Bilbao 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Heart of Bilbao

This itinerary focuses on experiencing the best of Bilbao’s culture, history, architecture, and cuisine. It can be tailored to your own interests – add more museum time if you’re an art enthusiast, or explore the vibrant nightlife scene in Casco Viejo!

Accommodation:

Day 1: Arrival & Architectural Wonders

  • Morning: Arrive in Bilbao (Bilbao Airport or by train). Check into your hotel, freshen up, and head out to explore the Casco Viejo (Old Town). Wander through its narrow streets, enjoy the charming architecture of the historic district, and visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of modern architecture designed by Frank Gehry.
  • Afternoon: Indulge in some delicious Basque cuisine. Explore the Mercado de la Ribera, a bustling market with fresh seafood, meat, and produce. Enjoy a traditional pintxos lunch at one of the many bars around the market.
  • Evening: Take a stroll along the Ría de Bilbao as the sun sets, enjoying the cityscape reflected in its waters. Have dinner at Bilbao’s Restaurante Azurmendi for a truly unique culinary experience (be prepared to book well in advance!).

Things to do:

  • Explore the Casco Viejo: Wander through this historic district, hopping between the charming pintxos bars and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Visit the Plaza Nueva: This beautiful square is the heart of Bilbao’s old town, and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy a coffee while watching the world go by.

Day 2: Culture & History Day

  • Morning: Immerse yourself in Basque history at the Museo Arqueológico y de Bellas Artes (Basque Archaeology and Fine Arts Museum).
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Casco Viejo, savoring the traditional food while taking in the charming surroundings.

Afternoon:

  • Discover the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum (Museo de Bellas Artes), home to a vast collection of European art.

Other options for the afternoon:

  • Take a walking tour: Explore the hidden gems and learn about the history and culture of Bilbao.

  • Visit the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, which features modern and contemporary Basque art.

  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Basque dinner at a charming restaurant in Casco Viejo. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the historic streets to enjoy the vibrant nightlife and soak up the atmosphere of this charming district.

Day 2: Other options for lunch:

  • Pintxos Crawl: Explore the culinary delights of the Guggenheim Museum’s restaurant, which offers a variety of innovative dishes inspired by the Basque region.

Things to see on a walking tour:

  • Casco Viejo (Old Town): Explore the charming cobblestone streets and admire the traditional architecture.
  • Museo Vasco: Immerse yourself in the history of the Basque culture.
  • The Plaza del Mercado: Experience the lively atmosphere of the Bilbao Market, one of the largest covered markets in Europe, where you can find fresh local produce.

Day 3: Art & History Immersion

  • Morning: Visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao to see the works of renowned artists like Jeff Koons and Richard Serra.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing walk through the Parque Doña Casilda, a beautiful park with stunning views of the city and the mountains.

  • Things to do in the afternoon:

    • Stroll along the Bilbao Art Walk and explore the street art scene.
    • Wander through the Casco Viejo’s Casco Viejo Market, sampling local delicacies like pintxos, fresh seafood, and Basque cider.

  • Evening: Experience a traditional “pintxos” meal in the heart of the city.

Day 4: Modernity & Nature

  • Morning: Enjoy a final stroll through the beautiful Plaza del Bilbao and soak up the atmosphere.

Afternoon: Visit the Casco Viejo, explore its charming streets, and enjoy a traditional “pintxos” meal at a local bar.

Things to do in the city:

*  **Explore Casco Viejo's architecture**: Wander through the cobbled streets and discover the architectural gems of this historic district.

  • Galleries & Museums:

    • Casco Viejo (Old Town): Admire the traditional Basque architecture and enjoy a leisurely stroll along its charming streets.

  • Things to do:

    • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife: Explore the numerous bars and restaurants in the Cascading City, wander through the streets and soak up the lively atmosphere, or take a walk around the beautiful Paseo de la Ribera market.

  • Things to do:

    • Experience the Guggenheim’s architecture: Take a tour of the museum’s unique architecture and learn about its history.

Things to do & places to see:

  • Explore the city: Visit the Casco Viejo, the historic heart of Bilbao. Enjoy the cityscape, walk along the Guggenheim Museum’s iconic exterior, or visit other interesting neighborhoods like Bilbao la Vieja.
  • Enjoy the view from the top: The Guggenheim Museum is located on a hill overlooking the Ría de Bilbao, offering stunning panoramas of the city and the surrounding landscape.

Things to do:

* **Explore the Guggenheim's museum gardens**: Enjoy the fresh air and greenery while taking in views of the **Bilbao River** and the **city center**.

  • Enjoy the “Cascading City” concept:

    • Experience the vibrant art scene and culture by visiting the various tapas bars in the Casco Viejo (Old Town), a popular activity in Bilbao.

Things to see:

  • The Plaza del Mercado: This historic square is known for its bustling atmosphere and abundance of fresh produce.
  • Mercado de la Ribera: Explore the history of the Basque people, their food, and their traditions.

Tips:

  • Visit during the week: The Casco Viejo is less crowded than on weekends.
  • Consider a guided tour: This can help you get the most out of your visit to the Bilbao.

Things to keep in mind:

  • The weather: The Casco Viejo, or Old Town, is known for its unpredictable weather. Check the forecast and pack accordingly for all types of weather.
  • Local transportation: Take advantage of Bilbao’s efficient public transport system to explore the city and surrounding areas.

For food lovers:

  • Bilbao is renowned for its Basque cuisine, with many restaurants offering delicious traditional dishes.

    • Day 3:

      • Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Basque dinner at Restaurante Zazpiak Bat, known for its modern take on classic Basque dishes.

Other things to do in Bilbao (depending on your interests):

  • Visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: Explore the museum’s unique architecture and its collection of contemporary art.
  • Enjoy the nightlife: The Casco Viejo, or Old Town, is a great place to experience the vibrant nightlife of the city.
  • Take a cooking class: Learn how to make some of the dishes you enjoy eating in Bilbao by taking a cooking class and making them yourself.

Things to see in Bilbao:

  • The Bilbao Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes): A great place to learn about Basque art history.
  • The Casco Viejo (Old Town): Explore the vibrant heart of the city.

Enjoy the Basque culture:

  • Take a walk: Take a stroll through the historic streets, explore local shops and markets, and experience the region’s rich culture.
  • Attend a cultural event: Check the schedule for festivals, concerts, and exhibitions showcasing the vibrant Basque culture.