Plaza Euskadi

Plaza Euskadi is a modern square in the centre of Bilbao, built to link the city's green spaces with the banks of the Nervión river. Opened in 2011, it quickly became one of the landmarks of Bilbao's new business district.

Where exactly is it?

The square is oval-shaped and covers more than six thousand square metres. It sits at the foot of Torre Iberdrola, the tallest office building in the Basque Country, at Plaza Euskadi 5. Its layout is deliberate: the square works as a pedestrian link between Parque de Doña Casilda and the riverside walkways leading toward the Guggenheim Museum. That means a walk from the park to the river can run straight through the square instead of detouring around busy streets.

What is there to see nearby?

The square is dominated by the Iberdrola Tower — a 165-metre, 41-storey building designed by Argentine architect César Pelli, known also for the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur. It is the tallest office building in the Basque Country and one of the clearest symbols of Bilbao's shift from an industrial city to a modern service hub. At the base of the tower there is a 2,800-square-metre lobby, rising up to 10 metres high, which doubles as an art gallery — works by Basque artists such as Darío Urzay, Jesús Mari Lazkano and Cristina Iglesias are on display there. The square itself, open and framed by the tower, is a popular spot to pause for a few minutes while exploring the city centre.

How do you get to Plaza Euskadi?

The square sits right in central Bilbao, within walking distance of landmarks such as the Guggenheim Museum and Parque de Doña Casilla, so arriving on foot is the easiest option. The surrounding area is also well served by city bus lines and nearby metro and tram stops typical of this part of downtown Bilbao. Drivers can use the large underground car park inside the tower building, which makes the square easy to reach from outside the city too.

When is the best time to visit?

The square can be visited year-round, since it is an open urban space with no closing season. Spring and early summer are especially pleasant, when Bilbao's temperatures are mild and longer days make riverside walks more enjoyable. It's worth timing a visit for morning or late afternoon, when sunlight brings out the tower's glass façade at its best.

Frequently asked questions

What is Plaza Euskadi? It's an urban square in Bilbao covering more than 6,000 m², opened in 2011, located at the base of the Iberdrola Tower.

What can you see there? The main attraction is the Iberdrola Tower itself — the tallest office building in the Basque Country — along with its lobby, which functions as an art gallery featuring works by Basque artists.

Is there an entrance fee for the square? No, it's a public urban space and can be visited free of charge at any time.

Is it worth combining with other sights? Yes — the square lies on the walking route between Parque de Doña Casilda and the riverside promenade toward the Guggenheim Museum, making it a natural stop when exploring central Bilbao.