Bilbao-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Saturday

Morning

  • Guggenheim Museum: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, one of the most famous museums in Spain. The building itself is a work of art, designed by Frank Gehry.
    • Address: Avd. Abando Indalecio Prieto, 1, 48009 Bilbao
  • Café Guggenheim: After exploring the museum, grab a coffee and snack at Café Guggenheim, which offers stunning views of the river.

Lunch

  • La Casona: Head to La Casona, a historic building that houses a restaurant serving traditional Basque cuisine.
    • Address: Alameda de Mazarredo, 1, 48009 Bilbao
  • Try their famous pintxos (small snacks) and local wines.

Afternoon

  • Casco Viejo: Explore the charming Casco Viejo neighborhood, which features narrow streets, historic buildings, and quaint shops.
    • Address: Various locations throughout the old town

Evening

  • Dinner at El Puente: Enjoy dinner at El Puente, a restaurant located on a picturesque bridge overlooking the river. Try their seafood dishes.
    • Address: Puente de Zubiarte, 1, 48009 Bilbao
  • Live Music at La Vida Urbana: End your day with live music and cocktails at La Vida Urbana, a trendy bar in the heart of the city.

Day 2: Sunday

Morning

  • Market Day: Visit the bustling Market Day (Mercado de la Ribera) to sample local produce, cheeses, and wines.
    • Address: Puente de Zubiarte, 1, 48009 Bilbao
  • Cathedral of Santiago: Stop by the stunning Cathedral of Santiago, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.

Lunch

  • El Mesón del Ángel: Take a break for lunch at El Mesón del Ángel, which serves traditional Basque cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
    • Address: Alameda de Mazarredo, 15, 48009 Bilbao

Afternoon

  • Visit the Artxanda Funicular: Ride the funicular to the top of Mount Artxanda for panoramic views of the city and the sea.
    • Address: Avda. de la Constancia, 1, 48014 Bilbao
  • La Salve: Explore the charming neighborhood of La Salve, which features narrow streets, shops, and cafes.

Evening

  • Dinner at El Cangrejo Rojo: Enjoy dinner at El Cangrejo Rojo, a seafood restaurant with stunning views of the river.
    • Address: Avda. de la Constancia, 12, 48014 Bilbao
  • Live Music at La Salve: End your day with live music and cocktails at one of the many bars in La Salve.

Day 3: Monday

Morning

  • Museo de Bellas Artes: Visit the Fine Arts Museum (Museo de Bellas Artes), which features a collection of art from the 13th to the 20th centuries.
    • Address: Plaza Miguel Unamuno, s/n, 48003 Bilbao
  • Café at La Casa de los Abuelos: Grab a coffee and snack at La Casa de los Abuelos, a cozy café in the heart of the city.

Lunch

  • El Cordero: Take a break for lunch at El Cordero, which serves traditional Basque cuisine in a rustic atmosphere.
    • Address: Calle del Pez, 10, 48009 Bilbao

Afternoon

  • Visit the Mirador de la Casilla: Stop by the Mirador de la Casilla, a viewpoint that offers stunning views of the city and the river.
    • Address: Avda. de la Constancia, 1, 48014 Bilbao
  • Explore the Avenida de La Constitución: Explore the charming neighborhood surrounding the Avenida de La Constitución.

Things to Know

  • Language: While many locals speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Spanish phrases.
  • Currency: The official currency is the Euro.
  • Tipping: Tipping in restaurants and bars is generally around 5-10%.
  • Transportation: Bilbao has an excellent public transportation system. You can use buses or trams to get around.

Getting Around

  • Walking Tour: The city center is easily walkable, but you may want to take a taxi or bus for longer distances.
  • Metro: Bilbao has a small metro system with three lines that cover the city center and surrounding areas.
  • Buses: An extensive network of buses covers the entire city.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Guggenheim Bilbao: A luxurious hotel located next to the famous Guggenheim Museum. (Address: Avda. Abando Indalecio Prieto, 1, 48009 Bilbao)
  • NH Collection Bilbao Centro: A stylish hotel in the heart of the city center. (Address: Alameda de Mazarredo, 5-7, 48009 Bilbao)

Tips and Tricks

  • Visit during shoulder season: Visit Bilbao during the shoulder season (April-May or September-October) for milder weather and smaller crowds.
  • Reserve restaurants in advance: Many popular restaurants require reservations, especially on weekends.
  • Explore local markets: The market day (Mercado de la Ribera) is a must-visit for sampling local produce and cheeses.

Other Interesting Things

  • Bilbao is the capital of the Basque Country: Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country, an autonomous region with its own language and culture.
  • The Guggenheim Museum was designed by Frank Gehry: The iconic museum building was designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry.