Best tours for your one day in Bilbao:
1. Small-Group Guided Bilbao Walking Tour
2. Guggenheim Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
3. Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka and Gernika Tour from Bilbao
4. Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour
Best hotels in Bilbao:
1. Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao (5*)
2. Vincci Consulado de Bilbao (4*)
3. Hotel Miró (4*)
4. Sercotel Arenal Bilbao (3*)
5. Hotel Conde Duque Bilbao (3*)
6. Ganbara Hostel
What to Do in Bilbao in One Day
You can visit the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, stroll the Old Town, grab mouth-watering pintxos, or even tour the filming locations of the seventh season of Game of Thrones. There is indeed so much to do in Bilbao in one day.
I will list the best things to do in Bilbao for you to choose from.
1. Take a Stroll through the Streets of the Old Town
Every old city in Spain features a “Casco Viejo” or Old Town. Take a leisurely walk through the Old Town and enjoy its unique atmosphere. You will find plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants where you can sample the local cuisine and buy souvenirs.
Do not miss the Arriaga Theater, a neo-baroque styled building from the end of the 19th century with a beautiful facade.
2. Walk along the Nervion River
The cleanup of the river years ago marked the beginning of change and laid the foundations for present-day Bilbao. The transformation has been nothing short of spectacular. The riverbanks have undergone revitalization and refurbishment, incorporating the latest trends in innovative architecture.
3. Discover the Seven Streets
The Seven Streets (Siete Calles in Spanish) of Bilbao is a historic area located in the heart of the Old Town.
The area dates back to the 14th century. Its charming architecture, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere leave a lasting impression on visitors. It was the commercial and financial center of Bilbao during the Middle Ages. Today, it remains a popular tourist destination.
4. Visit Old Historical Churches
The Cathedral of Santiago, of original Gothic structure was built in the 14th century, and partially rebuilt in the Renaissance style. The main façade, added in the 19th century, is neoclassical in style.
It is located in the area of the 7 Streets where there are other beautiful churches such as San Nicolas and San Anton.
This area is undoubtedly a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or art.
5. Grab some Pintxos
Pintxos are small, bite-sized snacks that are typically served on a slice of bread and held together with a toothpick. They are a popular food in the Basque Country and your trip to Bilbao in one day will not be complete without trying them.
Pintxos come in a wide variety of flavors and ingredients, from traditional ones like tortilla de patatas (potato omelet), jamón serrano (cured ham), and grilled shrimp, to more innovative combinations like goat cheese with caramelized onions and walnuts.
6. Explore the Ribera Market
Visit Europe’s largest indoor market and immerse yourself in the local culture. At the market you can meet friendly Bilbao locals and indulge in traditional Basque cuisine. Sample not only pintxos, but also tapas and seafood, for a truly authentic culinary experience.
Walking the Old Town with a local can be a very interesting activity. A Bilbao Historical walking tour takes you to the Old Town and the above mentioned highlights of the city.
Book a Small-Group Guided Bilbao Walking Tour here
Other great way to discover the city is by seeing it from the water on a scenic river cruise. This 2h 45m trip covers Deusto Canal, Portugalete Bridge, Getxo, and Santurtzi. Audio guide is provided in English, French and Spanish.
Read more and book your Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour here
7. Visit the Guggenheim Museum
In your Bilbao in one day getaway, a visit to the Guggenheim Museum is a must-do activity.
The museum’s ship-like exterior made of titanium is an architectural masterpiece and has become a symbol of the city. Inside, you will enjoy a huge display of contemporary art.
Take a pic of Maman, a 30-foot-tall bronze and stainless steel spider located at the back terrace of the museum. It was created by the French-American artist Louise Bourgeois as a homage to his mother who was a weaver.
Take a pic of Puppy, “the biggest dog in the world”. With 60 tons weight and almost 40 ft high, this art work of American artist Jeff Koon stays guard before the museum. Twice a year and during nine days, about 20 people replace the flowers with seasonal varieties.
I recommend taking a 2-hour Guggenheim Museum skip-the-line guided tour, as it will also help you save time.
8. Relax in Doña Casilda Park
This huge beautiful park has lots of greenery, sculptures and fountains. It is named after the lady who donated the land to the city in the early 20th century. There is a coffee shop where you can sit and relax for a while. Then you can visit the Museum of Fine Arts next to the park.
9. Visit Bermeo, a Traditional Fishing Town
In your tour to Bilbao in one day you can include Bermeo. This fishing town is about 30 kilometers northeast of Bilbao. It is known for its picturesque fishing port, which has been in operation since medieval times and continues to be an important hub for the local fishing industry.
