Bilbao is a city hemmed in by hills and mountains, resting in a tight valley. For a breathtaking view over the city and the wild Basque mountains beyond, take a trip on the funicular railway that has creaked its way up the steep slope to the summit of Artxanda since 1915.
Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images
Funicular de Artxanda
Bilbao
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.42 MILES
Shimmering titanium Museo Guggenheim Bilbao is one of modern architecture's most iconic buildings. It played a major role in helping to lift Bilbao out of…
1.03 MILES
On the waterfront, this interactive maritime museum brings the watery depths of Bilbao and Basque maritime history to life. Start with a 10-minute video…
0.66 MILES
The Museo de Bellas Artes houses a compelling collection that includes everything from Gothic sculptures to 20th-century pop art. There are three main…
14.11 MILES
One of the most photographed features of the Basque coast, 10km to Bermeo's northwest, is the small, rocky isle of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Accessed from…
26.58 MILES
Discovered in 1903 (second only to Altamira among Cantabrian caves with prehistoric artwork), the World Heritage–listed Covalanas cave is home to several…
9.89 MILES
The world's first underwater winery, Crusoe Treasure, ages its vintages 20m below the surface on an artificial reef. Tastings of its whites and reds are…
0.77 MILES
The compact Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s atmospheric old quarter, is full of charming streets, boisterous bars and plenty of quirky and independent shops. At the…
0.82 MILES
Take a neglected wine storage warehouse, convert it into a leisure and cultural centre, add a shot of Bilbao style and the result is the Azkuna Zentroa …
Nearby Bilbao attractions
0.2 MILES
The most striking of the modern bridges that span the Ría del Nervión, the Zubizuri (Basque for 'White Bridge') has become an iconic feature of Bilbao's…
0.42 MILES
Shimmering titanium Museo Guggenheim Bilbao is one of modern architecture's most iconic buildings. It played a major role in helping to lift Bilbao out of…
0.58 MILES
On the banks of the Ría del Nervión, and accessible via the Pedro Arrupe footbridge, the Universidad de Deusto dominates the waterfront. This landmark…
0.6 MILES
The morphing ground between the Casco Viejo and the newer parts of Bilbao, the Plaza del Arenal is a large open space that frequently plays host to…
0.62 MILES
The Concordia train station, with its art nouveau facade of wrought iron and tiles, was built in 1902 and for many years provided colour and interest in a…
0.62 MILES
With its fountains and spinning traffic, Plaza de Federico Moyúa is the heart of the Ensanche. It's home to the regal Hotel Carlton, once the hotel of…
7. Iglesia San Nicolás de Bari
0.64 MILES
This landmark church by the northern entrance to the Casco Viejo was consecrated in 1756. Dedicated to St Nicholas of Bari, the patron saint of sailors,…
0.66 MILES
The Museo de Bellas Artes houses a compelling collection that includes everything from Gothic sculptures to 20th-century pop art. There are three main…