Gay Guide • BILBAO | What to See, Where to Sleep, Best Gay Bars and Restaurants | LGBT Guide
- World Mappers
- May 13
- 9 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
GAY BILBAO
Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers
What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in BILBAO?
Find it out with the World Mappers !
LGBT BILBAO
Bilbao is a welcoming and progressive city for the LGBT+ community. In recent years, it has developed a vibrant queer scene with dedicated bars, clubs and events. The Casco Viejo neighborhood is home to many inclusive venues, such as the popular Badulake. Every June, Bilbao celebrates Pride with parades and cultural activities. The city also promotes LGBT+ rights through institutional initiatives. In addition, its universities and associations organize meetings and conferences to raise awareness of diversity and inclusion.
WHAT TO SEE in BILBAO?
10 THINGS TO SEE in BILBAO
Guggenheim Museum
One of Bilbao’s most iconic landmarks, the Guggenheim Museum is an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry. Its titanium structure reflects light spectacularly, while inside it houses works by contemporary artists such as Jeff Koons and Richard Serra. The exterior features famous sculptures, including “Puppy,” a giant dog covered in flowers, and “Maman,” Louise Bourgeois’ spider.
Casco Viejo
The historic heart of Bilbao, Casco Viejo, is a charming neighborhood with medieval streets, lively squares and historic buildings. Here you will find the famous "Siete Calles", the original core of the city. It is the perfect place to discover traditional pintxos in local bars and visit monuments such as the Cathedral of Santiago and the Arriaga Theater, an elegant neo-baroque building inspired by the Paris Opera.
Mercado de la Ribera
Located on the banks of the Nervión River, Mercado de la Ribera is one of the largest covered markets in Europe. In addition to being a point of reference for Basque gastronomy, it offers fresh produce, fish, meat and local cheeses. It also has spaces dedicated to tasting pintxos and regional wines. The building, with its stained glass windows and Art Deco design, is an architectural marvel not to be missed.
Zubizuri Bridge
The Zubizuri Bridge, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, is a modern pedestrian structure that connects the two banks of the Nervión. Its curved shape and glass floor create a striking visual effect, especially at night when it is lit up. It is a symbol of the urban transformation of Bilbao and offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and the river.
Funicolar de Artxanda
For a breathtaking view of Bilbao, take the Funicular de Artxanda, which takes you to a viewpoint in the surrounding hills. From the top, you can see the entire city, the Nervión River and the nearby mountains. The area is perfect for relaxing walks and has several restaurants where you can enjoy Basque specialties with incredible views. It is an unmissable experience for anyone visiting the city.
Plaza Nueva
Located in the heart of the Casco Viejo, Plaza Nueva is a neoclassical square surrounded by arcades and historic cafés. It is the ideal place to relax and try some of the best pintxos in the city. Every Sunday it hosts a market of books, coins and collectibles. In the evening, the square comes alive with tourists and locals who flock to the bars for an aperitif or a traditional dinner.
Santiago Cathedral
The Santiago Cathedral is the main religious building in Bilbao and an important point of reference for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Built in Gothic style, it has a splendid façade and an evocative cloister. The interior is characterized by tall columns, stained glass windows and a majestic central nave. It is a place full of history and spirituality, perfect for a cultural visit in the heart of the city.
Arriaga Theater
The Arriaga Theater is one of the cultural symbols of Bilbao, located in the heart of the city, next to the Nervión River. Inaugurated in 1890 and dedicated to the Bilbao composer Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga, it is an elegant example of neo-baroque architecture. Rebuilt after a fire in 1914 and restored several times, it now hosts operas, concerts and theatrical performances. The theater represents an artistic and historical reference for the city, combining tradition and innovation in its cultural programming.
Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga Bilbao)
A former wine warehouse converted into a multipurpose cultural center, Azkuna Zentroa is one of the most creative spaces in Bilbao. Architect Philippe Starck designed the interiors, which include a suspended pool with a transparent bottom and columns decorated in different styles. It hosts art exhibitions, events, cinemas and a modern library. It is a dynamic place that perfectly represents the city's mix of tradition and innovation.
Bilbao Central Station
Bilbao Central Station, known as Estación de Abando Indalecio Prieto, is the city's main railway hub. Located in the centre, near the Nervión River, it connects Bilbao with Madrid, Barcelona and other Spanish cities. Inaugurated in the 19th century, the station is famous for its classical façade and the large stained glass window inside, which depicts scenes from Basque life. In addition to the train service, it also houses a metro station and urban connections, making it a strategic point for transport in Bilbao.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Bilbao Ancient & Modern - Google Maps
Extra - San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (by Car) - Google Maps
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)
10 BEST EXCURSIONS from BILBAO
We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator - Musement - Get Your Guide
Santander
San Sebastián
Pamplona Vitoria-Gasteiz
Bosco di Oma & Grotte di Santimamiñe San Juan de Gaztelugatxe Urdaibai e la Riserva della Biosfera Getxo & Ponte di Vizcaya
Castro Urdiales Zumaia & Flysch della Costa Basca
Click'n'Go - Click on Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs
to find them on the Map or visit their Website
WHERE TO SLEEP in BILBAO?
10 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in BILBAO
Axel Hotel Bilbao **** ® Tested by World Mappers
Hotel Conde Duque Bilbao *** Pensión Boutique Caravan Cinema *** Hotel Bed4U Bilbao *** Bilbao City Rooms **
WHERE TO EAT in BILBAO?
