Contents
How to plan a trip to Bilbao
In Bilbao the Guggenheim is a turning point, but it's not the only story. The city makes sense when the narrow streets of the Casco Viejo, the commercial order of the Ensanche and the transformation of the riverside are seen together.
A pintxos tour isn't about finishing dinner at one restaurant but moving through three or four bars with a plate and a small drink at each. As well as the cold options on the counter, ask about signature dishes cooked hot to order.
Things to do in Bilbao
The Guggenheim and the Nervión
Take in the public works around the building from outside, then focus on the floors that suit your interests inside. The collection changes; don't go assuming only permanent works.
The Casco Viejo and La Ribera
The Siete Calles, Santiago Cathedral, Plaza Nueva and La Ribera fit into the same half day. Distinguish the market's real shopping hours from the upstairs eating area.
Artxanda and the coastal connection
The Artxanda view by funicular is short and effective. If you have an extra day, take the metro to Getxo, the Bizkaia Bridge and a walk around the old port.
Area by area: where to go
The Casco Viejo is lively for history and pintxos but noisy at night; Abando/Ensanche balances transport and shopping; Indautxu has local bars; and Deusto offers quieter, budget-friendly options.
Where to stay in Bilbao
For a first visit, Abando is balanced between the museum and the old town. In the Casco Viejo, prioritise soundproofing over a room above the square; for an early flight, access to the airport bus stop should come first.
What to eat in Bilbao
Bacalao al pil-pil, kokotxas, txangurro, gildas and Idiazabal cheese show Basque product knowledge. Txakoli is light and acidic; cider is served with a different rhythm. If the menu doesn't show the day's price for a product, ask.
Plaza Nueva is an easy route, Diputación and Ledesma more of an after-work rhythm, and La Ribera a more mixed market experience.
Getting to and around Bilbao
From BIO airport, the A3247 bus goes to the city centre; Bilbao Abando and Termibus are the main hubs for train and bus connections. For continuing to San Sebastián, the bus is usually more direct than the train.
The centre and riverside are walkable; the metro goes to the coast and outlying districts, and Euskotren on regional routes. Check the Barik card conditions and how to pay on the airport bus with a current source.
Cafés, nightlife and shopping
The Casco Viejo is lively, Indautxu more local, and Bilbao La Vieja focused on creative bars and galleries. For shopping, Basque tinned goods, Idiazabal, txakoli and local design are strong; don't carry products that need a cold chain on a flight.
Day trips from Bilbao
Getxo and the Bizkaia Bridge make an easy half day by metro. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe requires a reservation/access, a bus and a weather plan. Gernika and Urdaibai combine history and nature, while San Sebastián works better with at least one night.
Best time to visit Bilbao
In the Atlantic climate, rain is possible in every season; carry a thin waterproof layer. May–June and September are balanced; summer is good for the coast, but the region gets crowded with the San Sebastián connection.
How to budget for your trip
The Guggenheim is the main paid item; the river, the Casco Viejo and the Artxanda view are low-cost. Pintxos look small, but the total grows over many stops; budget the tour as an experience rather than a meal.
Safety and common mistakes
Don't pile every pintxo from the counter onto your plate; ask about the hot signatures. Cobbles get slippery in the rain. Don't leave Gaztelugatxe to the last minute without confirming entry/transport.
Where to eat: selected places
These aren't places to tick off one by one — they're the stops that best capture how the city eats. Opening hours and prices change, so check before you go.
Gure Toki
Mid-rangePlaza Nueva · Creative pintxos
For seeing classic produce on contemporary small plates.
Café Iruña
Mid-rangeAbando · Historic café and pincho moruno
Combines architectural atmosphere with a quick classic snack.
La Viña del Ensanche
Mid-rangeEnsanche · Ham and produce-focused pintxos
Captures Bilbao's after-work rhythm with reliable produce.
El Globo
Mid-rangeEnsanche · Award-winning pintxos
A central stop for a few creative hot/cold bites.
Mercado de la Ribera
Mid-rangeCasco Viejo · Market and gastrobars
You see produce stalls and a contemporary eating area in the same building.
Motrikes
BudgetCasco Viejo · Mushrooms and a classic bar
An unpretentious old-town stop that excels at a single product.
Dietary preferences
Vegan and halal restaurants in Bilbao
For Bilbao we picked one plant-based place and one aimed at Muslim travellers. Halal labels don't all mean the same thing: certification, the restaurant's own declaration and "some halal options" are shown separately on each card.
Vegan Pick
Fully veganBohemian Lane
Casco Viejo · Vegan café and bakery
A small café serving sandwiches, daily plates and pastries, all vegan.
Why we picked it: For a coffee-and-cake break in the Old Town with a safe, friendly vegan menu.
Verification note
The venue's plant-based coverage was checked in the directory; reconfirm the menu and opening days before booking.
Source: HappyCow's current vegan restaurant directory ↗Halal Pick
Restaurant-declaredTaj Mahal Bilbao
Abando · Indian
A restaurant that states it uses halal meat in its curries and tandoor dishes.
Why we picked it: For a wide menu with adjustable spice levels on the Guggenheim–centre route.
Verification note
As no current independent certificate record was found, reconfirm meat sourcing, the shared kitchen and alcohol policy with the business.
Source: Turespaña Guide for Muslim Travellers 2026 ↗Menus, suppliers and certifications change. If you keep strict halal, confirm the current certificate, alcohol, sauce ingredients and shared-kitchen risk directly with the restaurant.
Day-by-day itinerary
- 01
Day 1 — The Guggenheim and the river
- Morning
- The museum
- Afternoon
- A river walk and Artxanda
- Evening
- Pintxos in the Ensanche
- 02
Day 2 — The Casco Viejo
- Morning
- La Ribera and the Siete Calles
- Afternoon
- Bellas Artes or Bilbao La Vieja
- Evening
- A Plaza Nueva tour
- 03
Day 3 — Getxo
- Morning
- To the coast by metro
- Afternoon
- The Bizkaia Bridge and the old port
- Evening
- A final evening in Bilbao
Before you go
Bilbao travel tips: what to know before you go
A rain layer
Non-slip shoes matter as much as an umbrella.
Pintxos rhythm
Order one or two signatures at a bar and move on.
The metro coast
You don't need a car for Getxo.
Guggenheim programme
Check the temporary exhibition before your visit.
Continue your Spain route
This city works well on its own; if you have time, the stops below add a different region and city to the same trip.
From Bilbao to San Sebastián
A pintxos and La Concha leg on the Basque coast.
Read the guide →From Bilbao to the art capital
A contrast from the Guggenheim to the Prado triangle.
Read the guide →From the north to Catalonia
An architecture and Mediterranean route.
Read the guide →Add a historic inland city to the northern line
Golden stone and university culture.
Read the guide →Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for Bilbao?+
2 days for the centre; 3–4 days with Getxo or Urdaibai.
Bilbao or San Sebastián?+
Bilbao for contemporary art and urban transformation; San Sebastián for the beach and more intense gastronomy.
Do you need a car in Bilbao?+
Not for the city and Getxo; useful for a rural Basque route.
Is Bilbao expensive?+
Accommodation and a multi-stop pintxos tour can get expensive; free city walks provide balance.
Note: Museum and business hours, event calendars, transport fares and entry fees change periodically. Re-check places that require reservations only through official channels, close to your visit date. Last updated: .
Official sources and latest check
Visa, transport, entry and visiting rules change — re-check them with these official sources before you travel.