Bilbao / 10 photo spots
10 Instagram spots around Bilbao
Bilbao’s estuary links contemporary architecture with the old town and its squares. These ideas for personal photos use riverside paths, public squares and a hilltop viewpoint. Professional handheld shoots in public spaces must be reported in advance even without setups or disruption. For setups, cordoned areas or disruptions, check in advance whether a permit is needed.
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Photo spots on the map
3 of 10 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.
Select a highlighted number to show its sourced location on the map. Every name links to the photo spot.
If the map does not load, use the OpenStreetMap link or the photo spot list.
All photo spots
- Plaza NuevaApproximate area
- Teatro ArriagaSourced place
- Mercado de la RiberaApproximate area
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Guggenheim Bilbao
Walk along the riverside promenade beside the Guggenheim Museum. Use a wide frame to show how the curved exterior meets the La Salve bridge.
Search Google MapsPuppy at the Guggenheim
Jeff Koons’s flower-covered Puppy stands in the museum square. From the open square, frame the sculpture against part of the museum building.
Search Google MapsArtxanda viewpoint
The Artxanda viewpoint looks over Bilbao and its estuary. From the established viewing area, arrange the river and city in horizontal layers. The funicular is a paid option and runs to a timetable.
Search Google MapsZubizuri bridge
The white Zubizuri footbridge crosses the estuary by Campo Volantín. From the riverside promenade, include the bridge’s curved structure above the water.
Search Google MapsPlaza Nueva
Plaza Nueva is surrounded by arcades in Bilbao’s old town. The council has closed the central area as a precaution. From the open arcades or adjacent path, frame a row of arches and keep the walkway clear. Check local notices.
Search Google MapsTeatro Arriaga
Teatro Arriaga faces its namesake square near the estuary. From the public square, use a vertical frame to include the decorated façade and roofline.
Search Google MapsMercado de la Ribera
The Mercado de la Ribera stands beside the estuary. From the opposite riverside walkway, frame the market’s long façade with a strip of water in front.
Search Google MapsSan Antón bridge and church
The church and bridge of San Antón stand together by the old town. From the riverside public path, look for an angle that includes both landmarks.
Search Google MapsDoña Casilda park
The paths of Doña Casilda park lead past ponds and trees. From a path, use the pond as a foreground for the greenery without disturbing the birds.
Search Google MapsSantiago Cathedral
Bilbao’s Santiago Cathedral stands on a small square in the old town. From the square, concentrate on the façade and tower in a vertical composition.
Search Google MapsSources for these photo spots
- Guggenheim Bilbao, the exterior
- Guggenheim Bilbao, Puppy
- Guggenheim Bilbao, Abando riverside route
- Artxanda Funicular, viewpoint
- Artxanda Funicular, hours and fares
- Basque tourism, walk along the Bilbao estuary
- Basque tourism, Plaza Nueva
- Basque tourism, Teatro Arriaga
- Basque tourism, Mercado de la Ribera
- Basque tourism, church and bridge of San Antón
- Basque tourism, Doña Casilda park
- Basque tourism, Santiago Cathedral
- Bilbao Bizkaia Film Commission, production guidelines
- City of Bilbao, public space ordinance
- Bilbao City Council: Plaza Nueva central area closure