the museum is incredibly beautiful, and you can easily spend the entire day just admiring the intricacies, details, and thought put into the architecture. The artwork featured inside the museum is relevant, thought provoking, and equally beautiful. I highly recommend this place! We didn’t have any trouble buying tickets at the door, however we went on a weekday so that was probably why. If you are going during high season (in the summer) you should probably consider purchasing your ticket in advance. :)

Noor Shames — Google review

Not a fan of modern art but loved the museum. Incredible architecture, make sure you walk around the outside. Very interesting exhibits, some immersive. Wide variety of art. Recommend taking a guided tour to make the visit more efficient and meaningful. Buy tickets in advance. Eat in old town afterward.

Gary Pess — Google review

Amazing architecture. I am not a modern art lover but that piece with caps amazed me. The story behind it what artist thought. Just amazing. You can get your tickets online and there won't be a que for you :). Normally there is.

Can Özdemir — Google review

Modern art just doesn’t interest me personally. Very glad that I visited the museum, but wouldn’t get tickets to go back inside. The architecture of the building along with the outdoor sculptures on the other hand were very impressive. If you’re not into modern art I’d definitely recommend visiting the Guggenheim from the outside.

Jeremy Morton — Google review

The place is massive and beautiful with lots of sculptures and arts. Inside the museum is a bar and bistro, where you can get a bite and have a rest. Near the spider sculpture, a lady that takes beautiful pictures of you in an old fashioned newspaper cover p kinda print out, set up a stand there, anyone going there should definitely get their pictures taken by her.

Amanda Nebs — Google review

My visit to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao was a unique and inspiring experience. From the moment I saw the majestic curvilinear architecture of the building, I knew I was about to immerse myself in an exceptional world of art. As I stepped inside, I marveled at the diversity and ingenuity of the exhibits.

Wine & Roads (INSTAGRAM) — Google review

This building is impressive. I enjoyed time there. Outside area is also cool. Reserve 2h for a visit there, you will not regret. Tickets are pretty cheap and usually available

Kin Dlutek — Google review

Beyond the exhibitions, the museum itself is a city landmark. There's no other way to put this, it has become the landmark of the city even more than the hanging bridge itself. The park that surrounds the museum is also gorgeous. The exhibitions are another thing; you can be lucky or not.

Sergio Alejandro González — Google review

So I don’t know where to start!The building itself from outside is gorgeous fabulous!! The area around is pretty and peaceful also nice for pictures 5 out of 5Now the negative thingI don’t know if we had a bad exhibition or it’s like always like this but the modern art exhibition is just ugly and has absolutely nothing, I don’t get the modern art and I also saw the people who visited it where also more likely surprised about everything inside!And they took pictures like myself cuz I mean to look interested in itOverall if you have time and it’s to cold or to hot outside go inside and sit on a bench for 15 Euro and look outside or wait for another exhibition otherwise spend the time around the Guggenheim museum because the outside is a 10/10

Raúl — Google review

Nice exterior museum.The interior exhibits on ground floor that are like a maze are the most interesting ones.Very small infinity room exhibition you can stay in for 2’ onlyGift shop has nice gift optionsSome of The modern exhibits were too abstract and modern for my taste. I would not call them art.! A vase on the floor with a curtain around it … 🙄

Erietta Mair — Google review

We came late in the day on a weekday. 6:20pm or so. Initially thought that 90 mins wouldn’t be enough but it was perfectly fine. Helpfully staff have said that they close the top floor first and recommended we start there. Most of the famous paintings are there, Rothko etc.A lot more of the experience is general vibe of place altogether rather than anything specific. The building is a huge part of this both inside and outside. Personally Maman statue outside was my highlight. The fire fountain scared us when we were taking Maman pictures. It’s a great laugh. I would say definitely see the outside of the building and walk the walkway on the river side in the day and night as they give up entirely different vibes. If you approach from the city it’s not 100% clear that you can see the statues on the riverside without a ticket but you can. Sunny Guggenheim is stunning from the outside. Night too. Bear in mind it is very windy outside though if you go off season. We went at 7pm ish in late March and it was chilly but fine.Our Bilbao highlight

Henri Bliudzius — Google review

This is not just an icon building but a symbol of how to regenerate a whole city. It has wonderful spaces inside to display art. Absolutely love its art collection may not be to everyone's immediate tastes but if you have an open mind it will prove a thought provoking and enjoyable treat. A personal favourite is the giant Richard Serra sculpture Hall, breathtaking.

VP -yah — Google review

Extraordinary museum of modern and contemporary art, designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry. The museum was inaugurated in 1997 and has become a popular tourist attraction. It is credited with playing a major role in the revitalization of Bilbao, transforming it from an industrial city into a major cultural destination.The Guggenheim Bilbao is famous for its unique and striking architecture. The building is made of titanium, limestone, and glass, and its curved forms have been compared to fish scales or boat with sails. The building itself is considered a work of art, and it has become a symbol of Bilbao.It will take at least 3 hours to tour the exciting exhibition in the museum. During the winter season, it is quite cold in the museum, so you should keep that in mind when choosing clothes. The museum has a toilet and cloakroom for visitors. There is also a souvenir shop, but the souvenirs are expensive and not at the museum level.The ticket price is €15 per person and tickets can be purchased online. It is also necessary to choose an appointment, that is, the day of arrival at the museum

Zoran Jovanovic — Google review

A world class art gallery around a 30 minute walk from the Old Town in Bilbao.Amazing collection of contemporary 20th century art. Well worth a visit.

Maria Smith — Google review

I’m not a fan of modern art, so it is ridiculous that I give a low ranking. The building is worth of the visit, while the exposition (in my opinion) does not justify a trip to Bilbao. Again, I’m not an expert but compared to many other more famous museums, I think outside is much better than inside.

manucsn — Google review

The 48 best sights in Bilbao (2024)
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