Video - Bilbao in a Day: Is It Worth the Hype?
How Much Bilbao Can You See in a Day? I Found Out
Ever wondered if Bilbao—that glittering jewel in Spain’s Basque Country—is worth visiting if you’ve only got a single day? I did too. So I flew in for a whirlwind 12-hour adventure, camera in hand and curiosity on full blast, to find out for myself.
In my latest travel video, “Bilbao in a Day: Is It Worth the Hype?”, I take you on a fast-paced journey through this dynamic city, famous for its bold architecture, cultural reinvention, and striking contrasts between old and new.
While many travelers overlook Bilbao in favor of better-known Spanish destinations like Barcelona or Madrid, the city has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent decades. Thanks to cultural landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao has shifted from an industrial port city to a must-visit design and culture capital. I decided to challenge the idea that you need days to appreciate it. My goal? To see how much of Bilbao’s essence I could absorb in just one day—from morning arrival to evening departure.
One of the highlights was, of course, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Designed by Frank Gehry and clad in nearly 33,000 titanium plates, the building is a work of art in itself. Its curves gleam in the light, ever-changing depending on the angle and time of day. Although I’d seen it countless times in photos and videos, I was surprised by its actual size in person—it felt slightly smaller, more compact, yet no less impressive. I explored the permanent collection, which includes works from the museum’s own holdings, and visited Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room – A Wish for Human Happiness Calling from Beyond the Universe. Immersive, luminous, and otherworldly, Kusama’s room stood out as a moment of quiet reflection within the broader architectural spectacle.
Outside the museum, the public art is just as captivating. Louise Bourgeois’s Maman—an enormous bronze spider—stands tall and eerie, while Jeff Koons’s Puppy, a towering dog covered in flowering plants, greets visitors with vibrant cheer. These two pieces alone are worth the walk around the museum’s perimeter, and they form part of the city’s growing commitment to art in public spaces.
I made time for a stroll through Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, a peaceful green space with fountains, tree-lined paths, and sculptures. It’s a gentle break from the metallic edges of the museum and a reminder of the city’s softer side. From there, I hopped on the tram that winds its way along the river to Bilbao’s Old Town, or Casco Viejo. This modern mode of transport gives a glimpse into local life while passing some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods and revitalized urban spaces.
One of the most memorable moments of the day came with a ride up the Funicular de Artxanda. Within minutes, I found myself overlooking the entire city from a serene hilltop viewpoint. It’s the perfect place to take a breath, capture a panoramic shot, and see just how compact yet layered Bilbao really is. From this vantage point, the blend of modern glass, traditional rooftops, and lush greenery tells the full story of the city’s evolution.
On my way back into town, I visited Azkuna Zentroa, a former wine warehouse transformed by Philippe Starck into a cutting-edge cultural center. With bold architectural lines and unexpected design choices, it felt like a continuation of the themes I’d seen at the Guggenheim—reinvention, imagination, and a city that embraces the new without forgetting its past.
What surprised me most about Bilbao was how efficiently it reveals itself. Its compact size makes it perfect for a day trip, yet it feels dense with history, innovation, and life. From industrial bones to reflective modernism, it’s a city that embraces its contrasts—and it’s a dream for architecture lovers. I expected to enjoy it. I didn’t expect to be moved by it.
So, is Bilbao worth the hype for a single-day trip? Absolutely. If you plan it well, you can see some of Spain’s most celebrated modern architecture, experience immersive art, ride a funicular, explore green spaces, and still have time to sit back and take it all in. My video captures that journey from beginning to end, offering a real sense of what’s possible in just 12 hours on the ground.
If you’re curious about Spain beyond the usual suspects or simply love seeing how cities reinvent themselves through art and design, this video is for you. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell if you enjoy travel stories that blend insight, curiosity, and cultural discovery.