How To Spend 3 Days In Bilbao For First Timers – What to do in Bilbao for 3 days in 2024

Ready to fill your itinerary for 3 days in Bilbao? You’ve made it to the right post!

Known for its incredible gastronomy, cutting-edge art scene, the natural beauty surrounding the city, and a buzzing ambiance with welcoming locals, Bilbao – the largest city in northern Spain, is the perfect place to kick off your adventures through the Basque Country. 

I first went to Bilbao in January, and I had an incredible time exploring its fascinating history, listening to locals speak their native language (Basque/Euskera), and trying all types of Pintxos, amongst other things. 

It was one of those cities that caught me off-guard (in the best way) that I ended up loving more than I thought I would.

I’m already planning my next visit!

I spent 6 days exploring Bilbao’s incredible museums, admired the history-drenched Old Town, and even took a day trip or two to explore the rest of the Basque Country. 

Now, I feel confident to share with you what to do in Bilbao, whether you’re searching for what to see in Bilbao in one day or 6! 

To fill out your 3 days in Bilbao itinerary, I’ve created this post to help you get some ideas and take inspiration from how I spent 3 out of my 6 days in Bilbao.

I hope this 3 day in Bilbao itinerary helps you plan and understand how to manage your time in this beautiful northern Spain city and you come out with more ideas on what to do in Bilbao for 3 days. 

Let’s get started! 

How To Spend 3 Days in Bilbao For First Timers

Day 1 – Do a free walking tour of the Casco Viejo (Old Town) + eat some Pintxos and other local delicacies

Morning:

Kick off your 3 days in Bilbao with a Free walking tour! Get the lay of the land and gain insight into Bilbao’s rich history and culture while learning about the Basque County. Plus, don’t forget to get some local food and travel recommendations from your local guide!

I opt for free tours, which function based on tips. Although they’re not 100% free, you get to put a price on the tour, making it a budget-friendly and great activity that will tremendously enrich your time in Bilbao. 

Free tours usually last around 2-2.5 hours long, so be sure to pack comfortable clothes, shoes, and other essentials you may need, like an umbrella, as Bilbao is known to be one of the rainiest cities in Spain. 

 📍Free Walking Tours in Bilbao

Afternoon: 

Seek out a restaurant offering a “Menu del Día,” which is like a lunch special offered by some restaurants mainly throughout the weekdays (some restaurants offer a Menu del Día during the weekend, too). 

I went to Las Cepas Jatetxea twice because it was that good. The restaurant’s atmosphere and service were beautiful, so I recommend this restaurant in central Bilbao. 

Address: Calle Juan Ajuriaguerra Kalea, 22, Abando, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain

Other great local recommendations to check out for lunch and heavier meals include 

• Rio-Oja Restaurant – Family-run traditional fish and meat dishes from the region, amazing pintxos variety, and great service.
  • Address: Txakur Kalea, 4, Ibaiondo, 48005 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
• La Viña del Ensanche – Traditional food, bar, and expansive menu of local dishes at reasonable prices, plus a tasting menu availability and terrace seating. Make sure to book ahead of time online. They are closed on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays.
  • Address: Diputazio Kalea, 10, Abando, 48008 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain

Explore the Ensanche area

Walk across the river (ría) to the Ensanche area from Old Town and explore Bilbao’s main shopping street, Gran Vía (yes, Bilbao has a Gran Vía like Madrid). 

Shop European and Spanish brands all throughout Gran Vía, but specifically, scope out local Basque brands, such as:

• Mercedes de Miguel – Women’s Clothing
• Minimil – Women’s Clothing
• Boinas Elosegui – Quality and handmade Spanish berets and other accessories
• Loreak Mendian – Trendy streetwear
• Indi & Cold – Spanish style, quality clothing from the Basque region

Aside from local shopping, take a leisurely walk through Doña Casilda Park (Iturrizar Park, Casilda Iturrizar Park), Bilbao’s largest park, featuring tons of green space, walking paths, various tees from cedar to palm trees, maples, and connects two areas of the city – Ensanche and Abandoibarra.  

Try the traditional and local baked goods in Old Town

Make it back to Old Town, and check out these incredible and traditional bakeries for the best of regional pastries and breads. 

