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Planning a quick trip to Bilbao? You’re in the right place!
With just 48 hours, it’s easy to miss the best parts of the city, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve visited Bilbao more times than we can count, and this 2-day itinerary is packed with all the highlights. From tasting mouthwatering pintxos (aka tapas) to visiting Spain’s most iconic art museum and exploring epic Basque Coast views (including a Game of Thrones filming location!), every moment is carefully planned.
This itinerary isn’t just efficient—it’s unforgettable. So if you want to make the most of your time in Bilbao and experience the city like a pro, keep reading. Your perfect two days in Bilbao start now!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Bilbao was this local food tour! We sampled delicious pintxos, sipped local wine, and explored hidden gems—all while learning about Basque Country culture from our friendly guide.
Itinerary Overview
Two days may not sound like a lot of time, but we promise that if you stick to this itinerary, you’ll have some of the best 48 hours ever in Bilbao. It’s the cultural crown of Spain and one of our favorite destinations in the country. In case you weren’t already sold, here is a quick overview of what you can expect:
Day 1: For your first day in Bilbao, you can look forward to seeing all of its top sights and learning about its unique history on its most popular walking tour. Afterwards, enjoy Spain’s most famous art museum, the Guggenheim, and end the day with the best food tour in the city for some authentic Spanish pintxos.
Day 2: The second day is packed full of stunning views and history in Basque Country as you visit Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka, and Gernika on this 5-star tour. Then, you’ll ride the funicular up Mount Artxanda for more incredible views before ending your time strolling through Old Town to Bilbao’s best pintxos bars, where you’ll eat great food, drink amazing wine, and enjoy the city’s evening charm.
Note: We recommend getting a Bilbao Bizkaia Card to make the most of Bilbao’s excellent public transportation and save money. With this card, you have unlimited and free use of just about all public transportation, including the funicular up to Mount Artxanda.
Day 1
Breakfast – Dupla Specialty Coffee
Dupla Specialty Coffee is a modern café located in the heart of Bilbao, just a five-minute walk from our first tour’s starting point. Opening at 9:00 am, it offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your 10:00 am tour. Known for its high-quality coffee and light, healthy breakfasts, Dupla is the perfect spot to begin your day!
Morning – See Bilbao’s top sights on a walking tour
We’ve made it a habit to start every new destination with a walking tour. It’s a fun way to get a feel for a city, cross off some of the bucket-list sights, learn history, and more often than not, see some hidden gems most tourists miss. This walking tour of Bilbao does all of that and more, making it the perfect way to start your time in the city!
At 10 am, 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, which 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 tour ended by crossing the modern Zubizuri Bridge over towards the Guggenheim Museum. Both are stunning, and the contrast of old architecture next to new 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 short trip!
Read the great reviews and secure your spot on this walking tour here!
Lunch – La Casita de Sabino
After the walking tour wraps up around 12 pm, you’ll need to head across the Nervión River to our lunch spot, which is just steps from the iconic Guggenheim Museum. To get there, walk over to Moyua metro station and hop on the train to Zazpikaleak/Casco Viejo—it’s a quick 10-minute ride.
Once you get off, it’s only a 3-minute walk to La Casita de Sabino, a cozy spot known for its fresh seafood and modern Basque flavors. The vibe is relaxed but stylish, and the food? Absolutely worth the trip. It’s the perfect place to refuel before exploring the Guggenheim.
Afternoon – Visit the Guggenheim Museum
Next up is a visit to the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, a must-see for art and architecture lovers alike. Opened in 1997, the museum is a modern masterpiece that helped transform Bilbao into the cultural capital of Spain it is now. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of contemporary and modern art, with works by artists like Jeff Koons, Richard Serra, and Jenny Holzer. Entrance is €18, and we recommend giving yourself 2–3 hours to fully enjoy the exhibits and the building itself.
Afterward, take a stroll through Abandoren Errepublika Parke, a peaceful green space perfect for unwinding. Be sure to grab a photo with the museum’s beloved Puppy sculpture—a giant West Highland Terrier made entirely of flowers. From there, enjoy a scenic walk along Paseo de Uribitarte, which conveniently leads you right to the meeting point for your next tour at 5:30 pm.
Evening – Experience Bilbao’s pintxos, food & history with a local
After your visit to the Guggenheim, it’s just a 13-minute walk to the starting point of the 5:30 pm evening food tour—an experience you absolutely don’t want to miss! The city’s culinary scene is legendary, but without a local to guide you, it’s too easy to miss the best spots. This tour gives you an authentic, insider experience of Bilbao’s food culture—one that goes far beyond just ordering a few pintxos on your own.
I absolutely loved this tour, and it ended up being my favorite evening in Bilbao! We visited a handful of traditional pintxos bars, each with its own specialty. One of the first stops served juicy Iberian pork with Idiazabal cheese—so simple, but packed with flavor.
