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If you’re looking for the perfect Bilbao itinerary for 2 days in Bilbao, you’ve come to the right place! This post contains my favorite things to do when you have just a couple of days in the city. But firstly, I want to share how I ended up in Bilbao in the first place, as it’s not one of the most popular Spanish cities to visit.
I’d first heard about Bilbao back in 2010 when a friend was planning to study abroad there. I didn’t understand why she’d choose it over Barcelona or Madrid but when I finally visited several years later, I realized that I’d overlooked a highly underrated gem of a city. Bilbao is an architectural beauty and is home to every type of building, from old Gothic cathedrals to ultra modern pieces of art.
The good news is that you can see the highlights of the city in just a couple of days, which is handy since most visitors tend to spend only 48 hours in Bilbao. So without further ado: the perfect Bilbao itinerary for a weekend in Bilbao.
Table of Contents
Arrival in Bilbao
In an ideal world, you’ll arrive the evening before your first full day in Bilbao and get a good night’s sleep. Bilbao is a port city and is easily accessible by pretty much every mode of transportation: plane, car, bus, train, and cruise ship. (Check out all your transportation options here). I had been in San Sebastian before visiting Bilbao, so I took an hour-long bus directly to the city. However, if you fly into Bilbao airport, you can easily get to your hotel via bus or by using a private transfer.
Bilbao Itinerary – Day One in Bilbao, Spain
Breakfast at Cafe Iruña
For breakfast like the locals do, head to Cafe Iruña, a historic cafe and bar in Bilbao. Started in 1903, it has truly spectacular and intricate decor, making it look more like the inside of a cathedral than a cafe. But most importantly, is the food, right? The food is delicious – they offer a mini menu of the day for breakfast which includes a coffee, an orange juice and either a pintxo or pastry for less than €4. Because lunch is such a huge affair in Spain, most people start their day with a light breakfast and eat a 3-course lunch. If a heavier meal is what you’re after, walk for 10 minutes to Charamel Gozotegia for delicious eats.
Ride the Funicular de Artxanda
I always like heading to viewpoints first thing in the morning so that’s the first thing on your Bilbao itinerary (you can also go at sunset for some beautiful views if you wish). The Funicular de Artxanda is more or less a glorified cable car, but for €4 round-trip, you’re rewarded with a five-minute ride and stunning views of the city. Not only do you get to enjoy the views on your way up, but the scene at the top of Mount Artxanda is far from shabby. The whole experience feels like you’re escaping the city a bit, even though you’re just a quick ride up the mountain.
If you’re lucky enough to catch some good weather, this is an excellent place to have a scenic park picnic. I got caught in a downpour, so I ended up walking with my umbrella and singin’ in the rain instead. If you’re looking for a good workout, you can even walk up or down the mountain rather than take the funicular, but I was too lazy for that (I blame the weather). It opens at 7:15 AM until 10 PM so you can pretty much visit whenever.
Spend the day at the Guggenheim
The Guggenheim Museum is easily the most popular attraction in Bilbao and a must-visit on any Bilbao itinerary. The cool thing about this famous modern and contemporary art museum is that the outside is just as cool (or even cooler?) than the inside, with tons of fascinating sculptures and pieces. The architecture is stunning (I mean, Frank Gehry can do no wrong in my book), and despite its obscure shape, it doesn’t feel out of place amongst the other architectural works of art in Bilbao.
Don’t forget to walk all around the outside of the museum – you’ll run into the giant creepy spider in the front and the famous puppy made of flowers in the back. Several amazing artists and architects have contributed both to the exterior and interior of the Guggenheim, so be sure not to miss it, even if you only have 2 days in Bilbao. Tip: Buy your tickets ahead of time to avoid waiting in a long line!
Lunch at Mercado de La Ribera
I don’t know about you but I love a good food market and try to visit one in each city I go. Bilbao is no exception to this, home to the part gastronomic marketplace and part upscale food court that is Mercado de la Ribera. Located on the river, this market offers a plethora of options – everything from traditional and modern pintxos to grilled meats to drinks and desserts. Plus, as the largest food market in Bilbao, even the pickiest of eaters are guaranteed to find something good to eat here.
