Spain

Bilbao

Basque grit, river light, and a museum that changed a city.

Local time: UTC+1
Population: 0.35M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$

Expensive

Food$$$$$About $64 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $192 a night for two
Transport$$$$$About $7.1 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇪🇺 EUR =

Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

BIOBilbao AirportMain airport, about 4 km straight-line to the centre.

How	Cost	Time
Airport bus (Bizkaibus A3247)Gran Vía, Plaza Elíptica, Bilbao Intermodal	€4.50	20-30 min
Runs about 4 times an hour; card tap accepted.
TaxiCity centre	€25-30	15-25 min
Fixed-ish fare; ask before you ride.
Ride app (Uber/Bolt)City centre	€20-30	15-25 min
Pickup point may be outside the terminal.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Bilbao

Getting around

Walk the centre and use the metro or tram for longer hops; get a Barik card.

Metro ★Clean and fast. Single tickets cost about €1.70–1.95 by zone.
Tram ★The green Euskotren tram runs along the river past the Guggenheim; single ticket €1.50.
BusBilbobus city buses are red with a flat fare; Bizkaibus green buses serve the province.
Taxi / ride appsTaxis are easy to find; ride apps like Uber and Bolt operate in Bilbao.
Rental carDriving is hard: hilly one-ways, works, and a low emissions zone. Walk or cycle instead.
WalkingBest for the old town and riverside. The centre is compact and walkable.

Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night suits you, since the Guggenheim, old town and riverside link together in a single day.

Best for

ArtThe Guggenheim, the Fine Arts Museum and riverside walks.
FoodPintxos bars, market halls and txakoli wine.
CultureThe old town, the river and Basque traditions.

Weather by month

12°6°Jan🌧 15d

14°6°Feb🌧 14d

16°7°Mar🌧 17d

17°9°Apr🌧 14d

20°11°May🌧 14d

23°15°Jun🌧 12d

25°17°Jul🌧 10d

26°17°Aug🌧 10d

24°15°Sep🌧 12d

21°13°Oct🌧 13d

16°9°Nov🌧 16d

14°8°Dec🌧 14d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Oceanic climate: mild all year, rain in every month, and rarely very hot or cold.

Rain any monthExpect 10–17 rain days every month. March and November are wettest. Always carry a small umbrella.
Mild temperaturesHighs run from about 12°C in January to 26°C in August. Rarely freezing, rarely hot.
Best months: June to SeptemberWarmest and driest, highs 23–26°C with fewer rain days. Best for the river and the coast.
Layers, not heavy coatsMornings and evenings are cool even in summer. A light jacket and a rain layer cover most trips.
Grey skies are normalCloudy days are common. Plan museums and pintxos bars as backup on wet days.
What to packComfortable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket and an umbrella. Sunglasses for summer.

Landmarks 8

Must-see · 7

1
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Frank Gehry's titanium-clad museum is the reason many people come to Bilbao, and the building itself is as much the attraction as the art inside. Book timed tickets online in advance, especially in summer, and go early in the day to see the exterior without crowds.
2
Casco Viejo, Bilbao
The old town's narrow streets hold the city's historic heart, with pintxos bars, small shops and the riverside nearby. Wander on foot in the late morning or early evening, and pair it with a stop at Plaza Nueva.
3
Mercado de la Ribera
This large riverside market is a lively spot for fresh produce and casual bites, and it sits right at the edge of the old town. Go in the morning for the fullest stalls, and check opening days before you visit.
4
Zubizuri
Santiago Calatrava's white pedestrian bridge is a photogenic link across the Nervión and an easy walk between the riverbanks. Visit at sunset for the best light, and wear shoes with grip since the glass walkway can be slippery when wet.
5
Artxanda Funicular
The cable car climbs to a hilltop viewpoint with a wide panorama over the city and river. Ride up in the late afternoon and walk back down or return by funicular before it closes.
6
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
A strong collection of Spanish and European art makes this a worthwhile indoor stop, especially on a rainy day. It is a short walk from the Guggenheim, so the two fit easily into one day.
7
Plaza Nueva
This arcaded square in the old town is a classic spot for pintxos and people-watching. Come in the evening when the bars are busiest, and expect to stand at the counter like the locals.