• Arrese – Traditional bakery with local pastries to try like Pantxineta (caramelized puff pastry, cream, and crunchy almonds). 
• Gure-Toki – Another gem for traditional baked goods and pastries, make sure to try the Basque cheesecake, one of the best in the city!
• Bizkarra – Another traditional and delicious bakery, known to have seasonal delicacies like Txintxortas (sweet torta de chicharrón typical of January/February) and year-round treats like:
  • Trufas Vascas (Basque Truffles)
  • Pastel de Arroz (Rice Cakes)
  • Pastel Vasco (Basque Cake)
  • Carolina de Bilbao (a merengue and custard pastry on a crust tart named after the baker’s daughter who loved this pastry)

Walk around the Catedral de Santiago de Bilbao or the Cathedral of St James of Bilbao, and do some people watching, or the Plaza Unamuno. Plop down on one of the steps, enjoy a pastry and the sight. 

Early Evening/Night:

Have pintxos at the Ribera Market (Erribera Merkatua) at one of their stalls, and if you’re up for it, grab a drink at a cerveceria (brewery) or a local bar in the city.

• La Terraza del Yandiola has a chill-out atmosphere and amazing views of the city right in the middle of the city.
  • Address: Azkuna Zentroa (building), Arriquíbar Plaza, 4, Abando, 48010 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
• Antigua Cigarreria – There is a great variety of drinks and champagne, occasionally hosts live music, and closes at 3 AM.
  • Address: Astarloa Kalea, 5, Abando, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
• Cerveceria Cobetas – A brewery located on the mountain but accessible via public transport from the Old Town in 40 minutes. See all of Bilbao with a cocktail in hand and a great food menu. It’s known as the best brewery in the region – you can be the judge of that! If you’re traveling with family, this brewery is family-friendly, with a kid’s playground for the kids to unwind as the parents drink up the views and beverages. 

Address: Kobeta Mendia, 40, 48002 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Day 2 – Walk around the Ribera Market + wander into the fine arts museums, cultural spots, and parks

Morning: Tantalize your senses at Ribera Market

Head back to the Ribera Market, Bilbao’s largest market, and at one point, the largest covered food market in the world, to explore it in action! 

The morning time is the best time to visit Ribera Market, as it’s when all the stalls are open (all 180 of them!) and in action, with the locals doing their shopping. 

Get an eyeful of local ingredients, from fish, fresh meat, and dairy products – for which the Basque region is richly known, and maybe sample some Basque foods yourself or buy some local produce for a snack or lunch later! 

Although dating as far back as the 1920s, take in the Art Deco style of the market’s exterior, renovated in 1929, with beautiful stained glass windows and views from the top floors overlooking the river, and quaint Old Town streets.

📍Click here to book a food tour at the Ribera Market

Afternoon: Explore the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

If you’re a lover of modern art, visiting the world-famous Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a no-brainer!

With various other Guggenheim Museums all over the world, including New York, Venice, Abu Dhabi, and Bilbao, this world-renowned museum is a hub for creativity, new ideas, and modern art at its finest. 

Some art pieces and artists’ works you’ll find at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao:

• MetMetaphysical Box by Conjunction of Two Trihedrons (modern art sculpture) by Jorge Oteiza, a Basque artist
• Villa Borghese (painting) by Willem de Kooning, a Dutch artist who fled to the U.S after WWll
• Barge (pop art) by America painter Robert Rauschenberg 
• The Matter of Time by Richard Serra (painting), exhibiting the evolution of the creation of a sculpture 

It’s a great museum if you’re truly a fan of modern art, or you want to get into modern art with a professional guide at one of the best museums in the world to explore the art style. 

I didn’t go inside because I wanted to see other things throughout the day, and it was also a spectacular sunny and warm day in January – I took it as a sign to stay out.

