Defined as the best building of the second half of the twentieth century, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao has completely transformed the city, placing it in the world and radically changing its image.
It opened in 1997, designed by the American architect Frank Gehry, and its architecture symbolizes a ship anchored on the banks of the Nervión. The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is surrounded by promenades, green areas and squares of recent urbanization, where artistic works by artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Eduardo Chillida, Yves Klein, Jeff Koons and Fujiko Nakaya coexist.
The area surrounding the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao has become an attractive meeting point where visitors can enjoy art, have a drink, listen to live music, play sports or play in a children's play area with avant-garde swings and an interactive fountain that is a magnet for the youngest visitors.
Since its opening in 1997, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao's acquisitions have focused on works from the mid-20th century to the present day, complementing the holdings of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation while forging a unique identity for itself.
In addition to exhibition spaces, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao has a "Zero Espazioa" visitor orientation room, a 300-seat auditorium, a shop-bookstore, a café, a bistro-style restaurant and the Michelin-starred "Nerua" gastronomic restaurant.
Accessibility: The Museum does not have its own parking service for visitors; however, it is easily accessible and can be reached by streetcar (Guggenheim stop), bus lines: Lines 01, 10, 13, 18 and A7 at the "Museo 1 / Henao" stop or by Metro (Moyua stop, "Ercilla-Guggenheim" exit). If you choose to travel by private vehicle, there are municipal parking spaces in the area.
To access the interior of the Museum there are two accessible entrances:
▪ Main façade: wheelchair access by elevator (entrance through the cafeteria).
▪ Facade facing the estuary: wheelchair access via the ramp.
▪ It also has the entrance by the large staircase on the main facade.
Inside:
- Walk-through over three floors.
- Free of physical barriers.
- With wide aisles. Non-slip floor.
- Easy to walk around. With 2 elevators: one with capacity for 1 person in wheelchair and another group elevator, very spacious, with capacity for 20 people.
- 2 adapted toilets per floor: they have 2 bars, one fixed and one folding, and enough space to turn inside.
The collection of the Museo de Bellas Artes , inaugurated in 1914, gathers more than seven thousand pieces, including paintings, sculptures, works on paper and applied arts, in an outstanding patrimonial ensemble that covers a chronology from the 12th century to the present day. It preserves relevant examples of ancient, modern and contemporary art, and are of special interest the painting of the Spanish school and the nourished presence of Basque artists, of which it has the most important collection of works.
Accessibility: The museum has ramps that facilitate the horizontal communication of its spaces and six elevators for vertical communication. The Auditorium has places that allow the placement of wheelchairs. It can be accessed by Bus: Bilbobus: Lines 1, 10, 13 and 18 (stop at Plaza Museum), Tram (Abandoibarra stop and at Guggenheim) or Metro (Moyúa Station stop).
Inside:
- Main aisles at least 1.80 m wide.
- Secondary aisles at least 1.20 m wide.
- Interior doors at least 90 cm wide.
- 1 restroom characterized as PRM-accessible
- 2 adapted toilets : access door width 0.80 - 0.89 m, opening outwards.
The San Mamés Space, also known as the Athletic Stadium, is a must-see for any sports fan visiting Bilbao. The stadium is home to the city's beloved soccer team, Athletic Club, and is located in the heart of a rapidly developing residential, commercial, and social area. The stadium is easily accessible via public transportation, including the metro, bus, and tram, and there are also municipal parking spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility who have an accreditation card. The San Mamés Space is a great place to experience the local culture and passion for sports in Bilbao.
Accesses:
Access to the enclosure at ground level.
Once inside we find the reception desk and access to the museum (by elevator or escalator) which is located on floor -1.
Elevator with capacity for 1 person in a wheelchair.
Access to the field from the museum by ramp and side bar on the left side.
Interior
Free of architectural barriers.
With wide aisles.
Well signposted and easy to follow.
In the guided tour of the stadium, access from the changing room area to the VIP box by elevator, with capacity for 1 person in a wheelchair.
Toilets : located next to the reception area (floor 0), at the end of the museum tour (floor -1), and in the press area of the stadium. There are also adapted toilets in the tavern "La Campa de los ingleses" located in the same complex, with sliding door , 2 folding bars.and with enough space for the turning of a chair.
Access to the playing field from the museum is by ramp with a bar on the left hand side. After passing through the press room and the changing room area, the elevator takes you to the box area. The visit usually ends on the 1st floor of the tent area, so you have to access the exit again by elevator, but sometimes large groups have been allowed to exit through the Taberna de los Ingleses, located within the enclosure (also one floor above the exit). This is a bar-restaurant open to the public which can be accessed via an elevator, and has stunning views of the playing field.
In one of the most emblematic buildings of the seafaring history of Santurtzi, we find the Santurtzi Itsasoa interpretation center, where we are presented with the link between this municipality and the sea in all its aspects. Different audiovisual media show us the union of its inhabitants with the sea and discover the exciting life of corsairs and pirates who sailed these seas, the origin of the regattas or the tradition of the traineras in this municipality. And of course, without forgetting an own space dedicated to one of the most representative figures of Santurtzi, the sardineras.
