3-Day Romantic Getaway: Bilbao, Spain

Fall in love with Basque country in Bilbao - where romance meets culture.

22 April 2023

The city of Bilbao, located in northern Spain, offers a perfect romantic getaway for couples. From its vibrant culture and cuisine to its breathtaking architecture, Bilbao presents a unique and unforgettable experience. Explore its many attractions, including the iconic Guggenheim Museum and enjoy cozy evenings in warm and inviting cafes and bars.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Old City

  • Check into Hotel Carlton, a luxurious hotel with stunning views of the city and an elegant atmosphere
  • Wander through the Casco Viejo, the charming historic neighborhood of Bilbao, stopping at the Gothic Cathedral of Santiago and the Plaza Nueva along the way
  • Visit the Mercado de la Ribera, the largest covered market in Europe, to try some pintxos (small snacks) and fresh seafood
  • Learn about the city's industrial history at the Euskal Museoa Bilbao and the Museo Marítimo Ría de Bilbao
  • End the day with drinks and live music at the atmospheric Café La Granja or Taberna Plaza Nueva
Day 2

Guggenheim and Art

  • Begin the day with a leisurely breakfast at Café Iruña, a historic, Belle Époque café with gorgeous interiors
  • Walk to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of modern architecture, and explore its impressive contemporary art collection
  • Take a stroll along the Nervión River, admiring the stunning views of the museum and the city skyline
  • Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, an outstanding museum with a vast collection of classic art and contemporary exhibitions
  • Stop for lunch at Restaurante Etxanobe, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative Basque cuisine
  • Relax in the evening with a romantic dinner at the cozy Bitoque, where traditional Basque dishes meet modern techniques and flavors
Day 3

Nature and Relaxation

  • Drive to the Urkiola Natural Park, a breathtaking natural reserve with stunning mountains, forests, and landscapes
  • Take a hike through the park, stopping at the Sanctuary of Urkiola and the impressive Anboto peak along the way
  • Enjoy a picnic in the park, savoring local cheese, wine, and bread under the shade of a tree
  • Drive back to the city and unwind at the Termas de la Virgen, a thermal spa with relaxing baths, massages, and treatments
  • End the trip with a delicious dinner at the charming Asador Etxebarri, a rustic grill-house with excellent roasted meats, fish, and vegetables.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Bilbao by plane is to fly to Bilbao Airport, which is located approximately 12 kilometers north of the city center. Many major airlines offer direct flights to Bilbao from cities across Europe and beyond.

Car

Traveling by car is a convenient way to explore the Basque Country, including Bilbao. Visitors can rent a car from major cities such as San Sebastian or explore the area on a self-guided road trip.

Train

While there are no direct train services to Bilbao from other parts of Europe, travelers can take a high-speed train to nearby cities such as San Sebastian or Vitoria-Gasteiz and then transfer to a local train or bus bound for Bilbao.

Boat

While there are no direct boat services to Bilbao, travelers can take a ferry from the UK or France to Santander or other port cities in northern Spain and then travel to Bilbao by train or bus.

Bus

Buses are a popular and affordable way to travel to Bilbao from other cities in Spain and beyond. Major bus companies such as ALSA and Eurolines offer services to Bilbao from cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris.

Destination

Bilbao

This city in the north is like the Peter Pan of the Basque region; it never seems to age! With its ever-evolving landscape, Bilbao is surely a sight to behold.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Basque in the Best of Bilbao

A trip to Bilbao, Spain on a limited budget is possible with careful planning and budgeting. Visitors can explore the city's iconic museums, such as the Guggenheim Museum, and enjoy traditional pintxos from local bars at affordable prices. Staying in budget-friendly accommodation options, such as hostels or Airbnb rentals, can also help stretch your budget further.

Bilbao Bliss: A 2-Day Family Adventure on a Budget

Bilbao, located in the heart of Spain’s Basque Country, is a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip. From its striking contemporary architecture to its world-class museums, including the iconic Guggenheim Museum, there are endless cultural experiences to enjoy. Families can also explore the beautiful beaches nearby, indulge in delicious Basque cuisine, and participate in outdoor activities like hiking or biking in the stunning surrounding countryside.

Basque-ing in the Beauty of Bilbao

Bilbao, Spain is an ideal destination for art lovers, foodies and those who enjoy modern architecture. A trip to Bilbao should include a visit to the impressive Guggenheim Museum, tasting traditional pintxos (tapas) in the lively Old Town and admiring the stunning metallic curves of the Zubizuri Bridge. Additionally, exploring the charming fishing village of Getaria and enjoying some Txakoli (Basque white wine) should not be missed during a trip to Bilbao.

Experience the Best of Bilbao in 3 Days

Bilbao, situated in the Basque Country, is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and foodies alike. It is home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, which is one of the top art institutions in the world. The city is also known for its delicious pintxos and traditional Basque cuisine, making it a food lover's paradise.