Bilbao
Photo: Hans-Jürgen Weinhardt / Unsplash
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
May to September (warmest, driest); late August for Aste Nagusia festival
Language
Spanish (Castilian) and Basque (Euskara)
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1), CEST (UTC+2) in summer
Airport
Bilbao Airport (BIO)
Population
~346,000 (city proper); ~1 million (greater Bilbao metro)
Climate
Oceanic, mild and rainy, avg 9°C winter to 20°C summer
Safety Rating
Very Safe (Level 1)
Region
Biscay province, Basque Country, northern Spain
Top Highlights
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Frank Gehry's titanium-and-glass masterpiece that sparked the city's revival, home to modern and contemporary art and guarded by Jeff Koons' flower 'Puppy'. Entry ~€18 adults; open Tue-Sun 10AM-7PM (closed Mondays outside summer). Allow 2-3 hours.
Casco Viejo (Old Town)
The medieval heart of Bilbao built around the original 'Siete Calles' (Seven Streets), packed with pintxos bars, boutiques and the Santiago Cathedral. Free to wander; allow 2-3 hours. Reachable directly by Metro (Casco Viejo stop). Best explored in the evening.
Mercado de la Ribera
One of Europe's largest covered food markets, an Art Deco landmark on the riverbank selling Basque produce, seafood and pintxos. Free entry; open Mon-Sat mornings plus Fri-Sat evenings. Allow 1-2 hours. Grab a stool at a stall for lunch.
Funicular & Artxanda Viewpoint
A century-old funicular climbs Mount Artxanda in three minutes for the best panorama over the city and its river bend. Round trip ~€4.30; runs daily from around 7:15AM. Allow 1-2 hours with time at the top. A local favourite at sunset.
Museo de Bellas Artes
Bilbao's Fine Arts Museum, an underrated collection spanning El Greco, Goya and Basque masters that many visitors skip in favour of the Guggenheim. Entry ~€10 (free Wednesdays); closed Tuesdays. Allow 1.5-2 hours. Beside Doña Casilda park.
Zubizuri Bridge
Santiago Calatrava's soaring white glass-decked footbridge arcing over the Nervión river, a favourite photo stop. Free and always open; allow 15-30 minutes. Connects the Campo Volantín promenade toward the Isozaki Atea towers near the Guggenheim.
Basilica de Begoña
A 16th-century Gothic sanctuary dedicated to Bilbao's patron saint, perched above the old town with sweeping views. Free entry; reached by 313 steps ('Mallona') from Casco Viejo or a short lift ride. Allow 1 hour. A quiet local pilgrimage spot.
Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga)
A former wine warehouse reinvented by Philippe Starck into a cultural centre with 43 unique columns, a cinema, and a glass-bottomed rooftop pool. Free to enter the atrium; allow 1 hour. Great rainy-day option in the Indautxu district.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Bilbao Itinerary
Arrival & Casco Viejo
Land at Bilbao Airport (BIO) and head into the city — Bilbao is compact and walkable, so base yourself near the Casco Viejo or the Ensanche. Spend the first evening among the medieval Seven Streets, easing into the city's legendary pintxos culture. Pack a light waterproof: Bilbao is green for a reason.
Airport bus to the centre(30 minutes)
The A3247 Bizkaibus runs to Plaza Moyua and the centre every ~20 min for ~€3 — faster and cheaper than a taxi (~€25)
Check in and orientation walk(1 hour)
Drop bags, then wander the Casco Viejo's original 'Siete Calles' (Seven Streets) to get your bearings
Plaza Nueva pintxos crawl(2 hours)
Start your pintxos education in the arcaded Plaza Nueva: a gilda skewer at Café Bar Bilbao, then hop to Gure Toki and Sorginzulo. Stand, order one or two, pay as you go (~€2-4 each)
Nightcap on a terrace(1 hour)
A zurito (small beer) or a glass of txakoli, the local slightly fizzy white, to end the night
The Guggenheim & Abandoibarra
Devote the day to the titanium landmark that put Bilbao back on the map and the sleek riverside district around it. Book Guggenheim tickets online to skip the midday queue; it's closed Mondays outside summer.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao(2.5 hours)
Frank Gehry's titanium masterpiece (~€18); allow time for the exterior too — Jeff Koons' flower 'Puppy' out front and Louise Bourgeois' spider 'Maman' by the river
Lunch at the museum or nearby(1.5 hours)
For a splurge, book Michelin-starred Nerua inside the museum; otherwise pintxos on nearby Calle Ledesma, a local lunch favourite
Riverside walk to the Zubizuri Bridge(1 hour)
Stroll the Nervión promenade past Isozaki Atea's towers to Calatrava's white glass-decked Zubizuri footbridge — a classic photo stop
Doña Casilda Park & dinner in the Ensanche(2.5 hours)
Unwind in the city's leafy park, then dinner in the grid-planned Ensanche — try classic Café Iruña for its Moorish interior and pintxo moruno
Artxanda Views, the Market & Old Town Culture
A slower city day mixing a hilltop panorama, Bilbao's grand food market and the old town's landmarks. Mostly on foot with one short funicular ride.
