The Ultimate Bilbao Travel Guide (What to See, Eat & Do in 72 Hours)

After an amazing 3 nights in San Sebastián, we ended our trip in Bilbao, and I’m so glad we did.

Bilbao is often overshadowed by San Sebastián… but don’t skip it.

This modern Basque city surprised me in the best way. It blends cutting-edge architecture, world-class museums, historic Old Town charm, and an evolving food scene, all in a city that’s super walkable and easy to explore in just a few days.

If you’re planning a trip to Northern Spain, here’s exactly how to spend 72 hours in Bilbao, plus everything I personally loved.

How to Get to Bilbao

Bilbao is well-connected, making it an easy stop on any Northern Spain itinerary.

From San Sebastián

• Train (approx. 2.5 hours)
• Bus (most common + budget-friendly — this is what most people take)
• Car rental (great if you want to explore the Basque coast along the way)

I usually book all my transport through Omio because it compares everything in one place.

Where to Stay in Bilbao

Bilbao is pretty compact, so staying central makes everything way easier, especially if you’re only here for a few days.

📍 Best Area: City Center (Abando)

This is where I stayed, and I’d 100% recommend it.

You’re close to:

• The Guggenheim
• River walk
• Tram + metro
• Restaurants + shops
• Walking distance to Old Town

Where I Stayed: voco Bilbao (by IHG)

We stayed at voco Bilbao, and honestly, it was such a solid find.

We really liked this hotel because it was:

• Modern + stylish
• Budget-friendly for what you get
• Super central location
• Clean, comfortable, and easy for a short stay

It felt like one of those hotels that’s not overly “luxury,” but still elevated enough that you feel good staying there.

Check availability and book here!

Other Recommended Hotels in Bilbao

Here are a few other options depending on your budget:

• Spirit Hotel Gran Bilbao ($$)
  Slightly outside the center but more affordable with spacious rooms.
• Sercotel Ayala ($$)
  Good mid-range option, clean and centrally located.
• Hesperia Bilbao ($$–$$$)
  Right by the river with colorful windows — great views and good location.
• Barceló Bilbao Nervión ($$–$$$)
  Reliable, modern hotel near everything.
• Hotel Tayko Bilbao ($$–$$$)
  Stylish boutique hotel right near Casco Viejo — great if you want something more design-forward.

Things to Do in Bilbao

Bilbao is one of those cities where you don’t need a packed itinerary — just walking around is part of the experience.

Visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

This is the icon of the city.

Even if you’re not super into museums, it’s worth going, or at least walking around it. Designed by Frank Gehry, the building itself is a masterpiece.

Why it’s worth it:

• The architecture alone is insane
• Rotating contemporary exhibitions
• Outdoor installations (including the famous Puppy sculpture)

I personally loved just walking around the outside and along the river.

Book Skip-the-line Guggenheim tickets

Walk Along the Nervión River

This ended up being one of my favorite things to do.

The river walk is:

• Clean, modern, and really scenic
• Lined with public art and cafés
• Perfect for a slow walk or golden hour

You’ll pass:

• Guggenheim
• Zubizuri Bridge
• Tram lines
• Open spaces to just sit and relax

Explore Casco Viejo (Old Town)

This is the more historic side of Bilbao, and honestly where I spent a lot of time.

Think:

• Narrow medieval streets
• Local boutiques
• Tons of pintxos bars
• Lively atmosphere

Don’t miss:

• Plaza Nueva — perfect for pintxos hopping
• Just wandering with no plan (the best way to explore)

Cross the Zubizuri Bridge

This modern white pedestrian bridge is one of Bilbao’s architectural highlights.

It’s quick to visit but makes for a really good photo spot, especially along the river walk.

🚠 Take the Artxanda Funicular

This is something I highly recommend doing.

It takes you up to a viewpoint overlooking Bilbao, and the views are honestly so worth it. Perfect for sunset.

At the top, you’ll also find:

• Scenic walking paths
• A few Basque restaurants

Bilbao Cathedral

We didn’t go inside, but it’s still really nice to stop by while exploring Old Town.

Abando Station (Bilbao-Concordia / Abando Indalecio Prieto)

Don’t skip this, there’s a massive stained glass installation inside that’s actually really beautiful. It’s a quick stop, but worth it.

More Things to Add to Your Itinerary

• Mercado de la Ribera: one of the largest covered markets in Europe
• Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
• Doña Casilda Park: a nice green escape from the city

Book a Private Intro Tour (Highly Recommend)

If it’s your first time in Bilbao, I’d really recommend starting with a walking tour.

I did one with Context Travel, and it was such a good way to understand:

• The history of the Basque region
• The architecture
• The culture

It made everything else in the city make more sense.

Book the Context Travel here

You can use my code FANCYNANCISTA for a discount

Get the 72-Hour Bilbao City Pass

If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions, this can be worth it.

It can include:

• Museum entries
• Public transport
• Discounts on attractions

👉 I’d recommend checking what’s included based on your itinerary.

Buy the Bilbao City Pass
Check out my 72-hours in Bilbao video here

What to Eat in Bilbao

While San Sebastián gets all the foodie hype, Bilbao’s food scene is so underrated.

Pintxos in Plaza Nueva

This is the spot.

A square filled with bars serving pintxos, perfect for hopping from place to place.

Must-try:

• Jamón ibérico
• Croquetas
• Bacalao
• Txakoli (local wine)

My Favorite Pintxos Spots

Save these 👇

• Bar Gilda Toki — for different types of gildas
• Bar Globo — txangurro gratinado (so good)
• Bar La Viña — foie gras + mushrooms + mashed potatoes combo
• Bar Motrikes — mushrooms
• Bar K2 — tortilla (Spanish omelette)
• Gure Toki — more creative, elevated pintxos
• El Puertito — oysters + wine
• Bilbao Gastronomica — more sit-down style
• Calcareo Bar de Vino — wine bar vibes

For Sweets

• Pastelería Uría / Urricalday — butter bun + Carolina
• Pastelería Arrese — chocolate palm tree
• Kuki Cookie Bakery — really good cookies

Basque Specialties to Try

• Bacalao al pil pil
• Txangurro (spider crab)
• Grilled meats
• Idiazabal cheese
• Basque cheesecake

Bilbao feels like one of those cities that people don’t expect much from, and then it completely surprises you. It’s easy to explore, less crowded than San Sebastián, full of culture, food, and beautiful architecture!

If you’re planning a Northern Spain itinerary, I’d absolutely recommend spending at least 2–3 days here.

Until next time!! Xo, Nancy