Visit Bilbao in 2 Days
Updated in May 2024
International tourists tend to visit Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville when they travel to Spain. However, the northern part of the country is full of hidden gems worth exploring. Bilbao is one of them. I lived there during my first years on the Iberian Peninsula. I spent 4 years thoroughly exploring the city, trying out its bars, visiting its museums… So, follow me to visit Bilbao in 2 days!
Bilbao in a nutshell
Bilbao represents an alternative to the sacred formula: sun, beach, parties, and siesta.
Bilbao embodies a different Spain, distinct from the one sold to international tourists for years.
As the most important city in the autonomous community of Euskadi, the Spanish Basque Country, which claims a very different identity, it was gray, dull, and sad for many years.
The city has managed to revive itself from its industrial past and now focuses on culture, architecture, and design.
What to See in Bilbao? My Favorite Tours
Visit Bilbao in 2 days
Bilbao is the ideal city for an urban weekend, blending culture and gastronomy. Although exploring it in just 2 days is possible, spending more time there will allow you to get to know it better.
Here is a perfect itinerary for a short getaway:
Day 1: from la Ría to Indautxu
The Ría is the river of Bilbao. You can take a boat trip or even row along it. If you prefer solid ground, its banks have been developed for you to walk along while discovering its treasures.
Indautxu is a more residential than touristy neighborhood, allowing you to experience a more authentic local life and mingle with the locals.
9:00 AM — 10:00 AM: Take the Artxanda Funicular
After having a good breakfast at your hotel, head to take the Artxanda Funicular, which will take you up the hill of the same name in 3 minutes.
From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Bilbao and understand why it is called “el botxo” (a small but large city surrounded by several mountains).
10:00 AM — 10:30 AM: CROSS THE ZUBIZURI BRIDGE
Once back, it’s time to cross the river to the other side. For this, take the Zubizuri Bridge.
In Euskara, its name means “white bridge” It is also called the Calatrava Bridge, in reference to its creator, a Spanish architect.
From here, you’ll have a lovely view of the river and the Isozaki Towers, named after their Japanese architect, Arata Isozaki. These twin towers stand 83 meters tall.
10:30 AM — 12:30 PM: Visit the Guggenheim Museum
It’s finally time to discover the emblem of Bilbao, the Guggenheim Museum.
Its unusual shape impresses from afar. Designed by the famous Frank Gehry, the museum itself is a masterpiece.
It symbolizes a ship anchored by the river, clad in titanium, which reflects different shades of light throughout the day.
The building is surrounded by unique and singular artworks, such as Mama by Louise Bourgeois.
Across three floors, the museum offers a great lesson in both classical and especially modern art.
Another symbol of Bilbao watches over the museum day and night: The Faithful Puppy by Jeff Koons.
12:30 PM — 2:00 PM: Lunch at Bistro
Located in the Guggenheim, this restaurant offers a menu featuring healthy and flavorful ingredients. Their terrace provides a lovely view of the river.
2:00 PM — 3:00 PM: Stroll Along the Ría
The banks of the Bilbao River have been renovated to provide a pleasant walking area for passersby, especially on sunny days.
During your stroll, you can admire the Torre Iberdrola and the University of Deusto, where I studied during my Erasmus.
3:00 PM — 4:00 PM: Relax at Parque Doña Casilda
This romantically inspired park is the perfect place to take a break in the sun.
Construction began in 1907, and since then, the park has evolved and been renovated several times.
You’ll find a classical-style bandstand and, most notably, a majestic lake where local ducks relax.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Visit the Fine Arts Museum
You will have to walk a few minutes from the park to the Fine Arts Museum.
Here, you can admire artworks from the 12th century to the present day. Ancient art blends with contemporary art, featuring both international artists and Basque creators, including Zuloaga and Echevarría.
With paintings, sculptures, engravings, and other decorative objects, the museum’s collection comprises over 6,000 works.
5:00 PM — 6:00 PM: Stroll Through Indautxu
Indautxu is the first neighborhood I got to know in Bilbao, as it was where my first apartment was located. It’s a residential area, not touristy at all.
It’s the perfect place to observe locals going about their daily lives and also to visit shops for a bit of shopping or stop for a coffee break.
6:00 PM — 7:00 PM: Discover the Alhondiga
This is my favorite landmark. This former wine warehouse was transformed in 2010 into a cultural and leisure center after suffering a fire in 1919.
The famous designer Philippe Starck was involved in making this building an exceptional place.
With a media library, cinema, and swimming pool, there are several spaces within this building, which is adorned with artwork on its columns.
It is now called Azkuna Zentroa in honor of one of the city’s former mayors.
7:00 PM — 8:00 PM: Have a drink at Yandiola
Yandiola is a restaurant with a terrace located on top of the Alhóndiga, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a gin and tonic in a chill atmosphere.
8:00 PM — 10:00 PM: Dinner at one of the city's many restaurants
It’s time to end the day at one of the many restaurants in the city.
