Entrance to the Guggeheim Museum in Bilbao

The total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, brought us to Bilbao, but the city had been on our list long before that. After reading about the Guggenheim Museum’s construction in How Big Things Get Done, we were eager to see the building that helped transform Bilbao into a global destination for art and architecture. The city more than delivered. Beyond the Guggenheim, Bilbao offered world-class dining, easy walkability, striking public spaces, and plenty of places to take in great design, including the lesser-known Azkuna Zentroa-Alhóndiga Bilbao cultural center. It’s the kind of city that works beautifully for a short stay, especially if you love food, museums, and architecture.

Where to eat

Have drinks and snacks on the roof at La Terraza in the Hotel Ercilla, where there are 360 degree views of the city.

Have dinner at Bib Gourmand restaurant Kimtxo - every course is fabulous and the price is a steal for a multi-course experience paired with great wine.

For a Michelin star tasting menu splurge, we’ll return for Mina (also in the Hotel Ercilla on the ground level) and Nerua in the Guggenheim museum.

Where to stay

The Hotel Ercilla an Autograph Collection Marriott property offered a lovely stay. It’s a 15-minute walk to the Guggenheim, a 5 minute walk to the Azkuna cultural center, and has great restaurants, including a plentiful breakfast buffet.

A unique place to stay just across from the Guggenheim that we’ll try next time we are in Bilbao is The Artist - Grand Hotel of Art - it has amazing views of the striking architectural design of the museum from several room’s patios and dining decks.

The Hotel Carlton is another option, with great views of the Chavarri Palace, as well as Baraklander Park and fountain.

Things to do

Visit the Guggenheim Museum. There are amazing outdoor statues to see and architecture to admire before you even go in!

Tour the Azkuna Zentroa cultural center, with exhibits, a grand atrium with the fabulous columns pictured below, rooftop terrace, dining, and a gift shop with lots of unique souvenirs to pick up.