La Salve Bridge - brown concrete bridge
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La Salve Bridge

4.7
·158 reviews·Bilbao, Spain

An iconic green bridge with vibrant street art underneath, offering stunning views of the Guggenheim Museum and Bilbao.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
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La Salve Bridge - brown concrete bridge

La Salve Bridge

Best Time

Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An iconic green bridge with vibrant street art underneath, offering stunning views of the Guggenheim Museum and Bilbao.

4.7
(158 reviews)

"A beautiful bridge that contributes to the artistic atmosphere of the area."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Guggenheim Shot

Climb the stairs or take the elevator for the best photos of the Guggenheim with the bridge.

🎨 Explore the Art Below

Look up! The bridge's underside is a canvas for impressive street art.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Guggenheim Museum Backdrop

Guggenheim Museum Backdrop

Western end of the bridge

The iconic Guggenheim Museum is perfectly framed by La Salve Bridge, offering a postcard-perfect photo opportunity.

Instagram+1
Street Art Underneath

Street Art Underneath

Underside of the bridge

Discover vibrant murals and graffiti art that turn the bridge's underside into a dynamic, colorful urban canvas.

Reddit
Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Top of the bridge (via stairs or elevator)

Ascend to the top for breathtaking 360-degree views of Bilbao, the Nervión River, and surrounding green hills.

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Capture the Guggenheim's Glow

For the best photos of the Guggenheim Museum with La Salve Bridge, aim for sunset. The bridge's unique architecture and the museum's iconic curves create a stunning visual, especially when illuminated at dusk. Instagram+1

Embrace the Artistic Underside

Don't just walk over La Salve Bridge; look up! The underside is adorned with vibrant street art, transforming it into an open-air gallery. This unique feature is a must-see for art lovers and adds an unexpected artistic flair to your visit. Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium
When
Evening
Why
Bridge and museum lights
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I’ve always road on this bridge and never realized so many people are scared to take this route lol. It’s not that bad fr #lousiana #lakecharles #calcasieubridge
@nakiarashawn
296.1K likes • 3.9M views

📸 Perfect Guggenheim Shot

Climb the stairs or take the elevator for the best photos of the Guggenheim with the bridge. Instagram+1

🎨 Explore the Art Below

Look up! The bridge's underside is a canvas for impressive street art. Reddit

Our one rule when we cross the #sunshineskywaybridge in #tampabay - #bridge #scary #OhNo #highbridge #anxious #driving #heights
@jeffandmarkexploring
147.2K likes • 7.1M views
¿Quieres una foto perfecta desde el Puente de La Salve? 📷 Esta panorámica al atardecer es espectacular y tendrás una foto perfecta con Museo Guggenheim Bilbao de fondo 😍 Además las vistas son increíbles 😉 𝐄𝐔| Argazki perfektua nahi duzu Salbeko zubitik? 📷 Ilunabarreko ikuspegi hau ikusgarria da eta argazki ezin hobea izango duzu Guggenheim Bilbao Museoarekin 😍 Gainera, ikuspegiak sinestezinak dir...
bilbaoturismo
1.1K likes • 24.7K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk Across the Nervión

Experience both sides of Bilbao by crossing this iconic bridge. Reddit

⬆️ Elevator Access Available

Easily reach the top for views via stairs or the convenient elevator. Reddit

¿Quieres la foto perfecta con el @museoguggenheim de fondo? 🤳🏽 Sube las escaleras del Puente de La Salve. ¡La panorámica desde ahí es espectacular! 😉 📍 Museo Guggenheim Bilbao, @bilbaoturismo Want the perfect photo with the @museoguggenheim in the background? 🤳🏽 Go up the stairs of La Salve Bridge. The panoramic view from there is spectacular! 😉 Argazki perfektua nahi duzu @museoguggenheim -ar...
visitbiscay
491 likes • 15K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Guggenheim Shot

Climb the stairs or take the elevator for the best photos of the Guggenheim with the bridge. Instagram+1

🎨 Explore the Art Below

Look up! The bridge's underside is a canvas for impressive street art. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk Across the Nervión

Experience both sides of Bilbao by crossing this iconic bridge. Reddit

⬆️ Elevator Access Available

Easily reach the top for views via stairs or the convenient elevator. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(158 reviews)

Reviews Summary

La Salve Bridge is celebrated for its stunning architectural design and its role as a gateway to the Guggenheim Museum. Visitors rave about the vibrant street art beneath the bridge and the breathtaking panoramic views from its upper level. While generally well-received, some find the bridge can get crowded during peak times.

"Bilbao's Salbeko Zubia bridge, also known as La Salve bridge, isn't your average everyday bridge. It's a gateway to artistic adventure and scenic wonders, perfect for curious tourists! Here's why you should check it out:

Artsy Underside - Forget boring concrete! Look up (well, technically down) to see the underside of the bridge transformed into a vibrant canvas. Local street art adds a splash of color and creativity, making your walk across an open-air art exhibition.

Guggenheim Gateway - Salbeko Zubia is practically neighbors with the world-famous Guggenheim Museum. Snap a photo with the iconic, curvy Gehry building as your backdrop before strolling across the bridge.

Two Worlds in One Walk - The bridge straddles the Nervión River, allowing you to experience both the bustling new town, and the historic charm of Bilbao's old town, all in one walk.

Panoramic Paradise -  Take the elevator to the top of the bridge and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Bilbao's cityscape, the winding river, and the lush green mountains beyond."

