Bilbao Budget Day Trip: Culture and Cuisine

Experience the art, culture and cuisine of Bilbao on a shoestring budget.

21 June 2023

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.

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Day trip plan

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Day

The Best of Bilbao

  • Start the day at the Guggenheim Museum, an architectural masterpiece by Frank Gehry
  • Head to the nearby La Ribera Market, where locals shop for fresh produce and delicious snacks
  • Walk along the river towards the Casco Viejo, Bilbao's charming old town
  • Try some pintxos (Basque tapas) at Bar Zuga, a local favourite
  • Discover the history of Basque football at the San Mamés Stadium Museum
  • End the day with a stroll through the beautiful Doña Casilda Park
  • Places to Eat on a Budget:
  • Bar Zuga: A cosy and authentic spot in Casco Viejo with delicious pintxos
  • La Viña del Ensanche: Known for their affordable yet amazing Basque cuisine
  • Cafetería Bertiz: Perfect for a quick and budget-friendly breakfast or lunch
  • Don't Miss:
  • The famous spider sculpture at the entrance of the Guggenheim Museum
  • Plaza Nueva in Casco Viejo, home to some of the city's oldest and most picturesque buildings.
  • The stunning view of Bilbao from the top of Mount Artxanda, accessible by funicular.

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

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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