Bilbao is a city that doesn’t let the rain get in the way. In fact, the Atlantic climate is part of its identity and is precisely what makes its cultural, culinary and architectural offerings so compelling all year round. When the skies turn grey, the city doesn’t shut down: it simply moves indoors, to its museums, pintxo bars and cultural venues. Here are the best things to do to enjoy Bilbao on rainy days, without missing out on a thing.

Must-visit museums in Bilbao when it rains

If the weather isn't on your side, Bilbao is home to some of the best museums in northern Spain. The most iconic of these is the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a must-see both for its architecture and its contemporary exhibitions. Inside, you can spend hours exploring modern art without a care in the world. Just a short distance away, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is another must-see, boasting one of the most comprehensive collections in the country, ranging from classical to contemporary art.

The Bilbao Estuary as an indoor, urban experience

Even when it rains, the estuary remains one of the city’s main thoroughfares. From the area around the Zubizuri Bridge to the Guggenheim, many sections can be explored with an umbrella or under the city’s arcades, whilst taking in the city’s contemporary architecture. Bilbao is designed to be enjoyed even on grey days, with comfortable, well-connected city walks.

Food and drink: the best place to escape to on rainy days in Bilbao

If there’s one perfect plan for a rainy day in Bilbao, it’s a culinary one. Bilbao’s Old Town is home to some of the city’s best pintxo bars, particularly on streets such as Somera and Barrenkale, or around Plaza Nueva. Here, the rain provides the perfect excuse to go on a traditional pintxos tour, sampling txakoli, gildas and Basque cuisine in bite-sized portions.

Topics covered: shopping and city life

Another great option when it rains is to stroll along Bilbao’s Gran Vía, which is lined with shops, cafés and shopping centres such as El Corte Inglés. It’s the perfect area for a stroll without having to worry about the weather, combining shopping with stops for a bite to eat.

Culture, relaxation and indoor activities

For those days when you fancy something a bit more laid-back, Bilbao has plenty to offer beyond its major museums. The Azkuna Zentroa is one of the city’s most unique attractions, a former wine warehouse converted into a cultural centre with interior design by Philippe Starck, housing exhibitions, a cinema and relaxation areas. The Museum of Fine Arts boasts one of the most comprehensive collections in northern Spain, featuring works ranging from the 16th century to contemporary Basque painting, making it ideal for a leisurely visit. To round off the day, the speciality coffee shops around Abando are the perfect retreat.

Bilbao in the rain: a different way to explore the city

Far from being a nuisance, the rain is part of Bilbao’s character. The city is well equipped to offer cultural, culinary and urban activities without having to rely on the weather. In fact, many travellers find that Bilbao on rainy days is even more authentic: less crowded, more local and more true to its essence.