How To Spend One Day in Bilbao (My Ultimate Itinerary!)
Are you looking to spend one day in Bilbao?
I visited it on a day trip from Santander, and I must admit that I loved the city, especially the food!
There are many reasons to visit Bilbao, including its exquisite gastronomy, beautiful green spaces, rich culture, and relaxing atmosphere. Along with Santander, I totally think Bilbao is an underrated city with much to offer.
It’s a great city to spend a day or a short weekend because you’ll have plenty of things to do in the city centre and its surroundings, so you’ll never get bored.
Bilbao is also a great stop if you’re taking the popular Camino del Norte route, which passes through some of the most scenic coastal towns in the north of Spain.
If you’re ready to visit this city, this travel guide shares must-see attractions, where to eat, the best accommodation, and short and easy day trips if you decide to stay longer.
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How to spend one day in Bilbao
1. Visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Puppy
The Guggenheim Museum is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Bilbao, and it’s the number one place you can’t miss when you spend only one day in Bilbao.
This museum and art gallery are home to unique sculptures and works of art. If you love the modernist period, add the Guggenheim Museum to your itinerary. Here, you’ll find popular modern art movements like cubism and surrealism.
The truth is that you can spend between 3 to 4 hours in this museum. There are many floors and exhibition rooms to explore, and if you opt to listen to the audio guide, you’ll spend a big part of your day there.
In addition to this, don’t forget to explore the surroundings of the Guggenheim Museum because you’ll find other impressive sculptures, such as the Giant Spider.
Also, just outside the main entrance is my favourite sculpture, the Puppy, the world’s largest flower sculpture! It has over 38,000 flowers, so it’s definitely impressive to see.
The museum is very popular, and it’s not surprising to see school trips or guided tours on weekends, so booking your tickets online is the best option.
📌 Tip: If you’re hungry, I highly recommend getting a snack at the cafe just outside the Guggenheim Museum. The cafe has outdoor seating, and you can enjoy a view of the museum while having a drink of your choice. For me, freshly squeezed orange juice is the perfect drink on a sunny and warm day.
2. Wander Bilbao’s Old Quarter
There is something about Bilbao Old Town (Casco Viejo), also known as zazpi kaleak, which is Euskara for “seven streets” – its beautiful and colourful buildings, narrow streets, and relaxing atmosphere make it a fantastic place to visit.
Not only can you find some of the main attractions in the city, but also some hidden gems and less explored paths. My number one advice is to forget about your itinerary for a moment and give yourself some freedom to wander.
Alternatively, if you prefer a plan or would like to learn more about the city, there are many free walking tours in Bilbao’s city centre. The local guides will tell you all about the secrets behind this place.
3. Discover the beauty of Biblioteca Central de Bidebarrieta
The truth is that I had no idea of this beautiful library before visiting the city; it wasn’t on my itinerary. However, while walking in the Old Quarter, the facade of a building caught my eye, and I decided to go inside to check it; it was the main library.
This library is one of Bilbao’s hidden gems. It was built at the end of the 19th century and has a stunning eclectic French design. It’s one of the most important cultural centres in Bilbao, as it’s home to 100,000 books.
Whether you love reading books or admiring the architecture of a building, visit this hidden gem.
4. Visit the Cathedral
One of the most emblematic places to visit in Bilbao is the cathedral, known as Catedral de Santiago in Spanish.
This building is an excellent example of Gothic architecture at the end of the 14th century in Spain.
The cathedral has impressive architecture on the inside too, and one of the best parts is the cloister, where you can walk around while popping your head through the beautiful pillars and windows to see a small courtyard.
When you buy your ticket for Bilbao’s Cathedral, you can also access San Antón Church.
5. Have a coffee at Plaza Nueva
Plaza Nueva is a lively square in the historic centre of Bilbao. It is home to many cafes, bars, restaurants, as well as alternative shops. It’s a great place to enjoy the atmosphere and people-watch while having some food and looking at the beautiful neoclassical architecture of this square.
