Weekend: visit Bilbao in three days
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Explore Bilbao in three days, combining art, architecture, and Basque flavors. From the narrow streets of Casco Viejo to the salty air of Getxo, not forgetting the works in the Guggenheim Museum and the city's best pintxos, Bilbao guarantees you an extraordinary weekend in the extraordinary Basque Country, Spain!
Day 1: Casco Viejo and the Guggenheim Museum: blending tradition and the avant-garde
- Morning
Begin this weekend in Basque territory in Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s historic city center, which invites you to take your time through its narrow cobblestone streets lined with old facades. First, take a guided tour of Teatro Arriaga, a Neo-Baroque building inspired by Paris’ Opera Garnier. Built in the late 19thcentury, the theater was named after Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga (1806-1826), a Basque composer and local icon. A stone’s throw away, you come to Plaza Nueva, an elegant Neoclassical square surrounded by splendid arcades, which is bustling at any time of day. Around it, “las Siete Calles“—the city’s seven founding streets—form a living labyrinth of small boutiques, traditional coffee shops, and old bookshops. Last but not least, contemplate the cloister and finely crafted chapels of Santiago Cathedral, a discreet Gothic gem that is nonetheless a must-visit destination in Bilbao. - Lunch
At lunchtime, head for La Ribera covered market, one of the largest in Europe. In its Art Deco building, stock up on a few local specialties and find a spot at a counter to savor fresh pintxos(Basque tapas), such as marinated anchovy toast, or a generous tortilla.
Le marché de la Ribera sur les rives de la Nervion à Bilbao (Pays Basque, Espagne)
- Afternoon
Spend your afternoon at the Guggenheim Museum, the titanium masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry. The bold volumes of the exterior make a striking impression. Before going inside, stop to admire two iconic sculptures: Maman, a giant spider by Louise Bourgeois, and Puppy by Jeff Koons. Inside, you discover major names in contemporary art, such as Richard Serra, Jenny Holzer and Anselm Kiefer, along with temporary exhibitions that change on a regular basis.
At the end of the afternoon, take the cable car to climb up to Artxanda viewpoint. It makes the perfect spot to enjoy an unbeatable view over the city and the twists and turns of the Nervión River, especially as daylight fades. - Evening
When evening comes, head to Calle Juan Ajuriaguerra Kalea, renowned for its eateries. At La Despensa del Etxanobe, tuck into fine local food with a twist in a contemporary setting. Alternatively, Zapirain offers a chic ambiance, in which fresh fish and detail-oriented recipes are sure to please even the most demanding gourmets.
Day 2: From Bilbao-Abando to the Fine Arts Museum: Bilbao’s majestic architecture
- Morning
In the morning, take a leisurely stroll around Ensanche, a neighborhood dating back to the 19th century, starting from Bilbao-Abando railway station, famous for its huge Art Nouveau stained-glass window illustrating scenes from Basque life. Continue by admiring the facades of Teatro Campos Elíseos, an elegant modernist building, along with the Chávarri Palace with eclectic influences, and Casa Montero, another example of Art Nouveau with its delicate floral details.
Top tip
On the way, stop off at Don Manuel, a renowned pastry shop in Ensanche, to try a bollo de mantequilla, a typical Bilbao butter bun, or take away a tarta Gernika, an iconic cake whose recipe remains a secret and that keeps remarkably well.
- Lunch
Time permitting, take a break in Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park for a peaceful picnic. Otherwise, the restaurants around Plaza Moyúa offer various options, from sophisticated pintxos to more copious traditional dishes based on braised meat or cod. - Afternoon
After lunch, pay a visit to Bilbao’s Fine Arts Museum, the city’s second most popular museum after the Guggenheim. There, you’ll discover a rich collection ranging from European Old Masters, such as Goya and El Greco, to 20th-century Basque modern art. - Evening
When night falls, head back to Casco Viejo. Around Plaza Nueva, continue your exploration of pintxos bilbaínos in a friendly, authentic atmosphere. Order at the bar, basing your choice on the day’s specialties: perhaps Gilda (anchovies, olives, chilies), quail egg and mushrooms, or skipjack tuna tartare.
Day 3: From the maritime museum to Getxo: when Bilbao looks toward the sea
- Morning
The third day of your stay in Bilbao begins at Itsasmuseum, devoted to the city’s maritime heritage. Set up in former shipyards, it traces Bilbao’s close and collective history with the sea, from the birth of the fishing port of Santurtzi to activities in the Bay of Biscay. Wander around traditional boats, hundred-year-old models, and fascinating accounts of fishing and maritime trade.
Specially designed for children, the “Little Robinson” trail turns the museum into a real adventure playground. With wooden huts, rope games, freshwater challenges, and more, it’s quite the expedition!
- Lunch
Have lunch at San Mamés Jatetxea, located in Bilbao’s iconic stadium. The address combines inventive Basque fine dining with an unbeatable view over the pitch. An original foodie experience. - Afternoon
The afternoon takes you to Getxo, a charming coastal locality renowned for its bourgeois houses dating from the early 20th century and its unspoiled beaches. Vizcaya Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, particularly captures your attention. An impressive metal structure dating from 1893, this transporter bridge connects Getxo to Portugalete via a gondola hanging above the Nervión River, which is still in operation. - Evening
Your weekend comes to a close with a dinner at El Paladar by Zuriñe García, where you can enjoy inventive Basque cuisine with delicate pairings, showcasing local produce.
Du côté du vieux port d’Algorta à Getxo (Pays Basque, Espagne)
Staying an extra day?
If you have an extra day, head to the UNESCO-designated Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Just 40 kilometers from Bilbao, this exceptional natural area offers a pleasant walk among salt marshes and traditional villages, with verdant hills in the background. Stop at Laga Beach, a vast stretch of fine sand surrounded by the craggy cliffs of Mount Ogoño. From there, your gaze takes in all the riches of the coastal Basque Country.
Feel like getting away from it all?
See our suggestions for novel trips and must-see places to visit near your home or holiday destination.