Top 15 Unforgettable Tours in Bilbao

Located in the north-central portion of Spain, approximately eight miles south of the Bay of Biscay, Bilbao is home to around 350,000 residents, ranking it as the 10th most populous city in the country.

This city stands as one of the premier destinations in Spain’s Basque Country and is renowned for being the site of the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of invaluable art and exceptional architecture.

In the 20th century, Bilbao emerged as an economic stronghold, contributing significantly to the region’s industrial output, including shipbuilding and steel production.

Currently, tourism constitutes one of its largest sectors, offering an extensive array of tours and activities for visitors to enjoy.

1. 1 1/2-Hour Segway Tour of Abandoibarra and Old Town

Old Town Bilbao is filled with significant attractions that reflect the area’s rich history, culture, art, and architecture.

During this 90-minute tour, participants will meet their guide at a central location, where they will receive an orientation detailing the highlights they will be viewing, as well as instruction on the safe and effective operation of their two-wheeled vehicle.

Tour highlights encompass Euskadi Square, Iberdrola Tower, Euskalduna Palace, the Abandoibarra neighborhood, and several artworks by Salvador Dalí.

While most of these sites do not require admission fees, participants will be exposed to attractions they can choose to explore independently after the tour concludes.

2. Guggenheim Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line

Even those who do not possess a deep appreciation for fine art will find the Guggenheim to be an iconic attraction in Bilbao that warrants a few hours of leisure time.

This two-hour tour features the guidance of an English-speaking expert, and for those inclined to further explore the museum after the tour concludes, complimentary audio guides are provided in six languages.

Participants convene near the museum entrance, engaging in both exterior and interior portions where they will familiarize themselves with the building’s remarkable design and both permanent and rotating collections.

Admission tickets are valid for the entirety of the day, allowing guests to remain as long as they wish.

3. Basque Cooking Lesson

Northern Spanish cuisine is distinguished by a host of international influences that contribute to its vibrancy and uniqueness.

During this interactive two-hour Basque cooking lesson, participants will meet a renowned chef, immersing themselves in the region’s culinary culture.

Guided by their instructor, attendees will discover typical Basque ingredients and spices, transforming them into various traditional and contemporary pintxos – or tapas.

Courses are limited in size to ensure an intimate and memorable experience, inclusive of dessert, beverages, and tastings of their culinary creations.

4. Off-the-Beaten-Path Seaside Cycling Tour

Experiencing Bilbao’s breathtaking coastline has never been quite as easy or exhilarating as on this 2 1/2-hour guided cycling tour.

This outing is particularly fitting for those who have just completed a long international journey, accommodating travelers of various ages.

The tour commences in the vicinity of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Vizcaya Bridge, including stops at Puerto Viejo and secluded coastal locations with serene beaches and towering cliffs rarely frequented by tourists.

Along the route, attendees will gain insights into the area’s rich history and culture while working up an appetite, which can later be satisfied with pintxos and a refreshing drink such as local wine or beer.

5. 3-Day Guggenheim, 4-Star Hotel, and Bike Tour Package

Opting for a multi-day tour package is an excellent choice for those who prefer leaving the intricate details to trained tourism professionals.

This comprehensive three-day experience allows guests to access many premier attractions and spend two nights in a 4-star hotel conveniently situated near the city’s vibrant scenes.

Packages encompass tickets to the Guggenheim Museum, a guided bicycle excursion around the city, and ample leisure time for self-guided exploration in Old Town and the Abandoibarra District.

Both areas are celebrated for trendy shopping, lively dining venues, and a plethora of historical and cultural sites.

6. 3-Hour Small-Group Art and Culture Discovery Tour

Bilbao La Vieja, once primarily an industrial zone, has transformed into one of the city’s more vibrant areas, showcasing stylish art, food, and live entertainment venues that attract a diverse range of visitors.

This three-hour small-group discovery tour invites participants to explore architecturally distinct buildings and diverse neighborhoods that contribute to the area’s unique and bohemian charm.

The tour begins in the early evening, when the area starts to come alive, providing ample opportunities for inquiries, interactions with locals, and sampling delicious craft beverages.

7. Vitoria and Salt Valley Small-Group Tour with Lunch

The Añana Salt Valley has been a source of wealth and commerce in the Basque region for generations due to its abundant natural resource, enriching many merchants in its heyday.

Upon hotel pick-up in Bilbao, guests will be transported to the valley, where they will spend approximately 90 minutes touring its mines, learning about historical extraction processes, and appreciating the region’s natural beauty.

The tour also includes a visit to Vitoria-Gasteiz, where participants will enjoy a traditional lunch prior to touring the city and returning to Bilbao around 4:00 PM.