If you don’t go in, the outside of the museum has plenty to see and even experience, including: 

• Maman AKA the giant bronze spider created in 1999
• Puppy created in 1992, which pays homage to European gardens, and known as the world’s largest flower sculpture
• Tall Tree & The Eye most recently unveiled in 2009, and illusion piece of art with reflective and metal spheres, that almost blends in with space because of its form.
• Fog Sculpture built outside on the pond in front of the Guggenheim, which plays with shadow and light, especially when the light, white mist disperses from the pond, which goes off every hour during the day.
• Fire Fountain (Fuente de Fuego) lastly is another work of art not to miss, especially at night when 5 fountains shoot out flames from the water/pond. The times to see the Fire Fountain in action are 7 PM-8 PM during the winter and 9 PM – 10 PM during the summer.

Step inside the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum – Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao

Lovers of fine art, you must visit the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, featuring thousands of beautiful pieces of artwork, from paintings to sculptures, and art installations, drawings, and even letters. 

Dating back to 1914, the most popular art pieces inside the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum include:

• Lucretia by Lucas Cranach “the Elder” which is a depiction of Lucretia committing suicide while being known as one of the most “on-demand” painting subjects of the time.
• The Rape of Europa by Martin de Vos – a painting based on Greek mythology, in which Zeus falls in love with Europa, and to take her, he disguises himself as a bull to take her away to Crete.
• The Annunciation by El Greco – a religious painting that depicts when Mary accepts a message from an Archangel.
• San Sebastian cured by the Holy Women by José de Ribera – another religious painting that shows Lucilla and Irene tending to a dying saint, with angels hovering over his head with a crown and palm of martyrdom. 
• Kissing the Relic by Joaquín Sorolla – a famous painting that depicts the image of religious followers awaiting the priest and an image so that they can kiss it, in Valencia, Spain.

It’s a very interesting museum that I did go into, and if you also want to visit it (and for free) plan on stopping any day between Wednesday and Monday after 2:00 PM.

Explore other cultural sites

Bilbao City Hall – standing on what was previously the land where the San Agustin convent used to stand, the Bilbao City Hall is a stunning building that captures everyone’s attention as you walk a bit outside the historic center.

Today you can go inside and see all the artwork, but make sure to book your entry and tour in English or Spanish on their website with plenty of time, as they only open on certain days. 

Step inside the Plenary room, and take in the grandeur of the staircase and the halls, as well as the reception area. 

If the Bilbao City Hall is not available to tour when you’re visiting, check out the Zubizuri Bridge! With the river crossing a city known for contemporary art, you know the Bilbao is going to add some pizzazz to their bridges.

The Zubizuri Bridge (White Bridge) is a modern steel cable bridge built in 1990 by the architect Santiago Calatrava (the architect behind the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia) and connects the Ensanche neighborhood with Calle Campo de Volatín, which is a great river walkway (Estuary Walk) that you should take!

Though with a few changes from the original construction, which included a glass walkway that had a cool light effect at night, and cutting one of the metal bars for local construction, today the bridge remains and is a pretty cool spot to see the city from the river. 

It’s also known as the Calatrava Bridge and the Campo de Volantín pedestrian bridge. 

Night: Dinner at Plaza Nueva (New Square)

Stop by Plaza Nueva, the city’s “new” plaza, unveiled in 1851 in the historic district, and built with Roman neoclassical architecture. Depending on the day you visit, if you’re there on a Sunday or any other holiday, you may see local pop-ups, markets, and other stalls appear in the middle. 

Otherwise, Plaza Nueva is also the home of some of the best restaurants in Bilbao, including 

• Sorgínzulo is a great option for those looking for traditional (and delicious) Pintxos. Visit a bit earlier before dinner time, and get some Pintxo-Potes – a pintxo and a glass of wine for a good deal!
  • Address: Pl. Nueva, 12, Ibaiondo, 48005 Bilbao, Biscay, Spain 
• Gure-Toki, which I already mentioned is one of the best bakeries in town for Basque Cheesecake, and is located in Plaza Nueva.
  • Address: Pl. Nueva, 12, Ibaiondo, 48005 Bilbao, Biscay, Spain

Ghost/Mystery Night Tour

If you’re still looking for more activities to do in Bilbao, consider a ghost tour or mystery tour in Bilbao! 

Bilbao, and the whole of the Basque Country is a rich and historic region of Spain, and Europe as a whole, that has existed since the 1300s. 

