Get ready to embark on a whimsical three-day adventure in Bilbao, where modern art meets medieval charm, and your taste buds will dance the fandango! Picture yourself standing in awe before the Guggenheim Museum’s shimmering titanium waves (and yes, that giant floral puppy outside is totally Instagram-worthy). By day, you’ll be wandering through the maze-like Casco Viejo, pretending you’re in a time-travel movie, and by night, you’ll be hopping from pintxo bar to pintxo bar, attempting to pronounce ‘txakoli’ after your third glass. Don’t worry about counting calories here – between the hills of the old town and the endless tapas crawls, you’ll definitely hit your daily step goal! Just remember: in Bilbao, it’s perfectly acceptable to have art for breakfast, history for lunch, and a feast of pintxos for dinner. Pack your comfiest shoes, your stretchiest pants, and get ready to fall in love with this Basque beauty!
Where to stay
If you’re looking for a stylish stay in Bilbao, I highly recommend LETOH LETOH. Located in the heart of the city, this modern hotel stands out for its exceptional cleanliness, friendly staff, and welcoming atmosphere. One of its highlights is the cozy café at the entrance, a popular spot among locals, remote workers, and students. Whether you’re visiting for work or leisure, LETOH LETOH offers both comfort and convenience in a vibrant setting.
You can check out more details here.
Places to see
Guggenheim Museum – The city’s most iconic landmark, featuring stunning modern architecture by Frank Gehry and world-class contemporary art exhibitions. The building itself is considered a masterpiece with its titanium curves.
Casco Viejo (Old Town) – The medieval heart of Bilbao with charming narrow streets, traditional shops, and the Santiago Cathedral. Known for its “Seven Streets” (Siete Calles) that form the original medieval town.
Plaza Nueva – A neoclassical square surrounded by arcades, perfect for sampling pintxos (Basque tapas) at various bars and restaurants.
Azkuna Zentroa – A former wine warehouse transformed into a cultural center with unique architecture featuring 43 different columns.
Mercado de la Ribera – Europe’s largest covered market, located along the riverfront, offering fresh local produce and Basque cuisine.
Fine Arts Museum – Houses an extensive collection of Spanish art from the 12th century to contemporary works.
A day trip from Bilbao to Basque wine region Getaria
Foods and drinks
Pintxos – Traditional Basque tapas served on bread, found in numerous bars throughout the city. Must-try varieties include tortilla de patatas, bacalao (salt cod), and txangurro (spider crab).
Bacalao al Pil Pil – A classic Basque dish of salt cod in an emulsified sauce made from olive oil and the fish’s own gelatin.
Txakoli – A slightly sparkling, dry white wine native to the Basque Country, perfect with seafood dishes.
Kokotxas – A delicacy made from cod or hake fish throats, usually served in a green sauce or pil-pil style.
Chipirones en su Tinta – Baby squid cooked in their own ink, a signature dish of the region.
Marmitako – A traditional fisherman’s stew made with tuna, potatoes, and vegetables.
Gilda – A classic pintxo combining olive, anchovy, and pickled green pepper on a skewer.
Some popular drinks ;
Kalimotxo – A popular Basque drink mixing red wine and cola, especially common during festivals and among young people.
Sidra (Cider) – Traditional Basque cider served in cider houses (sagardotegiak), poured from height to create aeration.
Patxaran – A traditional Basque liqueur made from sloe berries, anise, and other herbs.
Rioja Wines – Being close to the Rioja region, Bilbao offers excellent selection of these renowned Spanish wines.
Café Bombón – A sweet coffee drink made with espresso and condensed milk, popular in local cafes.
Zurito – A small glass of beer, typical in Bilbao’s bars, perfect for accompanying pintxos.
