Bilbao Bash: A 4-Day Budget Adventure

Experience the Basque charm of Bilbao without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Bilbao is a vibrant and cultural city in the northern part of Spain, serving as a perfect destination for budget travelers. The Guggenheim Museum, a symbol of this city, is a must-see as well as the Casco Viejo district, which is bustling with street performers and delicious pintxos. Travelers can save a fortune on food and drink by exploring the local markets and enjoying the benefits of the thriving Basque cuisine.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Art and Culture

  • Start your day with a visit to the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
  • Walk along the riverside and take in the stunning architecture of the Deusto University
  • Head to the Fine Arts Museum of Bilbao for a glimpse into Basque art and history
  • Stroll through the old town and discover the street art scene of Bilbao
  • End the day with a pintxo crawl in Plaza Nueva, a buzzing square filled with charming bars and restaurants
  • Hotel recommendation: Bilbao Aterpetxea Hostel, a comfortable and affordable option located a short metro ride from the city center.
Day 2

Basque Culinary Delights

  • Start the day with a traditional Basque breakfast of coffee and toast with tomato and olive oil
  • Take a cooking class and learn how to make pintxos, the famous Basque tapas
  • Visit the Mercado de la Ribera, one of the largest indoor markets in Europe, and sample some local produce
  • Have lunch at a sidrería and taste the refreshing Basque cider
  • End the day with dinner at one of Bilbao's Michelin-starred restaurants, like Azurmendi or Mina
Day 3

Mountains and Sea

  • Take a day trip to the charming seaside town of Getxo and walk along its elegant promenade
  • Visit the stunning Puente Colgante, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest transporter bridges in the world
  • Drive up to Mount Artxanda for panoramic views of Bilbao and its surroundings
  • Have lunch at a traditional Basque farmhouse, like Asador Etxebarri, renowned for its grilled meats and vegetables
  • Return to Bilbao and enjoy a sunset cocktail at the rooftop bar of the Hotel Silken Gran Domine, overlooking the Guggenheim Museum
Day 4

Urban Adventure

  • Rent a bike and discover the green side of Bilbao by cycling along the riverside
  • Visit the Azkuna Zentroa, a cultural center housed in a former wine warehouse with a stunning glass-bottom swimming pool
  • Explore the trendy neighborhood of San Francisco, filled with street art, vintage shops, and hip cafes
  • Have lunch at a traditional Basque tavern, like La Vina del Ensanche, and try some hearty stews and casseroles
  • Say farewell to Bilbao with a glass of txakoli, the local white wine, at a pintxo bar in the buzzing Casco Viejo. Adiós, Bilbo!

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

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