Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Tours and Activities

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao featuring a city and modern architecture
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao showing night scenes, outdoor art and modern architecture
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao which includes modern architecture as well as a large group of people
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao featuring art and interior views as well as a small group of people


Investigate a vast collection of modern and contemporary art both inside and outside one of the most recognizable buildings in Bilbao.

The Guggenheim Museum is a remarkable ensemble of curves and daring forms covered in gleaming titanium panels. It helped to transform Bilbao from a grimy industrial heartland into an exciting cultural destination. Embark on a self-guided tour of this contemporary art museum to view its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.

Before starting your art exploration, walk around the iconic riverside structure to study its unusual shape and several permanent artworks. These include Puppy, a 41-feet (12-meter) sculpture of a west highland terrier dog made with thousands of living plants

Marvel at the interior which is equally spectacular including the cathedral-like atrium. It is bathed in natural light that pours through its large windows. Investigate three floors of galleries that are all connected to the central atrium via catwalks, glass elevators and staircases.

There are 20 galleries filled with temporary and permanent exhibits from the mid-20th century to the present day. Start on the first floor by walking through and around Richard Serra's The Matter of Time which consists of several large sculptures made of weathered steel. For the best view of the installation go up to the balcony on the second floor. Look at more pieces from the permanent collection on the third floor. Works include The Renowned Orders of the Night by Anselm Kiefer, a painting in which the artist is portrayed lying under a night sky filled with stars.

The museum is located in the center of the city and easily reached by public transportation. If coming by car, there is parking for a fee in nearby streets and in underground parking at Plaza Pio Baroja or Plaza Euskadi. There are no parking facilities for visitors at the museum.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is open every day except some Mondays, December 25 and January 1. Admission charges vary depending on the art programs and there are reductions for students and senior citizens. There is no fee for accompanied children under the age of 12. Save money with the Artean Pass, a joint admission ticket for the Guggenheim and the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum.

Tours & day trips

See all 153 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 51 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 50 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 19 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 9 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Artist Grand Hotel of Art

The Artist Grand Hotel of Art

5 out of 5
Alameda de Mazarredo, 61, Bilbao, Vizcaya
The Artist Grand Hotel of Art
Hotel Silken Indautxu Bilbao

Hotel Silken Indautxu Bilbao

4 out of 5
Plaza Bombero Etxaniz S/n, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Hotel Silken Indautxu Bilbao
Hotel ILUNION San Mamés

Hotel ILUNION San Mamés

4 out of 5
Calle Perez Galdos, 56, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Hotel ILUNION San Mamés
Hotel ILUNION Bilbao

Hotel ILUNION Bilbao

3 out of 5
Calle Rodriguez Arias 66, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Hotel ILUNION Bilbao
Hotel Melia Bilbao

Hotel Melia Bilbao

5 out of 5
Lehendakari Leizaola, 29, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Hotel Melia Bilbao
Hesperia Bilbao

Hesperia Bilbao

4 out of 5
Campo Volantin, 28, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Hesperia Bilbao
Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao, Autograph Collection

Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
Ercilla 37, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao, Autograph Collection
NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels

NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels

3.5 out of 5
Areatza Kalea 4, Bilbao
NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels
Hotel Sercotel Coliseo

Hotel Sercotel Coliseo

4 out of 5
Calle Alameda De Urquijo 13, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Hotel Sercotel Coliseo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

At the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, you can immerse yourself in captivating art exhibitions and explore its stunning architectural design. Nearby, enjoy sightseeing tours that showcase the museum's surroundings, along with vibrant shopping and theatre options. This cultural hub offers a unique blend of artistic experiences and local attractions, making it an ideal destination for any traveller.

Shopping

Only 483m from the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, C.C. Zubiarte offers a vibrant mix of shopping, entertainment, and family-friendly options. If you venture 1.6km away, Ribera Market showcases local produce and unique gifts amidst a lively atmosphere, perfect for souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at San Mames Stadium, only 1.3km from the Guggenheim, where you can soak in the sports atmosphere. For a serene escape, head to Spa Agua Viva, 25.7km away, for rejuvenating body treatments that promote wellness and relaxation.

Adventure

The Funicular de Artxanda offers a thrilling ride with stunning views of Bilbao. Located 644m from the Guggenheim Museum, it’s perfect for families seeking adventure. Enjoy the fresh air and explore the surrounding area, which is filled with outdoor activities and beautiful landscapes.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is vibrant and filled with cultural experiences. Bilborock, 1.3km away, offers a lively theatre atmosphere, while Teatro Barakaldo, 4.8km from the museum, hosts a variety of performances. Areto Nagusia, 8.0km distant, also delivers engaging entertainment for all.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is surrounded by intriguing attractions, including a piazzaSquare, a charming church, and other art museums. These points of interest offer a blend of culture and outdoor experiences, perfect for travellers. Be sure to explore the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and its centre for a truly immersive experience in this vibrant city.

  • Plaza Nueva: A vibrant square located 1.4km from the Guggenheim Museum, Plaza Nueva is ideal for soaking in the city's culture. Its lively atmosphere is perfect for enjoying pintxos at local bars and people-watching in the heart of Bilbao.
  • Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall: Situated 805m away, this modern venue is renowned for hosting events and concerts, showcasing its impressive architecture and business vibes, making it a hub for culture and innovation.
  • Arriaga Theater: Located 1.3km from the museum, this stunning opera house offers a romantic setting for performances and cultural events, blending entertainment with the charm of Bilbao’s architectural heritage.

Best time to go to Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

The best time to visit Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
July67.8°F (19.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

To save money on your visit to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February when accommodation prices drop. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or finding last-minute deals on sites like Expedia can yield great savings. Aim to stay on a Monday for the lowest rates, and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional discounts. Public transport is affordable, but walking is a great way to explore the area. Don’t forget to check for group discounts at the museum for extra savings!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Guggenheim Museum Bilbao are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Guggenheim Museum Bilbao about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can easily sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type. For instance, by selecting the “Eco-certified” filter, you’ll find a selection of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.