Funicular up Mount Artxanda(1.5 hours)
The century-old funicular climbs in three minutes (~€4.30 return) to the best panorama over the city's river bend. Go in the morning for clear light
Mercado de la Ribera(1.5 hours)
Browse one of Europe's largest covered markets, an Art Deco landmark on the river; grab a stool for a mid-morning pintxo and a txakoli at a stall
Basílica de Begoña(1 hour)
Climb the 313 'Mallona' steps (or take the lift) from the Casco Viejo to the Gothic sanctuary of Bilbao's patron saint, with sweeping views
Museo de Bellas Artes(1.5 hours)
Bilbao's underrated Fine Arts Museum — El Greco, Goya and Basque masters (~€10, free Wednesdays; closed Tuesdays). Beside Doña Casilda park
Day Trip — San Sebastián
Take the easy trip east to elegant San Sebastián (Donostia), one of the world's great food cities, set on the beautiful shell-shaped La Concha bay. About an hour each way by car or the PESA/ALSA bus from Bilbao's Termibus.
Travel to San Sebastián(1.5 hours)
Direct buses from Bilbao's Termibus run roughly hourly (~€12, ~1h15). Alight near the centre and walk to the bay
La Concha bay & Monte Igueldo(2 hours)
Stroll the elegant La Concha promenade, then ride the vintage Monte Igueldo funicular (~€3.75) for the postcard view over the bay
Pintxos lunch in the Parte Vieja(2 hours)
Crawl the old town's world-famous bars: grilled txuleta and tortilla at Bar Néstor (arrive early — the tortilla sells in one seating), mushroom pintxos at Ganbara, then La Cuchara de San Telmo
Climb Monte Urgull & return(2 hours)
Walk up Monte Urgull for views over the old town before the evening bus back to Bilbao
Day Trip — Gaztelugatxe & the Coast
Explore the wild Basque coast north of the city. A hermitage on a dramatic islet, a working fishing port and a legendary surf river-mouth. A car makes this coastal loop far easier; allow a full day.
Drive to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe(45 minutes)
About 35 km north. Reserve a free timed entry slot online in high season; parking is at the top of the access road
Climb to the Gaztelugatxe hermitage(2 hours)
Walk down and up the 241 stone steps along the causeway to the 10th-century hermitage (Dragonstone in Game of Thrones); ring the bell three times at the top for luck
Seafood lunch in Bermeo(1.5 hours)
Drive to the colourful fishing port of Bermeo for grilled fish or a marmitako (tuna and potato stew) at a harbour restaurant
Mundaka surf village & Gernika(2 hours)
Stop at Mundaka to see its famous left-hand wave over the Urdaibai estuary, then optionally Gernika to see the Tree of Gernika before heading back
Getxo, the Hanging Bridge & Free Time
A half-day out to the estuary mouth to see a UNESCO engineering marvel and Bilbao's belle-époque seaside suburb, then a free afternoon back in the city. Easily reached on the Metro (Line 1).
Metro to Getxo(30 minutes)
Take the Norman Foster-designed Metro Line 1 out to Areeta/Getxo (~30 min, ~€1.80 or use a Barik card)
Bizkaia Bridge (Puente Colgante)(1.5 hours)
Ride the gondola of the world's oldest transporter bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site from 1893 (~€0.50 crossing; ~€10 to walk the high panoramic walkway)
Getxo old port & mansions(1.5 hours)
Walk the promenade past the grand Neguri mansions and the old fishing port; lunch on fresh seafood overlooking the estuary
Free afternoon in Bilbao(3 hours)
Back in the city with no fixed plan — shop on Calle Ledesma, revisit a favourite pintxos bar, or relax at the Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga), a former wine warehouse reinvented by Philippe Starck
Departure
A relaxed final morning in the old town before your flight. The airport bus from Plaza Moyua takes about 30 minutes — allow a comfortable buffer.
