A riverside walk from Santiago Calatrava's white Zubizuri footbridge (1997) past the Iberdrola Tower (Cesar Pelli, 2011) to the Guggenheim, linking Bilbao's post-industrial regeneration landmarks.
The Abandoibarra riverside is the part of Bilbao, in Biscay in Spain's Basque Country, where the city's post-industrial regeneration is easiest to see on foot. The walk begins at the Zubizuri, the white footbridge designed by Santiago Calatrava and opened in 1997, whose name means White Bridge in Basque. Its curved walkway is suspended from a single arch and carries pedestrians across the Nervion between the Campo Volantin promenade and the Abandoibarra district. From the bridge the route follows the river past the Iberdrola Tower, designed by Cesar Pelli and completed in 2011, the tallest building in the Basque Country, and continues along the quay to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
The walk takes one to two hours at an easy pace and needs no ticket. The riverside path is broad and mostly flat, shared with cyclists and joggers, and the Euskotren tram runs along the quay, so visitors can walk one way and ride back. Along the route the contrast between old and new is part of the point: the district was once a dockside and industrial zone, and the glass towers, the university buildings, the park spaces and the bridges now occupy the former shipyard land. The Zubizuri itself has a glass-block deck that becomes slippery when wet, which is a reason for care in rainy weather, and it is lit in the evening, adding to the attraction of the walk after dark.
The best vantage points are on the bridge itself, where the arch frames the river, and on the opposite bank of the Nervion, which gives a long view of the Abandoibarra towers and the museum. Late afternoon to blue hour offers the most attractive light, when the white bridge and the Iberdrola Tower pick up warm tones and then evening illumination. Crowds are heaviest around the Guggenheim end, particularly at midday and on weekends, while the stretch near the Zubizuri is calmer. Weekday mornings are the quietest time for photographs without passers-by. Moyua Metro station is about five minutes from the start, making the walk easy to combine with a visit to the museum, the Parque Dona Casilda Iturrizar or the old quarter on the opposite bank.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open at all hours; the Zubizuri is lit in the evening |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours |
| Best time | Late afternoon to blue hour |
| Getting there | Metro Bilbao Line 1 or 2 to Moyua then 5 minutes on foot; Euskotren tram runs along the quay |
| Address | Zubizuri Pasarela, 48009 Bilbao, Biscay, Spain |
Location
Zubizuri Pasarela, 48009 Bilbao, Biscay, Spain
43.2661, -2.9285 View on map
Highlights
- Calatrava's white Zubizuri footbridge, opened 1997
- Iberdrola Tower by Cesar Pelli, completed 2011
- Flat riverside promenade leading to the Guggenheim
- Evening lighting on the bridge and riverfront
- Euskotren tram along the quay for the return trip
Tips for visiting
- Walk the route in late afternoon and stay for the evening lighting.
- Take care on the glass-block deck of the Zubizuri in wet weather, as it can be slippery.
- Use the Euskotren tram on the quay to ride back instead of retracing the walk.
- Cross to the opposite bank for the long view of the towers and the Guggenheim.
- Keep to the pedestrian side of the path, since cyclists and joggers share the promenade.
When to visit
Late afternoon to blue hour gives the best light and the evening lighting. Weekday mornings are the quietest, while the Guggenheim end is busiest at midday and on weekends.
Accessibility
The riverside promenade is flat and paved and generally suited to wheelchairs and strollers. The Zubizuri has a gradient and a glass deck that can be slippery when wet, so visitors with limited mobility may prefer to cross by a nearby bridge.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does the riverside walk take?
The walk from the Zubizuri to the Guggenheim takes about 1 to 2 hours with stops for photographs. A direct stroll is shorter.
Is the walk free?
Yes, the bridge and promenade are public and open at all hours. Only the museums and venues along the way charge admission.
Is it a good walk for families?
The path is flat and wide, which suits children and strollers. Visitors should watch for cyclists and the slippery deck of the bridge in rain.