Note: Pintxos are the Basque version of tapas, but they’re eaten (and charged for) a little differently. Check out my guide on how to order and eat pintxos so you blend in while in Bilbao.
Meander through Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s old town, is fairly small, but that only adds to its quirky charm. Its colored buildings, small balconies, and adorable shops make it a great place for people watching. It is also where you can find Plaza Nueva, a giant square that serves as a perfect stop for some pintxos and people watching. Since Bilbao is a stop on the famous Camino de Santiago route, you’re bound to run into hikers and backpackers. If you like old architecture, the Gothic Santiago Cathedral is an excellent church to explore. Casco Viejo is quite the lively quarter on weekends, with people drinking, eating, and shopping all throughout town. I recommend just wandering through on foot and stopping at whatever buildings and shops you find interesting! It’s the best way to spend a few hours.
Dinner at Irrintzi
Pintxos and anywhere and everywhere in Bilbao, but if unique and modern pintxos is what you’re after, you have to visit Irrintzi! This pintxos bar was swarmed with both locals and tourists alike when we went, so it’s clearly quite the popular spot. They offer some unique pintxos such as monkfish with gazpacho, beef with spinach mousse, and garlic with watermelon jelly and shrimp. Definitely a change from the usual bread with meat version found at your average pintxo bar. It’s a great place to start your pintxo bar-hopping for the night, as there are plenty of food options nearby.
In Bilbao, people eat pintxos for dinner starting at around 9pm or so. Most of your food options will be out on the counter, and you’ll pay at the end of your meal based on the number of skewer sticks you have. For a full etiquette guide on ordering pintxos, check out this post. The rules are pretty similar in San Sebastian and Bilbao.
Bilbao Itinerary – Day Two in Bilbao, Spain
Breakfast at Sua San
Located just minutes from the Museum of Fine Arts, Sua San is an excellent place to start your day. If you’re in BIlbao over a weekend, you’ll have the choice of a hearty brunch menu of the day for €12.50. It includes your choice of an egg dish, dessert, as well as coffee and orange juice. If a lighter breakfast is what you’re after, you’ll have plenty of choices ranging from bagels to eggs to pastries. Plus, its convenient location near the museum can’t be beat!
Museum of Fine Arts
Next, cross the plaza to the Museum of Fine Arts for a morning immersing yourself in art. It has everything from classical to contemporary art, focusing primarily on Spanish and European artists. Many claim that this museum is better than the Guggenheim (I guess it’s all subjective) but either way, if you’re at all interested in the paintings and sculptures of the past, definitely check it out. Bonus: admission is free after 6 PM, so if you’re a bit on the fence about it, you can always shift this to the end of the Bilbao itinerary instead.
Stroll down Gran Via
No matter which city you visit in Spain, the sign for Gran Via can only mean one thing – shopping! While I’m not much of a shopper, window-shopping and people watching are always a good time. You’ll run into tons of cute plazas, cafes, and stores on Gran Via in Bilbao. Veer slightly off the main road and you’ll find parks, churches, and small independent shops. Bilbao is a very easy city to “get lost in” and stumble upon some cool spots.
Lunch at Restaurante Ágape
Great service, spectacular food, and reasonable prices – what more could you want out of a restaurant? Hence, my recommendation to eat at Restaurante Ágape for lunch – specifically, the menu del dia (menu of the day). In fact, newspaper El País named their menu of the day one of the top 20 in the whole country, which is super impressive. Here you’ll find generous portions of cooked-to-perfection Spanish-European dishes in an unassuming ambiance. You really can’t go wrong.
Cross the Zubizuri Bridge
At this point, you’ll probably be full from lunch and what better way to digest than with a walk along the river? In case the photos don’t make it super clear, Bilbao is an architecture lover’s dream. If the buildings don’t astonish you, then the bridges definitely will – especially the famous Zubizuri (great name, right?). Zubizuri translates to “white bridge” in Basque, and is a footbridge that crosses the Nervion River. It offers spectacular photo opportunities for the museum and the river, and is the easiest way to get to the Guggenheim. Chances are you’ve already crossed it by this point in your 2 days in Bilbao, but if not – head there post-lunch to marvel at the architectural wonder and snap some shots. This picture-perfect spot is a must add to any Bilbao itinerary.
