Spend 2 Days in Bilbao Itinerary & Best Places to See
Bilbao Spain has transformed a lot in the past 25 years. A once polluted and heavy industrial city is now a highlight on of northern Spain and the Basque Country.
Bilbao boasts the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, delightful pedestrian-friendly streets, delicious pintxos bars, gardens and parks, a charismatic Old Town, and more. So when it comes to exploring the best things to do in Bilbao, 2 days in Bilbao is more than ideal.
Two days in Bilbao is ample time to experience the contrast between the old-world atmosphere and the new-world architecture.
This Bilbao itinerary focuses on a mixture of museums, attractions, food experiences, markets, and cultural things to do.
Here’s how to spend 2 days in Bilbao Spain.
Table of Contents
- How to Get to Bilbao Spain
- How Many Days to Spend in Bilbao?
- 2 Days in Bilbao Itinerary
- What to Do with More Than 2 Days in Bilbao
- Worthwhile Places to Visit Near Bilbao in the Basque Region & Beyond
- Where to Stay in Bilbao Spain
- Visiting Bilbao Travel Tips
- Conclusion | 2 Days in Bilbao Exploring the Best of the City
How to Get to Bilbao Spain
Bilbao is found in the heart of Spain’s Basque region. Located along the Rio Nervión, Bilbao is not directly on the Bay of Biscay. The city is built along the Bilbao Estuary (Ria de Bilbao).
If you are looking to dip your toes in the Ocean, you’ll have to head to Getxo, a seaside village about 20 minutes away from Bilbao.
Bilbao Airport
Bilbao has a small international airport (BIO) that is located about 20 minutes from the city center. The Bilbao airport offers direct domestic flights in Spain and international flights across Europe. Twenty-six airlines stop at almost 60 destinations. There are even connecting flights via SATA Airlines to the Azores Island of São Miguel.
Bilbao Airport is well-connected to Bilbao City by public bus. Bus line A3247 runs daily from early morning to late into the night. The bus fare is 3 Euros.
By Bus
Bilbao Intermodal is the main bus station and where popular bus companies like Alsa and FlixBus make frequent departures. The bus station also has numerous local bus lines connecting to other places in the Basque region. The modern bus station has a few cafes, ticket counters, and automatic ticket machines, and is within steps of the city buses, tram, taxi, and metro system.
➜ Here’s where to find the Bilbao Intermodal Bus Terminal on Google Maps
The ridesharing app BlaBlaCar is also a helpful travel resource. Often shared rides on BlaBlaCar are less money than a bus ticket and get you to the destination faster.
By Train
EuskoTren connects Bilbao with many top locations throughout the Basque region. One of the most popular stations in Bilbao is right near Casco Viejo (Zazpikaleak).
By Foot Via the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage
Bilbao is found along the Camino de Santiago North Route. The official Camino del Norte starting point is in Irun with the journey to Santiago de Compostela being nearly 830 Km (515 miles) and taking around 34 days.
The Camino de Santiago is one of Europe’s most popular pilgrimage routes. Pilgrims follow the yellow shell markers from France, Spain, and Portugal to the stunning Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Those walking from the east may wish to spend a day or two resting in Bilbao. Alternatively, pilgrims may have opted to rest in the nearby foodie city of San Sebastian a week or so before.
If feeling inspired to walk the Camino de Santiago, make sure to pack light, and follow the shell trail markers. Here are some of my best tips after walking numerous Camino de Santiago routes. A majority of pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago sleep in Albergues, which are hostels for pilgrims.
☛ Browse these frequently asked questions about the Camino that can assist when preparing for this life-changing journey.
How Many Days to Spend in Bilbao?
Bilbao can stand on its own two feet as a must-visit destination in Spain’s Basque Region. In my opinion, 2 days in Bilbao is the perfect amount to explore the museums, food scene, and the atmospheric Casco Viejo (Old Town).
With three days in Bilbao, take a day trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe or Guernica.
I’d additionally budget at least 2 days in San Sebastian. More time also allows to include worthwhile day trips in the Basque region.
A week allows for an excellent taste of northern Spain and the Basque region, including trips inland to the capital city of Vitoria-Gasteiz.