Cultural

Museum 2

Old Town 1

Market 1

Historical Square 1

Bridge 1

Activities

Cable Car 1

Football Stadium 1

Day trips from Bilbao

Donostia / San Sebastián (San Sebastián) · 1 h 18 by road

★★★★★ · Full day · 103 km from Bilbao

Best way: Driving takes about 78 minutes over 103 km, while the listed train takes 3h 23m and the listed bus takes 4h 52m.

Direct buses run from Bilbao's Termibus station to San Sebastián's Donostia bus station in about 1.5 hours, and trains are possible with a change, so check which option suits your timing.

Train3 h 23 · from €5
Bus4 h 52 · from $38-$59
Car ★1 h 18 · taxi ≈ €140

What to see

La Concha beach and promenade
Parte Vieja (Old Town) pintxos bars
Monte Urgull and the Castillo de la Mota
Buen Pastor Cathedral
Miramar Palace gardens

8 landmark quests to check off here

Good to know

The listed bus option routes via Madrid, while the route note describes a direct bus of about 1.5 hours; confirm which service you'll take before booking.
Trains run 8 times per day from €5, but the 3h 23m journey makes them the slowest practical choice.

Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

Plans

Bilbao rewards visitors who wander between the Guggenheim, the old town, and the green hills above. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

How long?

What do you enjoy most?

Day trip · Art

One art-filled day: the Guggenheim in the morning, the Fine Arts Museum and riverside sculptures after.

Stay: Abando. Central and handy: main train station, shops and a short walk to the Guggenheim.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 28
Taxis: ≈ EUR 30

Day 1

Guggenheim and the river

Tickets ≈ EUR 28 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 30

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1451 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 5
1

10:00–12:30 · ≈ EUR 18 adult · under 18 free · check current price

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Book online to skip the queue. Start with the galleries, then walk the outside curves.

Open Tue–Sun roughly 10:00–19:00 · closed Monday · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 529 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 5
2

12:45–13:15 · Free

Zubizuri footbridge and river walk

Ten minutes on foot along the river. The white footbridge is a photo stop.

Open Always open
Taxi · 409 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 5
3

13:30–14:15 · Free

Gran Vía and Plaza Moyúa walk

Walk up to Plaza Moyúa for a coffee and a snack. Full lunch comes later.

Open Always open
Taxi · 823 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 5
4

14:30–16:00 · ≈ EUR 10 adult · free on some days · check on the day

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Five minutes from Plaza Moyúa. Basque and Spanish masters inside.

Open Tue–Sun roughly 10:00–20:00 · closed Monday · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 566 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 5
5

16:15–17:00 · Free

Parque de Doña Casilda

Next door. A flat, easy park to end the day.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ EUR 5

Day trip · Food

A full day of eating: market hall in the morning, pintxos bars at night.

Stay: Casco Viejo. Old-town lanes, pintxos bars and the cathedral on your doorstep; metro and tram nearby.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 45
Taxis: ≈ EUR 25

Day 1

Market, old town and pintxos

Tickets ≈ EUR 45 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 25

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 228 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 5
1

10:30–11:30 · Free to enter · pay per item

Mercado de la Ribera

Weekday morning is best. Closed Sunday in most weeks. Check on the day.

Open Roughly Mon–Sat mornings to early afternoon · check on the day
Taxi · 266 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 5
2

11:45–13:45 · Free to walk

Casco Viejo, Bilbao Landmark quest

Wander the seven streets. Keep room for lunch.

Open Always open · bars busiest late evening
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ EUR 5
3

14:00–15:30 · Pay per item · pintxos roughly EUR 2–4 each

Indautxu food bars and market area

Ten minutes by metro or tram. Bars serve lunch until mid-afternoon.

Open Bars roughly midday–late · check on the day
Taxi · 704 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 5
4

16:00–16:45 · Free to enter the building

Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga)

A short walk away. Good coffee stop and a striking building.

Open Roughly daily, long hours · check on the day
Taxi · 1417 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 5
5

19:30–22:00 · ≈ EUR 35–60 guided, or pay per pintxo self-guided

Pintxos crawl in Casco Viejo

Back in Casco Viejo. Thursday to Saturday is liveliest. Bars are busiest 19:00–22:00.