You can stay in the neighborhood to enjoy a local and authentic atmosphere, or head to Casco Viejo to explore the nightlife of the area you’ll discover tomorrow morning.
Day 2: from Casco Viejo to Gran Vía
The Casco Viejo is the quintessential tourist area. The charming Old Town is where you can wander and admire the surroundings.
Finally, Gran Vía is the city’s main shopping street. It is the perfect place to end your stay with a bit of shopping.
9:00 AM — 10:00 AM: Make a Pilgrimage to the Basilica of Begoña
Built where the Virgin Mary appeared at the beginning of the 16th century, the Basilica of Begoña is of Gothic inspiration, although it combines several styles.
For the locals, it is an important place, since the Virgin of Begoña is the patroness of Biscay (the province where Bilbao is located). She is so essential that they call her Amatxu, which means “mom” in Euskara.
It’s definitely one of the major symbols of the city!
10:00 AM — 11:00 AM: Explore the 7 Streets and Casco Viejo
The Casco Viejo is the Old Town of Bilbao, but it is in the area of the 7 Calles (7 streets) that the city was born. Here, the old buildings house residences as well as small shops. I lived there for a year.
In the summer, when the sun is shining brightly, the narrowness of its streets provides shade, making it the perfect place for a stroll.
The 7 Calles, like the rest of Casco Viejo, were once dedicated to port activities and trade. Even today, it is the neighborhood where you can shop in authentic and unique stores run by locals.
11:00 AM — 12:00 PM: Visit the Santiago Cathedral
Formerly a church, then a basilica, and now a cathedral, this monument is older than the city itself. Built in Gothic style, it features only one bell tower.
Inside, its naves invite you to pause and admire the light filtering through its stained-glass windows before continuing your visit.
12:00 PM — 1:00 PM: Enjoy Pintxos at Plaza Nueva
In the heart of Casco Viejo, there is a square that brings together both tourists and locals, especially on Sunday mornings when numismatics and philately stands fill the area. This is Plaza Nueva.
Here, you’ll find the headquarters of Euskaltzaindia, the Academy of the Basque Language, and many bars and restaurants where you can enjoy the famous pintxos as an appetizer.
Pintxos can be eaten any day, at any hour, and for any reason.
They are a culinary specialty of the Basque Country and can be found in almost any bar in Bilbao and its region.
So, what is a pintxo? It’s a slice of bread topped with food, which is usually very, very good.
Typically, it’s accompanied by a beer or a glass of txakoli (a local wine), and you try a different one in each bar.
You can easily end up hopping from bar to bar for two hours straight.
Besides Plaza Nueva, you can enjoy them at Plaza Unamuno, Calle Santa Maria, Calle Somera… in short, almost everywhere in Casco Viejo!
1:00 PM — 2:00 PM: Lunch at the Mercado de La Ribera
It’s time to eat at the city market. Built in 1929, it is the largest covered market in Europe!
Located on the banks of the Bilbao Ría, it features a monumental style. Its interior structure has no columns, making the spaces completely open.
On the outside, the market showcases its varied Art Deco decoration, which attracts attention with its beautiful bay windows.
In 2012, after undergoing a deep three-year renovation, it was ready to start a new life.
Since then, it has become the trendy spot for dining at one of its many restaurants after stocking up on fresh, seasonal products.
2:00 PM — 3:00 PM: Visit the Teatro Arriaga
If you’re in town on the weekend, it’s a great opportunity to discover the interior of the Teatro Arriaga through a guided tour.
Inspired by the Paris Opera, it was built in a neo-baroque style in 1890, capturing everyone’s attention.
Inside, it retains period furniture and fabulous carpets, which can be admired during cultural performances or guided tours that delight tourists.
3:00 PM — 4:00 PM: Admire the Stained Glass at Abando Station
It’s time to leave the Casco Viejo of Bilbao and head to Abando Station, the city’s train station. However, it’s not yet time to leave…
We go there to admire the impressive glass roof, whose stained glass represents the life and customs of the Villa.
You can see references to the Basilica of Begoña, Basque pelota, and the steel industry…
To discover it, head to the passenger access from the platforms to the hall.
4:00 PM — 6:00 PM: Shop on Gran Vía
Enjoy your last moments in Bilbao by shopping in one of the many stores along Gran Vía.
Less famous than the renowned avenue in Madrid, this is where you’ll find the most well-known Spanish and international brands.
During your shopping session, take some time to admire the uniquely designed metro entrances and Plaza Moyua, which adds a touch of greenery to the avenue.
What to do around Bilbao?
Bilbao is a city where you can spend several days without getting bored, but it is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas.
You can, for instance, take the metro to explore the nearby villages and go to the beach or spend half a day at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
If you feel like going a bit further, here are 4 excursions that might interest you:
TOUR TO VITORIA
Discover the historical heritage of another important Basque city!
A quick visit to Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and San Sebastian.