10 BEST RESTAURANTS in BILBAO Quality / Price
€€€€ - ETXANOBE
€€€ - Bilbao Berria Ledesma
€€€ - Bascook
€€ - Rio-Oja Restaurant ® Tested by World Mappers
€€ - La Viña del Ensanche
GAY NIGHTLIFE in BILBAO
3 BEST GAY PLACES, BARS & CLUBS in BILBAO
Pavoneo (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers
High (Gay Bar)
El Balcón de la Lola (Gay Club) ® Tested by World Mappers
TRAVEL TIPS about BILBAO by World Mappers
Explore Bilbao by Bike! Bilbao has a great network of cycle paths and the Bilbaobizi bike-sharing system. Renting a bike is a great way to explore the city in an eco-friendly way, avoiding traffic and discovering hidden corners. Ride along the banks of the Nervión River to the Guggenheim or venture to Getxo to admire the Vizcaya Bridge. Also, some areas of the city are on a slope, so an e-bike can be a smart choice to avoid too much fatigue.
Don’t miss San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, outside Bilbao. Although it is located about 35 km from Bilbao, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a must-see destination. This spectacular little island is connected to the mainland by a stone bridge and a staircase of 241 steps. At the top is a hermitage dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The views of the ocean are breathtaking, and the place has also become famous for being the setting for Dragonstone in Game of Thrones.
An alternative way to explore Bilbao is to take a boat along the Nervión River. There are tours that go from the center to Getxo, passing under the Vizcaya Bridge. This perspective allows you to see the city from a different point of view, appreciating the combination of modern and industrial architecture. Some tours also offer wine tasting or dinner on board, making the experience even more special.
Don't forget to go up to the terrace of Azkuna Zentroa! It is already an unmissable place for its unique design, but few know that it has a panoramic terrace with views of the city. It is a perfect place to relax with a drink away from the tourist bustle. Here you can enjoy an alternative view of Bilbao and discover a modern side of the city, surrounded by the innovative architecture of Philippe Starck. In summer, there are often free events and concerts.
Discover Bilbao Underground: In addition to the more touristic attractions, Bilbao has a very interesting alternative art scene. Visit the Bilbao La Vieja o admire incredible street art murals and discover alternative venues!
Discover local markets, not just the Mercado de la Ribera: The Mercado de la Ribera is famous, but Bilbao has other lesser-known markets that offer a more authentic experience. The Mercado de Ensanche is a great place to buy fresh produce and sample local specialties without too many tourists. If you love street food, look for the pop-up food markets that take place in different parts of the city, where you can try freshly prepared Basque specialties, such as "txangurro" (Basque crab).
La Rioja Alavesa, about an hour from Bilbao, is an ideal destination for a trip between nature, history and wine. This region, part of the famous Rioja, is famous for its hilly landscapes dotted with vineyards and medieval villages such as Laguardia. It is perfect for visiting historic and modern wineries, tasting excellent red wines and discovering the local food and wine. The futuristic architecture of the Bodega Marqués de Riscal, designed by Frank Gehry, is an unmissable attraction. An excursion to La Rioja Alavesa offers a unique mix of culture, flavors and relaxation.
Take the opportunity to take a trip to Vitoria-Gasteiz. Capital of the Basque Country, it is a green and liveable city, full of history and culture. Its well-preserved medieval old town is known as “la almendra” for its almond shape, and is home to buildings such as the Cathedral of Santa María. Vitoria is also famous for its parks and the “green ring”, a system of natural areas that surrounds the city. It is an ideal destination for those seeking a balance between cultural heritage, nature and a vibrant Basque gastronomic scene, with excellent pintxos and local wines.
Gastronomía Bilbao organizes engaging cooking classes dedicated to the preparation of pintxos, the typical Basque tapas. During the experience, participants learn to make different varieties of pintxos with fresh and local ingredients, guided by expert chefs. The class takes place in a convivial environment, perfect for discovering the secrets of Basque cuisine in a practical and fun way. In addition to the preparation, there is a final tasting accompanied by local wine or cider. It is an ideal activity for those who want to combine gastronomic culture and manual skills, living an authentic culinary experience in Bilbao.
INSTAGRAMMABLE BILBAO
Instagrammable Places to See in Bilbao
Don’t miss the best instagrammable places in Budapest, here are our favorites:
"SECRET BILBAO"
Unusual and Particular Places to See in Bilbao
Outside the classic places to visit of the city, there is a "Secret Bilbao" that has simply bewitched us. Here are the 5 Things and Places to See in Secret Bilbao (and Surroundings):
Jeff Koons' Puppy - is a giant floral sculpture in the shape of a West Highland Terrier puppy, located at the entrance to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. 12 meters high, it is composed of thousands of real flowers, which change color with the seasons. A symbol of joy and optimism, it represents the union between art, nature and pop culture.
Fountain of Dogs - is a fountain located in the Albia Gardens. Decorated with elegant sculptures of dogs made of iron, it is a historical symbol of the city. Built in the 19th century, it was a watering place for animals. Today it is a picturesque place where visitors can relax among trees and classical architecture.
Stained glass window at Bilbao Abando Indalecio Prieto station - is an impressive work of stained glass art, 15 meters high and 10 meters wide. It represents scenes from the history, culture and industry of the Basque Country, with images of workers, farmers and typical landscapes. It is an icon of the city, illuminated by natural light that enhances its vibrant details.
Church of San Vicente Mártir de Abando - while everyone else visits the Cathedral of Santiago, this 16th-century Gothic church remains a little secret in the Abando neighborhood. In addition to its fascinating architecture, it houses incredible artwork and a tranquil atmosphere that makes it a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The adjacent park is ideal for a relaxing break after your visit.
Etxebarria Tower - among the hidden medieval remains of Bilbao, the Etxebarria Tower is little known but full of history. Located in the Begoña neighborhood, this ancient defensive tower is all that remains of one of the oldest noble buildings in the city. Surrounded by a green park with panoramic views, it is a perfect place for a walk between history and nature.
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