<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udf9f\ufe0f If you want to get a deeper feel for Bilbao, this free walking tour<\/a> is a great option. It\u2019s a fun and budget-friendly way to learn fascinating facts about the city\u2019s history and culture. It\u2019s actually one of the best free tours you can take in Bilbao<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your first day in Bilbao will take you through the city\u2019s more modern side, the one that really came to life after its major urban transformation. The star of the day is, of course, the iconic Guggenheim Museum, but you’ll also make your way to one of the city\u2019s most beautiful parks and a neighborhood that blends local life with a touch of urban elegance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get ready for a day full of art, architecture, green spaces, and all-around great vibes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 1 highlights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Guggenheim is so much more than just a museum, it\u2019s a symbol of Bilbao\u2019s transformation. Once an industrial city, Bilbao has reinvented itself as one of northern Spain\u2019s most vibrant cultural and tourist destinations<\/a>, and the Guggenheim played a huge role in that rebirth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the moment you see it, the building itself will grab your attention. Its curved, metallic, and asymmetrical shapes seem to shift depending on the light, and catching its reflection in the river is a truly unforgettable sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inside, the museum is just as impressive. It houses an outstanding collection of contemporary art, featuring works by artists like Richard Serra, Jenny Holzer, Yves Klein, and many more. There\u2019s a mix of permanent installations and rotating exhibitions that keep things fresh and current.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t skip the walk around the outside; you\u2019ll find iconic sculptures like Puppy, the La Salve Bridge, and the towering spider Maman. And if you\u2019re in the mood for a drink or a bite after your visit, there are plenty of inviting terraces nearby to relax and soak it all in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udecf\ufe0f If you\u2019re still looking for a place to stay during your trip to Bilbao, I highly recommend this 4-star hotel where we stayed<\/a>. The room was spacious with a large window, the location was great, and they served a buffet breakfast every morning. You\u2019ll find more recommendations below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The next stop on this 3-day Bilbao itinerary is the city center\u2019s green oasis: Do\u00f1a Casilda Park. It\u2019s a romantic-style park with shady paths, ponds, fountains, and landscaped gardens; the perfect spot to take a break and relax for a bit. This is one of the oldest and most beloved parks in Bilbao.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was created in the early 20th century on land donated by Do\u00f1a Casilda de Iturrizar, a well-known and much-loved local figure remembered for her generosity. That\u2019s where the park gets its name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Right next to the park is the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, so if you’re in the mood to add a bit more culture to your day, it\u2019s just steps away. As you stroll through the park, you\u2019ll also come across decorative features like the cybernetic fountain and the charming music pavilion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, we head to one of Bilbao\u2019s most elegant and lively neighborhoods: Abando. This area is the city\u2019s bustling heart and one of the best spots to get a feel for how Bilbao has evolved over the past few decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, you\u2019ll find grand historic buildings, charming boutiques, cozy bookstores, inviting caf\u00e9s, lively bars, art galleries, offices, and all kinds of shops. It\u2019s also a perfect spot to just wander around without any plans, soaking up the local vibe and watching the city\u2019s everyday rhythm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main artery running through Abando is Gran V\u00eda Don Diego L\u00f3pez de Haro, Bilbao\u2019s most iconic boulevard. It connects two key squares: Plaza Circular and Plaza Moy\u00faa. Along the avenue, you\u2019ll see stunning modernist fa\u00e7ades and a carefully preserved, vibrant atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Plaza Moy\u00faa, right in the middle of the neighborhood, take a moment to admire the central fountain and the beautifully landscaped flower beds, surrounded by notable buildings like the Hotel Carlton, where some of Bilbao\u2019s most famous figures once stayed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By the time you reach this part of the day, if you\u2019re ready for dinner, you\u2019re in the perfect spot. Abando is packed with pintxos bars, wine shops, and restaurants serving both traditional and modern Basque cuisine; an ideal way to wrap up the first day of our Bilbao itinerary!<\/p>\n\n\n\n After a first day exploring Bilbao\u2019s modern and artistic side, today we\u2019re diving into the city\u2019s more authentic, traditional heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ll start in one of the city\u2019s most charming and lesser-known neighborhoods, then make our way into the historic Old Town, and finish the day by the river in one of the liveliest spots to enjoy an evening stroll. Get ready to fall even more in love with Bilbao.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 2 highlights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ll start day two with a visit that often gets overlooked in most guides but is truly special. Personally, I think it\u2019s a hidden gem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Iralabarri is a residential neighborhood built in the early 1900s as a workers\u2019 colony. Its architecture is striking because it feels like a little English village: rows of cozy houses, pitched roofs, colorful fa\u00e7ades, and gardens. It has a vibe that\u2019s completely different from the rest of Bilbao.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The neighborhood was developed by Tom\u00e1s de Echeverr\u00eda, a Bilbao businessman who was inspired by British residential models of the time to create decent homes for the workers at his factory. One of the prettiest streets is Zuberoa, which is a great place to start your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And of course, be sure to respect the neighbors while you\u2019re there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From Irala, you can easily walk down to the heart of Bilbao: the Casco Viejo, or Old Town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, you\u2019ll wander through the \u201cSeven Streets\u201d. This is the name given to the original medieval streets that formed the old town: Somera, Artekale, Tender\u00eda, Belostikale, Carnicer\u00eda Vieja, Barrenkale, and Barrenkale Barrena. The historic layout is still intact, so it\u2019s easy to get lost in its charm and enjoy the experience without a map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To get there from Iralabarri, I recommend a stroll across the San Ant\u00f3n Bridge, right next to which stands the Church of San Ant\u00f3n.