Check out the awesome Azkuna Zentroa Cultural Center
Next, head back to your next stop, Azkuna Zentroa. This arts and cultural center is one of Bilbao’s most spectacular buildings. Once the wine exchange market, it has been recently refurbished into an “Atrium of Cultures” featuring 43 columns of different architectural styles and materials. Inside, the center is a multi-disciplinary space with exhibitions, a movie theater, a cafe, a pool, and more. It’s a lovely community building well-worth the visit during your 48 hours in Bilbao.
Go on a food tour OR have dinner at Gure Toki
At this point, it’s time for dinner OR a food tour, if you’re feeling up for it! If you choose to do the Original Bilbao Food Tour, you’ll spend several hours eating your way through the Old Town and Downtown of Bilbao, sampling 14-15 different foods and drinks. Not only will you taste both traditional and modern eats around the city but you’ll also learn about the food and historical culture of Bilbao. I highly recommend squeezing in a food tour even if you only have 2 days in Bilbao! Book it here.
If you’re not up for a food tour, then be sure to hit up Gure Toki for dinner, a tiny, unassuming pintxos bar in Plaza Nueva serving some amazing fusion pintxos. It doesn’t look like much but the food here is on another level – everything is so mouthwateringly delicious. You can choose pintxos off the counter or order stuff off the menu and there’s both indoor and outdoor seating, although it can definitely get crowded during peak hours. Luckily, the service is quick (and friendly, which is an impressive combination). Definitely worth the visit!
Best things to do in Bilbao in 3 days and beyond
Good news – there are even more things to do in and around Bilbao if you have the time. I’ve included some of my favorite options below!
Check out local street art
One of my favorite things to do new cities to check out local street art. Like food, it says so much about the culture and values of a city and a country and it’s always amazing to see visual expression with no rules. If you’re like me, you should definitely consider this street art tour, which offers a deeper look into the creative side of Bilbao (arguably one of the artsiest cities in Spain). Plus you’ll visit a few different neighborhoods, learn about some surprising building transformations, and get snacks and drinks! What’s not to love? Book it here.
Discover Bilbao by Kayak
You’ve seen Bilbao by foot so consider exploring it through a different mode of transportation – kayak! Choose from a 1 or 2 hour guided tour through the river and visit several landmarks and bridges of the city. Plus, you’ll get a good workout in, which is always fun. Book it here.
Take a day trip to Gaztelugatxe
This full-day tour will take you to the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a spectacular rocky island topped with a castle! The views from here are epic and the location is made famous by Game of Thrones (the real life Dragonstone). You’ll also visit Bermeo, the most important fishing port in the region as well as Gernika, the town that inspired the famous Picasso painting, Guernica. But the true highlight of this tour is Gaztelugatxe and I love that you get to spend plenty of time there. Book it here.
Visit the popular cities of Basque Country
If you’re interested in visiting some of the other cool and popular cities in the Basque Country, this tour is for you! You’ll visit four different spots on this full-day adventure: San Sebastian, Biarritz, St Jean de Luz, and Hondarriba. The coolest thing about this tour is the myriad of landscapes and cultures you’ll experience: everything from a small fishing town to a stunning mountain landscape to a popular tourist city. It’s an excellent way to get an overview of the Basque region, especially if you aren’t doing a road trip. Book the tour here.
Learn to cook like a local
Get your chef’s hat and apron ready and prepare to learn the secrets of Bilbao’s delicious cuisine! In this cooking class, you’ll be taken to a private villa in the mountains, where you’ll learn to cook with a local chef. You’ll get to use local ingredients from the property itself, all while being treated to plenty of delicious local snacks, like cheese and olive oil. Of course, you’ll get to enjoy the pintxos you learn how to make – overall, it’s a pretty yummy foodie experience! Book it here.
Eat your way through the city
I know I already mentioned the Bilbao food tour above but just in case you don’t get a chance to do it during your first 2 days in Bilbao and you do have some extra time on your Bilbao itinerary, you should definitely consider it. Book it here.
Best time to visit Bilbao
Unlike the rest of Spain, because of its location in the Northwest, Bilbao can actually be visited in the summer. It doesn’t get uncomfortably hot and isn’t as popular amongst tourists compared to other cities, so you won’t find ridiculous summer crowds, either. That being said, if you’re planning to visit multiple cities in Spain, opt for spring or fall for temperate weather and fewer crowds throughout the country.