Morning coffee and Casco Viejo stroll(1.5 hours)
A last café con leche and a quiet walk through the Seven Streets before the crowds
Souvenir shopping(1 hour)
Pick up Basque staples — a tin of anchovies, txakoli wine, or Bilbao's Kalimotxo-friendly local goods — around the Mercado de la Ribera
Airport bus to Bilbao Airport (BIO)(30 minutes)
The A3247 Bizkaibus from Plaza Moyua runs every ~20 min (~€3); allow buffer time at peak hours
14-Day Bilbao Itinerary
Arrival & Casco Viejo
Land at Bilbao Airport (BIO) and head into the compact, walkable centre — base near the Casco Viejo or Ensanche. Spend the first evening among the medieval Seven Streets easing into pintxos culture. Pack a light waterproof.
Airport bus to the centre(30 minutes)
The A3247 Bizkaibus runs to Plaza Moyua every ~20 min for ~€3
Orientation walk through the Siete Calles(1 hour)
Wander the Casco Viejo's original Seven Streets to get your bearings
Plaza Nueva pintxos crawl(2 hours)
A gilda at Café Bar Bilbao, then Gure Toki and Sorginzulo. Stand, order one or two, pay as you go (~€2-4 each)
Nightcap on a terrace(1 hour)
A zurito or a glass of txakoli to end the night
The Guggenheim & Abandoibarra
The titanium landmark that revived Bilbao and the sleek riverside around it. Book tickets online to skip the queue; closed Mondays outside summer.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao(2.5 hours)
Gehry's masterpiece (~€18); see Koons' 'Puppy' and Bourgeois' spider 'Maman' outside too
Lunch nearby(1.5 hours)
Splurge at Michelin-starred Nerua inside, or pintxos on Calle Ledesma
Riverside walk to Zubizuri Bridge(1 hour)
The Nervión promenade to Calatrava's white glass-decked footbridge
Doña Casilda Park & Ensanche dinner(2.5 hours)
The leafy park, then dinner at classic Café Iruña for its Moorish interior
Artxanda Views, the Market & Old Town Culture
A slower city day: a hilltop panorama, Bilbao's grand food market and old-town landmarks, mostly on foot.
Funicular up Mount Artxanda(1.5 hours)
Three-minute climb (~€4.30 return) to the best view over the river bend; go in the morning
Mercado de la Ribera(1.5 hours)
One of Europe's largest covered markets; a stool, a pintxo and a txakoli at a stall
Basílica de Begoña(1 hour)
Climb the 313 Mallona steps (or lift) to the sanctuary of Bilbao's patron saint
Museo de Bellas Artes(1.5 hours)
El Greco, Goya and Basque masters (~€10, free Wednesdays; closed Tuesdays)
Day Trip — San Sebastián
The easy trip east to elegant San Sebastián (Donostia) on the shell-shaped La Concha bay, one of the world's great food cities. About an hour by bus from Termibus.
Travel to San Sebastián(1.5 hours)
Direct buses from Termibus roughly hourly (~€12, ~1h15)
La Concha & Monte Igueldo(2 hours)
The elegant promenade, then the vintage Monte Igueldo funicular (~€3.75) for the bay view
Pintxos lunch in the Parte Vieja(2 hours)
Txuleta and tortilla at Bar Néstor (arrive early), mushrooms at Ganbara, then La Cuchara de San Telmo
Monte Urgull & return(2 hours)
Climb Urgull for old-town views before the evening bus back
Day Trip — Gaztelugatxe & the Coast
The wild Basque coast north of the city: a hermitage on a dramatic islet, a fishing port and a legendary surf wave. A car makes this loop far easier.
Drive to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe(45 minutes)
~35 km north; reserve a free timed entry slot online in high season
Climb to the hermitage(2 hours)
Down and up 241 stone steps to the 10th-century hermitage (GoT's Dragonstone); ring the bell three times
Seafood lunch in Bermeo(1.5 hours)
Grilled fish or marmitako at the colourful fishing port
Mundaka & Gernika(2 hours)
Mundaka's famous left-hand wave over the Urdaibai estuary, then optionally the Tree of Gernika
Getxo & the Hanging Bridge
Out to the estuary mouth for a UNESCO engineering marvel and Bilbao's belle-époque seaside suburb, reached on the Metro (Line 1).
Metro to Getxo(30 minutes)
Foster-designed Metro Line 1 to Areeta/Getxo (~€1.80 or a Barik card)
Bizkaia Bridge (Puente Colgante)(1.5 hours)
The world's oldest transporter bridge, UNESCO-listed from 1893 (~€0.50 gondola; ~€10 high walkway)
Getxo old port & mansions(1.5 hours)
The promenade past grand Neguri mansions and the old fishing port; seafood lunch over the estuary
Ereaga beach walk(1.5 hours)
A gentle beach stroll before the Metro back to the city
Free Day — Bilbao at Your Pace
A rest day after a busy first week. No fixed schedule — revisit a favourite bar, or use the loose ideas below. Bilbao rewards slow wandering.