2 Days in Bilbao Itinerary
Bilbao is home to spectacular museums, modern architecture, a bustling old town, and an underrated food scene. Here’s how to make the most of 2 days in Bilbao.
Skip to | Bilbao Itinerary Day 2 | More Than 2 Days in Bilbao
Bilbao Itinerary Day 1
Here’s how to spend a full and exciting first day in Bilbao Spain.
Join a Free Walking Tour
One of the best ways to get acquainted with any city is to join a free walking tour. Bilbao has changed a lot over the past 25 years, but a majority of the walking tours focus on the Historic City of Bilbao.
The Bilbao free walking tours include a delve into the Basque culture, focus on city monuments, and twist through the charming streets of Casco Viejo, or Bilbao’s old town.
Of course, Basque cuisine is another focus and there are tons of tips and recommendations on where to find the best pintxos in town.
The Bilbao free walking tour is the perfect way to get acquainted with the city from a local’s perspective.
Free Walking Tour Bilbao | Daily Tours: Daily, 11:00 in English and Spanish (two tours) | Tours Depart from here: Arriaga Plaza | Duration: around 2 and a half hours | Tour Guides Rely on Tips, so share the love | Sign-up for Free Walking Tour Bilbao Here
➜ Alternatively, this Bilbao Historical Tour comes highly rated, too.
Head to Old Town for Lunch or Pintxos
The Basque region in its entirety is known for its delicious pintxos, or pinchos. Pintxos are small snacks typically served on a slice of bread or a skewer. Pintxos are popular throughout the Basque region and northern Spain in general.
The best Basque pintxos are made from the freshest seafood due to its proximity to the sea.
Pintxos are not tapas because they are not included with a drink purchase. The good news is you can sample and purchase as many pintxos as your heart and tummy desires.
Pintxos bars are open for lunch and dinner but are busiest and most lively at night. Since the tour ends near Casco Viejo take some time to retrace your steps and explore the bustling pintxos bars.
There are many beautiful places to see in Casco Viejo. One of my favorite places is the Mallona Stairs and the open plaza. The area reminds me of a busy living room in the city. Wander the picturesque and atmospheric Seven Streets, or the Siete Calles, or the Old Town. The impressive Santiago Cathedral can be visited and may be especially of interest to those pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago.
With 2 days in Bilbao, I find myself in Casco Viejo multiple times at different times throughout the day. It’s a place that changes face multiple times throughout the day.
Hop Over to Plaza Nueva
The Plaza Barria or Plaza Nueva is part of Casco Viejo and has some of the best pintxos bars, too. Hop around the plaza and enjoy the many outdoor seats and pincho bars.
The Plaza Nueva is home to a bustling Sunday market.
Keep your ears open for bilbainadas, or groups of locals singing cultural songs that are often nostalgic.
Best Pintxos Bars in Bilbao’s Casco Viejo
Follow your nose and wander the streets of Casco Viejo and into Plaza Nueva in Bilbao and look for busy bars. I always trust a place that is bustling with locals… and my gut 🙂
✔ Bodega Jossera is an old-school bar that sells bocadillos (sandwiches). The seafood is straight out of the can and each bite tastes like a slice of heaven. A true gem in Bilbao Old Town that’s been serving sammies since 1924.
✔ Sorgínzulo in Plaza Nueva is a typical Bilbao pintxos bar I find myself returning to again and again.
✔ Gure Toki has fun, creative, and inspiring pintxos tucked away in the corner of Plaza Nueva. This place is always busy so try to head straight for the bar
✔ Baste is a busy PInchos bar in Old Town that provides super-friendly service
➜ Want to dive deep into the foodie scene in Bilbao? Join an organized food tour like the highly rated Premier Bilbao Gourmet Food Tour with Bilbao Local Foodie
More Options for Day 1 Bilbao Itinerary
Want to visit a seaside village near Bilbao? Head to Getxo in the early morning, or afternoon, or for an evening stroll. Want to dive deeper into the local museum? Visit the Museum of Fine Arts of the Bilbao Archaeology Museum.
✔ Getxo is a seaside city located at the mouth of the Bilbao estuary where the river spills into the Bay of Biscay.
🚇 Getxo is easy to reach via Metro from the historic center on Line 1 | Duration: 30 minutes | Fare: € 1.90 or buy a reusable card for cheaper fares | Metro Bilbao
Getxo is famous for its UNESCO-recognized Vizcaya Bridge, a charming and easy-to-stroll Puerto Viejo (Old Port of Algorta), and beautiful beaches. Enjoy more pinchos, or head to Arrigunaga Beach and savor the unique coastal cliffs.
➜ Psst…There are also bike tours that showcase the coastline like this Bike & Pintxos in Getxo
✔ The Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao is a mixture of some modern art and more classical pieces. Here you can find pieces of art by Greco, Picasso, and Goya. It’s next to the sprawling urban park Doña Casilda Park which is also worth a stroll.
Museum of Fine Arts Bilbao | Hours: High Summer Season, Daily: 10:00 -20:00, Sundays close at 15:00 / closed on Tuesdays during Low Season | Find it here: Museo Plaza 2 | General Admission: Currently free due to construction | Museo Bellas Artes
✔ Bizkaiko Arkeologi Museoa is a museum focusing on the history and culture of the Basque region. Basque has a unique language, which is believed to be one of the oldest languages in the World. The museum transports visitors through Palaeolithic history, from the Middle Ages to Modern times. The Basque region is filled with history
Archaeology Museum Bilbao | Hours: Tues – Sat, 10:00 – 14:00 & 16:00 – 19:30 / Sun: 10:30 – 14:00 | Find it here: Mallona Galtzada, 2 | General Admission: €3.50 | Bizkaiko Arkeologi Museoa
2 Days in Bilbao Itinerary
On day 2 of this Bilbao itinerary, wake up slowly and head to the city’s main attraction, the Guggenheim Museum. Stroll along the Nervión River and maybe take the cable car up the mountainside. Catch a sunset from the Ribeira Market and eat pinchos with locals in the stylish Abando district.
Visit the Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim Museum is a must-visit destination in Bilbao. Whether you love art or not, the museum itself sits on the river and has helped transform the city. It deserves to be on every Bilbao itinerary.
The building itself was designed by Frank Gehry and is a major attraction that has helped fuel Bilbao from an industrial town to a service and destination hub. In fact, the Guggenheim sits on top of the old wasteland of the industrial port. A once unusable area has brought over 25 million visitors since its opening in 1991.
The Guggenheim has a mixture of permanent collections and rotating exhibits focusing on modern art from the 20th century onwards. Visitors will be welcomed by Puppy, the unofficial watchdog of the museum who sits elegantly decorated in flowers.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao | Hours: Schedule changes by season, Summer (June 19 – September 17): 10:00 – 20:00, after Sept 17th, closes at 19:00 and all day Monday | Find it here: Abandoibarra Etorb., 2 | General Admission: €18
The Significace of the Guggenheim Museum
Some people love it and others don’t like it, but the Guggenheim Museum has completely transformed Bilbao.
The city was once so polluted from steel factories that the sky was filled with haze and the river smelt of sewage. Some say it’s the “Guggenheim Effect” because the government took a chance and stuck funds into a Frank Gehry-designed building that would house a large portion of Guggenheim’s art collection.
Besides the commissioning of the Guggenheim, the Basque government funded a detailed public transportation and metro system. Today, Bilbao has slick public transportation, architectural gems, and pedestrian-friendly streets, which is a prime example of what happens when people and local governments invest in the arts and culture.
Ride the Funicular de Artxanda
After visiting the Guggenheim, why not stroll along the Nervion River and cross the iconic Zubizuri Bridge? From here, it’s only a few blocks to the funicular station that leads you to the Artxanda viewpoint.
The Bilbao funicular cable car has been zipping visitors to the top of Mount Artxanda in three minutes since 1915. The viewpoint is best to visit on a clear day as it provides an aerial view of Bilbao and the Nervión River.
Funicular de Artxanda | Hours: Typically Mon-Sat: 7:15 – 22:00, Sundays: 8:15 – 22:00, open later during the summer season with cable car running every 15 minutes | Find it here: Funikularreko Plaza | Round-Trip Fare: €4.30
Spend time enjoying the views and then return to the Nervión River to continue for a stroll.
