8 Best Things to do in Bilbao, Spain

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Looking for the best things to do in Bilbao? You’ve come to the right place!

Bilbao stole our hearts the first time we visited, which is why we keep going back. Although to be honest, the first time we went, it was a tad difficult to know what to do with our limited time! So we made this list to save you the hassle and instead get out there and have fun.

Below is a breakdown of all of the best experiences we have had in the city. This list covers everything from food and wine to history and beautiful beaches. So keep reading for the best things to do in Bilbao!

Things to do in Bilbao, Spain

1. See Bilbao’s top sights on a walking tour

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: 10 am, 4 pm
• Highlights: Learn the history of Bilbao’s most famous sites such as Santiago Cathedral, Ribera Market, and Plaza Nueva, as well as explore modern-day architectural highlights
• Inclusions: English or Spanish speaking guide
• Rating: 4.7 Stars (Read the 100+ reviews here!)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

If you want to uncover Bilbao’s history, culture, and architecture in just a couple of hours, this small-group walking tour is the perfect option. 

We met at the Teatro Arriaga, a stunning 19th-century opera house, and after a quick introduction, we were off and walking through Casco Viejo (Old Town). I particularly enjoyed the Plaza Nueva and watching locals chat while sipping coffee at nearby cafes. Our guide, Miguel, was amazing at explaining the significance of each location and bringing the city’s history to life through stories.

One of the highlights for me was the Ribera Market, Europe’s largest covered food market that really shows off Bilbao’s Basque culinary roots. I could have spent hours here taking in all the sights and smells, but there was more to see! 

The Santiago Cathedral is a 14th-century Gothic landmark that has stood the test of time and is still a stopping point on the Camino del Norte pilgrimage. I’ve been to a lot of churches around Europe, but this one really stood out.

The day ended by crossing the modern Zubizuri Bridge over towards the Guggenheim Museum. Both are stunning, and the contrast of old architecture next to knew put into perspective everything our guide had been showing us that day. 

This tour was definitely the best way to gain an appreciation for Bilbao and I’m so glad it was the first tour we did after arriving. It really helped us get more out of our trip. 

Book this popular tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!

2. Taste your way through Bilbao 

• Duration: 3 hours
• Time: 12 pm, 6 pm
• Highlights: Try Bilbao’s best pintxos (tapas) at local bars and restaurants, learn about Basque culinary history, enjoy wine and cocktails paired with each meal
• Inclusions: English-speaking guide, all food and drinks, water
• Rating: 5 stars (Read the 700+ reviews here!)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

If you’re hungry to experience Bilbao’s culinary scene like a true local, this food tour is an absolute must. We loved our evening adventure through Bilbao’s hidden gems that offered a glimpse into the city’s gastronomic traditions and culture. Plus, with over 700 5-star reviews, this is clearly one of the best experiences in Bilbao!

Our night began in the heart of Bilbao, where we met our local guide. From there, we continued on an exploration of the city, walking to several renowned pintxos (tapas) bars. Each stop introduced us to a variety of Basque tapas, from traditional favorites to innovative modern creations. Paired with local beverages like txakoli (a crisp white wine) and regional ciders, everything we tried was incredible!

Beyond the mouthwatering dishes, our guide told us stories about Bilbao’s history, the evolution of its culinary scene, and the unique cultural nuances that define the Basque Country. Knowing the history and significance of each tapas and beverage we had made everything taste even better.

What I really loved about the tour was that we only went to tapas bars favored by locals, providing an authentic taste of daily life in Bilbao. By the end of the evening, we not only enjoyed some of the best flavors Bilbao has to offer but also gained a deeper appreciation for the city’s heritage and traditions.

This tour also provided so much food and at least five drinks – so we were full and happy by the end, to say the least!

Reserve this popular tour now and pay later when you book in advance here!

3. Learn about Bilbao’s history on a day trip to Gaztelugatxe, Gernika, and Bermeo 

• Duration: 6 hours
• Time: 9 am
• Highlights: Visit Gaztelugatxe, Gernika, and Bermeo, learn about Basque history, see Picasso’s Guernica, visit locations from the Game of Thrones TV show
• Inclusions: English speaking guide, round trip transportation from hotel (if selected), ticket to Gaztelugatxe area
• Rating: 4.8 Stars (Read the 400+ reviews here!)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

If you like the idea of a day trip packed with stunning coastlines, medieval architecture, and Basque history, this tour is an absolute must! From climbing the legendary steps of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe to exploring the moving history of Gernika, every stop offered something special. And we aren’t the only ones who think so – check out the 350 5-star reviews here!

The journey started with a scenic drive along the rugged Basque coastline, leading us to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an ancient hermitage perched on a rocky island. Climbing its 241 winding steps was absolutely epic, and the panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay at the top made every step worth it! No wonder this spot was chosen as Dragonstone in Game of Thrones—it’s simply magical.

