Bilbao

Bilbao is a vibrant city in the Basque Country of Spain, known for its rich culture, delicious food, and stunning architecture. Here's an ideal itinerary for your family with adolescents for 3 days in Bilbao:

Day 1: Explore the Old Town and Guggenheim Museum

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café in the Old Town (Casco Viejo). Try some traditional Basque pastries like "pintxos" or churros.
• Wander through the charming streets of the Old Town, filled with historic buildings, shops, and cafes. Don't miss the Santiago Cathedral and Plaza Nueva.
• Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry. Explore the fascinating contemporary art exhibitions inside and admire the unique architecture of the building.
• For lunch, head to a nearby restaurant to try some Basque specialties like "pulpo a la gallega" (octopus) or "bacalao al pil-pil" (codfish).
• In the afternoon, take a relaxing stroll along the riverside promenade and enjoy the views of the Nervion River and the Zubizuri Bridge.
• End your day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in the Old Town, where you can try more pintxos and traditional Basque dishes.

Day 2: Visit the Basque Coast and Getxo

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast and then head to the nearby coastal town of Getxo.
• Explore the charming streets of Getxo and visit the famous Vizcaya Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Spend some time relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Getxo and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.
• Have lunch at a seaside restaurant and try some fresh seafood dishes like grilled sardines or seafood paella.
• In the afternoon, visit the historic town of Portugalete and explore its picturesque streets and squares.
• Head back to Bilbao in the evening and have dinner at a local restaurant in the city center.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure and Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

• Start your day with an outdoor adventure at the Artxanda Funicular. Take a ride up the funicular to enjoy panoramic views of Bilbao and the surrounding mountains.
• Explore the lush green spaces of Artxanda Park and go for a family hike or picnic.
• For lunch, head to a local restaurant in the city center and try some traditional Basque dishes like "txangurro" (spider crab) or "txuleta" (Basque steak).
• In the afternoon, visit the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum and admire its impressive collection of Spanish and European art.
• Take a leisurely walk along the Gran Via, Bilbao's main shopping street, and explore the boutiques and shops.
• End your day with a farewell dinner at a cozy restaurant in the city center, where you can enjoy more delicious Basque cuisine.

I hope this itinerary gives you a taste of the best that Bilbao has to offer for your family vacation! Let me know if you need any more recommendations or tips. Have a fantastic trip!