Discover the summer destination of Biarritz, the charming town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and the renowned San Sebastian.
Discover San Sebastian and the Basque coast.
Enjoy a flexible and personalized itinerary on this private tour that will take you to discover San Sebastian and the Basque coast.
Wine tour in La Rioja.
Discover what makes La Rioja the top wine region in the country!
How many days to explore Bilbao?
You can explore Bilbao in 2 days. However, to truly take the time to visit its museums and discover its gastronomy, 3–4 days are recommended.
If you also want to visit the surrounding villages or go to the beach, you should stay for at least a week.
If you are a slow traveler or a digital nomad, you won’t get bored if you decide to stay for several weeks or months, given the city’s significant cultural offerings and the number of interesting destinations to discover in the region.
Now that we’ve seen what to do to enjoy Bilbao in 2 days, I suggest two itineraries for 1 or 3 days in the Basque city.
Visit Bilbao in 1 day
If you only have one day to explore the city, here’s a list of must-sees!
- Funiculaire Artxanda
- Puente Zubizuri
- Museo Guggenheim
- Casco Viejo y las 7 Calles
- Cathédrale de Santiago
- Plaza Nueva
VISIT BILBAO IN 3 DAYS
If you have the chance to stay for 3 days, I recommend following the 2-day itinerary to explore Bilbao and adding these metro-accessible places to discover a bit of the region:
- Algorta, a charming green and white fishing village
- Portugalete, famous for its suspended bridge
- Half a day at Neguri beach
Best Time to Visit Bilbao
Bilbao offers a unique charm year-round.
However, the best time to fully enjoy it is typically between May and September.
Temperatures are pleasant, usually ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, providing ideal weather for exploring the city and its surroundings.
While there may be occasional showers, they are much less frequent than at other times of the year.
At the end of August, the Bilbao festivities (Aste Nagusia) are in full swing, making it a perfect opportunity to celebrate while discovering the city and participating in numerous concerts, theatrical performances, sports demonstrations, and other events.
How to get to Bilbao?
Bilbao has an international airport, with many flights arriving daily from major European cities.
If you are already in Spain, you can also reach the city by train or bus.
If you want to include Bilbao in a road trip in the region, you can certainly drive there.
Keep in mind that some streets are closed to traffic. Additionally, you will likely need to park in private lots or leave your vehicle outside the city center and use public transport afterward.
If you don’t have a car but want some freedom, you can also rent a car from other cities in Spain, France, or Portugal.
How to get around Bilbao?
Although it is entirely possible to explore the city center on foot, you can also rely on public transport to get everywhere.
To use them, you’ll need to purchase a Barik card.
It comes in two versions: a rechargeable one and another that allows unlimited travel for 24, 48, or 72 hours.
Whichever version you choose, you can use it for the metro, buses, Euskotren, funiculars, and the Portugalete suspended bridge.
Where to Stay in Bilbao?
Although Bilbao isn’t one of the largest cities in Spain, it is quite big.
Therefore, some neighborhoods are preferable if you’re only staying a few days and want to avoid wasting too much time on public transport.
Here are 3 neighborhoods to focus on for 2 days in Bilbao or a bit more:
- Casco Viejo: This is the quintessential tourist area, full of charm. It allows you to explore the main attractions while enjoying its culinary and nightlife offerings.
- Indautxu: A much less touristy neighborhood, making it more affordable. You’ll immerse yourself in local life while still being close to the Guggenheim and Casco Viejo, which you can reach on foot.
- Abando: This neighborhood offers a good balance between the two. You can enjoy the local gastronomy while being close to the main tourist attractions and the train station.
Being a digital nomad in Bilbao
Bilbao is not really a well-known destination among digital nomads. It’s a shame because it has many qualities:
- The Wi-Fi is excellent;
- There are several cafés to work in;
- A few coworking spaces are also available;
- There is a small expatriate community;
- The city offers a rich cultural scene;
- There are many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs to try;
- The beach is never far away;
- It’s a great base to explore the rest of the Basque Country;
- And also Cantabria, Navarre, and even France!
Additionally, it’s a city with a human scale where you can learn more about both Spanish and Basque culture.
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Responsible travel in Bilbao
Like everywhere else, it’s advisable to be a responsible traveler when staying in Bilbao.
Here is a list of 8 actions to implement for your upcoming getaway:
- Opt for public transport to get around the city;
- Stay in environmentally-friendly accommodations;
- Prefer walking or biking to explore the city;
- Participate in guided tours or ecotourism activities that highlight local nature and culture;
- Consume local and seasonal products;
- Reduce water and energy consumption in your accommodation;
- Avoid single-use products as much as possible;
- Participate in waste cleanup actions in the city’s parks.
That’s it, we’ve reached the end of this article guiding you to visit Bilbao in 2 days.
The Basque city is one that I love, so I can only recommend that you discover it and take the opportunity to learn more about Euskera and the unique culture of this region of Spain.
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