After soaking in the views, we made our way to Bermeo, a charming fishing village filled with colorful houses and a lively harbor. Strolling through its narrow streets, we got a glimpse into the town’s deep-rooted maritime traditions.

The final stop was Gernika, a place forever tied to Basque identity and resilience. Visiting the Gernika Peace Museum and the famous oak tree, which symbolizes Basque freedom, gave us a deeper understanding of its history. Learning about the tragic bombing that inspired Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica, which we then were able to see, made this visit incredibly moving.

Check availability and book our favorite tour here before it sells out!

4. Discover the Rioja Wine Region on a wine and architecture tour 

• Duration: 8 hours
• Time: 8:30 am
• Highlights: Visit some of the Rioja wine region’s best wineries and take in their unique architecture, enjoy wine at each location, get a guided tour of and eat tapas in the medieval village Laguardia
• Inclusions: English speaking guide, transportation, entry fees, wine tastings, lunch
• Rating: 5 stars (Read the 100+ reviews here!)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Are you a wine enthusiast with an appreciation for architecture? This full-day tour from Bilbao is an experience you shouldn’t miss. This excursion seamlessly blends the flavors of Spain’s renowned Rioja wines with the beauty of avant-garde winery designs.

The day began with a drive from Bilbao into the heart of the Rioja wine region. Our first stop was the Marqués de Riscal Winery, a structure designed by the architect Frank Gehry. The design of the building was a sight to behold, with massive metal curves of different colors, and the wines produced here were equally impressive. We enjoyed a guided tour of the facilities, finishing with tasting some of their most renowned wines.

Next, we visited the Ysios Winery, created by the architect Santiago Calatrava. The winery’s wavy roofline mirrors the surrounding Sierra de Cantabria mountains, which I found created a blend of nature and modern design. Here, we dived into the winemaking process and then followed it up with even more delicious wine!

Midday, we stopped in the medieval village of Laguardia for a delicious tapas lunch. Wandering through its cobblestone streets, we soaked in the historic charm and enjoyed local culinary delights that perfectly complemented the wines they were paired with.

Throughout the tour, our guide, Mariana, provided commentary on the history, architecture, and winemaking traditions of the region. The small group setting made the experience intimate and engaging, allowing for personalized interactions and a relaxed pace.

Check out all the raving reviews and book this wine and architecture tour here!

5. Take a private tour of the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum 

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Time: 11 am – 5:30 pm
• Highlights: Experience the Guggenheim Museum with a local guide and get more out of each art exhibit during your visit
• Inclusions: Private English speaking guide, entrance ticket to the museum
• Rating: 4.7 stars (Read the reviews here!)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

A trip to Bilbao wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its famous Guggenheim Museum and this private tour of it delivered in every possible way. It offers an in-depth exploration of one of the world’s most iconic museums, tailored to your interests.

We met our guide out front, and before we even set foot inside, she was telling us about the fascinating history and construction of the building. Designed by the architect Frank Gehry, it has become a symbol of Bilbao and is a masterpiece in its own right.

Once inside, we walked through the museum’s diverse collection of modern and contemporary art. Some of my favorites were Joseph Beuys’ “Lightning with Stag in its Glare” and Jeff Koons’ “Puppy” sculpture. I have to admit, without a guide, I don’t think I would have had nearly as much appreciation for each exhibit we stopped at. There is so much to know about each artist to get the full effect.

One of the tour’s best features is that it’s completely customizable, meaning you only go to exhibits that you’re interested in. Whether you’re an art aficionado or a casual enthusiast, this ensures a meaningful and engaging experience. Don’t just take our word for it – check out all the positive reviews here!

Reserve this tour here to access FREE cancellation before you go!

6. Explore the city on an e-bike 

• Duration: 3 hours
• Time: 10:30 am (small group tour), 3 pm (private tour)
• Highlights: Cycle to the city’s top sites such as Guggenheim, La Ribera Market, City Hall, Maritime Museum, parks, and more with a local guide
• Inclusions: English speaking guide, e-bike, helmet
• Rating: 4.8 stars (Read the 150+ reviews here!)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

I love e-bike tours because they’re the perfect way to cover more ground while still feeling connected to a city. Nothing beats seeing the sights up close and moving at a more relaxed pace. That’s exactly why this bike tour was such a fantastic experience! In just a few hours, we were able to cover all the highlights while enjoying the sights and sounds of Bilbao.

After getting geared up at the bike shop and meeting our guide, Chema, we took to the cobblestone streets and started ticking off all of the must-see places in the city. From the lush Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park to the La Ribera Market, each stop had fun things to learn. This was the first tour I had been on that took us to the Bilbao City Hall and I think it was my favorite place we went to.

But what I really appreciated was the pacing. Since the e-bikes help with peddling, it never felt too strenuous, and nobody was left behind. And with three hours to explore, we saw hidden gems other tours never go to and would be easily missed if you were navigating the city on your own. The Ovoide sculpture is a perfect example!

