What to see in Bilbao? Top 10 photography spots

Explore the best photography spots of Bilbao, the capital of the Basque Country, home of the Guggenheim Museum and have one of the best culinary experiences in Spain.

Sometimes forgotten due to being outside the typical Spanish tourist route (Catalonia, Andalucía, Madrid), the Basque Country (Euskal Herria) is one of the most beautiful areas of Spain. Its capital, Bilbao, has experienced a huge transformation in the past decades. It went from a grey industrial city to a bright and vibrant capital. With this change, the city has kept its historical attractions, but added modern architecture to the city skyline. Having its own airport makes it a very nice city for a long weekend, or as the base to explore the beautiful nature of the Basque Country. These are my top 10 Bilbao photography spots.

Arraiz viewpoint

Bilbao is surrounded by mountains. Two of them have made it into this guide because of the amazing views over the city they have. Arraiz can be reached either walking or by car. One way or another, this is a nice spot for sunrise, opposite to the next spot, Artxanda, which is perfect for sunset.

On clear days it is possible to see the sea, as well as some of the other spots of this guide, such as San Mamés (football stadium) or the Iberdrola Tower, among others.

Artxanda Viewpoint

The classical Bilbao sunset spot. Unlike Arraiz, reaching Artxanda is easy and does not require a hike. Take the funicular that goes right into the viewpoint area, and spend a magical sunset taking photos of the Ría, Guggenheim museum and the Iberdrola tower. This is a famous Instagram spot, as the whole viewing area is delimited by a set of signs that say Bilbao (and Bilbo, in Euskera) in large red letters. Check the #Bilbao hashtag on Instagram and you will instantly see many photos taken from this location.

Zazpi Kaleak Metro Station

Cities with good public transport are the best. Bilbao is one of them. Its metro system is cheap and convenient. Being a small city it only has 3 metro lines. In one of the central stations, though, there is a hidden photography spot. It is a bit tricky to find, but if you click here, you will find the exact spot where this photo was taken. It is necessary to buy a ticket to get in there. Consider using metro or tram to move around in Bilbao, or even better, walk by the Ría (estuary) and enjoy the views.

Ribera market

Bilbao has many beautiful photography spots. However, if there is something that is mandatory to do in Bilbao is to eat pintxos. The culinary culture of the Basque Country is amazing. Make sure to stop by any of its pintxos restaurants (some of them in Plaza Nueva or Plaza Barria), you will not regret it!

A good way to get to know a country or region is by visiting its market. Bilbao is not an exception. Moreover, it is a really beautiful and very photogenic building by the estuary, at a walking distance from most of the locations listed here (excepting the two viewpoints). To recreate the photo below, stand in the middle of the Erriberako Zubia (bridge).

San Anton

Most of the Bilbao photography spots listed here are at a walkable distance. In this case, the San Anton Church is literally behind the Ribera Market. Although it has nothing in special that makes it unique, I love its location, just by the estuary, and how imponent the church looks like from the bridge just next to it. A perfect photography spot for dusk, just after sunset, and taking a 3 photo panorama, it balances the beautiful colourful buildings from the opposite side of the Ría.

City Hall

As with many of the spots on this list, the Bilbao City Hall is just next to the estuary. It is impossible to miss this building, with its characteristic central tower, and the metal abstract piece of art in front of it. If you are a football fan, this is the place where all Athletic de Bilbao fans meet when the team wins a title, and trust me, it gets incredibly crowded.

Guggenheim museum

This is the most characteristic Bilbao (photography) spot. This futuristic weirdly-shaped museum was built in 1997 and it is one of the largest museums in Spain. The most interesting part of the museum, though, is its exterior. Unless there is a temporary exposition that interests you, I would not recommend visiting it, as most of the pieces of modern art are (in my opinion), not worth it.

However, in my opinion, it is the best photography spot in the city of Bilbao. I devoted a full article about its possibilities and photography tricks, as there is so much to say and discuss. (coming soon)

Zubizuri bridge

The Guggenheim Museum is not the only unique architectural building of Bilbao. At a 5-minute walk from its location, there is the Zubizuri bridge designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava. On one of the two shores, there are also two tall buildings that complete the photographic scene. This bridge, also opened in 1997 is a perfect sunset photography spot, as the sun sets exactly behind the bridge and the two buildings.

San Mamés

Football is everywhere in Bilbao. Flags, shirts,… and the stadium of San Mamés. After many years of renovations, the brand new San Mamés was inaugurated in 2013 and is one of the most beautiful stadiums in Spain. To access the stadium it is necessary to book a guided tour that includes the entry to the museum. Although a bit pricey (14€) it is worth it.

Iberdrola tower

The final spot of this Bilbao photography guide is the Iberdrola Tower. It is impossible to visit Bilbao and not notice this enormous tower sitting in the middle of the city. Although it has a viewpoint, my recommendation is to enjoy it from the ground. It is a very photogenic building, and it is just next to the Guggenheim Museum and by the estuary.

This is my top 10 Bilbao photography spots. Have you ever been to Bilbao? Which is your favourite one? To see more travel photography content, follow me on Instagram. Otherwise, if you want to use my images or have any question, drop me a message at hello@aniolvisuals.com.