Best of Basque Country: How to Spend 1 Epic Day In Bilbao

By Catalina | May 7, 2019

Bilbao is the largest city in Spain‘s Basque Country, or País Vasco. While the city wasn’t a tourist destination in years past, the opening of the Guggenheim Museum in 1997 has transformed the city into the vibrant and modern metropolis it is known as today. Visitors can explore the 700-year history of the old town (Casco Viejo) and walk a mere 20 minutes to the Guggenheim to enjoy one of the world’s premier collections of modern and contemporary art.

A visit to Bilbao is a must on any trip to País Vasco, and I had been wanting to explore the city since I first moved to Spain to teach English two years ago! You’re sure to enjoy the contrast between old and new that you’ll discover in Bilbao.

I was fortunate to have 2 full days to explore Bilbao, but for those with less time, I’ve condensed the city’s highlights into this 1-day itinerary and included some additional things to do in Bilbao and day trip suggestions for those who have more time.

The Itinerary

While I’ve arranged this itinerary in rainbow order, feel free to mix things up according to your own pace and schedule!

For those with more time in Bilbao, you’ll find additional points of interest marked on the map in brown.

Getting around: Public transportation in Bilbao is phenomenal, so you’ll have no trouble completing this itinerary on foot, by metro, and/or by bus. The city’s metro has even won design awards!

A note about language:

Bilbao is located in Spain‘s Basque country, or País Vasco. This means that you may notice something different about the language…it’s primarily Basque! While you will totally be able to get around with any Spanish (and, in touristy spots, English) that you know, you will notice that some people are speaking (or signs are written in) Euskera, or Basque, which looks, and is, entirely different from Spanish.

In fact, Euskera is the oldest living language in Europe, with origins dating back to the Neolithic Era, although linguists still aren’t entirely sure about its beginnings.

Here are a few simple words and phrases that might be useful if you want to impress the locals:

  • Kaixo-Hello
  • Agur- Goodbye
  • Bai-Yes
  • Ez–No
  • Eskerrik asko-Thank you

That being said, don’t worry if you don’t know any Basque, I didn’t before the trip and was able to get along just fine with English/Spanish.

1. Explore Casco Viejo (Old Town)

I recommend starting your visit to Bilbao off by exploring Casco Viejo, the city’s Old Town. This area of Bilbao dates back 700 years, and is famous for the original Seven Streets (Zazpikaleak or Las Siete Calles) that comprise the oldest part of the neighborhood.

I decided to start my day off with a free walking tour (don’t forget to tip!) of the Casco Viejo where I learned all about the history of Bilbao, Euskera and what it means to live in Basque Country, and the churches, landmarks, and 7 streets of the old town. You can find the exact tour I booked and make your own reservation here.

2. Visit the Mercado de la Ribera

Located along the estuary of Bilbao at the end of some of the 7 streets of the Casco Viejo lies the Mercado de la Ribera. In this large covered market you’ll find hundreds of stalls where vendors sell fruit, vegetables, meat, and more, as well as a trendy gastropub area where visitors can purchase pintxos (Basque small plates), pastries, coffee, wine, and other snacks. The view from just outside the pub is lovely, and is the perfect place to grab a snack or drink after a walking tour of the Casco Viejo.

3. Funicular de Artxanda

After grabbing a snack at the market, its time to head to the Funicular de Artxanda for the best view of Bilbao. The funicular will take you to the top of Mount Artxanda, where you’ll get amazing views of the city and the mountains which surround it, as well as the Estuary and the Guggenheim along it’s banks which make Bilbao’s cityscape so unique. I’m a sucker for a good city view, and this funicular ride did the trick!

4. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Now it’s time to head to the most iconic spot in all of Bilbao, the Guggenheim Museum. Let me tell you, the Guggenheim Museum isn’t your average art museum-the building itself is a work of art, and there are several surrounding art pieces which visitors can view for free outside of the museum.

Puppy, Jeff Koons

Puppy was unfortunately out of commission when I visited, as you can see here. Each season they have to replace the flowers!