8. Boat and Walking Guided Tour with Pintxos

Short combination tours are excellent for visitors on a budget and with shorter attention spans.

This two-hour guided tour incorporates both a walking segment and a river cruise, available in English, German, French, and Spanish.

The tour begins with a leisurely and scenic boat ride along the Bilbao River, taking in notable sights including the city’s unique skyline, the Guggenheim Museum, and the University of Duesto.

The walking segment meanders through several distinct neighborhoods, during which participants will gain insights into various attractions.

To conclude the adventure, guests will retreat to a traditional restaurant to enjoy pintxo tastings coupled with a refreshing beverage.

9. Bilbao like a Local Customized Guided Tour

There is truly no substitute for the guidance and insights offered by a local when exploring a new city.

This customizable tour allows participants to select a duration ranging from two to six hours for their experience, focusing solely on interests that resonate with them.

Personalized tours surpass rigid itineraries, covering the city’s prominent landmarks as well as hidden gems off the beaten path.

Depending on guests’ preferences, the tour may delve into history, culture, cuisine, and the arts, making it an ideal option for newcomers to familiarize themselves with the city’s layout.

10. Museum of Fine Arts Private Guided Tour

The Museum of Fine Arts represents another of Bilbao’s leading attractions. While some visitors opt to experience it independently, others appreciate the added insight a local guide provides.

This tour offers skip-the-line tickets, significantly reducing wait times and maximizing the opportunity to engage with the exhibits.

The museum houses both permanent and temporary exhibits representing a broad array of periods featuring contemporary and historical works by acclaimed local, regional, and international artists.

Tour durations are two hours, with various start times available throughout the mid-morning, early afternoon, and late afternoon.

11. Hop-on-Hop-off Boat Trip

Hop-on-hop-off tours present an excellent option for independent travelers who wish to efficiently allocate their time to explore attractions of interest while bypassing those that do not appeal to them.

To cater to a diverse range of international visitors, tours offer audio guides in multiple languages. Most of the featured attractions can be explored in under three hours.

The majority of the tour occurs within the canals and estuary surrounding the city, encompassing landmarks such as the Hanging Bridge of Portugalete and the fishing village of Santurtzi.

Tour vessels provide both indoor and outdoor seating, presenting fantastic photo opportunities throughout the journey.

12. Bilbao Highlights: Guggenheim and San Mams with Lunch

The only aspect that could enhance your experience of Bilbao’s highlights is the inclusion of a lunch during the tour, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable outing.

This 90-minute tour encompasses the city’s artistic and sporting landscapes, making it ideal for visitors with limited time, incorporating guided visits at each landmark.

San Mames Stadium has hosted football matches for over a century, granting sports enthusiasts exclusive behind-the-scenes access typically reserved for athletes, coaches, and staff.

After exploring the Guggenheim Museum, participants will enjoy lunch before continuing on to their next endeavors.

13. Mountains and Sea Full-Day Tour from Bilbao

Owing to Bilbao’s coastal locale, visitors can experience both mountainous landscapes and the sea within a full-day tour that begins and concludes in the city.

After a brief introduction with their guide, participants will journey to Vitoria-Gasteiz, a quintessential Basque city renowned for its numerous historic monuments, impressive architecture, and towering cathedral.

Additional inland attractions include expansive valleys, ancient salt mines, and traditional dining experiences complete with drinks at the quaint village of Balmaseda.

On the coast, guests will explore towns such as Santurtzi and Portugalete before returning to their starting location in Bilbao.

14. Estuary Private Sailing Tour and Rioja Wine

Embracing the ability to sleep in without regret is one of the purest joys of vacation. This four-hour mid-morning sailing and wine tour caters to those who prefer to begin their day at a leisurely pace.

Participants will receive hotel pick-up before being transported to a marina in the coastal town of Getxo.

The tour unfolds aboard a majestic sailboat, offering astounding views of cliffs, secluded beaches, and traditional fishing villages that have remained largely unchanged over the centuries.

Following the nautical segment, guests will indulge in a relaxed wine tasting, selecting from two distinct regional varieties prior to returning to Bilbao in the early afternoon.

15. Old Quarter Walking Guided Tour

It may seem improbable that a brief 90-minute walking tour can encompass centuries of history, but that is precisely what this tour achieves.

Concentrating on the Old Town district, walkers and their guide will discover several of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Cathedral of Santiago, the Church of St. Anton, and the Mercado de la Ribera.

Influenced by European, Basque, and Middle Eastern cultures, the Old Town area is filled with numerous must-see attractions located closely together, allowing visitors to efficiently view many sites without excessive exertion.

This tour also incorporates a stop at a traditional wine bar and is offered in multiple languages.