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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Bilbao

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Bilbao, Spain

Updated June 21, 2018

Unusual Attractions in Bilbao

Bilbao, Spain

Jeff Koons' Puppy

Giant topiary dog once played a role in a terrorist bomb plot.

Bilbao, Spain

Fountain of Dogs

This 19th-century fountain's namesake animal isn't what you think it is.

Are we missing something unusual?

Portugalete, Spain

Vizcaya Bridge

Two towns are linked by an engineering marvel masquerading as a boring suspension bridge.

5 miles from Bilbao

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Spain

Gaztelugatxe

Hundreds of stone stairs and a winding medieval bridge connect this haunting Spanish island to the mainland.

14 miles from Bilbao

Kortezubi, Spain

Cueva de Santimamiñe (Santimamiñe Cave)

An archeological treasure trove stumbled upon by a couple of children.

16 miles from Bilbao

Kortezubi, Spain

Bosque Animado de Oma

A living art gallery painted on a canvas of Monterey pine trees.

16 miles from Bilbao

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Guided Tours of Bilbao

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Barcelona & Catalonia: A Feast for the Senses

Discover the unique tastes and traditions of Catalonia, explore history and architecture in Barcelona, taste unusual wines of Spain’s smallest wine-growing regions, and enjoy fresh farm-to-table dining.

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Stories About Bilbao

Step Inside These Members-Only Temples of Basque Gastronomy

For centuries, txokos have been crucial to shaping culinary traditions.

by Elizabeth Hlavinka

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