If you can combine medieval streets with world-class futuristic architecture, amazing food, incredible art, and throwing stones from some gorgeous beaches and bunches of history, this little city in Spain checks all the boxes.
Unlike Barcelona and Madrid, Bilbao has never put a burden on tourists. It's still a local, authentic, and deeply Basque feel, and that's exactly what makes it so special. Citizens of Bilbao, Spain's 10th largest city, consider themselves first and second in Spain's Basque.
The weather, especially in the summer months, is slightly cooler than in Barcelona or Madrid. Enjoying the mild summer ocean climate, making sightseeing even more comfortable.
Bilbao was officially founded in 1300. This has led to him turning about 725 in 2025, and his history is immersed in shipbuilding and mining. Today's city is the perfect mix of old and new, but it hasn't always been the case. Over the past 30 years, it has transformed from a rough industrial port into one of Spain's most exciting cities.
The city is currently preparing to “colonize” 80,000 British people for the Europa League final as Manchester United and Tottenham fans prepare to head to Bilbao for a showpiece event on Wednesday. In fact, one of the city's main tourist attractions is visiting San Mame Stadium.
For football fans, a visit to the Athletic Bilbao stadium is an experience in itself. The club is an important symbol of Basque nationalism as only Basque players have been promoted and is one of the most successful clubs in Spanish football history.
But if the beautiful games aren't yours, the beautiful city is undoubtedly undoubtedly. The old factories have given way to cutting-edge architecture, the thriving cultural scene and many urban renewal projects. Today, Bilbao is a paradise for art and food lovers, but there are no crowds that moisten Madrid and Barcelona every summer.
A world-class museum is the Guggenheim Museum. The museum's iconic building is a major attraction, and the interior art collection is also excellent.
The lively Pintox bar (Basctapass Bar) and the wild Basque coastline just a short drive away, give the city a truly local, authentic, deep Basque feel.
Bilbao is perfect for couples with great bars and restaurants and a lively nightlife, but there are plenty of options for families too. The beach is either a 30 minute train ride or a 10-mile drive. Or you can find the beautiful Doñacasilda Park and the surrounding hills.
Casco Viejo (old town) is constructed in charming narrow streets and includes the Cathedral of Santiago. Alternatively, you can take the cable car to Artxanda Hill for panoramic views of the city and the mouth of the estuary.
In 2010, Bilbao received the Leek An Yew World City Award, which was awarded by the City of Singapore, and considered the Nobel City Prize for Urbanism. In 2017, Bilbao chose the best European City 2018 of 2018 at the Urbanism Awards 2018, awarded by the international organization The Academy of Urbanism.
The city's updates were caught up in the opening of Guggenheim, followed by Eskalduna Conference Centre and vcocnert Hall by Norman Foster, Tram and Ibbardra Tower (pictured) and Metro Network (pictured).
Flights from the UK to Bilbao depart from £52 from London, Manchester and Bristol to British Airways, Buelling, EasyJet and Norway Gun.
