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Bilbao

Our tours at Bilbao

Bilbao & Guggenheim: Shore Excursion from Getxo Port

9,1

From 69€

TRAVEL GUIDE

Bilbao

Our travel guide, discover the city 100%

WHERE TO EAT?

Bilbao is one of Spain’s undisputed culinary capitals. Eating here isn’t just a routine; it’s a ritual. The famous “txikiteo”—bar-hopping for pintxos and wine—is part of the city’s DNA and the best way to experience its open, lively character and deep-rooted traditions.

In Bilbao, century-old taverns in the Old Town coexist with Michelin-starred fine dining and gastronomic markets where fresh produce and modernity go hand in hand.

Recommended Areas to Eat in Bilbao

Casco Viejo (The Seven Streets): The historic heart and the ultimate temple of pintxos. Don’t miss the rounds through Somera, Barrenkale, or Plaza Nueva.
Ensanche and Gran Vía: An elegant district featuring contemporary Basque cuisine, traditional steakhouses (asadores), and signature chef-led restaurants.
Indautxu and Diputación Street: A modern atmosphere with terraces and creative pintxo bars that are incredibly popular among locals.
Ribera Market: Europe’s largest indoor market, featuring a dedicated gourmet floor where you can taste freshly prepared local products.
Bilbao La Vieja and San Francisco: The city’s alternative and multicultural side, offering creative concepts at more affordable prices.

What to Try in Bilbao

Classic Pintxos: The Gilda, txangurro (spider crab), cod omelet, grilled mushrooms, or sirloin with Idiazábal cheese.
Typical Dishes: Cod al pil-pil, cod a la vizcaína, marmitako (tuna stew), grilled txuleta (ribeye), and kokotxas (hake or cod cheeks).
Desserts: Pantxineta, goxua, or a slice of Basque-style cheesecake.
Drinks: You can’t miss a glass of poured Txakoli, a fine Rioja Alavesa wine, or a typical “zurito” (a small beer).

In Bilbao, the best plan is to dive into the txikiteo: walk into a bar, order a pintxo and a txakoli, and let yourself go from bar to bar discovering the flavors of the Cantabrian Sea.

WHAT TO SEE?

Bilbao is one of the most fascinating cities in northern Spain. Nestled along the banks of the Nervión River, it has reinvented itself like few others: evolving from an industrial and port-based past into a global landmark for architecture, design, and gastronomy. Today, it blends the charm of its medieval Old Town with the spectacular contemporary buildings designed by world-renowned architects.

Walking through Bilbao means discovering its Basque character, its exemplary urban transformation, and the strength of a city that looks to the future without abandoning its traditions.

Must-See Landmarks

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: Frank Gehry’s masterpiece, a symbol of the city’s transformation and one of the most important contemporary art museums in the world.
Casco Viejo and the “Siete Calles”: The medieval heart of the city, packed with traditional shops, pintxo bars, and the imposing Santiago Cathedral.
Plaza Nueva: A neoclassical porticoed square, the epicenter of social life and the Sunday collectors’ market.
Ribera Market: A historic-artistic heritage site and Europe’s largest indoor market, located right on the riverbank.
Zubizuri Bridge and Isozaki Towers: Prime examples of the new architectural Bilbao, featuring designs by Santiago Calatrava and Arata Isozaki.
Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga): A former wine warehouse redesigned by Philippe Starck into a vibrant cultural, gastronomic, and leisure center.
Artxanda Funicular and Mount Artxanda: Ride up to the lookout to enjoy the best panoramic views of Bilbao and its green surroundings.
Arriaga Theatre and Paseo del Arenal: A neo-baroque gem on the riverbank, marking the border between the old city and the modern Ensanche.
Museum of Fine Arts: One of Spain’s most comprehensive galleries, featuring works by El Greco, Goya, Sorolla, and Bacon.

Culture and Lifestyle

Bilbao is also famous for its Aste Nagusia (Great Week) in August and the footballing passion found at the San Mamés Stadium, known as “The Cathedral” of football. On the culinary side, you cannot miss the pintxos, a proper cod al pil-pil, or a grilled txuleta paired with a Rioja Alavesa wine.

Bilbao isn’t just a place you visit; it’s a place you feel. Every corner displays the pride of a city that has managed to reinvent itself while maintaining its most authentic essence.

WHERE TO PARK?

Central Bilbao features extensive pedestrian zones and the OTA service (regulated blue/green parking zones), so the most convenient option is to leave your car in underground parking lots near the main points of interest.

Pío Baroja Parking: Very close to the Guggenheim Museum and the Ensanche district.
Plaza Arriaga Parking: Located right at the gateway to the Casco Viejo, it is ideal for visiting the Siete Calles and the Ribera Market.
Plaza Euskadi Parking: Centrally located next to the Isozaki Towers and the heart of the Ensanche, offering easy walking access to the Guggenheim.

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