Bilbao, the Basque Country’s largest city, is an architectural and cultural gem nestled in Northern Spain. Whether you’re a foodie, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a new adventure, this city has something for everyone. From large-scale art installations to world-class museums, there are countless attractions and things to do in Bilbao that will leave you amazed. In this post, we’ll take you on a journey through the top-rated sights and hidden gems of Bilbao to help you plan out the perfect itinerary for your next vacation. So without further ado, let’s dive into the best that Bilbao has to offer.

The 5 Best Fun Activities For Couples in Bilbao

1. Bilbao Street Art Walking Tour With Local Craft Beer
2. Vitoria Rioja Day Tour from Bilbao
3. Bilbao City Break With Guggenheim Museum Admission Ticket
4. Bilbao Boat and Walking Guided Tour With Pintxos
5. Bilbao Welcome Package Guggenheim Bikes Hotel Stay

The 5 Best Fun Activities For Couples in Bilbao

1. Bilbao Street Art Walking Tour With Local Craft Beer

Art culture and craft beers are combined in this tour that takes you to the most creative side of Bilbao. The city’s impressive street art scene is waiting for you to discover with the help of expert local guides.

You’ll get a chance to take in all the amazing street art up close and learn about the cultural movement that made it all possible. And at the end of the tour, you’ll get to enjoy a local craft beer with your new art-loving friends.

The tour includes a craft beer, a snack, and a local guide, and gratuities are also included. Please note that this tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Join us on this Bilbao Street Art Walking Tour and experience the city’s vibrant artistic side while enjoying a delicious local beer!

2. Vitoria Rioja Day Tour from Bilbao

The Vitoria Rioja Day Tour takes you on a journey through the heart of the Basque country, exploring the charming Old Town of Vitoria and the medieval village of Laguardia. You will visit a traditional Rioja wine cellar and sample different varieties of wine. The tour begins with a panoramic tour of Vitoria, a city known for its high quality of life and abundance of green spaces. The walking tour through the old part of the city includes historic sights such as the old Inn ‘el Portalon’ from the XV century and the Virgen Blanca. The journey continues to the unique medieval village of Laguardia, where you can soak up the medieval atmosphere before visiting a traditional wine cellar for a wine tasting. The Vitoria Rioja Day Tour is a must for wine lovers visiting Spain and provides a unique insight into the history and culture of the Basque country.

3. Bilbao City Break With Guggenheim Museum Admission Ticket

Explore the largest city in Basque country with a 2-night city break in Bilbao. Stay at the centrally-located Barceló Nervión hotel, near the city’s top attractions including the Guggenheim Bilbao, and enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast each morning. Take part in a guided walking or bike tour of the city with a local guide, who will illuminate its rich history and culture. And, of course, admission to Frank Gehry’s iconic architectural creation – the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao – is included in the tour package. This family-friendly tour offers great value for your money, so book now and discover the best of Bilbao!

4. Bilbao Boat and Walking Guided Tour With Pintxos

Enjoy a guided boat and walking tour of Bilbao with a focus on its gastronomic culture. The tour includes a relaxing 2.5 hour boat ride along the Bilbao River where you can admire the city’s iconic landmarks such as the Guggenheim Museum and the University of Deustro. Then, you will explore the city on foot on a walking tour, learning about the history and culture of Bilbao, while walking under the different bridges in the city and to Casco Viejo.

The tour culminates with a chance to sample traditional pintxos, accompanied by a drink, at a local establishment. The tour includes a live guide, boat tickets, and gratuities. Whether you are a foodie or simply interested in learning about the culture and history of Bilbao, this boat and walking tour is not to be missed.

5. Bilbao Welcome Package Guggenheim Bikes Hotel Stay

This 3-day Bilbao welcome package offers an unforgettable experience during your stay in this vibrant city. You’ll be staying at a centrally-located 4-star hotel for 2 nights, surrounded by plenty of pintxo bars, shops and lively streets. You’ll also receive a ticket to visit the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum and a guided bicycle tour to see the city’s most famous landmarks and sights.

The Guggenheim Museum showcases modern art exhibits by both national and international artists, as well as its impressive permanent collection. You can use your museum ticket at your convenience within the opening hours.

Your guided bicycle tour will take you on an exploration of the city, including the charming old town, the trendy Abandoibarra district, and the popular shopping streets.

Experience the best that Bilbao has to offer with this inclusive tour package, which includes a 3-day/2-night stay at a comfortable 4-star hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bilbao

Bilbao is a vibrant city located in the north of Spain that is famous for its Guggenheim Museum and the Basque Country culture. Every year, millions of tourists visit this city, and they always have some doubts, queries, or frequently asked questions about Bilbao. In this post, we will answer some of the most common questions that tourists ask when traveling to Bilbao.

1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Bilbao?

The best time to visit Bilbao is during the months of May, June, and September when the weather is pleasant and less crowded. The summer months of July and August can be extremely hot and crowded, and many locals go on vacation, so some restaurants and shops might be closed. The winter months of December, January, and February can be quite rainy and chilly, but it is still a good time to visit if you’re interested in indoor activities such as museum visits.

2. How Do I Get To Bilbao?

Bilbao is well connected by air, rail, and road. The city has its airport located 12 km from the city center, and it operates flights to major European cities. There are also several daily trains to Bilbao from Madrid, Barcelona, and other Spanish cities. If you are traveling by road, Bilbao is connected to the French border by the AP-8 motorway.