- How to get there:
2 public parkings (one of them of payment) to scanty meters.
Access to the museum at zero level from the sidewalk.
- Indoors
Free of physical barriers.
Wide and clear corridors.
Museum located on Floor -1, access by elevator with capacity for 1 person in a wheelchair.
Toilets : 1 adapted restroom, with 2 bars, one fixed and one folding, with sliding door and sufficient space for a wheelchair to turn inside.
Access to the building is at ground level from the outside. The sidewalk where the entrance is located is cobblestone, although it is easy to walk on. The restrooms are located on the ground floor at the entrance to the museum.
Meinungen über Bilbao
Christine
07.04.2025
5,0
I will definitely be using them again in my next visit later this year.
Amy
13.03.2025
5,0
The area was very accessible and made my travel experience a lot more comfortable and easy.
Maria
25.09.2024
5,0
The pathways and roads were very user friendly for the mobility scooter. No problems getting around.
Catn
24.09.2024
2,0
Was surprised at how inaccessible the pedestrian walkways and tram entrances were.
Ihr Bilbao Führer
Bilbao is a city with many accessible services and activities, making it a great destination for people with disabilities. Some of the top accessible attractions include the Athletic Museum, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the Carranza Valley, the Museum of Peace in Gernika, and the nearby town of Bakio where you can try the local Txakoli wine.
For those who enjoy nature, there is an accessible shepherd experience in Abadiño.
Additionally, there are many accessible beaches, excursions, theme parks, and restaurants in the city that cater to visitors with reduced mobility. It is recommended to check the website of Motion4rent for more information and offers for people with disabilities.
Bilbao Touristenbüro
PLAZA CIRCULAR, 1 48001 Bilbao
High Season (from April 9 to Sept. 18 and long weekends), Monday to Sunday: 9:00-19:30
Low Season: Monday to Sunday: 9:30-17:30
Open every day of the year
ALAMEDA MAZARREDO, 66 (Guggenheim Museum) 48009 Bilbao
High Season (from April 9 to Sept. 18 and long weekends)
Monday to Saturday: 10:00-19:00; Sunday: 10:00-15:00
Low Season: Monday to Saturday: 11:00-19:00, Sunday: 11:00-15:00
The airport is fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and adapted toilets throughout the terminal. There are also designated parking spaces for people with disabilities located near the terminal building.
The airport also offers a shuttle service for passengers with reduced mobility, which can be requested in advance through the website or by contacting the airport's customer service.
Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a bus, train or taxi to reach the city center. There are several bus lines that connect the airport with the city center, including the Bizkaibus A3247 line, which runs every 20 minutes. The metro is also a good option, with the L1 line connecting the airport to the city center in just 30 minutes. Taxis are also available outside the terminal building, with a fixed rate to the city center.
Port of Bilbao:
The port also has adapted restrooms, elevators and ramps for easy access to the ships.
In addition to the ferries, the Port of Bilbao also offers cruises that depart from the city and take you to different destinations in the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean. These cruises are also accessible for passengers with reduced mobility and have adapted cabins and facilities.
There are several ways to get to the port, including by bus, metro and by car. The port also offers parking for people with reduced mobility.
Overall, the Port of Bilbao is a great option for those who want to explore the city and its surroundings by sea, with all the necessary facilities and services to make the experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible for everyone.
Train:
The station is fully accessible for people with reduced mobility with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. There are also designated parking spaces for people with disabilities in the parking area of the station.
The metro, buses and trams in Bilbao are also fully accessible, with ramps and designated spaces for wheelchairs. The city also offers a free adapted transportation service for people with disabilities, called 'Bilbobus Adaptado'.
Metro Bilbao:
Signed by architect Norman Foster, it has become a symbol of the city for its accessibility, efficiency, impeccable design and its characteristic 'fosteritos', the entrances to the stations. Its three lines are not only the fastest way to move around the city, but also to access beaches and charming towns within the metropolitan area.
From the beginning, the stations, transit points, metro units, etc., were designed and built in such a way that they contained no physical barriers. In the design and construction of all the stations, we have taken into account not only the fact of not building architectural barriers, but also the installation of short and safe accesses for all the users.
Bus:
The Bilbobus fleet includes 28 low-floor buses that are fully accessible, with ramps and space for wheelchairs. The rest of the buses are equipped with a device to lower the bus's floor to curb level, making it easier for passengers with mobility issues to board and exit the bus. The Bilbobus also have a priority seating area for people with disabilities, which is clearly marked and located near the bus's door. Additionally, the buses are equipped with a visual and audio announcement system that indicates the next stop, making it easier for visually impaired passengers to navigate the bus route.
The Bilbao City View bus tour allows you to discover the city's main landmarks and attractions, such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the Old Town, the Basilica of Begoña, and the Estuary, among many others. It is a great way to get an overview of the city and plan your itinerary for the rest of your visit. Additionally, the buses are equipped with an audio guide that provides information about the sights and points of interest along the route. This is a great way to explore the city and learn about its history and culture.
