Bilbao 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City

  • Morning: Start your day at La Rioja Alavesa, a wine region just outside Bilbao. Take a guided tour at Marqués de Riscal Winery, which includes a tasting and a visit to their beautiful underground cellar.
  • Afternoon: Head back to Bilbao and visit the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, which is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Be sure to book tickets in advance as it gets very busy!
  • Evening: For dinner, try El Cangrejo, a popular seafood restaurant that serves fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
  • Where to stay: Consider staying at the Hilton Bilbao, which is located in the heart of the city and offers comfortable rooms with great views.

Day 2: Get Active

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to La Salve, a stunning viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the city. You can hike up to the top or take the funicular.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Bilbao Maritime Museum, which showcases the city’s rich maritime history and features an impressive collection of ships and boats.
  • Evening: For dinner, try El Mesón del Muelle, a cozy restaurant that serves delicious Basque cuisine in a charming setting.
  • Where to stay: If you’re looking for something more unique, consider staying at the Hotel Ercilla. This boutique hotel is located in a historic building and offers stylish rooms with great views of the city.

Day 3: Explore the Surrounds

  • Morning: Take a day trip to San Sebastián, which is about an hour’s drive from Bilbao. Visit the Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium, which features stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
  • Afternoon: Head back to Bilbao and visit the Zabala Bridge, a beautiful pedestrian bridge that offers great views of the city.
  • Evening: For dinner, try El Pintu, a popular restaurant that serves delicious Basque cuisine in a cozy setting.
  • Where to stay: If you’re looking for something more relaxed, consider staying at the Hotel Barceló Bilbao Centro. This hotel is located in a quiet area and offers comfortable rooms with great views of the city.

Day 4: More Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, which features an impressive collection of Spanish art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
  • Afternoon: Take a stroll through the Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s historic quarter, which is filled with charming streets, shops, and restaurants.
  • Evening: For dinner, try El Cid, a popular restaurant that serves delicious Basque cuisine in a cozy setting.
  • Tips:
    • Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as pintxos (small plates) and txuleta (a type of beef).
    • Don’t miss the stunning views from La Salve or the Zabala Bridge.
    • Consider taking a guided tour to get a deeper understanding of the city’s history and culture.

Transportation

  • The best way to get around Bilbao is by public transportation, which includes buses and a metro system.
  • You can also walk or bike through the city, as it’s relatively small and easy to navigate.
  • If you need to travel to other nearby cities, such as San Sebastián, consider taking a train or bus.

Other Things of Interest

  • The Guggenheim Museum’s Botanical Garden: This beautiful garden is located on the roof of the museum and features a stunning collection of plants and flowers.
  • Bilbao’s Beaches: The city has several beaches, including La Concha and La Salve, which are great for swimming and sunbathing.
  • The City’s Festivals: Bilbao hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Bilbao Festival of Music and Dance and the Bilbao Jazz Festival. Be sure to check the dates if you’re planning to visit during festival season!