The little funicular railway that has climbed Mount Artxanda since 1915 carries you in a few minutes from the riverside to the city's best panorama. From the top, Bilbao lays out below in its bowl of green hills — the Guggenheim's titanium, the grid of the Ensanche, the river threading through it all. The viewpoint, gardens, and a couple of restaurants make it a classic local outing.
Location
Abandoibarra, Bilbao
Map
Insider Intel
Ride to the top for the panorama, then walk the ridge path along the gardens; there are grill restaurants up there if you want to make an afternoon of it.
Late afternoon into sunset, when the city light is best and the Guggenheim begins to glow. Clear days reward the climb most.
The lower station sits just across the river from the Abandoibarra riverfront, a short walk from the centre. It's a quick, cheap ride and runs frequently — buy a ticket at the station. The view is the whole point, so pick a clear day.