Needless to say, there are a few mysteries and legends that still haunt the city, and make for not only a spooky time but a fun and interesting way to learn the history and curiosities of the city. 

📍Click here to book your spot on the Crime and Punishment ghost tour 

Day 3 – Day trip to San Sebastián or of your choosing!

There are tons of great day tours from Bilbao that you can (and should) squeeze into your 3 days in Bilbao itinerary if you can. 

The most popular day trips include:

• Donostía – San Sebastián 
• Gaztelugatxe (San Juan de Gaztelugatxe)
• Mundaka 
• Bermeo
• Biarritz
• Saint Jean de Luz
• Santander
• Vitoria-Gasteiz 
• Tour of the coast of Biscay (on my list to do!)
• Getxo
• Sopelana 
• Guernica
• Barrika Beach (summer)
• Boat tour of the Bilbao Estuary 

Even though deciding on where to go was hard (and we were in Bilbao for 6 days!), we decided to go to San Sebastián one day and Vitoria-Gasteiz another because it worked out with our schedule, and the time of the season we went (January). 

But you can very much plan your first time in Bilbao to be 3 days in Bilbao and San Sebastián if you’re looking for an example. 

Another question I’ve seen floating around is how many days in Bilbao and San Sebastián you need, which is why I am also suggesting that with three days in Bilbao, you can squeeze in a trip to San Sebastián. 

Reasons to visit San Sebastián:

• Rich food scene – pintxos were invented in San Sebastián, and they are the city with the most Michelin-star restaurants in the Basque country.
• Gorgeous beach – La Concha 
• Beautiful views of mountains and coves
• Charming pier with a giant Ferris wheel and merry-go-round 
• Stunning old town and unique traditions

I went in January, and it was busy with locals and visitors. People were surfing and playing beach volleyball (it was an unusually warm January day).

I got a sense that San Sebastián was one of those places where wealthy Spanish families vacationed during the summer.

Maybe it was the luxury hotels with sea views or award-winning restaurants, but still, I think that the prices were very reasonable.

How to plan your day trips from Bilbao

You can either opt for a tour that conveniently picks you up from a main point in the city, or even your hotel, and organizes the whole experience for you, including stopping at more than a few towns on this list in one day. 

📍Check out day trip tours from Bilbao

If you have more time, or prefer to plan your outing your own way, you can also take a bus or train to most of the day trip towns and cities, which is what I ended up doing a few times. 

📍Find TRAINS around Bilbao and day trip destinations

📍Find BUSES around Bilbao and day trip destinations 

Bilbao’s Most Popular Sights

• Guggenheim Museum
  • Puppy
  • Giant Spider
  • Tall Tree & The Eye 
  • Fog Sculpture 
  • Fuente de Fuego (Fire Fountain) 
• Museum of Fine Arts
• Casco Viejo (Old Town)
• Azkuna Zentroa (Culture Center)
• San Mamés Stadium
• Plaza Nueva (New Square)
• Ribera Market
• Iturrizar Park 
• Zubizuri Bridge
• Biboko Donejakue Cathedral
• Artxanda Funicular
• Artxanda viewpoint
• Arriaga Theater 

Explore Bilbao’s Most Popular Neighborhoods // Where to stay in Bilbao

Something I loved about Bilbao was that everything was pretty closeby, even on foot. 

The main neighborhoods are so close together, that unless you have a specific requirement, any of these areas should be a great fit if you want to be a good distance from all that Bilbao has to offer. 

Casco Viejo (Old Town)

If you’re looking to stay central to the city and all the major things to do, you can’t get any more central than the Casco Viejo (Old Town). With a few hotels and Airbnb options available, Casco Viejo has tons of Pintxo restaurants, bars, bakeries, and of course the culinary crown jewel – the Ribera Market. It can get a bit rowdy at night with the bars, but if you want to be in the heart of it all, or you also want to join in on the fun, Casco Viejo is it! 

Indautxu/ Ensanche 

This neighborhood is a great option with tons of quality hotel options, and is in great proximity to the city’s sites, while still feeling a bit residential. It is home to the Azkuna Zentro culture center and the Guggenheim Museum, great shopping, and is a very central area to the city and its things to do and see.