March – June: The weather starts to warm up in March into April, making spring one of the best times to visit. May is the best month to visit for optimal weather and prices (as is September).
September – October: September, like May, is another great month to visit: the weather is still nice but most tourists are gone. Weather starts to cool down somewhat significantly in October. By November, you can expect solid winter temperatures (at least by Spanish standards).
Is Bilbao safe?
Bilbao is a really safe city – I wandered around solo both during the day and in the evening and never once felt unsafe. However, just like in any city, it’s important to always be vigilant of your surroundings and belongings. Pickpocketing is a common issue in major Spanish cities. I always avoid this by traveling with a lockable purse and keeping an eye on my belongings, especially in crowded areas. Also, this is your friendly PSA to always buy travel insurance (World Nomads is my go-to), not wander into sketchy areas at night, and keep your valuables in your hotel safe. Overall, Bilbao is as safe as most major cities – just don’t be dumb or flashy
Where to Stay in Bilbao
If it’s your first time in Bilbao, I highly recommend staying in the city center. A large majority of places you’ll be visiting are in this area and in the Old Town and are easily accessible by foot. I specifically recommend Barceló Bilbao Nervión, the hotel I stayed at. It couldn’t have been more perfect. The location was walking distance from pretty much everywhere, but was far enough away from the Old Town to be quiet. The service exceeded expectations with everyone going above and beyond to ensure my stay was wonderful. Plus the rooms were sleek, comfortable, and had beautiful views. Barceló definitely gets my stamp of approval.
Alternatively, check out my other recommendations below.
Poshtel (Backpack)
If you’re all about that backpacker life, Poshtel is the best hostel to stay in. It’s, as the name says, a “posh” hostel, perfectly located in Downtown Bilbao. Rooms are clean, modern, and spacious with lockers, reading lights and USB plugs for each bd. Here you’ll find gender-segregated dorms, mixed dorms, and private rooms, and linens, with towels available for hire. Breakfast isn’t included but that’s really the only con of Poshtel.
Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
Bilbao City Rooms (Budget-Friendly)
Located just a short walk from the Museum of Fine Arts, this boutique-style hotel has everything you’ll need for a budget-friendly stay in Bilbao. Rooms are clean and comfortable, equipped with kettles, coffee makers, and safes. Plus, the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. Overall, this hotel is the whole package and an excellent accommodation choice in Bilbao.
Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
Barceló Bilbao Nervión (Mid-Range)
There’s a reason this hotel is the #1 choice in Bilbao on Tripadvisor. Located in central Bilbao, this hotel truly exceeded expectations and is for those looking for an upgrade from “standard” accommodation that won’t break the bank. Rooms are spacious, sleek and comfortable, with beautiful views to boot. The staff is incredibly helpful and accommodating, the location is perfect, and there are plenty of awesome amenities including an onsite restaurant and fitness center. This is where I stayed when I visited Bilbao and I would definitely stay here again.
Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao (Splurge)
If you’re looking for an upscale yet unpretentious hotel, then consider booking your stay at Gran Hotel Domine. Located a short walk from the Guggenheim, this stylish accommodation boasts large and comfortable rooms with gorgeous decor, awesome views, and spacious bathtubs. What’s more, you’ll have access to a beautiful rooftop terrace, a state-of-the-art gym and spa, and 2 restaurants / bars on-site. What more could you need?
Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
Transportation in Bilbao: How to get around Bilbao
Although Bilbao is the largest city in Basque Country, the city center is relatively small, condensed and easy to get around. I spent my entire time walking around but there are plenty of other ways to get around the city.
- Foot: You can easily explore the Old Town and surrounds by foot. I was blessed with good weather and really enjoyed walking around.
- Bike: Another fun way to get around Bilbao is by bike. It’s a bike-friendly city and there are plenty of cool biking tours (like this one) if you prefer to sight-see this way.
- Local transport: Public transport in Bilbao is easy to use and an excellent way to get from one part of the city to the other or to get to nearby towns. You can also use it to go to the beach. I recommend just purchasing the ticket(s) and metro card at the station if you decide to use one. Alternatively, you can also purchase a Bizkaia Card that offers unlimited public transport as well as city tours and other perks. Again, it will depend on how much you’ll want to use transport instead of walking.
