Fall in Love with Bilbao: A 5-Day Romantic Getaway

Experience romance in the heart of Basque country with a trip to Bilbao, Spain.

22 April 2023

Discover the beauty of Bilbao on a romantic trip by exploring the historic streets, admiring the architecture and enjoying exquisite Basque cuisine. Visit the famous Guggenheim Museum and stroll in the lush greenery of the Parque de Doña Casilda. Fall in love with the city's vibrant cultural scene, charming atmosphere and stunning vistas of the Nervión River.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival in Bilbao

  • Check into the Hotel Miró, a modern and stylish hotel located in the heart of Bilbao
  • Explore the historic Old Town, filled with narrow streets and vibrant cafes
  • Wander through the Ribera Market, where locals buy fresh produce and seafood
  • Enjoy a pintxo crawl, sampling Basque tapas in various bars
  • End the evening with a drink at the rooftop bar of the Hotel Silken Gran Domine for stunning views of the city and Guggenheim Museum
Day 2

Art and Architecture

  • Visit the Guggenheim Museum, a world-renowned architectural masterpiece hosting an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art
  • Take a walk along the Ría de Bilbao riverside, enjoying the bridges and public artwork
  • Head to the Fine Arts Museum to see works from Basque artists as well as international galleries
  • Take a guided tour of Azkuna Zentroa, an innovative cultural center housed in a converted wine warehouse
  • Enjoy traditional Basque cuisine at Restaurante Bilbao Berria, a popular spot that combines classic Basque flavors with modern innovation
Day 3

Day trip to San Sebastian

  • Spend the day in nearby San Sebastian, one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Spain
  • Relax on La Concha Beach, a stunning crescent-shaped beach with crystal clear waters
  • Visit the picturesque Old Town, filled with vibrant pintxo bars and restaurants
  • Hike up to Igeldo Mountain for panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay and the cityscape
  • Feast on Basque cuisine at Bar Nestor, famous for its delicious tortilla de patata and grilled meats
Day 4

Nature and Outdoor Activities

  • Take a cable car up to Mount Artxanda for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscapes
  • Go for a hike in the nearby Urkiola Natural Park, a beautiful area filled with lush green forests and rocky mountain peaks
  • Rent a bike and cycle along the Bilbao River to the Galdames Path, an ancient pilgrimage route through scenic countryside
  • Visit the Forestal Park, an exciting adventure park with zip lines, rope bridges, and obstacle courses
  • Treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the Hotel Miró's wellness center
Day 5

Shopping and Farewell

  • Explore the chic El Ensanche neighborhood, filled with designer boutiques and gourmet food shops
  • Visit the Euskalduna Palace, a beautiful building that hosts concerts, performances, and exhibitions
  • Take a stroll in the beautiful Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at the Michelin-starred Azurmendi, known for its avant-garde Basque cuisine and eco-friendly philosophy
  • End your trip with a nightcap at the elegant and sophisticated Café Iruña, a historic and iconic Bilbao institution.

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 Budget Day Trip: Culture and Cuisine

A trip to Bilbao, Spain on a limited budget can still be full of culture and excitement. Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum for a small fee, take a stroll through the old town of Casco Viejo and enjoy tapas and local wine in the bars and restaurants, and take advantage of the city's excellent public transportation to explore the coastline and nearby towns.

Fall in Love with Bilbao: A 5-Day Romantic Getaway

Discover the beauty of Bilbao on a romantic trip by exploring the historic streets, admiring the architecture and enjoying exquisite Basque cuisine. Visit the famous Guggenheim Museum and stroll in the lush greenery of the Parque de Doña Casilda. Fall in love with the city's vibrant cultural scene, charming atmosphere and stunning vistas of the Nervión River.

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.