12 Best Things to Do and See in Biarritz
Exploring Biarritz on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Biarritz, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Biarritz. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Biarritz Aquarium
Biarritz Aquarium is a must-see visit for discovering the rich marine world of the Atlantic. Located facing the ocean, it features numerous tanks dedicated to local species and more distant environments, allowing visitors to observe fish, jellyfish, sharks, turtles, and other marine creatures. The route also highlights coastal ecosystems and the biodiversity of the Basque coastline. Suitable for families and curious visitors alike, it offers a fun and educational introduction to underwater life, with immersive, well-designed viewing areas.
2. Rock of the Virgin
The Rock of the Virgin is one of Biarritz’s most iconic landmarks, offering spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Basque coast. Connected to the shore by a metal footbridge, this rocky promontory attracts visitors for its views of the waves, the harbor and the surrounding beaches. People come here to admire the scenery, enjoy the sea air and discover one of the city’s must-see viewpoints. The spot is especially popular at sunset, when the light enhances the coastline.
3. The Great Beach
The Grande Plage of Biarritz is one of the city’s most iconic beaches, with its wide stretch of golden sand facing the Atlantic Ocean. Located in the heart of the seaside resort, it offers a lively and easily accessible setting, popular both for swimming and for strolling. From the beach, visitors enjoy open views over the bay and an elegant urban landscape lined with buildings and beach facilities. It is an ideal place to experience Biarritz’s seaside atmosphere, combining relaxation, surfing, and a classic coastal vibe.
4. Biarritz Lighthouse
The Biarritz Lighthouse, perched at the northern edge of the city, is an iconic landmark on the Basque coast. From the surrounding area, you can enjoy sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean, the beach, and the nearby cliffs, with especially beautiful scenery at sunset. The site is popular both for its seafront setting and its tourist appeal, as it offers a chance to discover Biarritz from an elevated, open vantage point. It is a favorite stop for a walk, photos, and a moment facing the sea.
5. Cité de l’Océan
In Biarritz, the Cité de l’Océan is an attraction dedicated to discovering the marine environment and its phenomena, with an approach that is both fun and interactive. Visitors explore the world of the ocean through exhibitions, immersive installations, and sensory experiences that help them better understand waves, marine wildlife, seascapes, and the issues related to the sea. The venue is designed for curious visitors as well as families, offering an educational and modern visit focused on the ocean and its connection with the Basque coast.
6. THE LITTLE TRAIN OF BIARRITZ
The Little Train of Biarritz is an ideal tourist attraction for discovering the city in a pleasant and original way. On board this little train, you travel past Biarritz’s main sights and iconic landscapes, between the city center, the coastline and viewpoints over the Atlantic Ocean. The ride offers a practical overview of the best-known districts while letting you enjoy the seaside charm of the resort. It is an activity appreciated by families and visitors who want to explore Biarritz without effort.
7. Biarritz Market Hall
In the heart of Biarritz, the Halles de Biarritz is a lively fresh produce market where you can experience the city’s food-loving atmosphere. Between the stalls, you’ll find fruit and vegetables, fish, meat, cheese, bread and other regional specialties in a friendly setting frequented by both locals and visitors. It’s an ideal place to feel the local rhythm, do your everyday shopping, or stop to taste local products in a lively, authentic atmosphere.
8. Sainte-Eugénie Church in Biarritz
Overlooking the fishermen’s harbor and the ocean, Sainte-Eugénie Church in Biarritz is a must-see religious landmark during a visit to the city. Its Neo-Gothic architecture, recognizable by its slender silhouette and stone façade, catches the eye from the seafront. Inside, visitors discover a peaceful atmosphere, colorful stained-glass windows, and a simple decor that invite contemplation. The church also offers great views over the harbor district and the coastline, making it a pleasant stop during a walk in Biarritz.
9. Marion Lake
Marion Lake is a park in Biarritz centered around a peaceful body of water, surrounded by greenery and walking paths. It appeals with its calm atmosphere, its proximity to the city’s neighborhoods and the sense of space it offers in an urban setting. Visitors discover a simple yet pleasant landscape, where the water shapes the views and the banks create a setting ideal for walking. In Biarritz, this park offers a quieter break, away from the livelier areas of the coastline.
10. Pierre Forsans Public Garden
Pierre Forsans Public Garden offers a green pause in the heart of Biarritz, in an easily accessible urban area. This city park highlights a planted space integrated into the city, where you can feel both the rhythm of the nearby streets and the calmer atmosphere of the garden. Its appeal lies as much in its role as a breath of fresh air as in its discreet presence in everyday life in Biarritz. It is a simple, central place that shows how Biarritz creates green public spaces between traffic, housing and neighborhood life.
11. Port Vieux Beach
Port Vieux Beach offers a clear view of the Biarritz coastline in a small, sheltered setting. Discover an urban cove on the Atlantic, framed by cliffs and close to the city center, with a more intimate atmosphere than the larger nearby beaches. It is a great place to observe the close connection between Biarritz and the sea, in a simple and iconic setting.
12. Asiatica Museum
The Asiatica Museum in Biarritz invites visitors to discover a vast collection of Asian art and cultural objects, notably from India, China, Nepal, Tibet, and Japan. Through an accessible and varied exhibition route, visitors can explore sculptures, paintings, bronzes, textiles, and everyday objects that illustrate the richness of Asian cultures. The museum offers an experience that is both aesthetic and educational, ideal for gaining a better understanding of the diversity of the continent’s artistic traditions.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
