Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao

The Guggenheim museum and pintxos bars in a lively old town.

  • All year
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
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Things to do

2 days in Bilbao

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit the Guggenheim museum and walk along the river.
  2. AfternoonExplore the Siete Calles of the Casco Viejo and the Ribera market.
  3. EveningGo on a pintxos crawl around the Plaza Nueva.

Day 2

Visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the island chapel.

What to eat

Pintxos and a glass of txakoli white wine.

Local tips

Make the most of Bilbao

Beat the crowds

Bilbao is relaxed all year. The Guggenheim is calmest at opening time.

Best photo spot

The Guggenheim from the La Salve bridge, and the city from Mount Artxanda, reached by funicular.

Getting there

The metro and tram are easy. The old town is walkable.

Don't miss nearby

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a chapel on a rock island reached by a long stairway, about 40 minutes away.

Good to know

In summer you need a free reservation to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Pintxos are a big part of life here too.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Bilbao

Our most hidden places around Bilbao: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Bilbao to take with you.

59 km away
93 km away
96 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Bilbao

Getting there

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountrySpain

Questions

Bilbao: good to know

Is Bilbao worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and food. The Guggenheim museum and pintxos bars in a lively old town.

How many days do you need in Bilbao?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Bilbao?

You can visit all year. Bilbao is relaxed all year. The Guggenheim is calmest at opening time.

How do you get to Bilbao?

The nearest airport is Bilbao Airport (BIO), about 5 km away. The metro and tram are easy. The old town is walkable.

What is there to see near Bilbao?

Nearby hidden places include San Sebastián (77 km), Saint-Jean-de-Luz (104 km) and La Rhune (105 km).

Day trips from Bilbao: 5 hidden places nearby
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