Currency in Bilbao
Spain uses Euros (EUR) and at the time of updating this post (February 2020), the rate was about USD $1 to .92 EUR. Credit cards are widely accepted in Bilbao and Spain overall, and ATM machines are everywhere if you prefer to withdraw cash.
Language in Bilbao
Bilbao actually has two official languages: Basque and Spanish. In Spain, most people speak both a regional language as well the country’s official language of Spanish and Basque is the regional language spoken in all of Basque Country. Anyway, everyone speaks Spanish and in most touristy places, you’ll find that many people have at least a basic grasp of English, as well. However, you’re always better off learning some Spanish phrases just in case you find yourself in a jam.
Other things to know before visiting Bilbao
- Bilbao is easily accessible from most major cities in Spain. You can fly here (airport code BIO) or take the bus or train. Compare all your transportation options using Omio.
- The weather is much cooler here than the rest of Spain, and it rains a lot, so be prepared with an umbrella. It’s great to visit during the summer!
- Walk! Bilbao really isn’t that big, and the different areas are better explored on foot.
- Everyone speaks Spanish here, but Basque is also a primary language. Luckily, they’re much better about having menus in multiple languages than other cities (especially compared to San Sebastian)!
Despite the fact that Bilbao is often overlooked, it’s a great city to 2 days (or more) visiting. Not only is the architecture inspiring, but its offbeat quirkiness offers a completely different vibe than the rest of Spain. It’s also much more budget friendly than most of Spain’s largest cities – who doesn’t like that? P.S. Looking for another great Spanish weekend getaway? Check out this post on Menorca!
More Spain Resources
Planning a trip to Spain soon? Check out ALL my posts on Spain below:- Spain Travel Guide
- The Budget Guide to Barcelona
- The Ultimate Valencia Travel Guide: 20+ Awesome Things to Do in Valencia, Spain
- The Foodie Guide to the Best Restaurants in Valencia Spain
- The Best Paella Cooking Class in Valencia Spain: Escuela de Arroces
- Valencia Food Tour: Treats and Tastes with Valencia Urban Adventures
- Exploring Street Art in Valencia, Spain
- Budget Guide to Madrid
- The Solo Traveler Guide to Andalusia, Spain
- Tapas and Taverns with Madrid Food Tours
- A Weekend Guide to Bilbao
- The Art of Finding and Ordering the Best Pintxos in San Sebastian
- 24 Hours in Valencia: A Tale of Enchantment
- Why I’m Spending Summer in Valencia, Spain
- Sleeping and Socializing: Cats Hostel Madrid Lavapiés Review
- EatWith Review: Dining with Locals and Spain in Beyond
Have you ever been to Bilbao? Did I miss any of your favorite places in this budget guide to Bilbao? Share in the comments below!
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Very helpful as I’m planning to visit Bilbao within the next weeks. I’m a museum fan, so the Guggenheim it is. I’ll continue on to San Sebastian and Biarritz.
Thank you! I’m glad you found it helpful. The Guggenheim is a must of course, and there’s also the museum of fine arts. I’ve never been to Biarritz but I do have a couple of posts about San Sebastian you can check out! It’s an amazing city with SO much good food – I’m quite jealous that you’re going. Have a great trip 🙂
I’m sure it will be a great trip. I only hope the weather won’t let me down because it doesn’t make for good pictures if it’s pouring with rain.
Ah yes, rain does have a habit of ruining things! It rained a little bit when I was there in September, but luckily it got sunnier later in in the day. Fingers crossed that you get good weather! 🙂
I’ve never really considered Bilbao before, but this post is making me want to give it a go! The Guggenheim looks crazy but sounds like a worthwhile trip!
it’s not my favorite city but it’s definitely really cool and interesting, especially if you like art and architecture! I definitely think it’s worth a visit 🙂
HI there. Bilbao looks and sounds amazing. I would love to take the Funicular de Artxanda up to the top and see the city from above. Thanks for sharing this little unknown city 🙂
Of course! Yes it’s such an underrated gem. I highly recommend a visit 🙂