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Bilbao: city view and main sights to see
Paul Arps from The Netherlands · CC BY 2.0
TRAVEL GUIDE · SPAIN

What to see in Bilbao

2 days 16 experiences 8 where to eat from 2€

Bilbao guide (Spain): 16 sights split into 2 days by area, such as Pintxos tour through the Old Town, where to eat and indicative ticket prices.

Bilbao blends art, architecture and food at every turn. Here's a 2-day itinerary organised by area, with the must-sees, where to eat and links to book tickets.

Practical info · Bilbao

Best time to visitSpring & autumn
Ideal length2 days
BudgetMid-range · €€
Getting aroundMetro & walking
Known forArt, architecture and food

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What to see in Bilbao day by day

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Day 1Old Town · Abando-Ensanche

Pintxos tour through the Old Town
Guided route through the bars of the Siete Calles sampling pintxos and txakoli.
from 75€
Basilica of Begoña
Basilica of Begoña
Gothic church dedicated to the patron saint of Biscay, above the Old Town.
Free
Old Town and Siete Calles
Old Town and Siete Calles
Medieval core with streets, shops, and atmosphere. Starts at Plaza Nueva.
Free
Santiago Cathedral
Santiago Cathedral
Gothic cathedral with a cloister in the Old Town.
from 5€
La Ribera Market
La Ribera Market
Large covered market by the estuary.
Free
Free Tour of Bilbao
Walking tour through the historic center of Bilbao.
Tip-based
Bizubi
Café for a quick stop.
~9€
Brasil
Café for a quick stop.
~10€
Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga)
Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga)
Former wine warehouse converted into a cultural centre by Philippe Starck.
Free
Plaza Moyúa and Gran Vía
Plaza Moyúa and Gran Vía
Central square and shopping avenue of the Ensanche.
Free
Museum of Fine Arts
Museum of Fine Arts
Art gallery with old masters and Basque art.
from 10€
Artxanda Funicular
Artxanda Funicular
Funicular to the viewpoint overlooking the entire city.
from 2€
Café Iruña
Historic 1903 café famous for its Moorish-style pintxos.
~25€
El Eme
Local cuisine.
~18€

Day 2Abandoibarra · Getxo and the Estuary

Artxanda funicular and viewpoint
Artxanda funicular and viewpoint
Funicular that climbs Mount Artxanda with a panoramic view of the whole city.
from 2€
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Modern art museum in a building by Gehry.
from 16€
Puppy by Jeff Koons
Puppy by Jeff Koons
Giant floral sculpture guarding the Guggenheim.
Free
Walk along the Nervión Estuary
Walk along the estuary with bridges and architecture. Starts at the Zubizuri bridge.
Free
Rockade
Café for a quick stop.
~14€
Restaurante Beraia
Local cuisine.
~21€
Vizcaya Bridge
Vizcaya Bridge
World Heritage transporter bridge between Portugalete and Getxo.
Free
Boat trip along the estuary to the Abra
Journey along the Nervión estuary to the Bay of Abra and the transporter bridge.
from 18€
Antxi
Café for a quick stop.
~11€
La Catedral
Café for a quick stop.
~14€

Indicative prices. The current price is shown when you book on Civitatis.

Each activity's cancellation terms are shown on Civitatis before you pay.

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Frequently asked questions about Bilbao

How many days do I need to see Bilbao?

With 2 well-planned days you can cover Bilbao's 4 must-sees: Pintxos tour through the Old Town, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Old Town and Siete Calles… Short on time? Start with Pintxos tour through the Old Town.

When is the best time to visit Bilbao?

The best time to visit Bilbao is spring and autumn, though with a good itinerary it's worth it in almost any season.

How do you get around Bilbao?

The easiest way is to combine the metro with walking; the network links the main sights in just a few minutes. That's why the itinerary links places by proximity, grouping a different area each day so you never retrace your steps.

What to visit in Bilbao?

The must-sees in Bilbao: Pintxos tour through the Old Town, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Old Town and Siete Calles and Free Tour of Bilbao. This guide organises them day by day, with times, a map and booking links.

Is Bilbao worth visiting?

Yes. Bilbao brings together art, architecture and food, and the must-sees —Pintxos tour through the Old Town, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Old Town and Siete Calles and Free Tour of Bilbao— are easy to take in over 2 days. It's worth it even if you're short on time.

Where to eat in Bilbao?

Some local picks from this guide: Café Iruña, Bizubi and Brasil. They're placed by area alongside each day of the itinerary.

What's the best day trip from Bilbao?

Less than 150 km away you have Castro Urdiales, Vitoria-Gasteiz and Santander: a day trip you can also plan with the Trip Planner.

How much does it cost to visit Bilbao?

Tickets for Bilbao's paid must-sees add up to about €91 per person, with 9 free sights to balance it out. Set your daily budget and the plan mixes both.

Where can I buy tickets?

Bookable activities in Bilbao (such as Pintxos tour through the Old Town) link to Civitatis, where you can see the current price, availability and cancellation terms before paying.

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