Bilbao

Culinary & Nightlife

Explore Bilbao by bike like a local, on an easy 3-hour tour of all the city’s main sights, accompanied by a knowledgable guide who will tell you the history of the fascinating city and its 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. Encompassing contemporary and historic sites, the tour will 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. Cycle the narrow streets and wide plazas of the Casco Viejo (Old Town), and discover the site of the old city walls by the San Antón Bridge, linking Bilbao La Vieja and Casco Viejo.

Take a journey to mix with the locals. Take a tour through the bars of the old town of Bilbao with a local guide, who was born in Bilbao. This unique gastronomic experience is a must when visiting the Basque Country. Delve into the lifestyle and traditions of the inhabitants of Bilbao, explore the old part of the city and taste the most traditional pintxos.  Learn about the origin and development of the city by visiting four traditional places to taste typical pintxos, one of the specialties of the exquisite Basque cuisine. The pintxo is the Basque version of the Spanish tapa and is taken with a typical drink, usually wine or txakoli. They are delicious gourmet sandwiches that you can find everywhere.

The estuary of the Urdaibai River has many attractions that can be enjoyed in a short trip from Bilbao. The hermitage of Gaztelugatxe, which was the set for Dragonstone in the Game of Thrones series, is a good starting point. Whilst there, enjoy the sea views in contrast to the towering nearby mountain. Take your time and climb up the 241 stairs which take you to the top of Gaztelugatxe, where you can ring the bell three times according to tradition. Following that, the coastal town of Bermeo allows you to see firsthand how old fishing traditions are still maintained in the present day. You then travel from Bermeo to reach Gernika, where rural and agricultural traditions are mixed with their varied histories. Gernika is an important reference town in Basque history, being home to the ancient tree where the medieval kings of Spain swore to respect local laws. It is also where the German bombing took place during the Spanish Civil War, destroying much of the city. Finally, visit the Peace Museum in Gernika to receive a deep knowledge of Basque history. At the conclusion of your experience, your driver returns you back to Bilbao.

Depart Bilbao and head for Vitoria-Gasteiz to explore the capital city of the Basque Country. Take a guided walking tour through the center to see the cathedral, parliament and historical monuments of Plaza de la Virgen Blanca. Discover a medieval quarter in Plaza del Machete and admire the Church of San Miguel. Go to the Salinas de Añana salt flats and learn the history of the landscape. Continue to Orduña village and enjoy lunch at a typical restaurant in the medieval village of Balmaseda. Venture through the Ayala Valley and the mining area of ​​Bizkaia (Biscay) to reach the coast at Santurtzi and Portugalete, where you will cross the Vizcaya Bridge to Getxo.

Over 500 years of history will be explored on this walking tour. From the Cathedral of Santiago, Plaza Nueva, the Church of St. Anton and the ruins on which it stands, to the Mercado de la Ribera. This is where the town was born, this is where the port was, and from where the city opened to the world - serving as a bridge between northern Europe and the Hispanic kingdoms. You'll be guided by your professional tour guide in a small group. Learn the history that took place in the streets that Miguel de Unamuno once walked through. Your guide will also take you on a traditional “txikiteo” or “poteo” (bar crawl) to the area's most iconic bars.

This tour is designed to guide you into one of the oldest traditional "cave-cellars" in the area, dug 7-8 meters (23-26 feet) deep under the houses. This is a fabulous experience not to be missed! This activity also includes  tasting wines in one of the most famous local wineries. You can also tour 'Marques del Riscal' winery cellar/hotel, which was designed by Frank Gehry, the architect who designed the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. You will also walk along the medieval streets of Laguardia, one of the most charming towns in La Rioja area, before discovering local home-made food for lunch in an off the beaten track, non touristy restaurant.

Feel like you're stepping back in time as you take in the medieval vibe of Olite Castle. Wander narrow old streets and immerse yourself in the history of Navarre on this exciting guided tour. The modern world will melt away as you tour Olite Castle and its village. Take a deep dive into local history while enjoying scenic views of the local vineyards from the palace walls. Enjoy a lunch of local food and wine before heading off for Pamplona; famous for its running of the bulls. Chart the path of the bull-run as you wander the quaint old town and check out the medieval city walls.

Explore the Bilbao seaside by bike on this 2.5-hour fun and informative guided tour. Start your tour right at the feet of the iconic Vizcaya Bridge, where you’ll learn about its history, fun facts, and the present role of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a pleasant ride along the seaside, enjoy your first stop at Puerto Viejo. Beautiful and filled with history and anecdotes, you’ll have the freedom to roam and walk around its hidden corners and streets. Blend in among the locals and join them as we taste some world-famous pintxos (small snacks), and maybe a glass of wine, or a Caña for beer lovers.   You’ll then continue on to a few secret local spots before heading on to the route to the Cliffs where you’ll experience the Biscay coastline at its best. With its unmatched scenery, the majesty of the sea and fresh air will accompany you for one of the most beautiful bike routes in the Basque country.   After the tour, you can enjoy the beautiful Arrigunaga beach just meters away, grab a bite in one of its panoramic resto-bars, have a drink with your feet on the sand at the beach bar, or just read your book on the beach.

Savor delicious wines and local snacks with this group winery tour in Bilbao. Tour an organic and sustainable winery and learn more about the winemaking process from a professional winemaker. Walk through the vineyards and admire the serenity of the natural landscapes in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Find out more about the philosophy of the Bodega winery. Experience the terroir that creates their unique wines. Sip on two different Txakolis (a famous local sparkling, white wine that is very dry), during the tasting. Try some Idiazabal cheese with a typical bask appetizer of olives, anchovies, and peppers.

Enjoy a boat ride along the Bilbao River, pass important buildings including the Guggenheim Museum and the University of Deustro.  Stroll through the city on a walking tour, walk under the different bridges in Bilbao and to Casco Viejo. Finish the tour by tasting a  pintxo (tapa) and having a drink.