Slow morning at Azkuna Zentroa(1.5 hours)
The former wine warehouse reinvented by Philippe Starck, with its 43 unique columns; peek at the glass-bottomed rooftop pool
Long pintxos lunch(1.5 hours)
Return to whichever Casco Viejo bar you liked best — Xukela, Baste or Gure Toki — with no rush
Free afternoon(3 hours)
Nothing scheduled — shop on Calle Ledesma, browse the Sunday Plaza Nueva flea market if timed right, or nap
Riverside evening stroll(1.5 hours)
Walk the Nervión as the Guggenheim lights up, then a relaxed dinner
Day Trip — Rioja Alavesa Wine Country
Head south over the mountains into the Basque slice of Rioja, a land of medieval hilltop towns and world-class wineries. A car (or a booked wine tour) is essential; allow a full, indulgent day.
Drive to Laguardia(1 hour)
About 60 km south via the AP-68; the walled medieval town of Laguardia sits above a sea of vines with the Sierra de Cantabria behind
Laguardia old town & underground cellar(1.5 hours)
Wander the car-free walled streets and tour one of the historic underground calados (wine cellars) beneath the town
Winery tour & tasting(2 hours)
Visit an architectural bodega — Gehry's titanium-ribboned Marqués de Riscal in Elciego, or Calatrava's wave-roofed Ysios near Laguardia. Book the tour and tasting ahead (~€25-40)
Lunch among the vines(1.5 hours)
A long Riojan lunch — chuletillas al sarmiento (lamb grilled over vine cuttings) with a bottle of Reserva before the drive back
Day Trip — Vitoria-Gasteiz
Visit the Basque Country's green capital, an underrated medieval city crowned a European Green Capital. Easy to reach by train or bus (~1 hour) — no car needed.
Train or bus to Vitoria-Gasteiz(1 hour)
Frequent Renfe trains and ALSA buses run from Bilbao (~€7-9)
Medieval 'Almendra' old town(2 hours)
Walk the almond-shaped hilltop core to the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca and take the 'open for works' tour of the Santa María Cathedral that inspired Ken Follett (~€10)
Pintxos lunch on Cuchillería(1.5 hours)
Graze the old-town bars along Calle Cuchillería, a quieter, cheaper pintxos scene than the coast
Artium museum or the Green Ring(2 hours)
See Basque contemporary art at the Artium, or walk part of the city's ring of parks, before the evening train back
Day Trip — Getaria, Zumaia & the Flysch Coast
A coastal day east of Bilbao pairing txakoli vineyards, a famed grill restaurant and the dramatic striped cliffs of the Basque Coast Geopark. A car works best for this string of small towns.
Getaria fishing village & Balenciaga(1.5 hours)
Wander the harbour town where the fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga was born (dedicated museum, ~€10); vineyards of Getariako Txakolina climb the hills above
Grilled-fish lunch in Getaria(2 hours)
Getaria is famous for whole fish grilled over outdoor coals — book the legendary Elkano for its turbot (rodaballo), or a harbour asador for a lighter budget
Zumaia flysch cliffs(1.5 hours)
Walk above Itzurun beach to see the dramatic layered flysch rock formations (a Game of Thrones filming site); check tide times for the beach
Zarautz beach promenade(1 hour)
Stop at the Basque Country's longest beach, a surf hotspot, for a walk before heading back
Basque Food Immersion — Cooking & Cider
Swap sightseeing for hands-on Basque gastronomy: a morning cooking class and an afternoon in a traditional cider house. A deeper, tastier day close to the city.
Basque cooking class(3 hours)
Learn to make classics — bacalao al pil-pil (cod in its own emulsion), tortilla and a pintxo or two — in a small-group class, then eat your work. Book ahead
Free afternoon rest(2 hours)
A pause back at base after a big lunch
Sagardotegi (cider house) experience(2.5 hours)
Head to a traditional sidrería in Astigarraga (near San Sebastián) or the Bilbao area for the txotx ritual — cider poured straight from giant barrels, with a set menu of cod omelette, txuleta steak, and cheese with quince. Book a table
Free Day — Rest & Revisit
A second flexible day to breathe. Return to a place you loved, catch something you missed, or do nothing at all. The ideas below are optional.