Zoran Jovanovic

"This seems to be one pf the most popular bridges in Bilbao. It has an amazing architecture, is very close to museum, Puppy - the 12m height dog, the spider sculpture and so on. The area nearby looks very nice."

Alexandra Dumitru

"Beautiful bridge that contributes to the artistic atmosphere of the area"

A V

What People Like

Stunning Guggenheim views
Vibrant street art
Panoramic city vistas

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

La Salve Bridge is easily accessible by public transport in Bilbao. You can take a bus or tram to stops near the Guggenheim Museum. Walking from the city center is also a pleasant option, offering views along the Nervión River. Reddit

While direct parking at the bridge is limited, there are several parking garages near the Guggenheim Museum and in the surrounding city center. Consider public transport to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

Yes, La Salve Bridge is a pedestrian-friendly bridge. You can walk across it to enjoy the views and access different parts of the city. Reddit

For the classic shot with the Guggenheim, approach from the western side. For street art views, explore the areas directly beneath the bridge. Instagram+1

The main pedestrian walkway of La Salve Bridge is generally accessible. The elevator to the top viewing platform also provides accessibility. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, walking on La Salve Bridge is completely free. It's a public thoroughfare and an integral part of the Bilbao cityscape. Reddit

The street art beneath La Salve Bridge is publicly accessible and free to view. It's an open-air gallery for everyone to enjoy. Reddit

La Salve Bridge is always open as it's a public bridge. However, the elevator to the top viewing platform may have specific operating hours, typically aligning with museum visitor hours. Reddit

Yes, you can access the top of La Salve Bridge via stairs or an elevator, which offers panoramic views of Bilbao. InstagramReddit

While the bridge offers great views of the Guggenheim, entry to the museum itself requires a separate ticket. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Sunset and early evening are ideal for capturing the bridge and the Guggenheim Museum, as the lights come on and create a magical atmosphere. Instagram+1

From the western side of the bridge, you get a clear view of the museum's iconic curves. Experiment with different heights and distances for unique shots. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The underside of the bridge is covered in vibrant murals. Get close to capture the details and colors. Reddit

Drone usage in urban areas like Bilbao is often restricted. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone near La Salve Bridge or the Guggenheim. TikTok

For sunset, use a tripod for stability, a lower ISO, and adjust your aperture for desired depth of field. Consider shooting in RAW for more editing flexibility. Instagram

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Onsite Experience

You can walk across it, admire the street art underneath, take the elevator to the top for panoramic views, and use it as a vantage point for photographing the Guggenheim Museum. InstagramReddit

A quick walk across might take 15-20 minutes. However, if you plan to take photos, explore the art, and enjoy the views from the top, allocate at least 1-2 hours. Reddit

It can get moderately crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and around sunset. Visiting earlier in the morning or on weekdays can offer a less crowded experience. Instagram+1

This refers to the vibrant street art and murals that adorn the underside of the bridge, turning it into an impressive outdoor art gallery. Reddit

It was the first cable-stayed bridge in Spain and features a distinctive green concrete structure, with a steel deck. Its design complements the modern architecture of the Guggenheim. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

La Salve Bridge offers a fun and engaging experience for families. Kids will be fascinated by the street art underneath the bridge, turning a simple walk into an art hunt. The elevator to the top provides easy access to panoramic views, which can be exciting for younger visitors. Reddit

It's a great spot for a family stroll along the Nervión River, offering a chance to see the iconic Guggenheim Museum from the outside. Pack some snacks and enjoy the open space, making it a relaxed and visually stimulating outing for everyone. Instagram+1

📸 Photographers' Paradise

For photographers, La Salve Bridge is a dream location. The Guggenheim Museum backdrop is unparalleled, especially during the golden hour and at night when the museum is lit up. Experiment with different angles from the bridge to capture its unique architecture. Instagram+1

Don't forget to explore the vibrant street art on the underside of the bridge; it offers incredible textures and colors for close-up shots. The panoramic views from the top are also a must-capture, providing sweeping vistas of Bilbao's cityscape. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvel and Artistic Canvas

La Salve Bridge, officially known as the 'Prince and Princess of Spain Bridge,' is more than just a crossing over the Nervión River. It's a significant piece of engineering, being the first cable-stayed bridge built in Spain. Its striking green concrete structure and steel deck make it an architectural landmark in Bilbao. Reddit

However, its appeal extends beyond its engineering prowess. The underside of the bridge has been transformed into a dynamic outdoor art gallery, featuring vibrant street art and murals. This artistic intervention adds a unique, contemporary layer to the bridge's identity, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts and urban explorers alike. Reddit

Visitors can ascend the bridge via stairs or an elevator to enjoy panoramic views of the city, the river, and the surrounding landscape. This dual nature – a functional architectural marvel and a vibrant artistic canvas – makes La Salve Bridge a truly unique destination. InstagramReddit

The Guggenheim's Iconic Neighbor

La Salve Bridge holds a prime position as a close neighbor to the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. This proximity creates a visually stunning relationship between the two structures, with the bridge often serving as a framing element for photographs of the museum's iconic titanium curves. Instagram+1

Many visitors find that the best vantage points for capturing the Guggenheim are from the bridge itself, particularly during sunset when the museum begins to illuminate. The bridge's design, with its sweeping lines, complements the organic forms of Frank Gehry's masterpiece, creating a harmonious urban landscape. Instagram+1

Beyond just being a backdrop, the bridge acts as a gateway, connecting the museum district to other parts of the city. A stroll across La Salve Bridge offers a seamless transition, allowing visitors to appreciate both the artistic treasures within the museum and the urban beauty surrounding it. Reddit

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