The colorful houses of Bermeo serve as a way to distinguish one family’s home from another, but also create a lively and cheerful atmosphere in the town. They are a popular subject for artists and photographers. So if you are looking for charming and different pics, Bermeo is your place.
10. Visit Mundaka
Mundaka is another charming town about 35 kilometers northeast of Bilbao. One of the main attractions of Mundaka is its famous surf break, which is considered one of the best in Europe and draws surfers from all over the world.
11. Explore Gaztelugatxe (A Filming Site of Game of Thrones)
The hit TV series “Game of Thrones” brought Gaztelugatxe, a small islet located 45 minutes from Bilbao, to the attention of many of its fans. In the show, the islet was featured as Dragonstone, the ancestral home of the Targaryen family,
Gaztelugatxe is well-known for its hermitage, which is dedicated to John the Baptist and sits atop the island, connected to the mainland by a man-made bridge. The iconic staircase leading up to the hermitage was used as the entrance to the castle in the show. Despite the climb of 241 steps, it is definitely worth it. Once you reach the top, tradition has it that you ring the bell three times and make a wish.
For those who want to explore Bilbao in one day, an ideal small-group tour is available. This tour offers the chance to see the filming location for “Game of Thrones” fans. The itinerary includes a visit to Mundaka and Gernika, the tragic town immortalized in Picasso’s painting, as well as lunch and round-trip transportation from Bilbao.
Book a tour to Gastelugatxe, Mundaka and Gernica from Bilbao
What to Eat in Bilbao
Bilbao is a paradise for foodies. There are more than 600 restaurants in Bilbao from which 24 are included in the Michelin Guide of Restaurants. Some of them are: La Bodega de Ola, Los Fueros, Lasai, Kimtxu and Islares.
The most traditional dishes are:
Bacalao a la Vizcaína: Cod is a key ingredient in Basque cuisine, with one popular dish being cod Biscayan style (Bacalao a la Vizcaína). Originally, it featured a sauce of chorizo pepper, but it has evolved to include tomato for a milder flavor.
Chipirones en su tinta: In the Basque country, the best squids (chipirones) care caught individually with a hook, making them tastier but harder to find. They are traditionally prepared in their ink with rice, and the fresher the squid, the better the dish.
Where to Stay in Bilbao
What if you want to stay in Bilbao for more than one day? Here, I am recommending a list of the best hotels in the city to fit your budget.
Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao (5*) is a stylish hotel opposite Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum. It features air-conditioned rooms with amenities, rooftop terrace for breakfast with city views, wellness center, 2 restaurants and bar. Near museums and shopping. Non-smoking rooms, fitness center, family rooms, private parking,
Vincci Consulado de Bilbao (4*) features a terrace with city views, a restaurant, and a bar. Rooms include flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, and some offer river views. Breakfast options include buffet, continental, or vegetarian. The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum and Guggenheim Museum are nearby. There is private parking.
Hotel Miró (4*) located opposite Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum, was designed by fashion designer Antonio Miró. Rooms are minimalist. The hotel offers a buffet breakfast featuring local products. It boasts a fitness center, a bar, personalized concierge service, and optional massage services.
Mid Range Hotels and Hostels
Sercotel Arenal Bilbao (3*) is located in the center of the city. It has air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a Smart TV, and a mini-bar. It offers a buffet breakfast, parking, and laundry services. It’s only 328 feet from Casco Viejo Metro Station. Popular points of interest nearby includes Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, and Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
Hotel Conde Duque Bilbao (3*) overlooks the Calatrava Bridge on the River Nervion. It offers a restaurant and a cocktail bar. Rooms are modern and have central heating and air conditioning. Guests have free access to the fitness center and sauna. The Old Town, with its pintxo bars, is a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Ganbara Hostel is located right in the center of the city, on one of the Siete Calles (Seven Streets). It offers two communal lounges and a shared kitchen. Modern dorms have heating, air conditioning, and access to a shared bathroom with a hairdryer. Bed linen and lockers are included. Buses to the Guggenheim stop a 10-minute walk away.
The Best Time to Go to Bilbao
Summers in Bilbao (from June to August) are mild, with temperatures reaching up to 79°F (26°C). In general, you can expect good weather any time between April and November.
From November to February, it rains in Bilbao, with January and February being the coldest months. During this season, temperatures vary between 41°F (5°C) and 52°F (11°C)