Late breakfast, no alarm(1.5 hours)
A slow morning coffee and a talo or pastry in the Casco Viejo
Optional Artean museum pass(2 hours)
If you skipped it, the joint Guggenheim + Fine Arts Artean ticket (~€17) is good value for one last art fix
Free afternoon(3 hours)
Shopping in the Ensanche, a spa, or a riverside walk — whatever recharges you
Relaxed dinner(1.5 hours)
A quiet, familiar dinner near base
Day Trip — Gernika & the Urdaibai Reserve
A meaningful final excursion into the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve: the symbolic town of Gernika, prehistoric caves and a painted forest. A car helps link the stops; allow a full day.
Gernika — Peace Museum & the Tree(2 hours)
The town bombed in 1937 and immortalised by Picasso: visit the Peace Museum and the Casa de Juntas with the historic Tree of Gernika, symbol of Basque liberties
Bosque de Oma painted forest(1.5 hours)
Near Kortezubi, walk artist Agustín Ibarrola's 'painted forest', where tree trunks form giant painted figures when viewed from the right angle
Lunch in the Urdaibai countryside(1.5 hours)
A rural restaurant or a stop in Elantxobe, a tiny fishing village clinging to a cliff
Lekeitio fishing town(2 hours)
End at pretty Lekeitio; at low tide walk the sandbar out to Isla de San Nicolás, then a final coastal coffee before the drive home
Departure
A calm final morning in the old town before your flight. The airport bus from Plaza Moyua takes about 30 minutes — allow a buffer.
Morning coffee and Casco Viejo stroll(1.5 hours)
A last café con leche and a quiet walk through the Seven Streets
Souvenir shopping(1 hour)
Basque anchovies, txakoli, or Idiazabal cheese around the Mercado de la Ribera
Airport bus to Bilbao Airport (BIO)(30 minutes)
The A3247 Bizkaibus from Plaza Moyua every ~20 min (~€3); buffer at peak hours
21-Day Bilbao Itinerary
Arrival & Casco Viejo
Land at Bilbao Airport (BIO) and head into the compact, walkable centre — base near the Casco Viejo or Ensanche. Spend the first evening among the medieval Seven Streets easing into pintxos culture. Pack a light waterproof.
Airport bus to the centre(30 minutes)
The A3247 Bizkaibus runs to Plaza Moyua every ~20 min for ~€3
Orientation walk through the Siete Calles(1 hour)
Wander the Casco Viejo's original Seven Streets to get your bearings
Plaza Nueva pintxos crawl(2 hours)
A gilda at Café Bar Bilbao, then Gure Toki and Sorginzulo. Stand, order one or two, pay as you go (~€2-4 each)
Nightcap on a terrace(1 hour)
A zurito or a glass of txakoli to end the night
The Guggenheim & Abandoibarra
The titanium landmark that revived Bilbao and the sleek riverside around it. Book tickets online to skip the queue; closed Mondays outside summer.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao(2.5 hours)
Gehry's masterpiece (~€18); see Koons' 'Puppy' and Bourgeois' spider 'Maman' outside too
Lunch nearby(1.5 hours)
Splurge at Michelin-starred Nerua inside, or pintxos on Calle Ledesma
Riverside walk to Zubizuri Bridge(1 hour)
The Nervión promenade to Calatrava's white glass-decked footbridge
Doña Casilda Park & Ensanche dinner(2.5 hours)
The leafy park, then dinner at classic Café Iruña for its Moorish interior
Artxanda Views, the Market & Old Town Culture
A slower city day: a hilltop panorama, Bilbao's grand food market and old-town landmarks, mostly on foot.
Funicular up Mount Artxanda(1.5 hours)
Three-minute climb (~€4.30 return) to the best view over the river bend; go in the morning
Mercado de la Ribera(1.5 hours)
One of Europe's largest covered markets; a stool, a pintxo and a txakoli at a stall
Basílica de Begoña(1 hour)
Climb the 313 Mallona steps (or lift) to the sanctuary of Bilbao's patron saint
Museo de Bellas Artes(1.5 hours)
El Greco, Goya and Basque masters (~€10, free Wednesdays; closed Tuesdays)
Day Trip — San Sebastián
The easy trip east to elegant San Sebastián (Donostia) on the shell-shaped La Concha bay, one of the world's great food cities. About an hour by bus from Termibus.
Travel to San Sebastián(1.5 hours)
Direct buses from Termibus roughly hourly (~€12, ~1h15)
La Concha & Monte Igueldo(2 hours)
The elegant promenade, then the vintage Monte Igueldo funicular (~€3.75) for the bay view
Pintxos lunch in the Parte Vieja(2 hours)
Txuleta and tortilla at Bar Néstor (arrive early), mushrooms at Ganbara, then La Cuchara de San Telmo
Monte Urgull & return(2 hours)
Climb Urgull for old-town views before the evening bus back
Day Trip — Gaztelugatxe & the Coast
The wild Basque coast north of the city: a hermitage on a dramatic islet, a fishing port and a legendary surf wave. A car makes this loop far easier.