You can book this e-bike tour here right now!

7. Take a private tour to San Sebastian and Basque Coast 

• Duration: 7 to 8 hours
• Time: 9 am
• Highlights: See San Sebastian’s historic center and walk along the beach, sightseeing along the Basque Coast and make a stop in Zumaia to see the flysch rock formations, go to Dragonstone Beach from the TV show Game of Thrones
• Inclusions: English speaking guide, private vehicle, round-trip transportation from your hotel, all fees
• Rating: 5 stars (Read the reviews here!)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

I always take private tours when I can because you see things most tours usually skip, and you talk your guide’s ear off with all the questions you have, which I have a lot! If you’re like me then this private tour should be on your radar.

The day began with a drive from Bilbao to the picturesque city of San Sebastián. We strolled down Zurriola Beach and then walked through the historic Old Town, where the streets are filled with tapas and bars. I couldn’t help myself and snagged a couple bites to eat for the road as we learned about Basque culture and the unique fiestas they have only in this city.

One of the historical highlights for me was La Concha Beach, where Queen Isabella II of Spain built Miramar Palace. If I was the queen, I’d want to live here too! It’s a gorgeous coastline and it was hard to tear myself away.

I’m glad I did, though, because after we made a stop in the quaint Getaria fishing village for lunch (at our own expense) and enjoyed the medieval architecture. And just a little farther down the road were the famous flysch rock formations. Fans of Game of Thrones will recognize these geological features from Daenerys’ Dragonstone Beach.

If you want to experience the beauty of the Basque Coast, it really doesn’t get better than this tour. It’s easy to see why this sells out!

This tour is likely to sell out – book it here!

8. Learn how to cook traditional Basque food 

• Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Time: 11 am
• Highlights: Learn how to cook authentic Basque cuisines such as bacalao, Basque tuna stew, sweet Basque toast, and more
• Inclusions: English-speaking guide, all food and drinks
• Rating: 5 stars (Read the reviews here!)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

This Basque cooking class was easily one of the best things we did in Bilbao! We cooked, we ate, we drank, and we had an absolute blast. Seriously, what’s not to love?

As soon as we arrived, we knew we were in for a good time when we were introduced to our chef, who was just as passionate about Basque cuisine as they were entertaining.

From the get-go, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, making us feel more like friends in a home kitchen rather than tourists in a class. I love small group cooking classes because you get to make new friends as well as get the one-on-one attention you need to make each meal perfect.

We got hands-on making classic Basque dishes like Bacalao a la Vizcaína (salt cod in a rich tomato sauce) and Marmitako (a hearty Basque tuna stew). Turns out, Basque cooking is all about simplicity and fresh ingredients—and with a little guidance, it’s easier than you’d think! 

Once we finished cooking, we all sat down together family-style, digging into our homemade feast while sharing stories and toasting to a fantastic night. And let me tell you, this was some of the best food we had in Bilbao! Of course, having a few glasses of wine makes everything taste better.

Don’t let your tastebuds miss out – book this cooking class today!

Where to Stay in Bilbao, Spain

Now that you have a list of the top activities in Bilbao, you need somewhere perfect to stay! We found that the best area of the city to stay in is downtown. This is where the top museums and city sights are, and it’s super walkable! Here are three great hotel options for luxury, mid-range, or budget travelers. 

Luxury – $$$

Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao is a top-rated hotel for luxury travelers. It’s right across the street from a large city park and only about a 20-minute walk to the Old Town. The hotel itself has a lovely outdoor pool and spa, and some rooms come with a balcony. They offer standard hotel rooms or suites, and the rooms are classy yet comfortable.

Prices start as low as €200 and can be booked on Booking.com. 

Mid-range – $$

NYX Hotel Bilbao is one of the most popular hotels in the city – it has a great location and is moderately priced! It’s situated right on the edge of the Old Town, so you can access both the old charm and the new city sights in a short walk. The hotel is trendy and eclectic and has a great restaurant and bar. 

They offer double or twin rooms for €100 or suites starting at €160. Check prices and book this stay on Booking.com. 

Budget – $

For those looking to save a few bucks, the Ibis Budget Bilbao City is a great choice! This hotel is just a quick walk from the San Mamés Stadium and other top sights. While the rooms are pretty basic, they are clean, comfortable, and well-rated by fellow travelers. They offer double or twin rooms starting at around €50 per night. 

Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com. 

For more options, check out all of the hotels in Bilbao here!

Thanks for reading!

We loved our time in Bilbao – the history, food, museums, and amazing wineries, who wouldn’t! If you check off just a few things on this list, I know you’ll have the best time.

Before you go, be sure to check out our other travel blogs. We’ve been all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers. here are a few related blogs to help you plan your next adventure!

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