Three Perfect Days in Bilbao

As the largest city in Spain’s Basque region, its unique blend of post-industrial charm and niche culture draws travelers from across the world. Planning is the key to making sure you have enough time to tick off everything on your list when you visit. We’ve done the legwork for you, putting together our ideal itinerary for spending three perfect days in Bilbao.

Day One: An Artistic Adventure

Bilbao is perhaps best known for being the home of the iconic Guggenheim Museum. This fantastic gallery has had quite an impact on local art, and as a result, the ‘Bilbao effect’ was named in its honor. With this in mind, it makes sense to start your adventure in the very place where the city’s thriving art scene began.

Once inside the futuristic Frank Gehry-designed art gallery, discover a myriad of unique experiential installations ranging from silent exhibits to fluorescent light shows. Arrive early to appreciate the maze of color and wonder before the crowds descend and explore exhibitions from some of the art world’s most prominent figures, including Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, and Clyfford Still.

After a morning traversing the art world, you’ll want to find somewhere suitably impressive to grab a bite to eat. Cross the river outside the museum to the Crazy Horse for a spot of simple American food in a lively venue. The burgers here are masterpieces in themselves, and the live music sets the tone for an energetic afternoon. If you prefer a bit of peace and quiet, dine outside to enjoy views of the Guggenheim.

In the afternoon, take a stroll to the Fine Arts Museum just around the corner. Step inside to see wondrous paintings that stretch all the way from the medieval period to present day. Conclude your afternoon with a stroll through the Old Town, where art sits side by side with fantastic architecture. There are many niche galleries to choose from: the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art is ideal for lovers of religious art, while the Sal Rekalde Contemporary Art Gallery features a range of cutting-edge creations. The latter offers the chance to get interactive with a number of workshops, talks, and screenings.

Day Two: Soaking Up History in the Old Quarter

Now that you’ve experienced the visual wonders of Bilbao, it is time to put it all into context with a dose of local history, stepping back in time and wandering through the centuries to discover how Bilbao has come to be the city it is today.

The Old Quarter showcases 700 years of change and development in its alluring architecture and fascinating museums. Kick off the day with a visit to the Arkeologi Museoa. Two floors of fossils and relics will take you on a journey deep into the region’s past. Models of early fortified villages offer a staggering insight into how people lived during the Roman period. Weave through the exhibitions to find many treasures, including fashion and jewelry dating back to the 1200s.

When hunger sets in, take a short walk through the winding streets of Casco Viejo. You’ll find the most authentic pintxos bars here, where the intricate flavors have remained unchanged for decades. Spend an hour traveling from bar to bar, sampling the fine flavors, one bite-size portion at a time. Walk off this indulgent lunch by meandering through nearby heritage stores. Atakondu is a miniature store run by two local textile artists, and their unusual designs are making waves across the city. If you prefer souvenirs to be cultured and handcrafted, drop into the Sombreros Gorostiaga, where you’ll find traditional Basque txapelas and 160 years of hat-making expertise. Recuerda Bilbao also sells a wide range of trinkets inspired by local culture.

Once you’ve experienced rustic retail in historical Bilbao, spend the afternoon in another of the Old Quarter’s fantastic museums. The Basque Museum is a local favorite that displays the region’s quirks. Just around the corner, you’ll find the beautiful Gothic-revival cathedral with centuries of history etched into its stained-glass windows and arching walls. Take an audio guide to make the most of this historical gem.

Day Three: Getting Back to Nature

After so much sightseeing, spend your last day taking things at a slower pace. Bilbao is surrounded by many tranquil parks and gardens, so it’s easy to relax in this peaceful corner of Spain.

In the morning, take a walk through Dona Casilda park, neatly nestled between the glossy buildings of central Bilbao. You’ll forget about the hustle and bustle of the city as you wind your way around the serene lakes. This English-style garden features tranquil fountains erupting from their depths, towering trees, and a charming pergola. Twice yearly, the cybernetic fountains transform into a stage for sound and light shows.

After meandering through this wonderful park, dine in one of many great cafes dotted along its edge. The Origin Fusion restaurant has high, airy ceilings and peaceful views. If you love aromatic Asian bites, it’s an ideal place to refuel for the afternoon.

By the central town hall in Pio Baroja Plaza lies another surprise. Catch a boat out along the river into the sea and - from April to October - you’ll stand a chance of seeing whales and dolphins gliding across the surface of the mirror-like waters. Boat trips last for around an hour. If you’re still hungry for adventure afterwards, there’s plenty more to see. Kayaking is a favorite in the Basque Country, but you can also go snorkeling, rappel down trees, or get a unique look into the surrounding countryside on horseback. The Eskadi Aktiba Association provides any adventure sport you can imagine, set in the local hills and mountains.

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