Drive to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe(45 minutes)
~35 km north; reserve a free timed entry slot online in high season
Climb to the hermitage(2 hours)
Down and up 241 stone steps to the 10th-century hermitage (GoT's Dragonstone); ring the bell three times
Seafood lunch in Bermeo(1.5 hours)
Grilled fish or marmitako at the colourful fishing port
Mundaka surf village(1.5 hours)
Mundaka's famous left-hand wave over the Urdaibai estuary
Getxo & the Hanging Bridge
Out to the estuary mouth for a UNESCO engineering marvel and Bilbao's belle-époque seaside suburb, reached on the Metro (Line 1).
Metro to Getxo(30 minutes)
Foster-designed Metro Line 1 to Areeta/Getxo (~€1.80 or a Barik card)
Bizkaia Bridge (Puente Colgante)(1.5 hours)
The world's oldest transporter bridge, UNESCO-listed from 1893 (~€0.50 gondola; ~€10 high walkway)
Getxo old port & mansions(1.5 hours)
The promenade past grand Neguri mansions and the old fishing port; seafood lunch over the estuary
Ereaga beach walk(1.5 hours)
A gentle beach stroll before the Metro back
Free Day — Bilbao at Your Pace
A rest day after a busy first week. No fixed schedule — revisit a favourite bar, or use the loose ideas below.
Slow morning at Azkuna Zentroa(1.5 hours)
The Starck-reinvented wine warehouse with 43 unique columns; peek at the glass-bottomed rooftop pool
Long pintxos lunch(1.5 hours)
Return to a favourite Casco Viejo bar — Xukela, Baste or Gure Toki
Free afternoon(3 hours)
Shop on Calle Ledesma, the Sunday Plaza Nueva flea market if timed right, or a nap
Riverside evening stroll(1.5 hours)
The Nervión as the Guggenheim lights up, then a relaxed dinner
Day Trip — Rioja Alavesa Wine Country
South over the mountains into the Basque slice of Rioja — medieval hilltop towns and world-class wineries. A car or booked wine tour is essential.
Drive to Laguardia(1 hour)
~60 km south via the AP-68; the walled town of Laguardia sits above a sea of vines
Laguardia old town & underground cellar(1.5 hours)
The car-free walled streets and a tour of a historic underground calado beneath the town
Winery tour & tasting(2 hours)
Gehry's Marqués de Riscal in Elciego or Calatrava's Ysios near Laguardia; book ahead (~€25-40)
Lunch among the vines(1.5 hours)
Chuletillas al sarmiento (lamb over vine cuttings) with a Reserva before the drive back
Day Trip — Vitoria-Gasteiz
The Basque Country's green capital, an underrated medieval city. Easy by train or bus (~1 hour) — no car needed.
Train or bus to Vitoria-Gasteiz(1 hour)
Frequent Renfe trains and ALSA buses from Bilbao (~€7-9)
Medieval 'Almendra' old town(2 hours)
The almond-shaped hilltop core and the 'open for works' tour of the Santa María Cathedral that inspired Ken Follett (~€10)
Pintxos lunch on Cuchillería(1.5 hours)
The old-town bars along Calle Cuchillería — a quieter, cheaper pintxos scene
Artium museum or the Green Ring(2 hours)
Basque contemporary art, or a walk in the city's ring of parks, before the train back
Day Trip — Getaria, Zumaia & the Flysch Coast
A coastal day east of Bilbao: txakoli vineyards, a famed grill restaurant and the striped cliffs of the Basque Coast Geopark. A car works best.
Getaria fishing village & Balenciaga(1.5 hours)
Balenciaga's birthplace (museum ~€10); the vineyards of Getariako Txakolina climb the hills above
Grilled-fish lunch in Getaria(2 hours)
Whole fish over outdoor coals — book the legendary Elkano for turbot, or a harbour asador for less
Zumaia flysch cliffs(1.5 hours)
Walk above Itzurun beach to the layered flysch formations (a GoT site); check tide times
Zarautz beach promenade(1 hour)
The Basque Country's longest beach, a surf hotspot, for a walk before heading back
Free Day — Rest & Revisit
A flexible day to breathe before a longer excursion. Revisit somewhere you loved or do nothing at all. Ideas below are optional.