Uribarri 

A mainly residential area in Bilbao, but very well connected to sights like Casco Viejo, the Guggenheim Museum, Ribera Market, and other famous sights, on foot. The main bus station is a bit further away, but the metro close by can take you there, easily. I stayed here, and can only say great things about it. 

Abandoibarra

This neighborhood is a short walking distance from the Guggenheim and the Abando train station, which if you’re traveling to the city via train, Abandoibarra could be a great area to stay in! There are plenty of parks, interesting bridges, and even a few playgrounds for families traveling to Bilbao. 

Deusto 

Located near Bilbao University, Deusto is very youthful and has great budget-friendly restaurants and bars, and only a 15-20 minute ride to Las Arenas Beach. It’s also really well connected to the city, whether on foot or the metro. Check out street art, murals, and other public art displays here!

Bilbao La Vieja (Bilbi) 

Bilbi is a great neighborhood offering proximity to great eating spots, and art centers, near the Casco Viejo and the Ría (river). It’s a great place to go on a walk, and still be closer to major city sights. 

Santutxu 

Where many locals live, while still being only a few minutes walk from Bilbao’s main sights.

What to Eat in Bilbao

One of the things that Bilbao is known for is its food scene, and for good reason. 

Though what I tried in Bilbao is not only traditional Bilbao, but part of the rich gastronomy of the Basque country, in which Bilbao is the largest city in said region, I will share some of the most notable dishes, drinks, and deserts you can try while visiting Bilbao.

Main Plates

Mainly known for Pintxos – small dishes made of various ingredients like chorizo, chicken, peppers (not spicy), sauces, fish, beef, potato, and more, Bilbao cuisine, also includes great quality seafood, especially their star seafood dish – Bacalao Pil Pil, which is a salted cod cooked with garlic and olive oil. 

Basque Beverages 

When it comes to drinks, I loved learning (and trying) the different drink mixtures that originated in Bilbao, from the traditional Mariano (or Vermú Preparado), which is a mix of Campari, vermouth, and angostura, traditional Baque wine called Txakoli, where the grapes are grown in a high altitude vineyard close to the sea, Basque Cider, that when served, must be poured from a certain height because of the gas content (which is cool to see!), and my personal favorite that I will remake at home, Kalimotxo (a red wine and coke mix). 

Basque Traditional Desserts and Pastries

Bilbao delivers a good mix of baked goods and pastries to try, and backstories to learn. Start sinking your sweet tooth into delicacies like Carolina, which is a tart with a pretty meringue top covered in chocolate and yolk cream. 

It was named after the baker’s daughter who wanted a pastry with meringue, so he concocted this now-traditional pastry and named it after his daughter. 

There is also Pastel de Arroz (Rice Cake) which has Philipino origins and was introduced to Spanish locals in the 19th century. It is a pastry crust with pastry cream in the middle. It almost looks like a Portuguese Pastel de Nata. 

Pastel Vasco (Basque Cake) is a small cake slice that comes from the French Basque Country in Lapurdi, so technically it’s French, but has a stamp of the Basque Cross (Iauburu) on top of it. 

Another delicious dessert you have to try while in Bilbao is Basque Cheesecake. 

Those who are lactose intolerant, go to a pharmacy and get what you need so you can enjoy this slice of cheesecake heaven – it has a burnt exterior with caramel notes, but the inside is creamy, thick yet light, and subtly sweet. It’s what cheesecake should taste like in my humble opinion. 

That’s something that struck me while I was in Bilbao learning about the cuisine, that so many of the dishes, drinks, and desserts had unique stories and were many times accidentally created. 

Learning about food and its history, in my opinion, only enriches your experience of it. It’s like doing a walking tour of the city. It makes you see beyond what’s in front of you, or other people’s recommendations to truly enjoy it. 

I didn’t have time to do a food tour, and it is one of my only regrets because I truly think that a food tour in Bilbao would be worth it. It’s just one of those places. I did one in Málaga, and now have a deeper appreciation for their unique and delicious cuisine. 

If you’re spending 4 days in Bilbao

One of my tour guides asked me how many days I’d be staying in Bilbao and when I said 6 days, they said: “oh, you’ll definitely see the whole city, twice!” 

