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Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: Our most recommended tours and activities

Bilbao: Guggenheim Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

1. Bilbao: Guggenheim Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Meet your guide outside the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to begin a guided tour of both the inside and the outside of the museum. Skip the ticket line and discover more about one of the foremost symbols of the city. Learn why Bilbao was chosen as the home for the stunning Frank Gehry-designed building, and discover the structure of the building and the outdoor sculptures that surround the museum.  Then, get to know the most important works of the Guggenheim's permanent and rotating collections as you wander through its galleries, atrium, and terrace in the company of your guide. Admire its undulating, serpentine forms, among large-scale works of art that will surprise you due to the material used.

Bilbao: 3-Hour Guided Highlights Small Group Bike Tour

2. Bilbao: 3-Hour Guided Highlights Small Group Bike Tour

Explore Bilbao by bike like a local on a guided tour past all the city’s main sights like the magnificent Guggenheim Museum. Uncover the history of this fascinating city and learn about its stunning old and new attractions. Departing from the central Calle de Villarias, follow your guide along bike lanes and pedestrianized streets to avoid the busy traffic. Follow the course of the river to learn why it was essential to the development of the city. Peddle by contemporary and historic sites and stop at the dramatic Guggenheim Museum, which opened on the banks of the Nervión River and was designed by the architect Frank Gehry in the 1990s.  Marvel at the Euskalduna Conference Centre, built on the site of the old shipyards, and see the new San Mamés football stadium. Explore historic Bilbao at sites such as the Neo-baroque Teatro Arriaga.  Cycle down the narrow streets and through the wide plazas of the Casco Viejo (Old Town), and discover the site of the old city walls by the San Antón Bridge, linking Bilbao La Vieja and Casco Viejo.

Bilbao: Guggenheim Museum Private Guided Visit

3. Bilbao: Guggenheim Museum Private Guided Visit

Enjoy a guided tour of the world-famous Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Discover the temporary and permanent exhibitions in the museum during your 1.5 hour tour. Admire the work of artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Eduardo Chillida, Yves Klein, Jeff Koons, and Fujiko Nakaya. Be greeted by a local guide at the entrance to the museum which is surrounded by promenades, parks, and recently-built squares. Since opening in 1997, the museum's acquisitions have focused on works from the mid-twentieth century to the present day. Uncover the main attractions is the ArcelorMittal gallery, which is a large space where eight works by sculptor Richard Serra are permanently displayed. Of the 24,000 square meters occupied by the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, 11,000 are reserved for exhibition spaces. Stroll through the architectural heart of the museum which is comprised of 20 galleries that make up the museum. Enter the atrium, a large open space of curved volumes, surrounded by large glass curtain walls and crowned by a large skylight. 

Bilbao: Guggenheim Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line

4. Bilbao: Guggenheim Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line

Meet your guide outside the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to begin your 120-minute guided tour of both the inside and the outside of the museum. Learn why Bilbao was chosen as the home for the stunning Frank Gehry-designed building, and discover the structure of the building and the outdoor sculptures that surround the museum. Then, get to know the most important works of the Guggenheim's permanent and rotating collections as you wander through its galleries, atrium, and terrace in the company of your guide. Your museum entry is good for the day, so at the end of the tour, you may continue to explore the modern art collections at your own pace.

From San Sebastian: Gaztelugatxe and Guggenheim Museum Tour

5. From San Sebastian: Gaztelugatxe and Guggenheim Museum Tour

Discover Biscay, the Basque region that surrounds Bilbao, on a full-day trip from San Sebastian. Fall in love with the charming 10th-century fortress of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and climb its 241 stairs to get to the top. Explore the world-famous Guggenheim Museum with included tickets. Depart from San Sebastian after being picked up from your hotel. Arrive at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and find yourself at Dragonstone, as the seventh season of Game of Thrones was shot here. Embark on a steep climb and be rewarded with fascinating views of nature. After recovering from the steep path, head to Bilbao, the financial capital of the Basque Country. Get a glimpse of the architectural and traditional beauties of this wonderful city, including the Guggenheim Museum. Step into the iconic museum and discover its exhibit before returning to San Sebastian.