Late breakfast, no alarm(1.5 hours)
A slow morning coffee and a pastry in the Casco Viejo
Optional Artean museum pass(2 hours)
The joint Guggenheim + Fine Arts Artean ticket (~€17) for one last art fix if you skipped it
Free afternoon(3 hours)
Shopping, a spa, or a riverside walk; pack a small bag for tomorrow's trip
Relaxed dinner(1.5 hours)
A quiet, familiar dinner near base
Across the Border — Saint-Jean-de-Luz & Bayonne
Begin a three-day loop into the French Basque Country, an hour and a half northeast across the (open Schengen) border. Take an overnight bag; the rest can stay at your Bilbao hotel. A car makes the loop easiest.
Drive to Saint-Jean-de-Luz(1.5 hours)
About 130 km northeast via the A-8; the pretty bayside town where Louis XIV married in 1660
Saint-Jean-de-Luz old town & bay(2 hours)
Wander the harbour, the Maison Louis XIV, and buy the town's famous macarons at Maison Adam and traditional Basque linen
Bayonne — cathedral & chocolate(2 hours)
Drive to Bayonne's half-timbered Grand Bayonne quarter; France's oldest chocolate-making city (try Cazenave), plus Bayonne ham and the Sainte-Marie cathedral
Check in near Biarritz(1.5 hours)
Settle into a Biarritz or Bayonne base for two nights; dinner of French-Basque cuisine, axoa or piperade
Biarritz & the Basque Hinterland
A full day on the glamorous surf coast and in the pepper-scented interior villages. A relaxed mix of beach, seaside grandeur and rural Basque colour.
Biarritz seafront & Rocher de la Vierge(2 hours)
Walk the Grande Plage past the Hôtel du Palais and out to the Rocher de la Vierge, a rock islet reached by a footbridge; Biarritz is Europe's surf capital
Les Halles market lunch(1.5 hours)
Graze Biarritz's covered market for oysters, charcuterie and Basque cheese
Espelette pepper village(1.5 hours)
Drive inland to Espelette, its houses hung with strings of drying red peppers (the AOC piment d'Espelette); shop for the famous ground pepper
Ainhoa or Sare(1.5 hours)
Stop in one of the 'plus beaux villages de France' — whitewashed, red-shuttered Basque hamlets; second night on the French side
Return via Hondarribia
Loop back toward Bilbao with a stop in one of the Spanish Basque coast's prettiest border towns. A relaxed driving day.
Morning in Hondarribia(2 hours)
Cross back into Spain to Hondarribia's walled hilltop old town and the colourful fishermen's houses of the Marina district
Pintxos lunch on Calle San Pedro(1.5 hours)
The Marina's lively pintxos street — a fine last taste before the drive west
Drive back to Bilbao(1.5 hours)
Return along the A-8 to your Bilbao base
Easy evening(1.5 hours)
A light dinner near base after three days on the road
Free Day — Recover in Bilbao
A full rest day back in the city after the French loop. Nothing required — sleep in and let the city come to you.
Slow morning and coffee(1.5 hours)
No alarm; a long breakfast in the Ensanche
Gentle riverside walk(1.5 hours)
An easy stroll along the Nervión, perhaps out to the Zubizuri and back
Free afternoon(3.5 hours)
Spa, shopping, or a nap — recharge for the last stretch
Relaxed dinner(1.5 hours)
A quiet evening at a favourite pintxos bar
Basque Food Immersion — Cooking & Cider
Swap sightseeing for hands-on Basque gastronomy: a morning cooking class and an afternoon in a traditional cider house.
Basque cooking class(3 hours)
Learn bacalao al pil-pil, tortilla and a pintxo or two in a small-group class, then eat your work. Book ahead
Free afternoon rest(2 hours)
A pause back at base after a big lunch
Sagardotegi (cider house) experience(2.5 hours)
The txotx ritual — cider poured from giant barrels — with a set menu of cod omelette, txuleta and cheese with quince, at a sidrería in Astigarraga or the Bilbao area. Book a table
Day Trip — Gernika & the Urdaibai Reserve
Into the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve: the symbolic town of Gernika, a painted forest and a cliff-clinging fishing village. A car helps link the stops.
Gernika — Peace Museum & the Tree(2 hours)
The town bombed in 1937 and immortalised by Picasso: the Peace Museum and the Casa de Juntas with the historic Tree of Gernika
Bosque de Oma painted forest(1.5 hours)
Near Kortezubi, Agustín Ibarrola's 'painted forest' where trunks form giant figures from the right angle
Lunch in Elantxobe(1.5 hours)
A tiny fishing village clinging to a cliff, with seafood by the tiny harbour
Lekeitio & Isla de San Nicolás(2 hours)
At low tide walk the sandbar out to the island off pretty Lekeitio, then a coastal coffee before home
West to Cantabria — Santander & the Coast
A two-day escape west along the coast into neighbouring Cantabria, mixing a stylish seaside city with medieval towns. Take an overnight bag. About an hour and a half by car or ALSA bus.