Open Evening, roughly 19:00–22:00

Day trip · Culture

The classic first day: old town in the morning, Guggenheim and the river after.

Stay: Casco Viejo. Old-town lanes, pintxos bars and the cathedral on your doorstep; metro and tram nearby.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 23
Taxis: ≈ EUR 21

Day 1

Old town, then the Guggenheim

Tickets ≈ EUR 23 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 21

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–10:00 · Free to enter · small fee for cloister · check on the day

Catedral de Santiago

Limited hours. Check on the day.

Open Roughly daily, limited hours · check on the day
2

10:15–12:15 · Free to walk

Casco Viejo, Bilbao Landmark quest

Walk the streets and stop for a mid-morning coffee.

Open Always open · bars busiest late evening
Taxi · 266 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 5
3

12:30–13:30 · Free to enter · pay per item

Mercado de la Ribera

Weekday mornings to early afternoon. Check on the day.

Open Roughly Mon–Sat mornings to early afternoon · check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ EUR 5
4

14:30–17:00 · ≈ EUR 18 adult · under 18 free · check current price

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Twenty minutes on foot along the river, or take the tram.

Open Tue–Sun roughly 10:00–19:00 · closed Monday · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 383 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 5
5

17:30–18:30 · ≈ EUR 4–5 return funicular · check on the day

Artxanda viewpoint (Funicular de Artxanda)

Funicular from near the Guggenheim. Sunset is the best light.

Open Funicular roughly daily, long hours · check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ EUR 6

1 night · Art ★ Recommended length

Art first: the Guggenheim and Fine Arts Museum in one compact Abando day, with river views at sunset.

Stay: Abando. Central and handy: main train station, shops and a short walk to the Guggenheim.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 63
Taxis: ≈ EUR 35
Hotel: EUR 90–220

Day 1

Guggenheim, river and old-town art

Tickets ≈ EUR 63 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 35

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1451 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 5
1

10:00–12:30 · ≈ EUR 18 adult · under 18 free · check current price

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Landmark quest

Book online. Closed Monday. Start with the big galleries before the crowds.

Open Tue–Sun roughly 10:00–19:00 · closed Monday · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 741 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 5
2

12:45–13:30 · Free

Parque de Doña Casilda

Ten minutes on foot. A calm green break next to the museum.

Open Always open
Taxi · 883 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 5
3

13:45–15:15 · Pay per item · pintxos roughly EUR 2–4 each

Indautxu food bars and market area

Lunch at the food bars. Many close mid-afternoon, so eat early.

Open Bars roughly midday–late · check on the day
Taxi · 1274 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 5
4

16:00–16:30 · Free

Zubizuri footbridge and river walk

Walk the river to the white footbridge. Best light late afternoon.

Open Always open
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ EUR 5
5

17:00–18:00 · Free

Bilbao La Vieja street art walk

Street art on the old-town side. Go by day.

Open Always open · busier and safer-feeling by day
Taxi · 466 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 5
6

19:30–22:00 · ≈ EUR 35–60 guided, or pay per pintxo self-guided

Pintxos crawl in Casco Viejo

Evening pintxos crawl in Casco Viejo. Busiest Thursday to Saturday.

Open Evening, roughly 19:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 716 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 5

1 night · Food ★ Recommended length

Eat your way through Bilbao: market hall, pintxos bars and a riverside walk between meals.

Stay: Casco Viejo. Old-town lanes, pintxos bars and the cathedral on your doorstep; metro and tram nearby.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 45
Taxis: ≈ EUR 25
Hotel: EUR 70–160

Day 1

Market, old town and pintxos

Tickets ≈ EUR 45 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 25

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 228 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 5
1

10:00–11:00 · Free to enter · pay per item

Mercado de la Ribera

Go on a weekday morning. Check opening days on the day.

Open Roughly Mon–Sat mornings to early afternoon · check on the day
Taxi · 266 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 5
2

11:15–13:15 · Free to walk

Casco Viejo, Bilbao Landmark quest

Wander the seven streets. Bars fill up late.

