Bilbao 7 Day Itinerary

July 20, 2024

Bilbao Travel Itinerary (7 Days)

Morning: Arrive at Bilbao Airport and take the bus (A3247) or taxi to your accommodation in the city centre.
Afternoon: Visit the Guggenheim Museum (open from 10am to 8pm), a must-see attraction in Bilbao. Take a stroll along the Nervión River and explore the surrounding area, including the Abandoibarra Etorbidea, a beautiful promenade.
Evening: Head to the Old Town (Casco Viejo) for dinner at La Ribera, a traditional Basque restaurant serving delicious pintxos. Try some local cider at Sidrería El Tigre.
Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Carlton Bilbao or NH Collection Villa de Bilbao, both centrally located and comfortable.

Morning: Take a short train ride (EuskoTren) to Getxo, a charming coastal town. Visit the stunning Puente Colgante (Hanging Bridge), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Afternoon: Relax at Ereaga Beach or take a scenic walk along the coast to Algorta, enjoying the views of the Cantabrian Sea.
Evening: Return to Bilbao and enjoy dinner at El Txomin, serving modern Basque cuisine. Don’t miss the Bilbao Nightlife in the Old Town, with many bars and clubs.

Morning: Visit the Rioja Alavesa wine region, about an hour’s drive from Bilbao. Stop at Laguardia, a picturesque town surrounded by vineyards.
Afternoon: Take a guided tour at Bodegas Muga, a renowned winery. Enjoy lunch at Asador Etxebarri, serving traditional Basque dishes.
Evening: Return to Bilbao and explore the trendy Indautxu neighborhood, known for its street art and alternative vibe.

Morning: Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum), featuring an impressive collection of Basque and Spanish art.
Afternoon: Attend a performance at the Teatro Arriaga, a beautiful theatre with a rich cultural program.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Salita, serving creative, farm-to-table cuisine. Don’t miss the lively atmosphere in the Plaza Nueva.

Morning: Take the funicular to Mount Artxanda, offering breathtaking views of Bilbao and its surroundings.
Afternoon: Hike down to the Basurto neighborhood, known for its vibrant street art. Visit the Mercado de la Ribera, a bustling marketplace with local products.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at El Perro Chico, serving delicious burgers and craft beer.

Morning: Take a short train ride (EuskoTren) to Portugalete, a charming town with a rich industrial heritage. Visit the Vizcaya Bridge, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Afternoon: Explore the historic centre of Portugalete, including the Church of Santa María and the Town Hall.
Evening: Return to Bilbao and enjoy a farewell dinner at La Olla de Nerea, serving traditional Basque cuisine.

Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions.
Afternoon: Depart from Bilbao Airport, bringing back memories of your wonderful trip to Bilbao!

Things to Know

Bilbao is a walkable city, but you can also use the efficient public transportation system (Bilbobus and EuskoTren).
Try to avoid visiting during peak tourist season (June to August) for smaller crowds.
Don’t forget to try some delicious pintxos and local cider!
Be prepared for variable weather, typical of the Basque Country.

Tips

Book your accommodations and popular attractions in advance to avoid long queues.
Learn some basic Basque phrases to appreciate the local culture more.
Take a guided tour to discover hidden gems and insider knowledge.

Transportation

Bilbao Airport (BIO) is about 9 km from the city centre. Use buses, taxis, or private transfers to get to your accommodation.
The city has an efficient public transportation system, including buses (Bilbobus) and trains (EuskoTren).
You can also walk or take a taxi for shorter distances.

Other Things of Interest

Festivals: Bilbao hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Bilbao BBK Live music festival and the Bilbao International Festival of Documentary and Short Films.
Day Trips: Consider visiting other nearby destinations, like San Sebastián, Vitoria-Gasteiz, or the beautiful Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.