Tulips, Jeff Koons

Tall Tree and the Eye, Anish Kapoor

Fire Fountain, Yves Klein

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwUQp8WF69G/

Fog Sculpture, Fujiko Nakaya

Fog sculpture is only visible during certain times when the fog turns on!

Mamá, Louise Bourgeois

Arcos Rojos, Daniel Buren

Don’t just stop at the exterior, head into the museum to view the modern and contemporary art pieces within, as well as to see the interior architecture. As an art lover (I studied Art History!), visiting the Guggenheim was definitely a highlight of my trip!

Be sure to check opening hours and prices here before you visit. You may find it useful to book a ticket in advance to avoid any lines. I’d allow 2-4 hours to visit the museum inside and out, depending on how much you enjoy viewing art. I spend 1.5 hours just enjoying the outside of the museum and taking photographs!

5. Vizcaya Bridge

After visiting the Guggenheim, it’s time to venture a bit outside of the city to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vizcaya Bridge. You’ll have to take the metro for about 20 minutes (from Moyua to Areeta) and then walk about 10 minutes until you reach the bridge itself.

The Vizcaya Bridge (Bizkaiko Zubia) is the world’s oldest transporter bridge. It was built in 1893, and designed by Alberto Palacio. The bridge spans the Nervion river and links Las Arenas with Portugalete.

I highly recommend grabbing a ticket to get to the top of the bridge. You’ll be able to cross the river along with other people and vehicles, take an elevator to the top of the bridge, and read about the bridge’s history while taking in the views of the city and the Estuary of Bilbao from above.

I wasn’t sure if a visit to the bridge would be worth it, as it isn’t located in the center of Bilbao and I had a recently sprained ankle, but I visited on a beautiful day and was quite impressed by the bridge and the gondola which takes cars and people back and forth. I definitely recommend visiting if you have time!

View of Portugalete from the Vizcaya Bridge

Check out the official website here for hours and pricing.

6. Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao

If a visit to the Guggenheim wasn’t enough art, then I highly recommend visiting the Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao. I’ve put this museum last on the list as it is free between 6-8 PM (the museum is closed Tuesdays, more information on visiting here). The museum houses a number of works from Basque, Spanish and European artists dating from the Middle Ages to today. If you aren’t a fan of the modern and contemporary works you saw in the Guggenheim, you may appreciate some of the many different styles you’ll come across here. I particularly loved the exhibit that was on when I visited and found the variety of different artworks, styles, and artists featured within to be fascinating.

If you have more time in Bilbao…

Day Trips from Bilbao

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

You won’t want to miss the stunning San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, also known as Dragonstone to Game of Thrones fans. This incredible spot is just 1 hour from Bilbao and can be reached by car or bus. For more information on this can’t miss day or half-day trip, be sure to check out this post! San Juan de Gaztelugatxe ended up being one of my favorite places I’ve visited in Spain.

San Sebastian

This coastal city is a must see when visiting Basque Country, and is about 1.5 hours from Bilbao by car or bus! It’s well known for its beautiful beaches and charming seaside vibes, not to mention it’s world-famous cuisine. It’s worth a visit for the pintxos (Basque small plates) alone! Discover my San Sebastian itinerary here, and read all about the pintxos and wine tour I went on here. Warning: serious wanderlust and hunger may follow!

Basque Coastline

There are so many lovely coastal towns to be discovered in Basque country. Rent a car and drive from Bilbao to San Sebastian, stopping at towns such as Zumaia (a Game of Thrones location!) Getaria, and Zarautz, among others, along the way. You won’t be disappointed if you love stunning scenery and stepping off the beaten path!

There you have it! The ultimate 1 day Bilbao itinerary! What would you like to see most in Bilbao?

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Best of Basque Country: Epic Day Trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (Dragonstone!) Best of Basque Country: The Ultimate 1 Day San Sebastian Itinerary How To Spend 1 Day In Córdoba: Top 5 Things To Do How to Spend 1 Day in Mérida: Exploring Extremadura’s Roman Ruins
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