Bilbao 6 Day Itinerary

Bilbao 6-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old Town (Casco Viejo)

  • Arrival: Bilbao Airport (Loiu) or San Sebastián Airport (EAS) for those coming from other cities in Spain. You can take a bus, taxi, or train to reach the city center.
  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Carlton, centrally located and offers comfortable rooms with a classic atmosphere.
  • Lunch: Visit La Viura, a traditional Basque cuisine restaurant in Casco Viejo. Try their pintxos (Basque tapas).
  • Afternoon: Wander around Casco Viejo, explore the Seven Streets (Las Setas) and admire the medieval architecture. Don’t miss the Santiago Cathedral and the Biscay Museum.
  • Dinner: Dine at Bar Ibaitzi for a unique experience in a cave-like restaurant.

Day 2: Guggenheim Museum and Surroundings

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast at the hotel or head to Café Iru, a popular spot near the Guggenheim.
  • Morning: Visit the famous Guggenheim Museum and its surrounding park. Take a guided tour (optional) to learn more about the exhibitions.
  • Lunch: Have lunch at Atari Gaztea, located in the Guggenheim’s museum quarter.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Zubizaro, the old port area of Bilbao, and visit the Euskalduna Palace, a unique architectural gem.
  • Dinner: Dine at Mina, known for its innovative Basque cuisine and excellent wine list.

Day 3: Day Trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and Bermeo

  • Breakfast: Start early with breakfast at the hotel or grab a coffee and pastry on the go.
  • Morning/Afternoon: Take a day trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a small islet connected by a stairway of 240 steps. Then, head to the picturesque fishing town of Bermeo for lunch.
  • Lunch: Enjoy fresh seafood in one of the restaurants in Bermeo’s old town.
  • Return: Return to Bilbao and rest.
  • Dinner: Dine at Casa Naranjo, a charming restaurant serving traditional Basque dishes.

Day 4: Green Bilbao - Visit Parks and Gardens

  • Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel or try Cafe Bar El Taller in the fashionable La Ribera district.
  • Morning: Visit the Alhóndiga Vasca, a historic building now housing cultural events, art exhibitions, and shops. Then, head to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Mary of Bilbao.
  • Afternoon: Spend your afternoon exploring the Doña Casilda Park and the Ribera Market (Mercado de la Ribera).
  • Dinner: Dine at Koko Bar, offering a modern take on traditional Basque cuisine.

Day 5: Day Trip to Getaria and Zarautz

  • Breakfast: Start early with breakfast at the hotel or grab a coffee and pastry on the go.
  • Morning/Afternoon: Take a day trip to Getaria, famous for its beautiful beaches and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (if you missed it earlier). Have lunch in the town, known for its fresh fish dishes. Then, head to Zarautz, another charming coastal town with a long sandy beach.
  • Return: Return to Bilbao and rest.
  • Dinner: Dine at Bar Txepetxa, located in the Old Town, for some of the best anchovies (txipirones) in Bilbao.

Day 6: Departure

  • Breakfast: Enjoy your last breakfast in Bilbao at one of your favorite spots from the past days.
  • Check out: Check out from the hotel and head to the airport or train station for departure.