Stroll Along the Nervión River
The Nervión River makes for an excellent afternoon walk. Follow the river to La Ribeira Market. From the Zubizuri Bridge stay on the east bank of the Estuary until you arrive at La Ribera Market. This casual stroll is a little over half an hour.
La Ribera Market
La Ribera Market has vendors that sell everything from bread to fresh seafood, vegetables, and meats. The morning market runs Monday – Saturday until around 14:00. During the week, a few of the stalls open in the afternoon from 17:00 – 20:00.
I head up the stairs to the La Ribera Gastro Plaza. This well-decorated area is home to a cluster of food stalls that serve up higher-priced Basque pintxos. The food hall offers typical wines, pinchos, and a fun and lively atmosphere.
I tend to grab a glass of Basque wine or Tinto de Verano and head outside to enjoy the terrace and watch the sun go down over the Rio Nervión. The facades of the house change colors as the sun dips behind the hillsides.
Afterward, head back to Casco Viejo and Plaza Nueva. Wandering the streets during the evening is a different experience than that of daytime Old Town Bilbao.
End with Pinchos in the Abando District
If you haven’t walked through the buzzing section of the Abando District by the river yet, head over and enjoy the energetic streets that line this spirited area.
Cross over the Areatzako bridge to arrive at the Abando District, there’s also a metro station nearby.
While technically the Guggenheim Museum is part of the Abando District, I love the pedestrian streets near Jardines de Albia. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants over the surrounding blocks.
One street over, Calle Ledesma is a pedestrian-only street filled with pintxos bars. Locals spill out to the streets to enjoy outdoor terraces and ordering stations at the window.
This area has a completely different feel than Casco Viejo and is the perfect nightcap for 2 days in Bilbao.
What to Do With More Than 2 Days in Bilbao
With more than 2 days in Bilbao, head out of the city for a day trip. The most popular day trip from Bilbao is to San Juan De Gaztelugatxe, a small hermitage chapel on the sea that requires a climb of 240 steps.
✔ This Small Group Tour from Bilbao stops at coastal destinations like Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka, and Gernika
✔ This Coast of Biscay is a private tour that includes highlights like San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bermo, Mundaka, and Gernika.
✔ Wine lovers can spend the day heading to the famous region of La Rioja and Tour 3 Premium Wineries from Bilbao. With one day it’s better to book a tour.
Worthwhile Places to Visit From Bilbao in the Basque Region & Beyond
Spending 2 days in Bilbao allows time to visit more nearby gems in the Basque region and beyond.
San Sebastian
A little over an hour to the west is the stunning coastal gem of San Sebastian. With a charming old town, pedestrian-friendly streets, and super exciting cuisine, San Sebastian is oftentimes a highlight when visiting Spain. From private gastronomy clubs to hillside Basque Cider Houses, San Sebastian is a must-visit place for foodies.
This royal city is nestled along the beautiful Bay of Biscay which boasts sandy beaches and rolling mountainsides. Climb the urban mountains to savor some of the best views of this picturesque city.
With more time in San Sebastian, visit nearby fishing villages like Getaria. Add in the waves made for surfers and come to understand that San Sebastian truly has it all.
This San Sebastian itinerary highlights gastronomy, things to do, and nearby hiking trails like the unmissable Flysch Route.
➜ Plan to Stay in San Sebastian for at least 2 nights
San Millan de la Cogolla Monasteries
The Yuso & Suso Monasteries in San Millan de la Cogolla is an interesting UNESCO World Heritage Site found in the La Rioja region. The small river valley hamlet is an hour and a half south of Bilbao and could include stops at nearby vineyards.
The larger Yuso Monastery is home to the replicas of the Gloas Emilianenses. These are said to be the first-ever known writings in Castilian Spanish that were said to be written in the hillside monastery of Suso.
San Millan de la Cogolla is considered to be the “cradle of the Spanish language” as we know it today.
If looking to dig deeper into the La Rioja Wine region, a guided tour from Bilbao is a great option.
Picos de Europa National Park
With a car, follow the coastline all the to San Vicente de la Barquera. This coastal gem is about an hour and a half from Bilbao. With more time, drive to the Picos de Europa and spend a few days enjoying this spectacular National Park in Spain.
The limestone mountains are stunning and provide tons of hiking trails, like the famous Cares Gorge hike.