3. What Are The Must-Visit Tourist Attractions In Bilbao?

The most popular tourist attraction in Bilbao is the Guggenheim Museum, which is a modern and contemporary art museum that attracts visitors from all over the world. Other must-visit tourist attractions include the Casco Viejo (Old Town), the Santiago Cathedral, the Plaza Nueva, the Zubizuri Bridge, and the Arriaga Theater.

4. What Is The Local Cuisine In Bilbao?

The local cuisine in Bilbao is famous for its pintxos, which are small bites of local dishes served in bars and cafes. Some of the most famous pintxos include tortilla de bacalao (cod omelet), txangurro (stuffed crab), gildas (olive, anchovy, and pepper skewers), and chorizo al vino (sausage in red wine).

5. How Do I Get Around In Bilbao?

Bilbao is a small city, and most of the tourist attractions are located within walking distance of each other. However, if you prefer public transportation, Bilbao has a modern and efficient metro system that connects the city center with the suburbs. There are also several bus routes that connect different parts of the city.

6. Is Bilbao Safe For Tourists?

Bilbao is a safe city for tourists, and there is no need to worry about violent crime. However, like any other city, tourists should take precautions against pickpocketing and other petty crimes. It is also recommended to avoid walking alone at night in less-crowded areas.

7. What Souvenirs Can I Buy In Bilbao?

Bilbao is famous for its traditional Basque handicrafts such as txapelas (Basque berets), espadrilles, and pottery. The city is also known for its local products such as Idiazabal cheese, Rioja wine, and cider. There are several shops and markets in the city where you can buy souvenirs and local products.

8. Which Festivals Are Celebrated In Bilbao?

Bilbao is famous for its festivals, and some of the most popular festivals include the Semana Grande (Big Week) in August, which is a week-long celebration of music, fireworks, and bullfighting. Other notable festivals include the Tamborrada in January, the Aste Nagusia in August, and the Bilbao BBK Live festival in July.

9. Can I Take A Day Trip From Bilbao?

Yes, there are several day trips that you can take from Bilbao. One of the most popular day trips is to the nearby seaside town of San Sebastian, which is famous for its beaches and its Michelin star restaurants. You can also visit the Rioja wine region, the Guggenheim Museum in nearby Bilbao Museum or the Zarauz, a small town with a nice beach.

10. What Is The Currency Used In Bilbao?

The currency used in Bilbao is the Euro, which is the same currency used in most other European countries. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept credit cards, and you can also withdraw money from ATMs located throughout the city.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Bilbao

Bilbao is a beautiful city located in the Basque Country, Spain. It is known for its cultural and culinary heritage, as well as its striking architecture, including the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. If you are planning a trip to Bilbao, then read on for some tips on how to make the most of your time in this vibrant city.

1. Explore the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

If there is only one thing you do when in Bilbao, make it a visit to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. This architectural masterpiece is the city’s most famous landmark and a must-see for all tourists. The museum features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by international artists such as Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Eduardo Chillida.

2. Stroll Along the Riverside

Another popular activity in Bilbao is taking a walk along the Nervion River. The river runs through the city, and its banks are lined with charming promenades and picturesque bridges. It is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.

3. Visit the Old Town

The Old Town, also known as the Casco Viejo, is home to some of Bilbao’s oldest and most beautiful buildings. It is a maze of narrow streets, alleys, and squares, with a vibrant atmosphere and an abundance of shops, bars, and restaurants. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Basque culture, try some pintxos (small Basque-style tapas), and sip on a glass of local wine.

4. Take a Trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

A short drive from Bilbao is the incredible San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a small island with a 10th-century hermitage perched on its peak. The island is famous for its winding stone staircase, which leads visitors up to the hermitage and offers stunning views of the coast and surrounding hills. It is a unique and memorable experience that is not to be missed.

5. Try the Local Cuisine

Bilbao is famous for its culinary heritage, and there are many restaurants and bars in the city where you can try traditional Basque dishes. Pintxos are a must-try – these small tapas-style dishes are served in most bars and restaurants in the city, and they are the perfect way to sample a variety of different flavors and dishes. Other popular dishes to try include bacalao (cod), marmitako (tuna stew), and chuleton (rib-eye steak).

6. Take a Trip to the Beach

Bilbao is located just a short drive from the coast, and there are many beautiful beaches in the surrounding area. Some of the most popular beaches include Bakio, Plentzia, and Sopelana. These beaches offer beautiful views of the sea and surrounding coastline and are the perfect place to relax and soak up some sun.

7. Visit the Azkuna Zentroa

The Azkuna Zentroa is a cultural and leisure center located in the heart of Bilbao. The center is housed in a beautiful Art Deco building, and it features a cinema, theater, and exhibition spaces. It is a great place to explore if you want to get a taste of Bilbao’s cultural scene.

8. Take a Day Trip to Rioja Alavesa

Rioja Alavesa is a wine-producing region located just a short drive from Bilbao. The region is home to many beautiful vineyards and wineries, and it is the perfect place to sample some of the region’s famous red wines. Take a guided tour or arrange your own itinerary, and spend the day exploring the beautiful countryside, vineyards, and wineries.

Book Your Tour Now

Bilbao is a vibrant and exciting city that has plenty to offer for tourists of all ages and interests. Whether you are interested in art, culture, history, or cuisine, there is something for everyone in this beautiful city. Plan your trip well, and you are sure to have a wonderful time exploring everything that Bilbao has to offer.