After actually spending 6 days in Bilbao, I think you can see the city and its attractions in 3 days. Still, if you’re also looking to do a few day trips, which in my opinion are very worth it, you won’t have a problem filling up 4 days in Bilbao, or even 6 like I did!

A few other sites/activities to consider doing/seeing in Bilbao

• Hop on the Artxanda Funicular
• See all of Bilbao from Mount Artxanda
• Look up at Iberdrola Tower – you can’t go inside as it’s a corporate office, but it is one of Bilbao’s most modern “landmarks”. 
• Visit San Mamés Stadium – any soccer fans? Check out a game at San Mamés Stadium, and cheer on the locally beloved Athletic Bilbao team (colors are red, white, and black), or check out the behind-the-scenes on a stadium tour of San Mamés!

What to do in 3 days in Bilbao with family

There are plenty of activities for travelers of all types and itineraries to fill up their travel plans in the city, especially if you’re in Bilbao with family. 

For epic views of the city, check out a ride on the funicular de Artxanda (cable car). Kid tickets start at 4,30 euros roundtrip; children under 6 are free. Just check out the opening hours, as they vary season by season. The ride is 3 minutes long.

The city also has tons of kid parks all around, even in the city center, including Park Abandoibarra, and Doña Casilda de Iturriza.

Enjoy a walk along the river, and don’t forget to stop by the sculptures outside the Guggenheim, including the bronze giant spider, the Puppy, and the mist that envelopes you as you get closer to the museum. 

For a culture stop, check out the exhibitions, and shops inside the Azkuna Zentroa Center, a multi-use venue in the city center with interesting installations, and art that are everchanging. Plus, it’s free entry! Step inside the shops at the center selling unique Bilbao art and items designed by local artists. 

Another thing to do in Bilbao with family that’s conveniently free is checking out Bilbao’s street art at Iralako Parkea. Although it’s a 20-minute walk from the historic district, if you’re in Bilbao with older kids or teenagers, this might be a cool thing to see with them.

What to do in Bilbao for 2 days

If you have two days in Bilbao, I hope that this guide has helped you see some of the most popular sites to see, and experiences to have, so you can fill up your Bilbao 2 day itinerary as you’d like. 

I recommend, especially if it’s your first time in Bilbao to focus on exploring the city. 

Whether it’s walking around, signing up for tours, visiting the museums, and of course, eating your fair share of pinxtos, enjoy what the city has to offer, and the next time you’re in the city, you can explore the different day trips from Bilbao. 

3 Days in Bilbao For First Timers Q&A

Why is Bilbao Spain famous?

Bilbao is famous for its recognizable monuments and sights. 

From the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum to the sculptures outside the modern-art museum like the spider and Puppy whose images are some of the first to come to mind when thinking of Bilbao. Plus all the other sights mentioned throughout the post. 

However, as someone who has visited 11 Spanish cities and lived for a year within the community of Madrid, my experience exploring Bilbao left me with my own take on this city, and why it’s famous (to me), which is:

• The deeply rooted traditions like Aste Nagusia (The Big Week), 
• Its rich port history 
• Its charming, narrow, and often uphill streets with impressive views of the city and mountains in the background 
• Historic and important language (and the local pride when speaking it)
• The Basque flag waving almost everywhere in the historic district 
• Regional desserts with fascinating backstories for their creation and names 
• Kalimotxo and pintxos 
• Music groups playing music as they walked down the old town like a parade
• Older men wearing berets 

These are just a few reasons why the city is famous, according to Google, and of course, according to me, as someone who genuinely enjoyed her time in Bilbao.

Why do people go to Bilbao?

Bilbao often attracts visitors via its major art and cuisine scene, and because it is the largest city in the Basque region. Its tourism has been growing by a lot since the 70s, with its lively culture, nightlife, and family-friendly activities. 

As I’ve shared before, the reason why I went to Bilbao was because it was often recommended to me, and I love cities either in the middle of nature or a short distance away and you can appreciate both the city and nature. 

On another personal note, I was very curious to visit Bilbao and northern Spain for a while, ever since I was studying abroad in Greece. 

The first Spaniards I ever met while I was studying abroad were from Bilbao. They shared some of the interesting things their region and city were known for, and I instantly felt intrigued. 