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One must-see spot in this area is Plaza Nueva, one of the liveliest squares in the historic center. If you visit during aperitivo time, you\u2019ll find it buzzing with people enjoying drinks in the sun and trying pintxos from the bars lining the arcades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another highlight you won\u2019t want to miss is the Gothic-style Santiago Cathedral, dating back to medieval times. And if you love markets, stop by Mercado de la Ribera, a riverside building that\u2019s one of the largest covered markets in Europe. Inside, you\u2019ll find food stalls and a seating area with great views; perfect for taking a break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ll wrap up the day with a stroll along one of Bilbao\u2019s most beautiful and open spaces: the Paseo del Arenal. It goes along the river and is very close to the Old Town. Lined with trees and benches, it\u2019s a lovely spot that connects the city\u2019s historic area with its modern part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you start your walk, make sure to stop by the Arriaga Theater, one of Bilbao\u2019s most stunning buildings with its neobaroque fa\u00e7ade. You\u2019ll also pass by the iconic Zubizuri Bridge nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re in the mood to end the day on a relaxed note, cross the Arenal Bridge and grab a seat at one of the outdoor terraces. Or, if the weather\u2019s nice, consider taking a boat ride along the river<\/a>; it\u2019s a beautiful way to see Bilbao from a whole new angle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For your third and final day in Bilbao, I suggest a more laid-back plan focused on soaking up the city\u2019s beautiful landscapes and nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll start with a visit to a viewpoint that offers stunning views of Bilbao, then head to one of Spain\u2019s most impressive bridges, and finish the day breathing in the fresh Cantabrian sea air at a gorgeous beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re up for it, you can even extend the day with a trip to one of the most magical spots along the Basque coast; a perfect way to wrap up your adventure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 3 highlights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ll start our last day by heading up to the Artxanda Viewpoint, where you get amazing views over Bilbao. The easiest and most scenic way to get there is by taking the Artxanda funicular, which departs from Plaza del Funicular, just across the Zubizuri Bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019re up top, you\u2019ll find the iconic Bilbao letters and the best panoramic view of the city. It\u2019s the perfect spot to take in the unique blend that makes Bilbao (and the Basque Country) so special. Plus, there are plenty of benches, sculptures, and trails to enjoy a peaceful walk and soak it all in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From downtown Bilbao, you can take public transportation to Portugalete, home to one of the most fascinating and impressive structures in the area: the Vizcaya Bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only has it been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2006, but it\u2019s also the oldest working transporter bridge in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Opened in 1893, it still carries people and cars between Portugalete and Getxo using a hanging gondola that glides back and forth, suspended by steel cables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crossing it is quite the experience. You can ride in the gondola or take the stairs or elevator up to the walkway above, about 45 meters high. From there, the views of the river mouth, shipyards, and the surrounding industrial landscape are absolutely breathtaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After exploring all the urban sights Bilbao has to offer, I invite you to take a trip to one of the most beautiful spots near Bilbao<\/a>: Sopelana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sopelana Beach is one of the most stunning and popular beaches along the Biscay coast. It\u2019s easy to get there by metro from Bilbao or by car if you have one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The beach has a wild, natural vibe, with cliffs and waves that surfers love. If the weather\u2019s nice, it\u2019s a perfect place to spend the afternoon, whether you\u2019re walking along the shore, soaking up the ocean views, or just relaxing on the sand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a few charming beach bars nearby, so you can even put together a spontaneous picnic while you watch the sunset. Plus, several trails start from the beach, winding along the cliffs and offering spectacular views, ideal for a scenic hike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 If you want to make the most of your 3 days in Bilbao, I\u2019d suggest a trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, one of the Basque Country\u2019s most iconic spots<\/a>. This little chapel on a rocky island has become quite popular lately, but its history and breathtaking setting have been captivating visitors for centuries. You can fo there on your own or join a guided tour<\/a> that also takes you to Guernica and Bermeo.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDay 1 of 3 days in Bilbao<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Guggenheim Museum Bilbao<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"guggenheim](\"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/museo-guggenheim-bilbao.jpg\")
Do\u00f1a Casilda Iturrizar Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Do\u00f1a](\"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Parque-Casilda-de-Iturrizar.jpg\")
Centro-Abando<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"bilbao](\"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/centro-de-bilbao.jpg\")
![\"what](\"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/bilbao-fin-de-semana.jpg\")
Day 2 of 3 days in Bilbao<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Iralabarri neighborhood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"iralabarri\"](\"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/casas-colores-bilbao.jpg\")
![\"bilbao](\"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/barrio-irala.jpg\")
Bilbao Old Town (Casco Viejo)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"what](\"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/ver-bilbao-en-2-dias.jpg\")
![\"bilbao](\"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/que-ver-en-bilbao-en-2-dias-1.jpg\")
Paseo del Arenal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Paseo](\"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Paseo-del-Arenal.jpg\")
Day 3 of 3 days in Bilbao<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Artxanda Viewpoint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"artxanda](\"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/bilbao-en-dos-dias.jpg\")
Vizcaya Bridge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sopelana Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"sopelana](\"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/que-hacer-pais-vasco-4-dias.webp\")
Where to stay in Bilbao<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"visit](\"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/hotel-en-bilbao.jpg\")