Bucket list destination:

Bilbao

Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain

Photo Guggenheim Bilbao

Last updated: 22 September, 2024

Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

The capital of the foodie, beachy Basque Country made global headlines in 1997 with the opening of Frank Gehry’s breathtaking, titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum – boosted by the arty crowd that followed, it has since joined the ranks of Spain’s top city breaks.

The ‘Guggenheim effect’ has spawned a lively contemporary art scene, as well as structures by other edgy architects; these creations sharpen up Bilbao’s spectacular natural riverside setting, tucked under steep green hills. Couples or families with older children will enjoy its casual, urban vibe and uncrowded sights, as well as a taste of the Basque region’s fiercely unique food and culture.

Whether soaking up the atmosphere in lively pintxo bars (enjoying the local style of tapas) or heading to nearby Atlantic beaches for a swim or a surf, this is an invigorating, cultured and modern Spanish break.

Tours, tickets & transfers

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

The Authentic Bilbao Pintxos, Food & History Tour with a Local

Bilbao

Viator

All of our guides are basque foodies and want to show you why. They will take you around the city from bar to bar discovering the local food, pintxos, and some local drinks as well. You will get to know the history of Basque language and the Basque people, differences between Spain and Basque country and the past and present of Bilbao. We will adapt the route depending on whether you are more eager to walk and see places or if want to try more local foods. You will visit bars and restaurants off the beaten track, avoiding the tourists and experiencing the city like a true local. All allergies and dietary restrictions included, we will personalize the tour for your needs.

Price €99

Min age 3

Rating 4.91 / 5 [250 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Bilbao Highlights Half Day EBike Small Group or Private Tour

Bilbao

Viator

The city of Bilbao has changed radically in the last 20 years, from being a merely industrial city to becoming an avant-garde city that elegantly combines tradition and modernity. On this Ebike tour, we want you to discover and enjoy both classic Bilbao and that new modern Bilbao, and that through our local guides you get to know our culture from within, as well as our traditions and customs. Virtually the entire route runs through bike lanes and enabled areas away from traffic lanes, guaranteeing safety throughout the entire route. We have a group of local guides, professionals and perfectly knowledgeable of the Villa de Bilbao who are willing to share it with all of you in a fun and casual way, Tourné style.

Price €43

Min age 0

Rating 4.80 / 5 [156 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Bilbao Historical Small Group Tour

Bilbao

Viator

Bilbao is full by history , you will realise as soon as you walk across its streets , and beacause also we have a friendly way to show you around ,so come and join us for two 2 hours walking tour, you will discover many things about gastronomy,culture, and Bilbao's tradtions , after the tour you gona feel much more like a local ;).

Price €26

Min age 4

Rating 4.53 / 5 [141 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Bilbao Walking Small Group Tour

Bilbao

Viator

Meet Bilbao's most interesting spots by walking across its historic area! Join our local guides and do not miss any of the secrets that this emblematic city hides, learning every detail of its buildings and its people. Departing from the border of Old Town and Downtown you will be taken through the serpentine Old Town streets, going through the seven genuine streets and the churches of San Anton and Santiago, without missing the market of La Ribera. Later on you will be shown the expansion of the city during the 19th century with the influence of the industralisation and the development of banking, and finally the last modernisation of the city with the building of the river bank walks. Approximate itinerary: - 1 hour: Introduction and walk through Old Town of Bilbao: Arenal, Plaza Nueva, San Antón Church and La Ribera Market. - 1 hour: Arrival in the downtown of Bilbao and walk through the area: railway station, Gran Via, the banks of the Nervión river and City Hall.

Price €35

Min age 0

Rating 4.73 / 5 [115 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Bike tour with Pintxos & Drinks in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao Seaside)

Bilbao

Viator

Local Food & Drinks included! Enjoy Getxo´s (Bilbao's seaside) landscapes, history, local culture and gastronomy with us while cycling with the best hosts in a small group. Our deep commitment with Sustainable practices make this tour special and its the best way to discover the area while respecting the locals and the environment. We love it! You will love it too! Pleasant ride along the coastline. UNESCO sites, Moving sceneries, Pintxos & Drinks. After the tour enjoy the rest of your day with total freedom to roam around this magnificent area. Looking forward!

Price €55

Min age 0

Rating 4.68 / 5 [63 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Travel advice

When to go

May, June and September are good months to visit, when the weather is generally fine and hotel prices dip outside of peak season; it’s also just about warm enough to hit the beach.

In August, it can be hard to find a room – especially after the 15th, when the city holds its biggest festival, the nine-day Aste Nagusia.

Bilbao, like the rest of the Basque Country, gets plenty of rain, especially in the autumn and winter. But because the main attractions are indoors, it won’t dampen your fun – just bring an umbrella.

Getting there and away

Bilbao’s airport, with its terminal designed by Santiago Calatrava, is linked by bus A3247 to the Bilbao Intermodal metro station every half hour. Taxis are a swift and affordable option, too – it’s a 15-minute drive to the centre.

Getting around

Although Bilbao has excellent bus and metro systems and taxis in the busiest spots, you’ll probably have little reason to need them, as the Guggenheim and other museums are all within walking distance of the Casco Viejo (Old Town) – the metro is, however, very handy for the beaches.

Because of its complex topography and signage (sometimes only in the Basque language) driving can be a bit of an adventure here: a sat-nav will help you out.