Basque-ing in the Beauty of Bilbao

Discover the ultimate blend of art, culture, and cuisine in Bilbao, Spain.

22 April 2023

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.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Discovering the Best of Bilbao

  • Start your morning with a visit to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, an architectural masterpiece with intricate curves and angles. Get lost in its world-famous contemporary and modern art collections.
  • Take a stroll to the Old Town, known as the Casco Viejo. Explore its narrow streets, discover local shops, and stop by the Cathedral of Santiago, a stunning Gothic cathedral.
  • Indulge in some traditional pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, at La Viña del Ensanche, a charming bar with a vintage feel. Try the croquettes or the chorizo in cider.
  • Head to San Mamés Stadium for a tour of the football arena. This impressive stadium is home to Athletic Club de Bilbao, one of the oldest football clubs in Spain.
  • Take a walk on the Deusto Bridge, which connects the two neighborhoods of Deusto and Uribarri. Enjoy the views of the river and the city skyline.
  • End your day with a visit to the Arriaga Theater, the most important theater in Bilbao. Check out the schedule for concerts or plays, or just admire its beautiful façade.
  • Bon Appétit!
  • Endulge yourself in the gourmet restaurant "Azurmendi". Experience a world-class, environmentally-driven cuisine using vegetables grown on the property in their own greenhouses.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

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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

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Type of trip

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Bilbao Bliss: A 3-Day Family Adventure on a Budget

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