Bilbao-7-day-itinerary

August 8, 2024

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

Morning: Arrive at Bilbao Airport (BIO) or take a bus/train from nearby cities
10:00 am: Check-in at your hotel (see below for recommendations)
11:00 am: Visit the Guggenheim Museum (free admission every first Sunday of the month), a world-famous modern art museum designed by Frank Gehry. Spend a few hours admiring the stunning architecture and exploring the exhibitions.
2:00 pm: Grab lunch at Café Bar Guggenheim, located within the museum complex, for some great local cuisine
4:00 pm: Take a stroll along the Nervión River promenade (Ría de Bilbao) and enjoy the views of the city
7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at El Cangrejo, a renowned restaurant serving traditional Basque cuisine

9:30 am: Visit the Casa de Juntas (free admission), a medieval building that houses the regional parliament
11:00 am: Head to the Santiago Cathedral (Basilica of Santiago), one of Bilbao’s most iconic landmarks
1:00 pm: Lunch at Txakoli, a cozy restaurant with a focus on local wines and tapas
3:00 pm: Visit the Euskal Museo, a museum showcasing the history, culture, and art of the Basque Country
7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Zampana, offering creative and innovative cuisine

9:30 am: Wander through the charming streets of Bilbao’s Old Town (Casco Viejo)
10:30 am: Visit the St. Nicholas Church (Iglesia de San Nicolás), a beautiful Baroque-style church
12:00 pm: Explore the bustling La Ribera Market (Mercado de La Ribera) for fresh produce, cheeses, and local delicacies
2:00 pm: Grab lunch at Casa Giraldez, serving traditional Basque cuisine
4:00 pm: Visit the Basilica of Begoña, a 16th-century church featuring beautiful art and architecture

9:30 am: Head to the nearby beach town of Getxo (approximately 15 minutes by bus) for some relaxation time
12:00 pm: Pack a picnic lunch or grab food at one of the local restaurants in Getxo
2:00 pm: Visit the Plaza El Puerto park, offering beautiful views and plenty of green space
4:00 pm: Take part in a guided bike tour (optional) to explore the city’s scenic routes

9:30 am: Visit the Marqués de Riscal Winery, a renowned winery with stunning views of the mountains
12:00 pm: Enjoy lunch at Bodegas Ysios, a restaurant within the winery, serving local cuisine
2:00 pm: Explore the picturesque town of Laguardia (approximately 45 minutes by car) for its charming streets and historic buildings
6:00 pm: Return to Bilbao for dinner

9:30 am: Visit the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum (Museo de Bellas Artes), featuring a diverse collection of art from the Middle Ages to the present day
12:00 pm: Enjoy lunch at Café Bar Guggenheim again for some great food and service
2:00 pm: Relax in the beautiful Plaza El Puerto park, which offers stunning views of the Nervión River
7:00 pm: Farewell dinner at Zampana, a highly-regarded restaurant with innovative cuisine

9:30 am: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
12:00 pm: Grab lunch before departing to the airport or your next destination

Recommendations:

Hotel: Hotel NH Collection Bilbao, Hotel Conde de Mirasol, or similar accommodations within walking distance of the city center.

Bus: The bus network in Bilbao is comprehensive and efficient. You can find buses at the bus station (Zamudio) or along major streets.
Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but for shorter distances, consider using a ride-hailing app like Cabify.

Language: Spanish and Basque are predominantly spoken in Bilbao. Many locals speak English fluently.
Currency: The Euro is the official currency of Spain, including Bilbao.
Food: Traditional Basque cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, local wines, and unique dishes such as pintxos (small portions of food) and bacalao al pil-pil.

Always book reservations in advance, especially for popular restaurants and attractions.
Don’t forget to try some traditional Basque tapas!
Bilbao is generally very safe, but take normal precautions with your belongings.