Bilbao: Classic & Modern Guided Walking Tour with Pintxos

6. Bilbao: Classic & Modern Guided Walking Tour with Pintxos

In a 3-hour guided tour, discover medieval Bilbao’s charming streets and squares along with the intense commercial and port activity that made this city into what it is today. Start by meeting your guide and delving into the city’s ancient past: see the city’s outer walls, the Gothic Cathedral of Santiago, the Plaza Nueva, and the emblematic Church of San Antón, totaling more than 500 years of history that seems to transcend time.   Then, continue your tour to the well-known Ensanche, a key sign of the progress of this city. See the urban development of Bilbao and its architectural wonders from the 19th through to the 21st century. It will be here that you’ll witness the pulsating heart of a city that exudes both tradition and avant-garde style.   Your visit ends with the opportunity to sample one of the most iconic Bilbao foods: pintxos. These are small snacks skewered with a toothpick, usually eaten socially in bars, which makes them the perfect way to end this small group tour with your new friends.

From Bilbao: Day trip to Laguardia, Briones and Murua

7. From Bilbao: Day trip to Laguardia, Briones and Murua

We will be waiting for you at the main entrance of the Guggenheim in Bilbao, where Puppy will witness your departure to the most beautiful villages of Spain. Places where Laguardia is a mandatory stop. This is precisely where we will stop first. The welcoming door to the Rioja Alavesa with a classic medieval touch in which an intense aroma of wine is released. We will walk through the historic area of Laguardia while we briefly tell you the history of this town and the Rioja Alavesa. We will go up to the Casa de la Primicia, the most outstanding example of medieval and Renaissance architecture that rises above its cobblestone streets. And at the ends of this population you will not miss the churches of Santa Maria de los Reyes and San Juan Bautista. Between steps, and with the best daylight, you can discover how Laguardia is a town full of wineries -not for less because of its location-. On the first floor of many commercial establishments you will see places where delicious wines are made, although your oenological moment will come after the visit to this town, when you arrive at the Murua Masaveu Winery, a few minutes from here. Getting off the bus in front of the manor house in the village of Elciego is like breathing in the smell of 100% Rioja wines. The quality, the treatment of the product and its detailed and careful elaboration result in a delicious product. More than 80 hectares of vineyards will welcome us just before entering the interior of the Bodegas Murua building. A space divided into several areas, which houses works of art from the sixteenth century and contains a library with copies of several centuries ago. And where, of course, you will discover the secrets of winemaking. It will be a great experience to learn about the cult of wine that takes place in some wineries halfway between Laguardia and Briones, where we will go. A short drive will take us to the most beautiful village in the north of La Rioja. Medieval architecture, cobblestone streets and buildings and a square that is the envy of many. But before you start touring this town, how about a break to recharge your batteries? We will give you the best recommendations to taste the best of its local gastronomy. After lunch, we will meet again to visit the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, which presides over Briones and the Plaza de España thanks to the height of its bell tower. From there we will go to the Briones Town Hall in the Casa-Palacio de los Marqueses de San Nicolás to also see the Old Abbey, the Palacio de los Quincoces or the famous Torre del Homenaje (Homage Tower). After visiting Briones we will return to Bilbao after discovering a vision as rural as it is beautiful of the Rioja Alavesa.

