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Things to do in
Bilbao

This port city offers a pretty coastline, mountainous landscapes, and a taste of Basque culture and cuisine.

Our most recommended things to do in Bilbao

Bilbao: 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour

1. Bilbao: 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour

Embark on a sailing tour through the heart of Bilbao. Get a new perspective of this beautiful city from the estuary. The boat has a capacity of 80 people and seating both outside and inside. On the one-hour tour, set off from the City Hall Bridge in Pio Baroja Square through the heart of the Villa. Head toward Zorrozaurre riverbank and finally to the entrance of the Deusto Canal. Conclude the tour where you began. On the two-hour route, begin from the same jetty in Pio Baroja Square. Cruise past Bilbao's most significant landmarks and buildings and then on a tour of the estuary to the Puente Bizkaia area.  Listen to an audioguide, available in Spanish, Basque, English, French, German, and Italian, to pick up insights into the particular route being sailed and the history of the city and its buildings, bridges, and other constructions.

Bilbao: San Sebastián & S. Juan de Gaztelugatxe Guided Tour

2. Bilbao: San Sebastián & S. Juan de Gaztelugatxe Guided Tour

Explore the Basque Country with a guided tour starting in San Sebastian around the old town to see San Vicente's Church and the Basilica of Santa María del Coro. Step back in time as you learn about the local history and visit important sites such as the Plaza Mayor, Plaza Gipuzkoa, and Town Hall.  Enjoy the atmosphere of San Sebastián as you stroll around Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Constitución. Arrive at the port, one of the most important places in the area. Learn about the fires that devastated a large part of the town. Get your camera ready for photos of La Concha Bay.  Walk around the Town Hall, one of the finest buildings in the city, until arriving in the Ensanche de San Sebastián. Visit the city's lungs, Plaza Gipuzkoa and Plaza Okendo, greenspaces that are surrounded by the Urumea River. After the guided tour is finished, you will have some free time to explore or purchase some of the typical pintxos, or small plates. The tour will end in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an islet that can only be accessed by a pedestrian path. Go on a panoramic tour of the area and discover the area’s dreamlike cliffs which were featured in the HBO series, Game of Thrones.

Bilbao: San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour

3. Bilbao: San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour

Access the Museum between gates 19 and 20 of the famous San Mamés stadium where the tour visit begins. Then experience a unique insight into the world of football at grass level. Live the experience of a real-life footballer as you run out onto the field from the tunnel, wander through the locker rooms, and imagine the buzz of excitement in the press room. Along with the stadium tour, visit the modern and innovative Athletic Club museum, home to a wide selection of fascinating football memorabilia. Explore the museum and marvel at its collection of 500 original football-related objects that have been collected over more than a century. See the past and present of the club come to life as you admire trophies, costumes, graphics and audiovisual material celebrating the Red and Whites. There’s plenty to see and do at the museum with 4 audiovisual productions, 13 interactive systems, 600 videos, an immersive video-wall, and a playroom equipped with entertainment for all ages.

Bilbao: Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour

4. Bilbao: Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour

Your boat route to the sea through the Bilbao estuary and the Bahía del Abra will begin in the Biscayan capital, a few meters from the town hall bridge. From there, board a traditional boat with indoor and outdoor seating and enjoy a panoramic route along the Ría del Nervión. This trip can take up to 2 hours and 45 minutes. During it, visit places such as the Deusto Canal, the Portugalete Hanging Bridge, the city of Getxo, or the fishing port of Santurtzi.

From Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Gernika, and Mundaka Group Tour

5. From Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Gernika, and Mundaka Group Tour

Enjoy the best of Bizkaia region. First of all we will make the hike to the hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, 241 steps of rock, sea and wind that will take us to enjoy spectacular views. After returning to the starting point and taking a well-deserved rest, we will go to the charming fishing village of Mundaka, on the west bank of the Urdaibai River estuary, where we can see how the modernity of surfers mixes with the tradition of fishermen. in a villa with a unique appeal. Finally we're going to take a deep dive into the heart of Basque history by visiting the legendary Gernika tree and the tragic bombing of the village during the Spanish civil war. Picasso´s Gernika portrayal will be visited along the way. Approximate itinerary: 9:00 Departure from Bilbao 9:45 Arrival at the route of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and hike to the hermitage 11:30 Departure from the area and arrival in Mundaka. Guided walk through the town (pier, church, viewpoint of the Urdaibai estuary). A 20 minutes stop will be provided in a local restaurant (food is not included in the tour price) 1:00 Gernika village guided tour 3:00 Drop off in Bilbao

Bilbao: Basque Food Tour with Guide

6. Bilbao: Basque Food Tour with Guide

Join us on an unforgettable Bilbao pintxos tour that will take you on a culinary journey through the heart of the Basque Country. The Basque region is known for its exceptional cuisine, and pintxos are a unique part of that culinary tradition. These small, bite-sized dishes are typically served on a slice of bread and are often topped with seafood, cured meats, vegetables, and a variety of other flavorful ingredients. During our tour, you'll explore several neighborhoods of Bilbao and visit some of the city's most authentic pintxos bars and restaurants. Our knowledgeable guides will introduce you to the best places to try pintxos and will provide you with insider knowledge about the local food scene. You'll be able to taste a wide range of pintxos, each with its own distinct flavors and presentation. Our tour is not just about the food, however. It's also an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Bilbao and the Basque Country. Our guides will share fascinating stories and insights into the local area, giving you a unique perspective on this incredible part of Spain. You'll gain a greater appreciation for the Basque people, their customs, and their way of life. In addition to pintxos, you'll also have the opportunity to sample local wines, which pair perfectly with the flavors of the Basque Country. Our guides will help you choose the right wine to complement your pintxos, and will provide you with insights into the wine-making process and the history of the region's vineyards. Our pintxos tour is a social experience, and you'll have the chance to meet other food lovers from around the world. It's a great way to make new friends and share your love of good food and drink. Our tour lasts for 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to savor the flavors of Bilbao's pintxos and to explore the city's vibrant atmosphere. Our guides will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience and that you leave with a full belly and a greater understanding of this remarkable region. In summary, our Bilbao pintxos tour is an exceptional opportunity to explore the best of Basque cuisine and culture. You'll taste the flavors of the region, learn about its history and customs, and make lasting memories with fellow food lovers. Join us on this unforgettable adventure and discover the magic of Bilbao's pintxos scene!

From Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Gernika Tour

7. From Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Gernika Tour

Departure from Bilbao and direct transfer to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, where we will have two free hours to make the journey across the stone bridge with 241 steps to the top. Gaztelugatxe was one of the places where Game of Thrones was filmed, so as we cross the bridge, it will seem as if we are ascending to Dragonstone. Next, we will leave Gaztelugatxe behind to visit the Biscayan town of Bermeo, a beautiful fishing village with a deep-rooted seafaring tradition, where we will take a walking tour. Our last stop will be Gernika, the Basque town that gives its name to the famous painting by Pablo Picasso, where we will visit its Assembly Hall, one of the few buildings that survived the bombing that took place during the civil war, and its famous Tree of Gernika, a symbol of Basque society.

From Bilbao: Biarritz, Saint Jean de Luz, San Sebastian Tour

8. From Bilbao: Biarritz, Saint Jean de Luz, San Sebastian Tour

Explore Biarritz and the delightful coastal village of Saint Jean de Luz on this full-day guided tour from Bilbao. Feel a salty breeze near the coast, marveling at the expanse of the blue ocean. Tuck into a tasty local treat before heading into Spain to visit San Sebastian's charming streets. We begin the tour with a guided visit to Biarritz in the French Basque Country, a summer resort for the European Royalty. Discover the best views of the city and its most famous corners. Head to Saint Jean de Luz, a quaint coastal village where you will have time to enjoy the charming streets. Finally, stop in San Sebastian with free time for lunch and to discover the old town, followed by a visit to Mount Igueldo with its spectacular panoramic views over the city. Tasting of local gourmet basque sweet included.