The Picos de Europa spans three regions, with each region being very different. Visit isolated villages like Bulnes, or hike between the charming Asturias hilltop villages. Nearby Las Arenas de Cabrales has delicious cheese that is aged in caves and little-visited river hikes.
There is something for everyone in this stunning national park.
Where to Stay in Bilbao Spain
Bilbao has tons of accommodation options for every budget. The city is a popular tourist destination with hostels, pensions, guesthouses, hotels, private apartments, and luxury accommodations.
If you are looking to make the most of a full Bilbao Itinerary, it’s best to stay near the Abando district or in Casco Viejo.
➜ Latroupe La Granja is my go-to accommodation option in Bilbao. Found in a beautiful and historic building, La Granja has private and hostel-style rooms steps away from it all. The cellar bar is cozy and staff is onsite 24 hours.
➜ Pensión Manoli is a great local pension found in the center of Casco Viejo
➜ Pensión Basque Boutique is one of the highest-rated accommodation options in Casco Viejo with stylish decor and nice rooms
➜ Pensión Plaza Nueva is an affordable accommodation option that is located in bustling Plaza Nueva.
➜ Bilder Boutique Hotel is a highly-rated hotel with large and modern rooms found right on the outskirts of Casco Viejo
➜ Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao is right across the street from the Guggenheim Museum and boasts a rooftop terrace
➜ Browse all the Best Places to Stay in Bilbao Spain
Visiting Bilbao Travel Tips
Here are some helpful travel tips when planning a Bilbao itinerary.
When is the Best Time to Visit Bilbao?
The peak busy season in Bilbao is during the summer months of June to September when Spanish tourists head to the Basque region to escape the heat of Southern Spain. During the high season, hotel prices rise and rooms can be hard to find.
The winter months bring lots of rain from the middle of November to mid-March. However, Bilbao can be explored with fewer crowds, just don’t forget an umbrella and rain gear. Typically January is the coolest month in Bilbao.
As a lot of the activities in Bilbao are indoor activities, like museums and food tours, it typically doesn’t matter when you visit Bilbao. The shoulder months of April, May, October, and November are great to avoid crowds and still have nice days to enjoy outdoor activities.
I’ve visited Bilbao multiple times, as I typically utilize the Bilbao Airport for flying in and out of Spain. I have visited in July, October, November, and January and had pleasant experiences every time.
If visiting in the shoulder or winter months make sure to have a nice light rain jacket and layered clothing.
Is Bilbao Expensive?
Spain, in general, is a budget-friendly country. There are plenty of ways to keep costs low including using public transportation, staying at hostels or pensions, eating menu del dias, or cooking your own meals.
After traveling extensively through Spain the northern Basque region is a little more costly than Southern Spain. However, Bilbao can easily be enjoyed by budget-conscious travelers without forgoing many of the city’s highlights.
During the off-season, the Basque region is much more affordable than during the peak summer season.
Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?
Yes, absolutely Bilbao is worth visiting! The more industrial city is oftentimes overshadowed by its stunning seaside neighbor of San Sebastian. However, with a compact and charming old town, pedestrian-friendly streets, an underrated food scene, modern architecture, and museums, Bilbao deserves at least a full day to explore.
It’s best to spend 2 days in Bilbao to truly soak in the ambiance.
There are plenty of nearby day trips from Bilbao that should not be missed and can easily be added to your itinerary.
Conclusion | 2 Days in Bilbao Exploring the Best of the City
In short, this is a detailed Bilbao itinerary on how to make the most of 2 days in Bilbao Spain. This once-industrial city has been transformed by museums, public transportation, and plenty of pedestrian-friendly streets.
Bilbao can be discovered with ease over two days and highlights include visiting world-famous museums, indulging in Basque pinchos, and exploring the bustling Old Town.
This complete 2 days in Bilbao itinerary is only a starting point to discover the Basque region. Take a day trip to the coast or spend time in nearby San Sebastian.
Either way, don’t skip Bilbao on a Basque itinerary. The city is a mix of old-world charm and modern marvels and deserves at least 2 days.
Is there something missing from this Bilbao itinerary? Is there anything you would add to a 2 days in Bilbao itinerary? Let me know in the comments below.
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