Bilbao Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Tommie Hansen (CC BY 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Anders Målquist, Mercedes Daza Gutiérrez, Eva Pitynska, Marina Torrent · via Google Maps
- Country:
- Spain
- Region:
- Spain, Portugal & France
- Coordinates:
- 43.2631° N, 2.9350° W
About Bilbao
Bilbao stands as a major cultural hub in northern Spain, distinct from other ports across the Spain, Portugal & France region. With a population of 347,342, it ranks as the 11th most populous city in Spain and the most populous in the north. The metropolitan area extends to 1,037,847 inhabitants, making it the most populous metropolitan area in northern Spain and the fifth-largest urban area in Spain overall.
The city's attractions cluster remarkably close to the port. The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao lies just 0.6 km away and draws visitors with its world-renowned contemporary art collection. Equally near is the striking Puppy sculpture (0.5 km), a beloved public artwork, alongside the Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao (0.4 km). The elegant Zubizuri bridge (0.7 km) and Doña Casilda Iturrizar parkea (0.6 km) offer scenic walks through the city centre.
What to see near the port
Cultural highlights include Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala, a historic church 1.1 km from the quay, and the Artxandako begiratokia observation deck (1.6 km), which provides panoramic views across the city. Green spaces like Albiako Lorategiak park and garden (0.5 km) provide respite between cultural visits.
Bilbao is a city in northern Spain, the largest city in the province of Biscay and in the autonomous community of the Basque Country. With a population of 347,342 as of 2024, it is the 11th most populous city in Spain, and the most populous in northern Spain. The Bilbao metropolitan area has 1,037,847 inhabitants, making it the most populous metropolitan area in northern Spain. The comarca of Greater Bilbao is the fifth-largest urban area in Spain. Bilbao is also the main urban area in what is defined as the Greater Basque region.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Bilbao on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Aneta Angielczyk · via Google Maps Art museum
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
4.5 (98,251) 0.6 km from port
Gleaming titanium and glass museum, designed by Frank Gehry, housing major 20th-century artworks.
Near: Bistró (56 m) · Tall Tree and the Eye (71 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 5 · “Fabulous museum of Modern Art. I only knew this museum due to the famous building and wanted to see what…” — Rob
- 5 · “The museum’s design is very impressive, and the layout makes it easy to walk around and move naturally from one…” — Lucas Sobral
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Photo: Clarisa · via Google Maps Observation Deck
Artxandako begiratokia
4.7 (14,338) 1.6 km from port
Near: Fingerprint Sculpture (38 m) · Funikularraren Parkea (68 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Nice viewpoint with sights of most of Bilbao. The Guggenheim museum especially feels so close!” — Urban Traveler
- 5 · “Great views of Bilbao down in the valley. Very shady for these hot summer afternoons. I biked up but I…” — jose lourenco
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Photo: František Zimmermann · via Google Maps Bridge
Zubizuri
4.4 (13,356) 0.7 km from port
Pedestrian bridge over the Nervión River with a futuristic tied-arch design & a curved walkway.
Near: Restaurante Campo Volantín (24 m) · Hotel Conde Duque Bilbao (41 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “The coolest bridge ever! You shouldn’t miss here if you’re in Bilbao!” — KNÜ
- 5 · “Bizkaiko Zubia, also known as the Vizcaya Bridge or Puente Colgante, is one of the Basque Country’s most remarkable landmarks…” — Marian Gutu
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Photo: Kai Dubben · via Google Maps City Park
Doña Casilda Iturrizar parkea
4.6 (12,451) 0.6 km from port
City center 21-acre park with sweeping lawns, a pond, fountains & pergola, open since 1907.
Near: Pérgola (78 m) · Zubiarte merkataritza-zentroa (213 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Wonderful place , calme , clean and do relaxing. Perfect spot for reading and walking around” — Sid Benzeriga
- 5 · “What an incredibly beautiful and well kept public part in the heart of Bilbao opposite to the Museum of fine…” — Two Foodies Travel Adventures
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Art museum
Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao
4.4 (10,365) 0.4 km from port
Art venue including works by Velázquez, Goya & Picasso & known for its pieces by Basque artists.
Near: CIO Salud (73 m) · Iglesia de San José de la Montaña (210 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- 5 · “A very strong visit. Large parts of the building were under renovation, which meant free entry — an unexpected bonus.…” — Ozge Ustundag
- 4 · “There’s not very much to see here while it is under heavy renovation, but on the positive side, it’s now…” — Krzysztof Nosek
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Church
Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala
4.3 (9,584) 1.1 km from port
Catholic cathedral dating to the 14th century with an understated Gothic-revival facade.
Near: Turronería Ivañez Bilbao (42 m) · Larralde (60 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- 5 · “Website said open 5-7pm, Wednesday. So I arrived at 5.15pm, to be told it closed at 6pm. Perhaps there was…” — pat z
- 5 · “BEAUTIFUL. Bilboa’s oldest church, a 14th-century landmark. Make sure you also check out the cloister hallways on either side…” — Irma Zandl
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Sculpture
Puppy
4.7 (7,496) 0.5 km from port
A 43-foot flower-covered West Highland terrier by Jeff Koons guarding the Guggenheim since 1992.
Near: The Artist Grand Hotel of Art (57 m) · Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (133 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “This is a stunning living sculpture thats self irrigating to keep the flowers alive. Best not to stand directly under…” — Fleety Fleety
- 5 · “Bilbao landmark. Flower dog near the Guggenheim. Excellent location to disrupt tourist selfies.” — Eric H
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Park and Garden
Albiako Lorategiak
4.3 (4,399) 0.5 km from port
City green space offering shaded park benches, manicured grounds with flowers, a fountain & statues.
Near: Café Iruña (57 m) · ING Bank (76 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Green island amidst the center of the city. Best place to sit for a while, or eat something at local…” — Ninel Zubareffa
- 5 · “Wonderful city square or a minor park, so pretty” — Gal Florsheim
Map of Bilbao and nearby attractions
Cruises calling at Bilbao
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