Bilbao: Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide

9. Bilbao: Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide

Our pintxo discovery experience begins with a briefing at our shop @TourneBilbao. We want you to understand the importance of food in how we relate to each other and the special little tricks to doing it like a local. The Ribera Market, the largest covered food market in Europe and where Michelin star bosses and ordinary citizens stock up on some of the best food the city has to offer Then it's time to dive into the old town and its hidden secrets, so our first stop would be one of the classic bars where the "txikiteros", the local wine drinkers, sing songs as they drink. If we are lucky, we have the option to share with them a wine and a classic aperitif discussing the traditions and symbols of the Basque Country. Next, we will go to the emblematic Plaza Nueva, to taste 2 pintxos and learn about the local Basque wine: Txakoli in one of its local bars. Once we have visited the old town, we will cross the river to enter the Ensanche, the economic center of the city. We will visit a very historic bar and we will have the opportunity to taste Rioja wines, as well as pintxos that mix the most advanced cuisine with the most traditional flavors of local products. Your tour ends here, where you will not only be filled with delicious pintxos, but also gain a new insight into the local culture and traditions. And most importantly, you will feel like an authentic Bilbaíno.

Bilbao: Guided Highlights Small Group E-Bike Tour

10. Bilbao: Guided Highlights Small Group E-Bike Tour

Explore Bilbao by bike like a local on a guided tour past all the city’s main sights like the magnificent Guggenheim Museum. Uncover the history of this fascinating city and learn about its stunning old and new attractions. Departing from the central Calle de Villarias, follow your guide along bike lanes and pedestrianized streets to avoid the busy traffic. Follow the course of the river to learn why it was essential to the development of the city. Peddle by contemporary and historic sites and stop at the dramatic Guggenheim Museum, which opened on the banks of the Nervión River and was designed by the architect Frank Gehry in the 1990s.  Marvel at the Euskalduna Conference Centre, built on the site of the old shipyards, and see the new San Mamés football stadium. Explore historic Bilbao at sites such as the Neo-baroque Teatro Arriaga.  Learn the history of the narrow streets and wide plazas of the Casco Viejo (Old Town), and discover how the old city walls by the San Antón Bridge link Bilbao La Vieja and Casco Viejo.

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Frequently asked questions about Bilbao

What top attractions are a must-see in Bilbao?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Bilbao?

The best day trips and excursions from Bilbao are:

San Sebastián

Other Sightseeing Options in Bilbao

Want to discover all there is to do in Bilbao? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Bilbao

Overall rating

4.6
(1,604 reviews)

Absolutely fantastic tour from start to finish. Our guide Pilar was very friendly and knowledgeable, making sure everyone was happy and stuck together at every moment. We first set off to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, there was an easier option for people who didn't want to do the hike up to the chapel. Be aware that if you do the hike (approx 1.5 hours) it can be challenging but it's definitely worth it for the views. I don't think I would have changed a single thing about the tour. I highly recommend to anyone looking to explore these beautiful parts of the Basque Country

Our guide Andres was amazing, his knowledge and organisation of the group was incredible 😊 We had a big group ourselves with family members of different ages and we all enjoyed very much. It was my husbands birthday and it wasn’t too hard for the team to help organise something special for the whole group also. Thank you so much for making this day amazing 🤩

This tour was my favorite part during my trip to Spain. It went above and beyond my expectations, and I left the tour feeling like I learned plenty of new things while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Basque country. If you're think about booking this, do it now!

Javier was truly excellent. Native of Bilbao. Knowledgeable, understands the city history, the context of the origination of the museum, the architecture, the museum experiences, the masterpieces. Highly recommended.

There was a minor defect on the bike along the way, but it was resolved neatly