Bilbao 6 Day Itinerary

August 3, 2024

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the City

Morning: Arrive at Bilbao Airport (BIO) or take a train from San Sebastián or Madrid
10:00 AM: Check-in at Hotel Ercilla or Hotel Miro, both centrally located in the heart of Bilbao
11:30 AM: Visit the Guggenheim Museum (Museo Guggenheim), a iconic building designed by Frank Gehry that is home to an impressive collection of contemporary art
1:00 PM: Grab lunch at El Puerto, a popular spot for seafood and traditional Basque cuisine
2:30 PM: Explore the Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s historic old town, which features narrow streets, charming shops, and picturesque plazas
7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at La Cuchara de San Telmo, a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves creative cuisine using local ingredients

Day 2: Culture and Cuisine

9:30 AM: Visit the Basilica of Begoña, a stunning example of Gothic architecture that is home to the remains of Queen María Cristina of Habsburg
11:00 AM: Head to the Mercado de la Ribera, a bustling marketplace where you can sample local delicacies and buy fresh produce
1:00 PM: Lunch at Bar El Muelle, a cozy spot for traditional Basque tapas
2:30 PM: Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum), which features an impressive collection of Spanish art from the 15th to the 20th centuries
7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at A Fuego Negro, a modern restaurant that serves creative cuisine using local ingredients

Day 3: Outdoor Activities

9:30 AM: Visit the Artxanda Funicular and take in the stunning views of Bilbao from the top
11:00 AM: Head to the nearby Mount Txindoki, where you can hike through beautiful countryside and enjoy panoramic views of the city
1:00 PM: Lunch at El Quatro de Ases, a popular spot for traditional Basque cuisine in a charming outdoor setting
3:00 PM: Visit the Museo Marítimo Ría Bilbao (Maritime Museum), which tells the story of Bilbao’s rich maritime history

Day 4: Beach and Leisure

10:00 AM: Head to the nearby town of Getxo, where you can visit the beautiful beach of Meñakoz
12:00 PM: Lunch at Restaurante El Puerto, a popular spot for seafood in a charming outdoor setting
2:00 PM: Visit the Museo de la Playa (Beach Museum), which tells the story of Getxo’s rich history as a major industrial and shipping center
7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at La Concha, a cozy restaurant that serves traditional Basque cuisine

Day 5: Wine Tasting

10:00 AM: Visit the Bodegas Bilbaínas winery, where you can taste some of the best wines from the Rioja Alavesa region
12:00 PM: Lunch at El Mesón de los Arquillos, a popular spot for traditional Basque cuisine in a charming outdoor setting
2:00 PM: Visit the Museo de la Vino (Wine Museum), which tells the story of wine production in Bilbao and its surrounding region

Day 6: Departure

Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions before departing Bilbao
1:00 PM: Grab lunch at El Muelle, a cozy spot for traditional Basque cuisine in the city center
3:00 PM: Head to the airport or train station for your departure

Getting Around

Bilbao has an excellent public transportation system that includes buses and trams. You can buy a BILBAO CARD, which is a rechargeable card that allows you to travel on all public transportation in Bilbao.

Tips and Recommendations

Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as pintxos (small snacks), tortilla española, and txuleta (a type of steak)
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit some of the nearby towns and villages, such as Getxo and San Sebastián
If you have time, take a day trip to the nearby mountains or countryside for some hiking and outdoor activities

Other Things to Know

Bilbao has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. Be sure to pack accordingly.
The city has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs that stay open late into the night.
If you’re planning to visit during peak season (June-August), be prepared for large crowds and long lines at popular attractions.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions or need further recommendations.