Open Always open · bars busiest late evening
3

13:30–14:00 · Free to enter · small fee for cloister · check on the day

Catedral de Santiago

Quick look inside. Limited hours, check on the day.

Open Roughly daily, limited hours · check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ EUR 5
4

14:15–15:45 · Pay per item · pintxos roughly EUR 2–4 each

Indautxu food bars and market area

Lunch at the food bars. Take the metro or a short taxi.

Open Bars roughly midday–late · check on the day
Taxi · 1274 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 5
5

16:30–17:00 · Free

Zubizuri footbridge and river walk

Walk off lunch along the river.

Open Always open
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ EUR 5
6

19:30–22:00 · ≈ EUR 35–60 guided, or pay per pintxo self-guided

Pintxos crawl in Casco Viejo

The main event: a pintxos crawl with txakoli wine.

Open Evening, roughly 19:00–22:00

1 night · Culture ★ Recommended length

Our pick for most first-timers: the old town, the river and Basque traditions in one full day.

Stay: Casco Viejo. Old-town lanes, pintxos bars and the cathedral on your doorstep; metro and tram nearby.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 23
Taxis: ≈ EUR 26
Hotel: EUR 70–160

Day 1

Old town, river and viewpoints

Tickets ≈ EUR 23 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 26

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

10:00–12:00 · Free to walk

Casco Viejo, Bilbao Landmark quest

Start with the streets around the cathedral. Flat shoes help on the cobbles.

Open Always open · bars busiest late evening
2

12:15–12:45 · Free to enter · small fee for cloister · check on the day

Catedral de Santiago

Morning visit. Hours are limited, check on the day.

Open Roughly daily, limited hours · check on the day
Taxi · 244 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 5
3

13:00–14:00 · Free to enter · pay per item

Mercado de la Ribera

Weekday mornings to early afternoon. Check on the day.

Open Roughly Mon–Sat mornings to early afternoon · check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ EUR 5
4

14:15–15:45 · Pay per item · pintxos roughly EUR 2–4 each

Indautxu food bars and market area

Lunch, then a short metro ride to Abando.

Open Bars roughly midday–late · check on the day
Taxi · 1486 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 5
5

16:00–18:30 · ≈ EUR 18 adult · under 18 free · check current price

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Landmark quest

Closed Monday. The building is free to admire from outside.

Open Tue–Sun roughly 10:00–19:00 · closed Monday · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 383 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 5
6

19:00–20:00 · ≈ EUR 4–5 return funicular · check on the day

Artxanda viewpoint (Funicular de Artxanda)

Funicular up for sunset over the city. Check the last ride down.

Open Funicular roughly daily, long hours · check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ EUR 6

2 nights · Art

Two days of art: the Guggenheim, the Fine Arts Museum and riverside walks between them.

Stay: Abando. Central and handy: main train station, shops and a short walk to the Guggenheim.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 28
Taxis: ≈ EUR 55
Hotel: EUR 180–440

Day 1

Arrive, Guggenheim and the river

Tickets ≈ EUR 18 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 25

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1451 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 5
1

14:00–16:30 · ≈ EUR 18 adult · under 18 free · check current price

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Book online to skip the queue. The building itself is worth a slow walk around outside.

Open Tue–Sun roughly 10:00–19:00 · closed Monday · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 529 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 5
2

16:45–17:15 · Free

Zubizuri footbridge and river walk

Short walk along the river from the museum. Good light late in the day.

Open Always open
Taxi · 409 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 5
3

17:30–18:15 · Free

Gran Vía and Plaza Moyúa walk

Stroll up to Plaza Moyúa and back. Always open.

Open Always open
Taxi · 902 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 5
4

19:30–21:00 · Pay per item · pintxos roughly EUR 2–4 each

Indautxu food bars and market area

Dinner at the food bars. Many close on Sunday evening, so check on the day.

Open Bars roughly midday–late · check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 1481 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 5

Day 2

Fine Arts, Azkuna Zentroa and street art

Tickets ≈ EUR 10 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 30

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ EUR 5
1

10:00–11:30 · ≈ EUR 10 adult · free on some days · check on the day

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum Landmark quest

Closed Monday. A short walk from the Guggenheim.

