Bilbao 4 Day Itinerary

Bilbao 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the City Center

  • Morning: Check into your hotel (recommended: Hotel Carlton, centrally located). Freshen up and have breakfast at the hotel or nearby cafés like Café Ibai or Pakete.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Old Town (casco viejo), explore the 14th-century San Antón Church, stroll along the narrow lanes, and stop by the Seven Streets Market for local produce and souvenirs. Have lunch at Txindena, known for its Basque cuisine.
  • Evening: Take a leisurely walk on the Ribera Market’s riverfront promenade and enjoy sunset views over the Nervion River. Dine at La Viura, renowned for its contemporary Basque dishes.
  • Things to know: Bilbao’s time zone is CET (UTC+1). English is widely spoken, but it’s always helpful to learn some basic Spanish phrases. The city operates on a 24-hour schedule.

Day 2: Guggenheim Museum & Surroundings

  • Morning: Start with breakfast at Café Iruña, an iconic Bilbao café established in 1903.
  • Afternoon: Visit the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Explore its collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Jeff Koons, Anselm Kiefer, and Richard Serra.
  • Late Afternoon: Stroll along the Nervion River and visit the Euskalduna Palace, an iconic concert hall and event venue. Have dinner at Nerua, a Michelin-starred restaurant within the Guggenheim Museum.
  • Evening: Relax at Metropolis, a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, or explore the lively Deusto district’s bars and pubs.

Day 3: Green Bilbao (Atxuri & Etxebarri)

  • Morning: Catch the metro to Atxuri and visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a picturesque islet with a 10th-century chapel. Explore the area, including nearby El Abra beach.
  • Lunch: Have lunch at Asador Etxebarri, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its grilled dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
  • Afternoon: Return to Bilbao and rest or explore lesser-known neighborhoods like Zorrotzaurre or San Mames. Dinner can be enjoyed at La Cuchara de San Telmo, a trendy tapas bar.

Day 4: Day Trip to Surrounding Villages (Getaria, Zarautz, etc.)

  • Morning: Take the train or rent a car for a day trip to nearby coastal villages like Getaria or Zarautz. Enjoy fresh seafood and explore the charming streets.
  • Afternoon: Continue your journey to other villages, such as Hondarribia or San Sebastian, before returning to Bilbao in the evening. Have a farewell dinner at a restaurant of your choice or revisit one of your favorites from the previous days.

Transportation: Bilbao has an efficient metro system, trams, and buses. The city also offers bike rentals for exploring the city center and green spaces. To explore outside the city, consider using public transportation or rental cars.

Tips:

  • Use the official Bilbao Tourism website (www.bilbaoturismo.net) to plan your trip and find updated information on opening hours, prices, and events.
  • Be mindful of Spanish customs, such as eating lunch between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm and dinner around 9:00 pm.
  • Embrace the Basque culture and language, even if you don’t speak Euskera (Basque). Locals will appreciate your effort!