Then when I was living in Spain as an English teacher, my co-workers always recommended visiting northern Spain (after recommending their hometowns and cities, of course) but it was always a “must” whenever I’d ask for places to visit in Spain. 

I was surprised with not only how cool and interesting the city was, but also how much I loved it. It has become one of my favorite Spanish cities, and I will always want to go back.

Is 3 days in Bilbao enough?

Yes! If you want a good introduction to Bilbao’s most popular sites, enjoy the rich gastronomy, and learn a bit about their history, with a day trip there, 3 days is a good amount of time to see Bilbao, especially for first-timers!

Is Bilbao worth visiting?

If you’re a fan of stunning nature (the mountains can be seen from the city, and the sea is a short distance away from the city) modern art, an amazing food scene, a fascinating language, visible tradition, welcoming people, all in an extremely walkable city, then absolutely, Bilbao is worth visiting!

Though Bilbao is a city that has recently become much more visited by people from all over and is recognized for its cultural taste, Bilbao is also the largest city in the Basque Country, and in all of northern Spain, so of course, it requires a spot on your list of places to see in Spain!

What is the best time to visit Bilbao?

Though Bilbao ranks as one of the rainiest cities in Spain, it’s not all gloom and rain (at least as much as other cities in the world). 

Summer may be more crowded, and hot (it can reach up to 80 degrees and is very humid), but it’s also the season with less rain throughout the year, making it perfect to enjoy the local nature of the Basque region. 

To avoid crowds, fall and winter are the best times to visit Bilbao. It’s low travel season, and it’s not as hot as it is in the summer months.  

Though the fall season does see more rain and wind, the temperature cools down to the high 60s, so just bring your best travel essentials to keep dry and comfortable.

Winter, which is the season I went to Bilbao, was warmer than I thought it would be. As someone from the midwest (Illinois), the winter was not at all cold, in fact, the weather was mild, with temperatures in the 50s and even reaching the 60s, with a few sunny days. 

Definitely bring your umbrellas, as winter tends to be the rainiest season, but of the 6 days that I was in Bilbao (middle of January), I only got 1 to 2 days of rain, and only partially throughout the day. 

What to do in Bilbao?

The best things to do in Bilbao include enjoying the food scene, attending local traditions and events that are happening during your visit, going on a day trip, and getting into the local culture with visits to the museums. 

Is Bilbao expensive to visit?

In comparison to Madrid, the capital of Spain, and the most expensive city in Spain, Bilbao was definitely on the affordable and reasonable side in my opinion. 

A latte was 2-3 euros, a pastry was 1-3 euros (depending on if it’s a croissant or a specialty pastry), pintxos were 6-9 euros, and a beer (caña) or wine was 3-4 euros at a restaurant. 

Depending on your budget, visiting Bilbao can definitely be experienced well even on a small budget. 

How many days do you need in Bilbao?

It depends mostly on what you want to see in Bilbao, but I’d say a good amount of time is 3-4 days. 

I stayed 6 days, and even though I found plenty of things to do in Bilbao, I also included 2-day trips in my Bilbao itinerary. 

If you just want to see the city, you can do it in 3 days. However, after you’ve seen all the things to do in Bilbao in 3 days, how many days in Bilbao do you think you’d plan? 

Which is better Bilbao or San Sebastián?

I loved both cities a lot, and while both have different things to offer, different ambiances to enjoy, and similar high-quality and delicious food options to offer, it really depends on what you’re looking for.

For city vibes and culture, Bilbao is great, for a seaside escape with plenty of nature, lovely ambiance, and access to the beach, San Sebastián is it! 

The good thing is that it’s super easy to get to San Sebastián from Bilbao, whether you go on a tour, or decide to take the bus, the train/bus stations are very central in each city and quite easy to navigate. 

How to get from Bilbao to San Sebastián?

The best ways to get from Bilbao to San Sebastián include either a bus or a tour, which includes bonus stops in other nearby cities worth checking out. 

If you have time to explore, I’d probably go with a tour from Bilbao to San Sebastián which also includes a stop in the gorgeous islet of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, where parts of Games of Thrones were filmed and is overall a beautiful islet on the northern region of Spain. 