Adapted taxi:
People with reduced mobility can request the service of an adapted cab. These vehicles provide the same service as any other cab, operate with a taximeter and apply the same fares as other cabs. To request an adapted cab, you can order it here:
The Casco Viejo is easily accessible for people with reduced mobility, as it is entirely on urban land. The route covers a distance of 1.6 km, with cobblestone pavement and some obstacles such as possible potholes and streetcar tracks. It is recommended to be cautious when crossing these areas. The neighborhood offers a variety of cultural and historical sites to visit, as well as a bustling market and plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. Overall, Casco Viejo is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Bilbao, with plenty of accessible options for people with reduced mobility.
Easily accessible route, it runs entirely on urban land. Distance of the section 1.60 km, cobblestone pavement, obstacles: possible potholes when walking on cobblestone pavement and streetcar tracks depending on where it crosses. Two sections have been differentiated:
The first corresponds to an urban environment such as the Seven Streets of the Old Town. This route takes us without any type of difficulty to cross the seven main streets of the Old Helmet Bilbaíno. The surface is paved of marble, wide streets. When it rains it could become slippery.
The second section runs through a recovered green area, recommended for people with reduced mobility. It begins at the Atxuri Train Station, taking us, with the estuary as a companion, to the Bilbao neighborhood of La Peña.
Pintxo Routes
Pintxos, also known as Basque tapas, are small bite-sized snacks that are typically served on a skewer or toothpick. They are a staple in Basque cuisine and can be found in bars and restaurants throughout the region. They are often made with traditional ingredients such as fish, meat, and vegetables, and can range from simple to elaborate creations. Pintxos are often accompanied by a glass of wine or cider and are a great way to sample a variety of flavors and dishes in a casual setting. It's a great way to experience the local culinary culture and socialize with friends.
▪ The Mercado de la Ribera and its gastrobars.
▪ LEDESMA area (Abando/Moyúa metro station)
▪ DIPUTACION area, perpendicular to Gran Via (Moyúa metro station)
▪ Bocados del CASCO VIEJO, (Caso Viejo subway stop)
▪ Espacio GUGGENHEIM (Moyúa subway stop)
Timentality but also one of the main icons of modern Bilbao. The flowers that fill its stainless steel structure change with each season.
Puppy
Puppy is a sculpture made of flowers and topiary, it's covered in thousands of live flowers and plants, which are carefully tended to by a team of gardeners. It is a unique and striking piece of art that adds to the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Visitors can walk around the sculpture and take pictures with it, making it a popular spot for tourists. Puppy is a great example of how Bilbao seamlessly combines contemporary art and nature to create an engaging and memorable experience for visitors.
Mercado de la Ribera ( Ribera Market)
The market has a variety of stalls selling fresh produce such as fish, meat, fruit, and vegetables, as well as local cheeses and other delicacies. The market is fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, with ramps and elevators available. It is a great place to visit to experience the local culture and sample some of the delicious food that the region has to offer. It's open from Monday to Saturday, and it's closed on Sunday. You can check the opening hours on the official website of the market https://www.mercadodelaribera.com/ before your visit.
AZKUNA ZENTROA, Alhóndiga Space
The Azkuna Zentroa, also known as the Alhóndiga Bilbao, is a cultural and sports center located in the heart of Bilbao. The building was originally a wine warehouse and was redesigned by the famous French designer Philippe Starck. The center offers a wide range of activities, such as exhibitions, concerts, workshops, and sports classes. It also has a rooftop terrace with great views of the city and a restaurant and bar. The center is fully accessible for people with reduced mobility, with ramps and elevators available throughout the building. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art and culture, and is located in a convenient area with many shopping and dining options nearby.
Arriaga Antzokia Theater
The Arriaga Theater was built in the late 19th century, in 1888, and was named after the famous Basque composer, Crisanto Arriaga. The theater was designed by the architect Joaquín Rucoba in the neoclassical style, and it was considered one of the most modern and advanced theaters of its time. It has a capacity of more than 1,200 people and has hosted various performances, including operas, ballets, and plays.
The theater is fully accessible for people with reduced mobility, it has ramps and elevators to access all areas of the theater. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours of the theater, which are available in different languages and provide information about the history and architecture of the building, as well as its current use as a cultural center. The theater also has a shop and a café where you can relax and enjoy a drink before or after the performance.
Angepasste Restaurants
ENEKO BILBAO RESTAURANT, Avenida Abandoibarra, 4 48011 Bilbao, subway stop: San Mamés.
VICTOR MONTES , Plaza Nueva 8, 48005 Bilbao, subway stop: Casco Viejo.
RESTAURANTE BELTZ , Alameda Mazarredo, 61 48009 Bilbao, metro stop: Moyua
MUGARRA , Ercilla, 14 48009 Bilbao, metro stop: Moyua
BATZOKI BILBAO, Tendería 17, 48005 Bilbao, metro stop: Casco Viejo
