Santiago Cathedral Bilbao
Historic 14th-century Gothic cathedral, a key stop on the Camino de Santiago, featuring a serene cloister and vibrant stained glass.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Santiago Cathedral Bilbao
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 14th-century Gothic cathedral, a key stop on the Camino de Santiago, featuring a serene cloister and vibrant stained glass.
"Glad to have paid and visited this bright, beautiful cathedral with its lovely cloister and gardens."
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Your ticket often includes San Antón church too – get double the history!
🎧 Audio Guide Insights
The audio guide is included, though some find it a bit dull. Still useful for context!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cloister and Garden
Accessed via the sacristy
A tranquil oasis with lemon trees, offering a cool respite and beautiful architectural details.
Stained Glass Windows
Admire the vibrant colors and intricate designs of the stained glass, which fill the cathedral with light.
San Antón Church Access
Your ticket often includes entry to the nearby San Antón church, offering double the historical exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ticket & Access
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Your ticket often includes San Antón church too – get double the history!
🎧 Audio Guide Insights
The audio guide is included, though some find it a bit dull. Still useful for context!
🚶♀️ Explore the Old Town
Combine your visit with wandering through Bilbao's charming old town.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Leave your furry friends at home; dogs are not permitted inside.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Your ticket often includes San Antón church too – get double the history!
🎧 Audio Guide Insights
The audio guide is included, though some find it a bit dull. Still useful for context!
🚶♀️ Explore the Old Town
Combine your visit with wandering through Bilbao's charming old town.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Leave your furry friends at home; dogs are not permitted inside.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find Santiago Cathedral Bilbao to be a worthwhile visit, appreciating its historical significance and the beauty of its cloister and stained glass windows. While some find the entrance fee a bit steep and the audio guide uninspiring, the inclusion of San Antón church with the ticket offers good value. It's considered a peaceful and architecturally pleasing site, especially for those interested in pilgrimage routes or Gothic architecture.
"Unfortunately, there is an entrance fee (which includes an audio guide) for the cathedral . Nonetheless, we were glad to have paid and visited the church.
The cathedral is a bright place, full of light and a sight to behold! The architecture is beautiful and so are the stained glass windows. Don't miss the court and the gardens, reached via the sacristy, which contains a small museum."
S B W
"The best part is the cloister and garden, which is sadly overlooked by modern buildings but still lovely and cool on a hot day. The cathedral has a few pretty corners and interesting artifacts but is rather pricy for a tourist visit. If you are a person of faith then this is a pilgrim route stop and a place of interest."
Lighthouse Tai Chi
"Had a great time visiting this magnificent cathedral. The audio guide was fine, but wasn't the best. You have to pay to get in, but the great thing is that you get two cathedrals for the price of one. Paying for an entry ticket here also grants you entry access to the nearby San Anton eliza as well which is great."
Luke Bourne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Santiago Cathedral Bilbao is located in the heart of the Casco Viejo (Old Town). It's easily accessible by public transport, with several bus lines stopping nearby. Walking is also a great option if you're exploring the old town.
Yes, it's very walkable from many key spots in Bilbao's Old Town, including the Ribera Market and Plaza Nueva. It's also a reasonable walk from the Guggenheim Museum, though you might prefer a bus or tram for that distance.
From Bilbao Airport (BIO), you can take a taxi or the Bizkaibus line A3247 to the city center, then transfer to a local bus or walk to the cathedral. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry typically costs around €6-€8. This fee usually includes an audio guide and access to the San Antón church. It's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons or weekends, to guarantee entry and avoid queues.
The cathedral is generally open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. However, hours can vary, so consulting the official website for exact opening days and times is crucial.
Yes, a general admission ticket often grants you access to the nearby Parroquia de San Antón (San Antón Church) as well, offering great value.
Currently, there are no widely advertised free entry times for general tourist visits. The entrance fee is standard for accessing the interior and its features.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find beautiful Gothic architecture, stunning stained glass windows, and a peaceful cloister with lemon trees. There's also a small museum accessible via the sacristy.
An audio guide is usually included with your ticket. While some visitors find the information a bit dull, it can provide helpful context about the cathedral's history and features.
Photography is generally permitted inside the cathedral for personal use, but it's always good practice to be respectful and check for any specific signage regarding photography restrictions.
The main areas of the cathedral are generally accessible, but some parts, like the cloister or museum, might have stairs. It's advisable to check accessibility details beforehand if you have specific concerns.
It's a historic Catholic cathedral dating back to the 14th century and is a significant stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, making it a place of spiritual and historical importance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the cathedral is located in Bilbao's Old Town (Casco Viejo), which is packed with traditional pintxos bars and restaurants offering delicious Basque cuisine.
You'll find a wide variety of pintxos (Basque tapas), fresh seafood, and local specialties. It's a great area to sample authentic Basque flavors.
📸 📸 Photography
The cloister and garden offer beautiful architectural shots, especially with the lemon trees. The stained glass windows are also fantastic subjects, particularly when the sun shines through them.
Even on a cloudy day, the interior's Gothic architecture and stained glass can be quite dramatic. The cloister provides a more sheltered and consistently lit environment for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a shorter visit focused on the main nave and the cloister. The added bonus of visiting San Antón church with the same ticket can also add to the adventure without overwhelming younger visitors. Ensure comfortable shoes, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking in the surrounding Old Town.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To save further, focus on enjoying the exterior architecture and the atmosphere of the Old Town, which is free to explore. Pack your own water and snacks, as purchasing them in the tourist-heavy Old Town can add up. Walking is the most economical way to get around and explore the surrounding areas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Architecture
Visitors often highlight the tranquil cloister as a standout feature. This serene courtyard, often adorned with lemon trees, offers a peaceful escape from the city bustle and showcases intricate stonework. The stained glass windows are another visual delight, bathing the interior in colorful light and adding to the cathedral's ethereal atmosphere.
Beyond the main sanctuary, the ticket often grants access to the Parroquia de San Antón, a nearby church that complements the historical exploration. This dual access provides excellent value and a more comprehensive understanding of Bilbao's religious heritage.
Navigating Your Visit: Tickets and Tips
To make the most of your visit, consider going during weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid the largest crowds. While the audio guide is provided, some visitors find its content less engaging, so you might choose to rely on your own observations or a good guidebook.
Remember that dogs are not allowed inside the cathedral, so plan accordingly. Combining your cathedral visit with a stroll through the charming Casco Viejo (Old Town) is highly recommended, as the area is brimming with pintxos bars and local culture.
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