Bilbao

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Bilbao's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Explore the Old Town
morning
:

Start your day by wandering the charming streets of Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s historic old town. Enjoy a traditional breakfast of pintxos at a local café.

afternoon
:

Visit the famous Mercado de la Ribera for fresh produce and local delicacies. Grab lunch at one of the market's eateries and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

evening
:

Stroll along the Nervion River and admire the city lights reflecting on the water. End your day with dinner at a riverside restaurant serving Basque cuisine.

day 2
Art and Culture Day
morning
:

Begin your day at the Guggenheim Museum, marveling at its modern architecture and contemporary art collections. Don’t forget to take photos of the iconic Puppy sculpture outside.

afternoon
:

Visit the Fine Arts Museum, which houses an impressive collection ranging from medieval to contemporary art. Enjoy lunch at the museum café, which offers a lovely view.

evening
:

Discover the vibrant arts scene in Bilbao by checking out local galleries or live performances. Dine at a nearby bistro that specializes in traditional dishes.

day 3
Relax in Nature
morning
:

Take a leisurely stroll in Parque de Dona Casilda, a beautiful green space ideal for a morning walk. Enjoy the tranquility and the park's picturesque lake.

afternoon
:

Visit the Bilbao Botanical Garden for a diverse collection of plant species. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the garden surrounded by nature.

evening
:

Watch the sunset from the Mirador de Artxanda, which offers stunning views of Bilbao. Afterward, head back to the city for a hearty Basque meal at a local tavern.

day 4
Shopping and Sights
morning
:

Start with a visit to El Corte Inglés, where you can shop for local and international brands. Explore the various departments and grab a snack from the food court.

afternoon
:

Wander around the Gran Vía for boutique shops and cafés. Stop for lunch at a trendy restaurant offering local dishes.

evening
:

Enjoy an evening of shopping at the nearby streets and finish with dinner at a rooftop restaurant with city views. Indulge in some dessert from a local pastry shop.

day 5
Wine and Tapas Tour
morning
:

Join a guided tour of the local wineries in the surrounding Basque countryside. Learn about the production of Rioja wine and enjoy tastings.

afternoon
:

Return to Bilbao and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the popular tapas bars. Sample a variety of pintxos paired with local wine.

evening
:

Take a tapas crawl around the city, exploring different neighborhoods and bars. End your night with live music at a bar that features local artists.

day 6
Historical Bilbao
morning
:

Visit the Basque Museum to learn about the region's rich cultural heritage. Enjoy a guided tour to deepen your understanding of the exhibits.

afternoon
:

Explore the Palacio de Biskaya and its beautiful architecture. Have lunch at a nearby café with traditional Basque specialties.

evening
:

Take a walk to the iconic Santiago Cathedral and soak in its historical significance. Dinner should be at a nearby eatery, trying the local dishes.

day 7
Active Day in Bilbao
morning
:

Start your day with a jog along the estuary for beautiful views of the city. Stretch at one of the parks before heading for a breakfast of local pastries.

afternoon
:

Rent a bike to explore the riverside paths and visit nearby parks. Stop for a casual lunch at a spot that caters to outdoor enthusiasts.

evening
:

Canoeing on the river offers a unique perspective of Bilbao as the sun sets. Afterward, enjoy dinner at a restaurant with a view over the water.

day 8
Festivities in Bilbao
morning
:

Check the local calendar for any festivals or events happening during your visit. Enjoy breakfast at a local bakery before heading out to explore.

afternoon
:

Immerse yourself in the festivities, tasting street food and enjoying local performances. Have lunch from food stalls featuring typical Basque cuisine.

evening
:

Join the festivities as night falls, with music and dancing filling the streets. Wind down with a late dinner at a bar that's popular among locals.

day 9
Day Trip to the Mountains
morning
:

Set off early for the nearby mountains, where you can enjoy stunning views and fresh air. Have breakfast at a local café en route.

afternoon
:

Engage in hiking or skiing activities depending on the season. Pack a lunch to enjoy amidst nature's beauty.

evening
:

Return to Bilbao and relax after an active day outdoors. Dinner at a cozy bistro awaits, offering traditional Basque comfort food.

day 10
River Cruise Day
morning
:

Enjoy a leisurely morning cruise on the Nervion River for a unique view of Bilbao. Sip on coffee while soaking in the sights of the city from the water.

afternoon
:

After the cruise, spend some time visiting attractions along the river, such as the Guggenheim Museum. Have lunch at a nearby eatery with river views.

evening
:

Conclude your day with another short cruise as the sun sets, creating a magical atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant featuring fresh seafood.

Discover Bilbao

Read more in our Bilbao 2024 Travel Guide.

Bilbao Travel Guide