Bilbao is easy to enjoy at a relaxed pace, with a striking mix of old-town charm, riverside architecture and excellent Basque food. This plan keeps each day focused on nearby areas, so you spend more time exploring and less time getting around.
Budget
About €100–€145 per person for the listed meals and paid attractions, excluding accommodation and transport.
Best time to visit
May–June or September–October for mild weather and comfortable sightseeing.
Old Town and the riverside
Explore the on foot, then follow the river west to Bilbao’s best-known modern landmark.
Morning
Wander
Start among the narrow streets and lively squares of Bilbao’s old town. The Siete Calles are best explored on foot.
Morning
Visit Santiago Cathedral
This Gothic cathedral sits in the heart of the old town, about a 3-minute walk from the Siete Calles.
About €7Afternoon
Browse La Ribera Market
Walk about 5 minutes from the cathedral to this handsome riverside market for food stalls and a look at local produce.
About €5–€15Afternoon
See the Guggenheim Bilbao
Follow the river west for about 20 minutes on foot, or take a taxi in roughly 8 minutes, to admire the building and its collection.
About €18Evening
Dinner at
Head back toward central Bilbao by taxi in about 8 minutes, or walk in around 20, for Basque dishes in a historic dining room.
About €25–€40
Ensanche, art and pintxos
Spend the day around the elegant Ensanche district, pairing a major art collection with leafy streets and a relaxed pintxos evening.
Morning
Explore the Fine Arts Museum
Begin with works spanning centuries at this excellent museum in ; allow time to enjoy the collection at your own pace.
About €13Morning
Stroll through
The park is right beside the museum, so it takes about 3 minutes to reach its paths, pond and shaded benches.
Afternoon
Walk Gran Vía and
Walk about 12 minutes from the park into the Ensanche’s grand shopping streets and central square.
Afternoon
Admire
Walk about 10 minutes from to this remarkable cultural centre, set inside a former wine warehouse.
Evening
Pintxos around
Take the metro or a taxi to the old town in about 10 minutes, then enjoy a casual pintxos crawl around the arcaded square.
About €20–€35
Good to know
Getting around
The central sights are walkable, and Bilbao’s metro is handy for longer hops. Times here are approximate and can vary with your route.
Food
Pintxos are usually ordered individually; try one or two at each bar and leave room for the next stop.
Museum visits
Check current opening days, ticket prices and booking requirements before you go, especially for the Guggenheim and Fine Arts Museum.