From Bilbao: Basque Country 3 Cities 6-Day Coach Tour

8. From Bilbao: Basque Country 3 Cities 6-Day Coach Tour

See the highlights of the Basque Country on a tour of the cities of Bilbao, Vitoria and San Sebastian. Benefit from guided panoramic tours and walking tours to get a complete picture of each destination. Journey through an amazing landscape of dramatic sea views, typical fishing villages and vast forests of oak trees. Day 1: Bilbao Benefit from pick-up and transfer to your hotel to get a full tour program about the Basque Country. Day 2: Bilbao - San Sebastian Depart Bilbao and journey through the mountains towards San Sebastian. See the old tower houses of Azkoitia and visit the shrine at the Sanctuary of Loyola before making your way to the coastal town of Zumaia. Get magnificent views of the Bay of Biscay and stop in the medieval fishing village of Getaria. Continue to San Sebastian via the resort town of Zarautz. Take a panoramic bus tour of San Sebastian and see highlights such as Kursaal Palace on arrival. Enjoy some free time for lunch before taking a walking tour of the Old Town, and stroll past typical pintxo bars and the 18th-century Basilica of Santa Maria de Coro. Get tips on what to do with the rest of the evening and the following day at leisure. Day 3: San Sebastian Enjoy a free day to explore San Sebastian at your own pace. Day 4: San Sebastian - Rioja - Vitoria Take the highway towards Vitoria, passing the old town of Tolosa. Arrive at the village of Ordizia and go for a stroll before going to Oñati and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Arantzazu. Visit the former salt mining town of Salinas de Leniz, and then enter the wine producing area of Rioja Alavesa. Admire typical villages such as Labastida and Laguardia, where you will get some free time to explore the town and enjoy lunch independently. Continue to Vitoria for a panoramic tour of the capital of the Basque Country. Marvel at monuments such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria and Casco Viejo, and avail of free entry to the Artium Museum of Contemporary Art. Day 5: Vitoria - Bilbao Journey through the rural landscape of Alava en route to Salinas de Añana, where you will learn about the historic salt mining industry. Continue to the village of Orduña, surrounded by the mountains of the Sierra Salvada, and take a guided walking tour of the town. Get back to nature in Ayala and discover vast forests of oak trees. Stop for lunch in Balmaseda, and then go to the coastal town of Santurtzi, known for its seafaring traditions. Continue to Portugalete to cross the transporter bridge to Getxo, where you can go for a walk along the seafront and get a magnificent view of the Bay of Biscay. Continue to Bilbao and take a panoramic tour on arrival. Day 6: Bilbao Explore Bilbao at your own pace with a day at leisure. Get useful information from your guide to help you plan your day. Enjoy some free time in the city before your transfer to the airport.

Bilbao: Private Night Walking Tour

9. Bilbao: Private Night Walking Tour

Meet your local guide near the cable car to the Artxanda Lookout. Ride the cable car to a fantastic vantage point from where you can admire the city of Bilbao illuminated at nighttime. After enjoying the panoramic views, discover Abandoibarra, the modernist area of the city. Admire the famous exterior design of the imposing Guggenheim Museum, surrounded by such famous sculptures as the Puppy and Mamam. Then, take the tram to the Old Town district of Bilbao, known for its “7 streets.” Stroll through these charming streets with your guide and learn more about the most historic area of the city.

Getxo and Bizcaya Bridge (UNESCO Site) Bike Tour from Bilbao

10. Getxo and Bizcaya Bridge (UNESCO Site) Bike Tour from Bilbao

Throughout this five-hour bike tour, starting in Bilbao, discover the maritime and industrial history of the villas. Explore the iron mines and learn about the way the citizens were able to transform the natural landscape into a place worth admiring. Begin your trip by visiting the new icons of the city, including the Guggenheim Museum, Euskalduna Congress Palace, and the Maritime Museum. Continue pedaling along the left bank of the estuary until it joins the open sea.  The Pendant or Bizkaia Bridge, which was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2006, links the Portugalete's Villa with Getxo. Once there, continue to The Gold Mile of Biscay, among the outstanding palaces built by the aristocracy at the beginning of the 20th-century. Visit the Sailing Club and Ereaga beach. End your journey in the quaint and picturesque Alcorta's Old Port.

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What people are saying about Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 591 reviews

It was worth every single euro for this private tour with Santiago. His explanations and tour made this wonderful museum come even more alive. Patient with our relentless questions we thoroughly enjoyed our 90 minutes with him. His knowledge and story telling was engaging and made our tour really special

Our guide (name?) was enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. We engaged in stimulating conversation about the various pieces of art and the wonderful building. We knew very little about contemporary and pop art but came away with considerable knowledge and appreciation.

Gara was an excellent tour guide. She was very engaging and knowledgeable. She also gave us recommendations for other things to do around the city. I would highly recommend.

Excellent private guided tour - we enjoyed it a lot and learned a lot about the museum but also about the city of Bilbao

Javier was terrific, the tour experience was lovely.