Bilbao 5 Day Itinerary
Bilbao 5-Day Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Guggenheim Museum
Arrival: Fly into Bilbao Airport (BIO) or take a train to Bilbao-Abando Station.
Accommodation: Consider staying at Hotel Niza, centrally located and offering comfortable rooms with excellent service.
Lunch: Grab a bite at La Viña de la Cebada, known for its hearty Basque dishes and pintxos (tapas).
Afternoon: Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry, featuring a mix of contemporary and modern art.
Evening: Explore the surrounding area, stroll along the Nervion River, and try more pintxos at nearby bars such as La Cepaia or Txabayo.
Day 2: Old Town & Mercado de la Ribera
Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Café Iruña, a historic café in the heart of Bilbao.
Activities: Wander through the old town (casco viejo) and discover its beautiful churches, such as San Antón and Santiago Cathedral. Explore Mercado de la Ribera, a vibrant food market where you can taste local products like cheese, ham, and fish.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants in Mercado de la Ribera or try Bar Gandarias, an iconic spot offering traditional Basque cuisine since 1893.
Afternoon: Visit the Arts and Traditions Museum (Museo Arqueológico y de Bellas Artes de Bilbao) to learn more about Basque culture and history.
Evening: Dine at Azurmendi, a Michelin 3-star restaurant located just outside Bilbao offering innovative, sustainable cuisine.
Day 3: Green Bilbao - Euskalduna Palace & Parks
Morning: Start your day with breakfast at your hotel or grab a coffee and pastries from Leku Ona.
Activities: Visit the Euskalduna Palace, an iconic concert hall and cultural center that hosts various events throughout the year. Take a stroll in nearby Alberto Durero Park or La Ribera Park.
Lunch: Have lunch at Bodega Donostiarra in the Casco Viejo, which offers a variety of Basque dishes and wines.
Afternoon: Explore the Botanical Garden or Metropolis, another green space in Bilbao with stunning views of the city and the Guggenheim Museum.
Evening: Dine at one of Bilbao’s many excellent restaurants, such as Txepelai or Zubeltzape, known for their traditional Basque cuisine and excellent wine lists.
Day 4: Day Trip to San Sebastian (Donostia)
Morning: Take a bus or train to San Sebastian (about 1 hour from Bilbao). Spend the morning exploring La Concha Beach and Ondarreta Beach.
Lunch: Indulge in the famous pintxos of San Sebastian at bars like La Cepaia or Bar Txeponetxea.
Afternoon: Visit the San Telmo Museum to learn more about Basque history and culture, or take a stroll through the charming neighborhood of Getaria, famous for its fish dishes and the birthplace of Juan Sebastián Elcano, the navigator who completed the first circumnavigation of the globe in Magellan’s expedition.
Evening: Return to Bilbao and enjoy dinner at a local favorite, such as Bodega Donostiarra or Elkano, famous for its grilled fish.
Day 5: Departure & Souvenirs
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before checking out and grabbing any last-minute souvenirs at La Vina de la Cebada or the shops in the old town.
Departure: Take a taxi to Bilbao Airport (BIO) or catch a train to your next destination. Safe travels!