Drive to Santander(1.5 hours)
About 100 km west via the A-8 to the Cantabrian capital on its grand bay
Centro Botín & the waterfront(2 hours)
Renzo Piano's silvery art centre floating over the bay; walk the Jardines de Pereda and the port promenade
El Sardinero & Magdalena Peninsula(2 hours)
The belle-époque Sardinero beach and a walk around the Palacio de la Magdalena headland
Seafood dinner in Santander(1.5 hours)
Rabas (fried squid) and Cantabrian anchovies; overnight in the city
Santillana del Mar, Altamira & Comillas
A slow morning among Cantabria's finest medieval and modernist towns before returning to Bilbao. A gentle, scenic driving day.
Santillana del Mar(1.5 hours)
A perfectly preserved medieval town (the 'town of three lies' — neither holy, flat, nor by the sea) around its Romanesque Colegiata
Museo de Altamira(1.5 hours)
See the 'Neocueva', a precise replica of the Palaeolithic cave paintings (the real cave is closed to protect it); ~€3
Comillas & Gaudí's El Capricho(1.5 hours)
Visit one of Gaudí's few works outside Catalonia, the whimsical sunflower-tiled El Capricho villa (~€7), plus the Pontifical University
Drive back to Bilbao(1.5 hours)
Return east along the A-8 to your base by evening
Free Day — Your Bilbao
A wide-open penultimate day. By now you know the corner of the city you'd happily return to — go do that. Ideas below, but the day is yours.
Return to a favourite spot(2.5 hours)
A last Artxanda sunrise, another look at the Guggenheim, or a slow morning in the Casco Viejo
Farewell pintxos crawl(2 hours)
One more graze through the old town's best bars — Gure Toki, Xukela and Plaza Nueva
Free afternoon and shopping(3 hours)
Pick up Basque anchovies, Idiazabal cheese, txakoli or a beret; otherwise rest and pack
Farewell dinner(2 hours)
A proper send-off — book a table at a Basque restaurant and toast three weeks
Departure
A calm final morning in the old town before your flight. The airport bus from Plaza Moyua takes about 30 minutes — allow a buffer.
Morning coffee and Casco Viejo stroll(1.5 hours)
A last café con leche and a quiet walk through the Seven Streets
Last-minute souvenirs(1 hour)
Anything you meant to buy around the Mercado de la Ribera
Airport bus to Bilbao Airport (BIO)(30 minutes)
The A3247 Bizkaibus from Plaza Moyua every ~20 min (~€3); buffer at peak hours
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Schengen 90-Day Rule Covers Bilbao
Bilbao is in Spain and the Schengen Area, so US, UK, Canadian, Australian and many other travellers enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day window. From 2026 visa-exempt visitors will need the EU's ETIAS travel authorization (~€20) before arrival.
transport
Use the Metro, Tram and Airport Bus
Bilbao's Norman Foster-designed Metro is clean and fast; a single ride is ~€1.80 or use a rechargeable Barik card for discounts. The A3247 airport bus (Bizkaibus) runs to the centre every ~20 min for ~€3. The riverside Euskotran tram is handy for reaching the Guggenheim.
Local Customs
Master Pintxos Etiquette
Pintxos (Basque tapas on bread) are a way of life: don't sit and order a big plate — stand, grab one or two per bar (~€2-4 each), pay as you go, and move on to the next. Ask for a 'zurito' (small beer) or txakoli wine. Bars fill up around 1-3pm and 8-10pm.
This Is the Basque Country, Not Just 'Spain'
Locals speak Euskara alongside Spanish, and Basque identity runs deep — signs appear in both languages and place names may differ (Bilbao is 'Bilbo' in Basque). A friendly 'kaixo' (hello) or 'eskerrik asko' (thank you) is warmly received.
Safety
Pack for Rain — Bilbao Is Green for a Reason
The city's oceanic climate means rain is possible any month, even in summer, giving the surrounding hills their lush green. Bring a light waterproof and layers rather than counting on all-day sun. Otherwise Bilbao is very safe, with only minor pickpocket risk in crowded areas.
Budget
Combine Museums and Skip Long Lines
The Bilbao Bizkaia Card or the Artean pass (joint Guggenheim + Fine Arts Museum ticket, ~€17) saves money if you plan to museum-hop. The Fine Arts Museum is free on Wednesdays, and buying Guggenheim tickets online avoids the midday queue.
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