The Atlas Obscura Guide To Bilbao

3 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Bilbao, Spain

Updated January 24, 2024

Unusual Attractions in Bilbao

Puppy at its permanent location in Aguirre plaza outside the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum.

Bilbao, Spain

Jeff Koons' Puppy

Giant topiary dog once played a role in a terrorist bomb plot.

Bilbao, Spain

Fountain of Dogs

This 19th-century fountain's namesake animal isn't what you think it is.

This stained glass window celebrates Basque culture.

Bilbao, Spain

Stained Glass Window at Bilbao Abando Indalecio Prieto Station

Marvel at this immense work of art that greets arrivals to the city.

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Just your average rowing practice beneath dangling cars

Portugalete, Spain

Vizcaya Bridge

Two towns are linked by an engineering marvel masquerading as a boring suspension bridge.

5 miles from Bilbao

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Spain

Gaztelugatxe

Hundreds of stone stairs and a winding medieval bridge connect this haunting Spanish island to the mainland.

14 miles from Bilbao

Kortezubi, Spain

Cueva de Santimamiñe (Santimamiñe Cave)

An archeological treasure trove stumbled upon by a couple of children.

16 miles from Bilbao

Kortezubi, Spain

Bosque Animado de Oma

A living art gallery painted on a canvas of Monterey pine trees.

16 miles from Bilbao

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Stories About Bilbao

Enjoying a meal and drinks together at a txoko.

Step Inside These Members-Only Temples of Basque Gastronomy

For centuries, txokos have been crucial to shaping culinary traditions.

by Elizabeth Hlavinka

June 21, 2018

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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Bilbao

3 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Bilbao, Spain

Updated January 24, 2024

Unusual Attractions in Bilbao

Bilbao, Spain

Jeff Koons' Puppy

Bilbao, Spain

Fountain of Dogs

Bilbao, Spain

Stained Glass Window at Bilbao Abando Indalecio Prieto Station

Portugalete, Spain

Vizcaya Bridge

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Spain

Gaztelugatxe

Kortezubi, Spain

Cueva de Santimamiñe (Santimamiñe Cave)

Kortezubi, Spain

Bosque Animado de Oma

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Bilbao Activity

Stories About Bilbao

Step Inside These Members-Only Temples of Basque Gastronomy

Become an Atlas Obscura Member

Join our community of curious explorers.