Bilbao Free Tours
Bilbao was the first city I lived in when I arrived in Spain, and from my very first days, I knew I was going to love it.
In total, I spent 4 years, wandering its streets and learning more about its history and culture.
Bilbao is the perfect blend of Spanish and Basque culture. Here, street names are written in both Castilian and Euskara.
The local culture can be felt in every corner and plays an active role in all the city’s celebrations.
It’s this dual culture that makes it so charming and fills me with nostalgia when I think back to my years there and my many visits since settling in Madrid.
For those on a budget who want to explore the city without spending too much, here are 3 Bilbao free tours and 3 other guided tours at affordable prices.
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Bilbao: A City of Many Faces
Bilbao, the capital of the province of Biscay, is nestled between lush green hills and crossed by the Bilbao estuary.
Its strategic location, just a few kilometers from the Cantabrian Sea, has played a key role in its development.
For centuries, its port—one of the most important in northern Spain—facilitated global trade, shaping the city’s unique identity.
Founded in 1300, Bilbao has continuously evolved over the centuries. Initially a thriving industrial hub, known for its steel industry and shipbuilding, the city underwent a spectacular transformation in the 1990s.
This urban and cultural revival peaked in 1997 with the inauguration of the Guggenheim Museum, which propelled Bilbao onto the international stage and established it as a must-visit cultural destination.
Today, its architecture blends tradition and modernity, creating a cityscape where history, innovation, and creativity intersect.
Yet what makes Bilbao even more captivating is its deep-rooted Basque identity.
Euskera, the emblematic language of the Basque Country, is a defining element of the city’s character, sparking the curiosity of visitors eager to learn more about this unique and vibrant region.
ALSO READ: 38 Things to Do in Bilbao
Why take a free tour even if you're rich?😉
If you’ve landed on this page, it’s probably because, like me, you love joining free tours—and you’re absolutely right!
Not only do free guided tours help you better understand the history of the place you’re visiting, but they also reveal fascinating anecdotes you might otherwise miss.
Plus, if you’re short on time, they allow you to cover the essentials quickly and efficiently.
For solo travelers, they’re also a great opportunity to meet like-minded people.
Of course, you can always spend your money on more expensive tours, but I still recommend starting with a free tour.
Exploring the city alongside a passionate local guide gives you an enriching first impression, allowing you to make a more informed choice when selecting paid tours that truly match your interests.
3 Bilbao Free Tours and 3 Other Budget-Friendly Guided Tours
To help you choose quickly, here are 3 Bilbao free tours. Spoiler alert: I highly recommend combining them for a complete discovery of the city!
I’m also sharing a few other budget-friendly guided tours.
1. Free tour of the Casco Viejo (Old Town)
Bilbao’s Old Town is a must-visit. You’ll wander through the very streets where the city was born while admiring some of its most important landmarks.
The tour begins at the iconic Arriaga Theatre, one of the most beautiful buildings in the area. You’ll pass by Saint Nicholas Church and the famous Plaza Nueva before reaching Plaza Miguel de Unamuno.
Next, you’ll stroll through the Siete Calles (Seven Streets), the heart of Bilbao’s historic center. Your steps will lead you to the stunning Santiago Cathedral, then along the Nervión River to the bustling Ribera Market, before concluding near the charming Concordia Train Station.
2. Free tour of Modern Bilbao
After exploring the historic district, it’s time for another free tour in Bilbao to discover a more modern area that architecture lovers will adore.
Starting from Concordia Train Station, you’ll stroll along Gran Via, the city’s equivalent of the Champs-Élysées. At Plaza Moyúa, you’ll appreciate the exterior architecture of the Chávarri Palace and the Carlton Hotel.
Plaza Euskadi is a highlight of this tour, where you can admire the striking Iberdrola Tower before heading to the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum and the Deusto University Library, where I spent my Erasmus 😉
From La Salve Bridge, you’ll get fantastic photos of the surroundings, with the famous Guggenheim Museum as your backdrop.
3. Free tour of Bilbao's Legends
Of course, the city of Bilbao also has its share of dark stories and legends.
It all starts in front of the Arriaga Theatre, which, apparently, was the crime scene of a brutal murder that remains unsolved…
Not far from here is Santiago Cathedral, where the exterior architecture offers insights into Basque mythology.
The Portal de Zamudio, the parish church of Santos Juanes, the San Antón Church, and the Ribera Market all tell stories of witches, epidemics, and other misfortunes…
Finally, the Puente de la Merced will help you get rid of bad energy, thanks to its sculptures that are said to bring good luck.
4. Responsible Walking Tour of the Old Town
This free tour is indeed free, but you still need to reserve your spot for a small fee. It allows you to discover the old town in a responsible way.
In fact, to foster a deeper connection with the Basque Country, its culture, history, and social issues, this tour is only conducted in small groups. On foot, your guide will share all the secrets of the old town, offering insights and passions along the way.
A true immersion in Basque culture!
5. Bilbao by Night
One of the things I love most about traveling is exploring my destinations after dark. However, it’s not always easy—especially when traveling alone, and even more so as a woman.
Yet, I believe it’s essential because nighttime changes everything. The atmosphere shifts, the streets come to life in a different way, and it’s also the perfect opportunity to experience local bars and restaurants, indulging in both their flavors and ambiance.
This tour allows you to discover the Arriaga Theater, Plaza Nueva, and the Mercado de la Ribera, where you can taste various pintxos and drinks.
Once you’ve explored the old town, you head to the Indautxu district. You get to see Plaza Moyúa at night, before reaching the famous Azkuna Zentroa cultural center.
Here, you can enjoy the view from a rooftop bar, where you might want to stay a little longer to sip a cocktail!
6. Bilbao from Above
Every time I discover a new city, I love to admire it from above. Why? Because I believe it gives a unique perspective to better understand its size and the environment in which it’s nestled.
So, I suggest one last budget-friendly guided tour. In small groups, you take the Artxanda funicular. In just a few minutes, you reach the top to enjoy a panoramic view of the Botxo, the nickname locals give to Bilbao.
From here, you can spot the famous San Mamés football stadium, the Iberdrola Tower, the Guggenheim, and of course, the labyrinth that is the Casco Viejo.
With your guide, you’ll descend once again and make your way to the historic center to gain additional insights into this vibrant neighborhood.
ALSO READ: Visit Bilbao in 2 Days
I hope these Bilbao free tours and the other guided tours have given you some ideas for exploring the city without breaking the bank.
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