Bilbao in 2 days: day-by-day itinerary and budget
2 days go a long way in Bilbao if you don't burn them crossing the city end to end. The idea of this plan is simple: one area per day, the essentials in the right order, a restaurant at hand and each day's map. No surprises at the till either: the whole itinerary adds up to ≈128€ in tickets (about 64€/day), mixing paid visits with 9 free ones. Read on for the day-by-day and the tips; whenever you like, make it yours in the planner.
Day 1Old Town · Abando-Ensanche ≈ 92€ in tickets
Start with Old Town and Abando-Ensanche. Keep the morning for Basilica of Begoña, Old Town and Siete Calles, Santiago Cathedral, La Ribera Market and the afternoon for Pintxos tour through the Old Town, Artxanda Funicular. And to refuel, Bizubi.
Day 2Abandoibarra · Getxo and the Estuary ≈ 36€ in tickets
Give this day to Abandoibarra and Getxo and the Estuary. In the morning, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Puppy by Jeff Koons, Vizcaya Bridge; in the afternoon, Artxanda funicular and viewpoint, Walk along the Nervión Estuary, Boat trip along the estuary to the Abra. For lunch, Rockade.
Ticket budget, day by day
| Day | Areas | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Old Town · Abando-Ensanche | ≈ 92€ |
| Day 2 | Abandoibarra · Getxo and the Estuary | ≈ 36€ |
| Total over 2 days | ≈ 128€ | |
General-admission prices, compiled and reviewed in September 2026; the current price and availability show when you book (check reduced or free rates on each monument's official site). 9 of this plan's stops are free.
Tips for Bilbao in 2 days
The Guggenheim rules: book your ticket and walk around the outside to see Puppy and the Maman spider, which are free. The Old Town (the Seven Streets) is the pintxos zone: you pay per piece and go bar to bar, so don't settle for the first one. Ride the Artxanda funicular up for the view of the estuary and the city. Bilbao is easily seen in a couple of days and it's a perfect base for the Basque coast (San Juan de Gaztelugatxe). And note, here they're pintxos, not pinchos.
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Frequently asked questions
Is 2 days enough for Bilbao?
Yes: 2 days cover the essentials of Bilbao without racing. Short on time? Start with Pintxos tour through the Old Town, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Old Town and Siete Calles; and with one extra day, nearby day trips fit in.
How much does it cost to see Bilbao in 2 days?
Following this itinerary you pay around 128€ per person in tickets over 2 days (about 64€/day), excluding transport, meals and accommodation. 9 of the 16 stops are free.
What can't you miss in Bilbao?
The essentials: Pintxos tour through the Old Town, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Old Town and Siete Calles.
Can I personalise this Bilbao itinerary?
Of course — it's a starting point, not a fixed plan. In the planner you change days, budget or activities and the itinerary rebuilds instantly, with map and tickets. Free, no sign-up.
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