I didn’t have time to do this, so I opted to take the bus to San Sebastián to explore it for the afternoon, which was also great! 

How long is the train journey from Bilbao to San Sebastián?

The train journey from Bilbao to San Sebastián is approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the train you choose. 

However, if you’re looking for a faster public transportation option to get from Bilbao to Santander, I recommend the bus, which takes 1.5 hours. 

Is Bilbao a day trip from San Sebastián?

Yes! A bus ride from Bilbao to San Sebastián will cost around 6-8 euros, and is only 1.5 hours away, with multiple buses traveling between both destinations throughout the day, all week. 

Alsa Buses is the name of the company that transports people frequently between both cities. 

Getting To and Around Bilbao

The main ways to get to Bilbao are by flying, and landing at Bilbao Airport, taking a RENFE train to Abando Idalecio Prieto (Bilbao-Abando or Estación del Norte) train station in Bilbao, or Alsa bus, and arriving at Bilbao Intermodal bus station. 

If you’re arriving from the airport, you can either pre-book an airport transfer for ease and convenience, or you could also opt for the airport shuttle bus. 

If you arrive via the train or bus station, you could just take the metro, as these stations are closer to the city center. 

Bilbao’s public transport includes:

• Metro –  one of the best and cleanest in Spain I’ve gotten on, and reasonably priced.
• Tram
• Bikes
• Buses

I only rode the metro and walked while visiting Bilbao, and then took the bus when taking day trips to San Sebastián and Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Is Uber in Bilbao?

Yes, there is! If you need a ride anywhere in the city or a little outside, you can book an Uber as easily as you would anywhere else in the city. 

Though walking or using public transport is the best way to get around, and explore Bilbao, having the option of Uber is good to know. 

💡Pro tip – unless you’re carrying a lot of luggage, you don’t need Uber or a taxi to go to the airport. Simply hop on the local airport shuttle that departs from the central bus station (Intermodal) to the airport, and vice versa. The name of the bus company is Bizkaia – you’ll see them around town a lot. 

Is Bilbao a walkable city?

Absolutely! Walking from the historic center, and the different districts and neighborhoods of interest is doable on foot. 

Although if you do get tired, or are short on time, the city has a great public transport system that includes buses, trains, and a metro. 

I enjoyed walking around Bilbao because, in my opinion, it was the best way to get acquainted with the city and the best way to see it and enjoy it. Plus, it felt very safe.

Is Bilbao safe for solo female travelers?

I arrived in Bilbao 1 day before my sister, who joined me on the trip later on, and spent a total of 6 days there. 

Bilbao felt very safe to me, whether it was day or night. The city has a low crime rate, and I did see quite a presence of police on the streets. I can’t say what it’s like later in the evening, or early morning for those who want to go out, but overall, Bilbao felt very safe to me.

I also found the city welcoming to travelers, and the people from Bilbao (Bilbaínos) were very warm and helpful people, with great hospitality. Overall, I’d say that Bilbao is very safe for solo female travelers. 

Is it OK to speak Spanish in Bilbao?

People speak Basque (Euskera) and Spanish in Bilbao, which is one of the things that personally interested me to visit in the first place when it came to exploring the local culture. 

However, I didn’t feel the need to know how to speak Basque if I was ordering food, or asking a question, as most people spoke Spanish and you could also get away with English, especially in the historic center. 

Now, that’s not to say that you can’t learn a few keywords in the local language (you always should), as a way to not only enrich your experience of the destination but also as a sign of respect for the culture and locals. 

The Wrap-Up: How To Spend 3 Days in Bilbao For First Timers

I hope that this guide has helped you get a better idea of how to plan your trip to Bilbao and which day tours from Bilbao to take advantage of to discover the rest of the Basque Country, whether you’re going for 3 days, 4 days, or even just 1 day.

As I repeatedly said throughout the post, I truly enjoyed my stay in Bilbao, which has become one of my favorite Spanish cities. 

Let me know what your plans are for Bilbao! Will you take a day trip? Will you try a Kalimotxo? Basque Cheesecake? Will you go to the Guggenheim? I’d love to know!

To more travel moments like this.