If you visit Bilbao on a Sunday, there is a street market. Local merchants sell everything from antiques, such as second-hand CDs and books, to coins, stamps, and crafts.
6. Immerse yourself in the football culture at San Mamés Stadium
I’m not a football fan, but when you travel with others, you may compromise and visit places that you aren’t very interested in. This was my case!
Having said so, if you like football, San Mamés Stadium is a must-see attraction to add to your Bilbao itinerary. The museum is quite big and very modern, even if Athletic de Bilbao isn’t your favourite football team, it’s quite interesting learning how this football club is different from others in Spain.
In addition, it’s surprising how locals are so passionate about the football team, and if there’s a match going on, there’s always someone who will ask about the team’s results.
7. Relax at Doña Casilda de Iturrizar Park
One of the main reasons to visit Northern Spain is to contemplate the landscapes and the beautiful green spaces. This beautiful park isn’t far from the Guggenheim Museum and is worth stopping by.
The park has many benches to sit down and unwind, a pond with ducks, and beautiful fountains and sculptures. While visiting this charming park, you can’t miss the Pergola, a great spot to take pictures.
Inside the park, there’s also a small cafe with outdoor tables that is often frequented by locals.
8. Cross the Zubizuri Bridge
When you walk around the Bilbao riverside, you’ll be surprised by how many bridges you’ll find.
The Zubizuri Bridge, also known as the Calatrava Bridge, is one of the most popular bridges in the city. Its arched structure is very unique and resembles a sailboat above the river.
Crossing the Zubizuri is an experience – contemplating the beautiful views of the Nervion River while walking on a non-slip mat that doesn’t make you feel very stable.
9. Enjoy the best city view from Artxanda viewpoint
There is nothing better than enjoying a panoramic view of a city.
You can find several viewpoints across Bilbao, but the Artxanda viewpoint is the highest one. If you want to access it, you can take the cable car (Funicular de Artxanda), which is situated in Funikularreko Plaza, a few minutes walk from Zubizuri Bridge.
The return ticket costs €4,30, so to make the most of your time at the viewpoint, you can have a small picnic while enjoying the view, although it can sometimes be windy.
In the area, you can also go for a short walk to enjoy the different views of the city.
Here is a church (Ermita de San Roque), which I was very excited to visit as I thought it would be a nice hidden gem. However, once I reached the church, I was disappointed—you couldn’t go inside, there was graffiti all over the church, and the surroundings weren’t neat either.
10. Shop at Gran Vía
Gran Vía is Bilbao’s shopping district, which combines high street and traditional shops. This is the perfect place to buy anything you need or want (clothes and accessories, gourmet products, etc.) or simply stroll through.
If you love shopping, you must add Gran Vía to your itinerary!
Where to eat in Bilbao
The best place to enjoy Bilbao’s local cuisine is La Ribera Market. Inside the market is a food court that is like heaven for any foodie – the smell of different food, the colourful stalls, the staff behind the stalls trying to convince you why you should try their pintxos…
Bilbao is known for its pintxos, which are similar to tapas but always come with a slice of bread beneath the meat, fish, egg, or vegetables. The truth is that the combinations are endless!
When you walk into the food court, you’ll be amazed by all the pintxos you can find – from chicken skewers and fried squid to omelette with ham and cheese, which is very popular in Northern Spain.
You have plenty of options to choose from, and the great thing about eating at the market is that not only is it affordable (each pintxo is often 2 euros) but delicious, too.
In addition to all the savoury bites, make space for dessert. There’s a stall with traditional, irresistible Basque sweets. I ordered Carolina, a meringue on top of a rounded pastry filled with custard. It was delicious!
Where to stay in Bilbao
If this is your first time in Bilbao or you’re visiting the city for a day, the Old Quarter is the best place to look for accommodation. Staying central will help you maximise your short time in Bilbao.
