Spending a weekend in Bilbao is the ideal way to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, history, and gastronomy of the Basque Country. Although 48 hours might not seem like much, you can still enjoy the city’s highlights — from world-class museums to charming old streets, iconic architecture, and local cuisine. Here’s our detailed itinerary to make the most of your weekend in Bilbao.
Explore the Heart of Bilbao
¿Breakfast or Brunch in Bilbao?
Kick off your day like a true local with a delicious breakfast or brunch at one of the city’s top spots. Bilbao has seen a rise in fantastic brunch venues, perfect for those who enjoy a more leisurely start to the day.
For Breakfast: Try a traditional pintxo at a local café — a tosta with tomato, olive oil, and jamón serrano (cured ham) or a slice of creamy Basque cheesecake with your coffee.
For Brunch: Visit trendy spots like Taula or Arvo Coffe, where you’ll find hearty avocado toasts, eggs Benedict, smoothies, and artisanal pastries. Many cafés combine local flavours with modern brunch culture — perfect for energising before sightseeing.
Museums and Art in Bilbao
A trip to Bilbao wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the Guggenheim Museum, one of the world’s most renowned contemporary art centres. The building, designed by Frank Gehry, is as captivating as the artworks inside.
Must-See Highlights:
- Permanent Collection: Works by Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Richard Serra.
- The Puppy: Jeff Koons’ iconic floral sculpture at the entrance.
- The Spiral Staircase: A stunning photo spot showcasing Gehry’s architecture.
You can also visit the Fine Arts Museum located just a short walk from the Guggenheim, this museum houses an impressive collection of art ranging from medieval to contemporary pieces, including works by Goya, El Greco, and Picasso´s.
After your museum visits, take a relaxing stroll along the Nervión River, which runs through the heart of Bilbao. Marvel at the city’s mix of modern and historic architecture, including the famous Zubizuri Bridge by Santiago Calatrava.
Pintxos in the Old Town (Casco Viejo)
At lunch time, head to Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s historic centre, to explore the city’s pintxos culture. Pintxos are miniature culinary delights similar to tapas, and the Old Town is packed with bustling bars offering a variety of options.
Top Recommendations:
- Bar El Globo for classic pintxos and the Txangurro one is the most popular one.
- Café Iruña for a more traditional atmosphere.
- Fermin´s Gilda ,
This ‘gilda’ -and the Fermín bar– is one of the most legendary on the list of delicacies in Bilbao’s Old Quarter. - Walking down Calle Iturribide we find this slightly dark Melilla and Fez bar that, when you decide to go in, you can’t help but eat their ‘pinchos morunos’. Their skewers have a spicy and lemony touch that will keep you coming back.
As a local recommendation, pair your pintxos with a glass of txakoli, a sparkling Basque white wine.
Relax at Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park
Take a breather at this urban park featuring fountains, a pond, and beautiful gardens — the perfect spot to relax and recharge. At Christmas Time you can enjoy all the lights around it and also many times ypu will find local music groups around.
Return to Casco Viejo for a vibrant evening. Wander its narrow streets filled with charming boutiques, bustling bars, and iconic landmarks like Santiago Cathedral and Plaza Nueva, where you can sample traditional talo (a corn flatbread) or pintxo of tortillla, the most classic ones.
Bilbao’s Hidden Charms
In your second day discovering Bilbao´s streets we recommend you to delve into the history and customs of the Basque people at the fascinating Basque Museum, located in the heart of Casco Viejo.
After that, take the Artxanda Funicular to the top of Mount Artxanda for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains. It’s the perfect photo spot and a peaceful escape just minutes from the city centre.
Head to La Ribera Market, Europe’s largest covered market, to enjoy fresh local produce and seafood. Grab a quick bite from the market’s food stalls, like marmitako (tuna stew) or txangurro (spider crab).
After lunch, discover the Bilbao´s Modern District, along Gran Vía, the city’s main shopping hub lined with beautiful 19th-century buildings and modern boutiques. Stop at Azkuna Zentroa, a cultural centre housed in a former wine warehouse with stunning interiors by Philippe Starck.
Enjoy your last meal at one of the restaurants in Plaza Nueva, where the atmosphere buzzes with locals and visitors enjoying pintxos, cider, and local wines.
Travel Light and Enjoy More
One of the biggest challenges for travellers is dealing with heavy luggage, especially with early check-outs becoming more common in hotels and apartments. Exploring Bilbao while carrying bags can ruin an otherwise perfect experience.
That’s where luggage storage services come to the rescue! By leaving your luggage in a secure, specialised consigna (luggage storage), you can roam the city hands-free and stress-free.
- Visit museums, shops, and restaurants without carrying your bags.
- Make the most of your arrival and departure days without worrying about early check-ins or check-outs.
- Enjoy Bilbao’s pedestrian-friendly streets with full comfort.
At our specialised luggage storage locations, we ensure your belongings are safe while you explore Bilbao at your own pace. Drop your bags, travel light, and maximise your time in this incredible city.
Extra tips for visiting Bilbao
- Getting Around: Bilbao is compact, making it perfect for walking. Public transport, including the metro and buses, is efficient for exploring further.
- Weather: Pack an umbrella, as Bilbao’s weather can be rainy, particularly in winter.
- Language: While Spanish is widely spoken, you’ll also hear Euskara, the Basque language, in shops and bars.