Bilbao

Bilbao is a fantastic city with a rich culture, stunning architecture, and delicious food, making it perfect for a family-friendly adventure. Here’s a fun and engaging 2-day itinerary that will keep everyone entertained!

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Bilbao

Morning:

• Breakfast at Café Iruña: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this charming café. Try their delicious pastries and hot chocolate – a hit with kids!
• Guggenheim Museum: After breakfast, head to the iconic Guggenheim Museum. The building itself is a work of art! While the adults can appreciate the modern art inside, kids will love the giant Puppy sculpture outside. Don’t forget to take a family photo!

Midday:

• Lunch at the Museum Café: Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at the museum café. They offer a variety of options, including kid-friendly meals.
• Walk along the Nervión River: After lunch, take a leisurely stroll along the river. The views are beautiful, and there are often street performers and artists to entertain the kids.

Afternoon:

• Casco Viejo (Old Town): Explore the charming streets of Casco Viejo. Visit the Mercado de la Ribera, where you can sample local treats and maybe pick up some snacks for later. The vibrant atmosphere is sure to captivate the whole family!
• Bilbao Fine Arts Museum: If time allows, pop into the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. It has a great collection, and the kids can enjoy the interactive exhibits.

Evening:

• Dinner at La Vina del Ensanche: This family-friendly restaurant offers a variety of Basque dishes. Try the pintxos (Basque tapas) – they’re perfect for sharing!
• Evening Stroll: After dinner, take a stroll through the streets of Bilbao. The city lights up beautifully at night, and it’s a great way to wind down after a busy day.

Day 2: Culture and Nature

Morning:

• Breakfast at Pastelería Suiza: Treat yourselves to some delicious pastries and coffee (or hot chocolate for the kids) at this local favorite.
• Visit the Bilbao Aquarium: Start your day with a visit to the aquarium. The kids will love seeing the marine life, and there are interactive exhibits that make it fun for everyone.

Midday:

• Lunch at El Globo: This casual eatery is known for its pintxos and is very family-friendly. Grab a few different pintxos to share!
• Take the Funicular to Artxanda: After lunch, hop on the funicular for a scenic ride up to Mount Artxanda. The views of the city and surrounding mountains are breathtaking!

Afternoon:

• Picnic at Artxanda: Pack a picnic or grab some snacks from a local shop and enjoy a family picnic at the top. There’s a playground nearby, so the kids can burn off some energy while you relax and take in the views.
• Return to the City: Head back down the funicular and explore more of the city. You could visit the Alhóndiga, a cultural center with a cinema, library, and even a swimming pool!

Evening:

• Dinner at Restaurante Bascook: For your last dinner in Bilbao, enjoy a meal at this family-friendly restaurant that offers a modern twist on traditional Basque cuisine.
• Evening Walk along the River: End your trip with a peaceful walk along the river, reflecting on the wonderful memories you’ve made in Bilbao.

Tips:

• Public Transport: Bilbao has a great public transport system, including trams and buses, which makes getting around easy and convenient.
• Pintxos: Don’t miss out on trying pintxos! They’re a fun way to sample different dishes, and kids usually love the variety.
• Local Parks: If you have extra time, consider visiting one of the local parks, like Parque de Doña Casilda, where the kids can play and you can relax.

I hope this itinerary helps you have a fantastic family adventure in Bilbao! Enjoy every moment! 🌟