Open Tue–Sun roughly 10:00–20:00 · closed Monday · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 566 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 5
2

11:45–12:30 · Free

Parque de Doña Casilda

Next door to the museum. A calm green break.

Open Always open
Taxi · 1170 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 5
3

13:00–13:45 · Free to enter the building

Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga)

The columns inside are the draw. Handy if it rains.

Open Roughly daily, long hours · check on the day
Taxi · 1284 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 5
4

15:30–16:30 · Free

Bilbao La Vieja street art walk

Street art on the old town side of the river. Go by day.

Open Always open · busier and safer-feeling by day
Taxi · 515 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 5
5

17:00–19:00 · Free to walk

Casco Viejo, Bilbao Landmark quest

End with pintxos in the old town. Bars get busy after 20:00.

Open Always open · bars busiest late evening
Taxi back to your hotel · 796 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 5

2 nights · Food

Pintxos, market halls and txakoli: eat your way through the old town and Indautxu.

Stay: Casco Viejo. Old-town lanes, pintxos bars and the cathedral on your doorstep; metro and tram nearby.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 45
Taxis: ≈ EUR 35
Hotel: EUR 140–320

Day 1

Arrive, market and first pintxos

Tickets ≈ EUR 45 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 10

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 228 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 5
1

12:00–13:00 · Free to enter · pay per item

Mercado de la Ribera

Go in the morning to early afternoon. Closed Sunday, so check on the day.

Open Roughly Mon–Sat mornings to early afternoon · check on the day
Taxi · 266 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 5
2

13:30–15:30 · Free to walk

Casco Viejo, Bilbao Landmark quest

Lunch pintxos around the plaza. Order a few at a time and keep the napkin.

Open Always open · bars busiest late evening
3

16:00–16:30 · Free to enter · small fee for cloister · check on the day

Catedral de Santiago

Quick look inside. Limited hours, so check on the day.

Open Roughly daily, limited hours · check on the day
4

19:00–21:30 · ≈ EUR 35–60 guided, or pay per pintxo self-guided

Pintxos crawl in Casco Viejo

Evening crawl. Best Thursday to Saturday. Go early to get a spot at the bar.

Open Evening, roughly 19:00–22:00

Day 2

Indautxu food bars and the river

Tickets ≈ EUR 0 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 25

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ EUR 5
1

12:30–14:00 · Pay per item · pintxos roughly EUR 2–4 each

Indautxu food bars and market area

Lunch at the food bars. Many close on Sunday evening, so check on the day.

Open Bars roughly midday–late · check on the day
Taxi · 704 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 5
2

14:30–15:15 · Free to enter the building

Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga)

Walk off lunch under the columns.

Open Roughly daily, long hours · check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ EUR 5
3

16:00–17:00 · Free

Deusto riverside walk

Flat riverside path. Good in the late afternoon.

Open Always open
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ EUR 5
4

17:30–18:15 · Free

Gran Vía and Plaza Moyúa walk

Window shopping on the way back to the centre.

Open Always open
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ EUR 5
5

19:30–21:30 · Free to walk

Casco Viejo, Bilbao Landmark quest

Last pintxos round. Try txakoli, the local white wine.

Open Always open · bars busiest late evening

2 nights · Culture

Our pick for most first-timers: the old town, the Guggenheim and the river, plus a viewpoint.

Stay: Abando. Central and handy: main train station, shops and a short walk to the Guggenheim.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 78
Taxis: ≈ EUR 56
Hotel: EUR 180–440

Day 1

Arrive, old town and the river

Tickets ≈ EUR 0 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 30

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 796 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 5
1

12:00–14:00 · Free to walk

Casco Viejo, Bilbao Landmark quest

Seven streets, the cathedral and the plaza. Easy to wander.

Open Always open · bars busiest late evening
Taxi · 266 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 5
2

14:00–15:00 · Free to enter · pay per item

Mercado de la Ribera

Lunch upstairs. Closed Sunday, so check on the day.

Open Roughly Mon–Sat mornings to early afternoon · check on the day
Taxi · 269 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 5
3

15:30–16:30 · Free

Bilbao La Vieja street art walk

Street art across the river. Go by day.

