Artxanda Funicular (Funicular de Artxanda) Tours and Activities

For the best views in town, take the short and cheap journey to the top of Mount Artxanda via the Artxanda Funicular (Funicular de Artxanda). The almost 100-year-old rack railway links downtown with nearby Mount Artxanda, and, even better, views of Bilbao and beyond.

Opened in 1915, the Swiss-made track-mounted wagon climbs over 200 meters during its three-minute ascent, eventually dropping riders off at the summit. There, you can take in views of valley-cradled Bilbao, with its iconic Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum, and the River Nervión as it slithers through the city.

You’ll also discover more than just views, but a recreational area filled with gardens, a hotel and sport complex. And, if you’ve worked up a hunger, stop at various restaurants, where you can sample regional cuisine such as pinchos, essentially Basque tapas with an almost-gourmet twist, or sip on txakoli, a local dry white wine.

At just under a euro per ride, and centrally located, the funicular remains the best way to take in Bilbao, and is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.