Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

This is Part 5 to my Destination: San Sebastian series. Other posts in this series includes: Eat: Pintxos 101, Eat: A Fuego Negro,  Michelin Star: Arzak, and Eat: Bistro at the Guggenheim.

During our 3.5 days in San Sebastian, J and I took a day trip to Bilbao to visit the Guggenheim Museum. This Guggenheim museum is one of nine Guggeheim museums in the world. When it first opened in 1997, this museum helped put Bilbao on the map and jump started its economy. Now, Bilbao flourishes as a main hub in Basque County.

When we first got to the museum, I couldn’t help but love the bold and modern exterior. It catches the light from all different angles and not to mention shiny. I love shiny buildings. Despite how chaotic the building seems, it somehow comes together.

We chose to take the bus because it seemed like the easiest and fastest way. There are a few bus companies that make this route hourly, and you can buy bus tickets the day of from the central bus station, here. Since it’s it runs so often, don’t worry too much about getting these bus tickets online.

Tickets cost about 7€ per person, and the bus ride will be for about an hour. Once you get into Bilbao, you will be dropped off at San Mames. When we got to the station, we were a bit confused about where to go, but eventually we figured out the easiest way, which is to take the Euskotren.

These trains run above ground, so don’t bother wasting time going to the underground subway like we did. From San Mames stop, the Guggenheim stop is only 4 stops away, bringing you right to the museum.

Admission is about 11€ per adult, but you don’t necessarily have to go inside to admire all the outdoor sculptures. When we were there, one of the 3 levels was under renovation, so we were only able to enjoy the museum for about an hour. 

Beyond the fun sculptures, exhibitions and architecture at the Guggenheim, there is another reason why I would urge you to go visit, and it is for the two restaurants inside the museum.

What? Good food at the museum? Yes, it is possible. Luckily, J did a little bit of research and found out that the Bistro at the Guggenheim served amazing food, but I’ll share that with you in another post.

So if you’re looking for a quick day trip, make a trip out to Bilbao. Honestly, I wouldn’t even call it a day trip because we spent less than 5 hours getting there and back, eating and browsing the museum.