31/01/2025
Unknown Bilbao: 8 unique experiences to explore
the city from a different perspective
Bilbao is a city that goes far beyond its famous monuments and museums. There are lesser-known, different, and original plans that are ideal for the most curious travelers who want to step off the usual circuit and discover other facets of the city.
In this BYPILLOW post, we will introduce you to its street art, street food, literary history, and cultural life. Don’t miss what Bilbao has to offer!

Street art and graffiti tour in Bilbao
Start your day by immersing yourself in Bilbao La Vieja (Bilbo Zaharra in Basque), one of the city’s most authentic neighborhoods. Here, you will find urban art murals that will leave you speechless. This tour will take you through alleyways full of creativity, packed with graffiti from both local and internationally renowned artists. Walk around and be amazed by top-level urban art, super Instagrammable! 😉
As you explore the neighborhood, you will also discover industrial buildings converted into modern boutiques and design stores. Take the opportunity to do some shopping or, if you prefer, recharge in one of the local bars and bistros.
Just a few steps away, you’ll find Bilbao Arte, a cultural center that offers a constant program of activities for lovers of alternative and contemporary art.
Remember that at BYPILLOW, we have four hotels in Bilbao for you to enjoy your getaway to the north with all the comforts. Our hotels are centrally located and have everything you need to enjoy a few days in the city. Choose the Bilbao hotel that best suits your needs:

Pintxos tour in Bilbao
You can’t talk about Bilbao without mentioning its gastronomy, and nothing represents Basque cuisine better than pintxos. This route we propose will take you to Plaza Nueva, the heart of the city’s gastronomic culture.
Here, you can visit a dozen bars and taste a wide variety of pintxos: from bacalao al pil-pil to ham croquettes or stuffed mussels. Choose your favorite and pair it with a good txakoli or zurito!

Some of the most recommended bars are Urdiña, Charly, Bertoko Berria, Zuga, and Sorginzulo, among others, all located in Plaza Nueva. Enjoying Basque gastronomic tradition is simple: pick a pintxo in each bar and move on to the next. A delicious and fun way to explore the city!
Original museums in Bilbao
We continue exploring the lesser-known side of Bilbao by visiting its most original museums. Beyond the well-known Guggenheim, the city has museums that offer very unique experiences. If you like escape rooms, the Museum of Sacred Art near Bilbao La Vieja invites you to participate in its “escape challenge,” a fun and unique way to discover the city’s history.
Here are other original museums in Bilbao that you will surely love:
Bilbao Railway Museum. This museum houses a vast collection of old locomotives, restored carriages, and historical artifacts related to railway transport. It’s ideal for history and train enthusiasts. The museum also organizes activities and guided tours.
Bilbao Maritime Museum. Set in an old shipyard, this museum is perfect for learning about the city’s maritime history. Through interactive and educational exhibits, you can explore the port of Bilbao, the history of the estuary, and the city’s maritime tradition. It also houses a large collection of antique ship models.

Bilbao Reproduction Museum. Located in the Bilbao La Vieja neighborhood, this museum features exact replicas of some of the world’s most famous artworks, such as the Venus de Milo, Myron’s Discobolus, and other key classical art pieces.
Bilbao Chocolate Museum (Chocolatería de la Villa). If you have a sweet tooth, you can’t miss the Bilbao Chocolate Museum. Located in the famous Chocolatería de la Villa, it allows you to learn about the history of chocolate in the city and the world. You can also enjoy a tasting of the finest artisan chocolates.
Bilbao Beer Museum. Beer lovers will appreciate this museum dedicated to the beverage. It is located in the old “La Salve” brewery and offers a guided tour through the history of beer in the city. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy a tasting of local beers.
Gastronomic experience at the Ribera Market

One of Bilbao’s most iconic places is the Ribera Market, which spans over 10,000 square meters. Here, you’ll find fresh products like fish, meats, fruits, and vegetables. In 1990, it was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the most complete municipal market.
But it’s not just a place to buy food; it’s an ideal spot for a fun and different gastronomic experience. In its dining area, you can enjoy pintxos, tapas, and regional wines.
If you get the chance, don’t miss the sunset views of Marzana Wharf from the market’s terrace—a perfect plan!
Visit Miguel de Unamuno’s birthplace
If you’re a literature lover, you can’t miss the birthplace of Miguel de Unamuno, one of Bilbao’s most important writers. In Plaza de Unamuno, in the Old Town, you’ll find a bust in his honor, and just a few steps away, at 14 Ronda Street, a plaque marks his birthplace.
Although the house cannot be visited, it’s an emblematic and must-see place for literature enthusiasts.
Bidebarrieta Library
If you are strolling through Bilbao’s Old Town, don’t miss the chance to visit Bidebarrieta Library. This building features a grand marble staircase, elegant reading rooms, and an impressive Assembly Hall.
Additionally, the library is closely linked to Miguel de Unamuno, as he was once its director.
Activities on the Bilbao estuary

For a different experience, one of the best ways to discover Bilbao is from the water. If you enjoy sports, rent a kayak or a paddleboard and explore the Bilbao Estuary. From there, you’ll see some of the city’s most important landmarks while enjoying an outdoor and athletic plan.
If you prefer a more relaxed experience, take a boat cruise along the Nervión River. These tourist tours let you enjoy iconic landmarks such as the Guggenheim Museum, Euskalduna Palace, or Iberdrola Tower. They also pass under bridges like Calatrava’s Zubizuri Bridge and the Deusto Bridge.
Experience football at San Mamés
If you’re in Bilbao, don’t miss the chance to experience football at San Mamés, known as the “Cathedral of Football.” Watching an Athletic Club match is an unforgettable experience.
If you can’t get tickets for a game, soak in the pre- and post-match atmosphere in the surrounding streets. Especially head to Pozas Street, where fans gather to enjoy football.

As you can see, Bilbao has many sides to it, allowing you to enjoy it at your own pace. At BYPILLOW, you’ll find the best selection of hotels in Bilbao to plan a weekend full of experiences and activities. Book now at our hotels in Vizcaya!