Open Always open · busier and safer-feeling by day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ EUR 5
4

17:00–17:30 · Free

Zubizuri footbridge and river walk

Cross the footbridge at sunset.

Open Always open
Taxi · 409 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 5
5

18:00–18:45 · Free

Gran Vía and Plaza Moyúa walk

Evening stroll to Plaza Moyúa.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 822 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 5

Day 2

Guggenheim, Artxanda and pintxos

Tickets ≈ EUR 78 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 26

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1451 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 5
1

10:00–12:30 · ≈ EUR 18 adult · under 18 free · check current price

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Book online. Morning is quieter inside.

Open Tue–Sun roughly 10:00–19:00 · closed Monday · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 197 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 5
2

13:00–14:30 · ≈ EUR 10 adult · free on some days · check on the day

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum Landmark quest

Short walk away. Closed Monday.

Open Tue–Sun roughly 10:00–20:00 · closed Monday · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 498 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 5
3

15:30–16:30 · ≈ EUR 4–5 return funicular · check on the day

Artxanda viewpoint (Funicular de Artxanda)

Funicular up for the city view. Long hours, but check on the day.

Open Funicular roughly daily, long hours · check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ EUR 6
4

19:00–21:30 · ≈ EUR 35–60 guided, or pay per pintxo self-guided

Pintxos crawl in Casco Viejo

Evening crawl in the old town. Best Thursday to Saturday.

Open Evening, roughly 19:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 716 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 5

Swap in instead

Take the Artxanda funicular for a hilltop view over the city; a short ride and cheap ticket.
Day trip to the coast: train to Mundaka or Bermeo for fishing villages and the coast.
Swap a museum afternoon for the Bizkaia Bridge (Puente Colgante) in Getxo, a UNESCO site, by metro.

Getting around

Metro Bilbao is clean and fast; single tickets cost about €1.70-1.95 by zone.
The green Euskotren tram runs along the river past the Guggenheim; single ticket €1.50.
Bilbobus city buses are red with a flat fare; Bizkaibus green buses serve the province.
A Barik card costs €3 and saves money on metro, bus, tram and local trains.
Taxis are easy to find; ride apps like Uber and Bolt operate in Bilbao.
Driving is hard: hilly one-ways, works, and a low emissions zone. Walk or cycle instead.

Where to stay

Casco Viejo · ≈ EUR 70–160 a night
Old-town lanes, pintxos bars and the cathedral on your doorstep; metro and tram nearby.
Abando · ≈ EUR 90–220 a night
Central and handy: main train station, shops and a short walk to the Guggenheim.
Indautxu · ≈ EUR 80–190 a night
Quiet, local feel with good restaurants; between the old town and the museum district.
Deusto · ≈ EUR 60–140 a night
University area across the river; cheaper rooms and a short metro or tram ride to the centre.

Food & drink

Eat pintxos standing at the bar: small plates on bread, €2–4 each. Point at what you want and keep your toothpicks for the bill.
The Mercado de la Ribera by the river is a good stop for fresh produce and casual bites; check opening days on the day.
Try bacalao (salt cod) dishes and txakoli, the local slightly sparkling white wine.
Lunch is the main meal; many restaurants offer a menú del día around €12–18 on weekdays.
Dinner starts late, often after 20:30. Bars are busiest Thursday to Saturday.

Tips

Eat 'pintxos' (Basque-style tapas) in the Casco Viejo (Old Town) bars
The Guggenheim Museum is the city's crown jewel; allow plenty of time to explore
The Basque language (Euskara) is widely used alongside Spanish
Take the funicular up to Artxanda for a panoramic view of the mountains and city
The city is highly walkable and very safe for pedestrians

Sources for prices and hours

Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

Tours & activities

Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Zubizuri

Cruise the Nervión from the Pío Baroja Pier
See the city's iconic sights from the water
3,447 reviews · 4.2 rating

Audio guideRiver views

Set off on a one- or two-hour boat tour from the Pío Baroja Pier and discover Bilbao from the water. Cruise past the city's most iconic landmarks while listening to an informative audio guide.

