The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local
5.01,287 reviews3h
from €105
Check availabilityBudget · 5 Days
€360
Mid-range · 5 Days
€820
Best months
May, Jul, Aug
Hotel per night (mid-range)
€110
With 5 days in Bilbao, you'll have time to experience the city's highlights. Beyond the architectural icons, Bilbao thrives on its local rituals. Join the evening poteo (bar crawl) through the Siete Calles (Seven Streets) of the old town, sampling grilled txangurro (spider crab) and Gilda skewers.
Perfect for art lovers
Perfect for architects
Perfect for foodies
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
Start your Bilbao adventure by getting your bearings and exploring the city's most iconic landmarks. Take time to soak in the atmosphere and discover why this destination captures the hearts of millions.
1
Guggenheim Museum
Experience Guggenheim Museum, one of Bilbao's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Spain's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Casco Viejo (Old Town)
Experience Casco Viejo (Old Town), one of Bilbao's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Spain's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 2: Local Life & Neighborhoods
Experience Bilbao like a local today. Wander through authentic neighborhoods, discover hidden cafes, and get a taste of everyday life in Spain.
1
Pintxos Bars
Experience Pintxos Bars, one of Bilbao's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Spain's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Mercado de la Ribera
Experience Mercado de la Ribera, one of Bilbao's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Spain's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 3: Art, History & Discovery
Uncover layers of history that shaped Bilbao. From ancient remains to modern marvels, today reveals the stories behind the city's evolution.
1
Puppy (Jeff Koons)
Experience Puppy (Jeff Koons), one of Bilbao's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Spain's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Nervión River Walk
Experience Nervión River Walk, one of Bilbao's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Spain's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 4: Day Trip to Bermeo and Gaztelugatxe
Leave Bilbao behind for a day and head to Bermeo and Gaztelugatxe (45 min by car, 1.5 hours by bus).
1
Bermeo and Gaztelugatxe
Dramatic coastal scenery featuring the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe hermitage (Game of Thrones' Dragonstone), fishing villages, and rugged cliffs.
⏱️ Full day
💡 Tip: Highlights: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo fishing port, Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, Cape Matxitxako.
Day 5: Deusto & Hidden Gems
Spend your last day away from the main sights: slow down in Deusto and seek out a few places most visitors to Bilbao never find.
1
Deusto
A university district with youthful energy along the river, featuring the University of Deusto campus, trendy cafes, and excellent views of the Guggenheim from across the water.
⏱️ Half day
💡 Tip: Don't miss: University of Deusto, Puppy sculpture at Guggenheim, Riverside walks.
2
Bidebarrieta Library
Stunning 19th-century library in a former Jesuit church with beautiful stained glass and ornate architecture.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: A peaceful oasis in the busy old town that few tourists discover, with free admission and regular cultural events.
3
Plaza Corazón de María
Tranquil square in Indautxu with a beautiful fountain, surrounded by modernist buildings and popular with locals.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: Escape the tourist crowds in this elegant residential square that feels like a piece of Paris in Bilbao.
Top tours and experiences in Bilbao
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
The Authentic Bilbao Pintxos, Food & Wine Tour with a Local
4.9446 reviews3h
from €99
Check availability
All things to do in Bilbao →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Why Visit Bilbao
Gateway to Basque Country: Use Bilbao as your base to explore the dramatic coastline of Getxo, the surfing beaches of Sopelana, the UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Bridge, and the rolling green hills of the interior.
Year-Round Festivals: Time your visit for Aste Nagusia (Great Week) in August with street parties and giants, the Bilbao BBK Live music festival in July, or the Christmas lights and Olentzero (Basque Santa) traditions in December.
Architectural Revolution: Witness the 'Bilbao Effect' firsthand at Gehry's Guggenheim Museum, then explore Santiago Calatrava's Zubizuri Bridge, Norman Foster's metro entrances, and the Iberdrola Tower. The city itself is an open-air museum of contemporary design.
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How much do 5 days in Bilbao cost?
Plan on roughly €360 on a budget, €820 mid-range or €1,480 for a comfortable trip, per person and excluding travel to Bilbao.
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | €48 | €110 | €185 |
| Food and drinks (per day) | €16 | €34 | €66 |
| Sightseeing and activities (per day) | €8 | €20 | €45 |
| Total per day | €72 | €164 | €296 |
| Total for 5 days | €360 | €820 | €1,480 |
Estimates exclude flights and long-distance transport. Compare daily costs across cities
Where to stay in Bilbao
Hotels close to the centre of Bilbao, from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.
Budget
Mid-range
Upscale
LuxuryHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Travel Tips
- 1Book accommodation in the city center for easy access to attractions. Bilbao is best explored by combining walking with public transport.
- 2The best time to visit Bilbao is May to September. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
- 3The local currency is Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted.
- 4A few words in Spanish go a long way with locals. Even "please" and "thank you" will earn smiles.
- 5Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip. WiFi can be spotty in historic areas.
- 65 days gives you time to see the highlights and discover some hidden gems.
Must-Try Food in Bilbao
Bacalao al pil-pil
Txangurro (spider crab)
Gilda (anchovy, olive, pepper skewer)
Pintxo de tortilla
💡 Don't eat pintxos from displays that look tired—the best bars make them fresh when you order.
Neighborhoods to Explore in Bilbao
Casco Viejo
The historic heart of Bilbao, a maze of seven parallel streets filled with medieval architecture, traditional taverns, and bustling plazas.
Indautxu
An elegant commercial and residential district with beautiful Belle Époque architecture, upscale shopping streets, and sophisticated dining options.
Begoña
A residential hillside neighborhood offering spectacular city views, traditional cider houses (sagardotegiak), and the important Basilica of Begoña, the spiritual heart of Bilbao.
Day Trip Ideas
With 5 days in Bilbao, you have time for a memorable day trip. Here are some great options nearby:
San Sebastián (Donostia)
1 hour 15 min by bus or train
The elegant coastal jewel of Basque Country, famous for its breathtaking La Concha beach, even more sophisticated pintxo scene in the Parte Vieja, and international film festival.
Vitoria-Gasteiz
45 min by train
The green capital of Basque Country, a medieval city with beautifully preserved old quarter, innovative environmental projects, and excellent wine bars.
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