Another standout was the cod al pil-pil, a classic Basque dish I might’ve skipped if not for our guide’s recommendation (and I’m so glad I didn’t!). We sipped local wines along the way, each pairing adding another layer to the experience.
What really made the evening special was our guide. She wasn’t just knowledgeable, but truly passionate about Bilbao, full of fun history tidbits, and made sure everyone felt included. I loved learning how pintxos culture evolved from quick bar snacks into a culinary art form. She even helped us navigate the slightly chaotic bar scenes with ease, ordering like a local and sharing insider tips that made the night feel authentic and effortless.
If you only book one tour in Bilbao, make it this one. It’s the tastiest way to connect with the city’s culture and people, and a night you won’t soon forget!
Learn more about our favorite tour in Bilbao and reserve your spot here!
Day 2
Morning/Afternoon – Learn about Bilbao’s history and visit Gaztelugatxe, Gernika, and Bermeo
Today’s tour kicks off at 9 am and will have you getting back to town around 3 pm, so leave some time in the morning to grab breakfast at or near your hotel. Luckily, this tour picks up from just about every hotel in Bilbao, so no need to go to any pick-up points!
And this is a tour to get excited for. Packed with stunning coastlines, medieval architecture (some even used as Game of Thrones filming locations), and Basque history, it’s understandable why this 6-hour Basque Country tour is one of the best things to do in Bilbao.
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.
If you want to experience some of Spain’s most incredible coastline, architecture, and history, do yourself a favor and book this tour today. With over 400 5-star reviews, it’s easy to see why it’s the most popular tour in Bilbao!
Check availability and secure your spot here before it sells out!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Late Afternoon – Ride the Artxanda funicular
After the tour, make your way over to the Artxanda Funicular. This historic cable railway has been running since 1915 and whisks you up Mount Artxanda. It departs every 15 minutes, and the ride is included with the Bilbao Bizkaia Card, which is super handy for getting around the rest of the city too.
Once at the top, you’ll be treated to sweeping panoramic views over Bilbao, which make for those perfect insta-worthy photos you’ve been after. There are walking trails if you want to explore a bit, plus a few casual cafes where you can grab a drink or a light bite while enjoying the view. It’s a peaceful break from the city bustle, and we recommend spending about 1–2 hours up here before heading back down to continue your day.
Evening – Casco Viejo or Indautxu
After coming down from Mount Artxanda, spend your final evening soaking in the atmosphere of either Casco Viejo or Indautxu, two of Bilbao’s most lively neighborhoods. You saw a bit of Casco Viejo during the walking tour, but it’s even more magical in the evening. You can wander the narrow, cobblestone streets, pop into buzzing pintxos bars, and grab a spot in Plaza Nueva if you want to enjoy the local vibe.
If your food tour already covered Casco Viejo, switch things up and head to Calle Licenciado Poza in the upscale Indautxu district. It’s a trendy area with a great nightlife scene, perfect for a final toast! We recommend checking out Mugi Taberna or Bar Juantxu Berria for a bite and a drink to cap off your time in Bilbao.
Related Read: Looking for even more fun activities to do in Bilbao? Check out our top 10 favorite things to do here!
Where to Stay in Bilbao, Spain
Now that you have your Bilbao itinerary sorted, 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. Have a look at our top 3 recommendations for every budget below:
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!
Related Read: For a full comparison on the best areas to stay and more great hotel options, check out our detailed where to stay guide here!
Renting a Car in Spain
Renting a car in Spain is the perfect way to explore beyond the cities—think small villages, coastal towns, and hidden gems impossible to reach by public transit! The roads are well-maintained, and driving here is generally pretty relaxed, making it ideal for a road trip.
We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Spain
- Drive on the right: Like most of Europe, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side in Spain. And make sure you stick to the speed limit, speed cameras are common here!
- Pick the right car: Some of Spain’s smaller towns and villages have narrow streets and tight parking, so I recommend going for a compact car. Also, most rentals here are manual, so if you need an automatic (like me!), be sure to filter for it on Discover Cars when booking.
- Insurance is a must: I always add full coverage insurance, whether it’s a ding in a parking lot or a chipped windshield on a rural road, having full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable with Discover Cars!
- Toll roads: Spain has both toll and toll-free roads. Toll roads are usually marked with “AP” and can be paid using cash, credit card, or electronic devices like VIA-T. Plan your route accordingly and have a payment method ready.
- Parking tips: In urban areas, parking can be challenging. Look for designated parking zones and be aware of local regulations to avoid fines. Some areas may have restricted parking zones or require a resident permit.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Spain
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Spain on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Whether you’re marveling at the Guggenheim, exploring regional gems in Basque Country, or indulging in endless pintxos, Bilbao packs a serious punch in just two days. This vibrant city is the perfect blend of modern art, rich Basque culture, and unforgettable food, so you’re in for a real treat!
Still planning your Spain trip? Be sure to browse all our Spain blogs here to help map out the rest of your adventure—or check out a few of our favorites below!
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