There is a good variety of hotels, apartments, and hostels in the area, making it difficult to decide where to stay. To help you decide on the best accommodation for you, here are some recommendations:
📍 Hotel Tayko Bilbao. This 4-star hotel is located in Casco Viejo, next to Arriaga Theatre and a few minutes walk from Catedral de Santiago. The hotel is a great choice if you’re looking for modern, chic and comfortable rooms. It’s the perfect option for couples. Check out availability and price here.
📍 NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels is another incredible 4-star hotel that you want to check out. The hotel offers stylish and comfortable rooms, a delicious continental breakfast and a 360-degree rooftop terrace where you can enjoy the stunning city views while sipping wine. Check out availability and price here.
📍 Pensión Basque Boutique. If you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation without compromising comfort and style, this 2-star guest house is the perfect option. It’s right in the Old Quarter, and it offers beautifully decorated rooms with hand-made furnishings and artistic finishes inspired by Bilbao’s culture. Check out availability and price here.
Day trips from Bilbao
If you plan to spend a weekend in Bilbao, you must know that it’s surrounded by many beautiful destinations you’ll want to discover.
Whether you’re looking for popular nearby cities in Northern Spain or off-the-beaten-path villages, check out Santander, Bermeo and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Bilbao, Spain
What is the best time to visit Bilbao?
The weather in Northern Spain is very different from that in Southern Spain. Winters are colder, windier and wetter, so choosing spring or summer is the best option.
Sightseeing is perfect in spring and early summer as it doesn’t get as hot as in the south. For example, May is a really good month to visit Bilbao as the maximum temperature is 20 degrees and the minimum is 10 degrees. Also, the chances of rain are lower than in earlier months.
Is Bilbao worth visiting?
Bilbao is worth visiting! There are plenty of things to do in the city – from visiting the Guggenheim Bilbao museum and the city’s cathedral to having some delicious pintxos at Ribera Market.
Despite its many attractions, the city’s atmosphere is very relaxing, and you’ll forget that you’re in the city.
If you’re looking for less-explored destinations in Spain, you’ll love Bilbao!
What is Bilbao known for?
Bilbao is famous for being a city rich in culture, with attractions such as the Guggenheim Museum. It is also a food paradise with its delicious pintxos and a very green destination.
How many days do you need in Bilbao?
You can visit Bilbao in 24 hours; however, staying 3 days in Bilbao allows you to visit the main attractions at a slower pace and go on a day trip to unique nearby destinations.
What language is spoken in Bilbao?
Bilbao has two official languages: Spanish and Basque. Locals are bilingual and communicate interchangeably in both languages.
Is one day in Bilbao enough?
Yes, spending one day in Bilbao is perfect for getting an idea of the city and visiting its main attractions.
Overall, Bilbao is a very charming destination in Spain, and it’s one of those cities you must add to your Spain bucket list.
Whether you spend 24 hours in Bilbao or stay longer, you’ll find incredible things to do in the city and its surroundings.
If you have questions about what to do in Bilbao in a day, you can always drop them in the comments.
Safe adventures!
Cristina
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Love these little day trip itineraries! We visited Catalonia in 2019 and can’t wait to return to the area. Thanks for the suggestion!
What a fun area! I haven’t really explored Spain (even virtually), but Bilbao sounds like it has lots to discover. And I love those giant spider and puppy sculptures!
I haven’t been to Bilbao yet but it is on my list and after reading your article I just want to visit this place asap. And I love the small San Juan island! Thank you for sharing this!
Bilbao looks so beautiful. I’d also love to take a day trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, how stunning!
This is such a helpful 1 day itinerary! I am definitely saving for future travel planning. The puppy sculpture looks so cute!
I shall be going to Bilbao con mi esposo next week! This was so very helpful to learn where to dedicate more time & how to plan for visiting Bilbao! ¡Muchas gracias!
Xx, Morgan T
That’s amazing! I am happy to hear you found it useful. Have lots of fun in Bilbao x