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.2 (3,447)

$17View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

San Mames

Walk Athletic Club's home stadium
Visit the San Mamés Museum
1,727 reviews · 4.8 rating

Entry includedStadium tour

San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (1,727)

$19View tour

Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

Casco Viejo, Bilbao

Mercado de la Ribera

Sample Basque bites and local wine
Explore the old town on foot
1,066 reviews · 4.9 rating

Food and wineLocal guide

Bilbao: Basque Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Guide

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (1,066)

$107View tour

Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Zubizuri

Casco Viejo, Bilbao

Ride riverside paths past the main sights
Cover the city's past and present in 3 hours
801 reviews · 4.7 rating

E-bikeSmall group

Bilbao: Guided E-Bike Tour Highlights Small Group or Private

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (801)

$55View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Exclusive small-group museum visit
Learn the art and architecture with a local guide
781 reviews · 4.5 rating

Skip the lineExpert guide

Guggenheim VIP Experience. Small Group. Expert Guide

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.5 (781)

$107View tour

Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

Casco Viejo, Bilbao

Plaza Nueva

Walk the historic old town
Hear the city's stories from a local
462 reviews · 4.7 rating

Local guideOn foot

Walking tour in Bilbao with local guide

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (462)

$47View tour

Souvenirs

Basque Txakoli (white wine)

EUR 10–20750ml · estimate

Txakoli is a light, slightly fizzy white wine from the Basque Country. Bilbao sits in the Bizkaia region, where it is made.

Where: La Ribera Market wine shops or La Viña del Ensanche

Look for the Bizkaiko Txakolina DO label to confirm it is from the local appellation.

Basque cheese

EUR 12–25about 500g of sheep's milk cheese · estimate

Basque cheese is often made from sheep's milk and is a common regional product sold in Bilbao's markets.

Where: Mercado de la Ribera

Check for the DOP label to confirm the cheese has protected origin status.

Flights

Hotels

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Compare all 5 plans · choose data and duration

Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

Luggage storage

Store your bags in BilbaoDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce

Cost of a day

Exchange rate

Getting in

Getting around

Weather by month

Climate

Landmarks 8

Must-see · 7

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Casco Viejo, Bilbao

Mercado de la Ribera

Zubizuri

Artxanda Funicular

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

Plaza Nueva

Cultural

Museum 2

Old Town 1

Market 1

Historical Square 1

Bridge 1

Activities

Cable Car 1

Football Stadium 1

Day trips from Bilbao

Donostia / San Sebastián (San Sebastián) · 1 h 18 by road

What to see

Good to know

Plans

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Landmark quest

Zubizuri footbridge and river walk

Gran Vía and Plaza Moyúa walk

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum Landmark quest

Parque de Doña Casilda

Mercado de la Ribera

Casco Viejo, Bilbao Landmark quest

Indautxu food bars and market area

Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga)

Pintxos crawl in Casco Viejo

Catedral de Santiago

Casco Viejo, Bilbao Landmark quest

Mercado de la Ribera

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Landmark quest

Artxanda viewpoint (Funicular de Artxanda)

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Landmark quest

Parque de Doña Casilda

Indautxu food bars and market area

Zubizuri footbridge and river walk

Bilbao La Vieja street art walk

Pintxos crawl in Casco Viejo

Mercado de la Ribera

Casco Viejo, Bilbao Landmark quest

Catedral de Santiago

Indautxu food bars and market area

Zubizuri footbridge and river walk

Pintxos crawl in Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo, Bilbao Landmark quest

Catedral de Santiago

Mercado de la Ribera

Indautxu food bars and market area

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Landmark quest

Artxanda viewpoint (Funicular de Artxanda)

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Landmark quest

Zubizuri footbridge and river walk

Gran Vía and Plaza Moyúa walk

Indautxu food bars and market area

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum Landmark quest

Parque de Doña Casilda

Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga)

Bilbao La Vieja street art walk

Casco Viejo, Bilbao Landmark quest

Mercado de la Ribera

Casco Viejo, Bilbao Landmark quest

Catedral de Santiago

Pintxos crawl in Casco Viejo

Indautxu food bars and market area

Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga)

Deusto riverside walk

Gran Vía and Plaza Moyúa walk

Casco Viejo, Bilbao Landmark quest