We love a good city break, and Bilbao? Absolute winner. Nestled in the Basque Country, this little gem is perfect for a whirlwind weekend. It’s got everything – cool art, fab food, and streets you’ll just want to wander. Someone once described Bilbao to Elliot as ‘Like Stoke, but with the Guggenheim’. Now, not meaning to be unkind to Stoke, but this feels fairly harsh on Bilbao – there is a lot to do, and it’s actually a really lovely city. It’s in top five of our cities visited – not so much because of the stuff to see and do, but because of the ‘feeling’ in the city. It feels unexplored and foreign, not overly touristy. Not everyone speaks great English for example, which we think is brilliant!
Anyway…onwards….
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Bilbao Long Weekend
We landed in Bilbao on a damp Friday evening, and by the time we checked in, the rain was coming down hard, the kind that makes you question your life choices as soon as you step out the door. But this was Bilbao, and we weren’t about to let a little (okay, a lot) of rain spoil the vibe. Instead of waiting it out, we made a run for it and dived straight into the heart of the city’s famous bar scene.
The Pintxos Experience (And the Rain)
Now, if you’ve never experienced the whole Pintxos thing, you need to. Pintxos are basically like tapas on steroids – small, delicious, and designed for grazing. What made our night even more fun was hopping from bar to bar, tasting as we went. The vibe? Bustling, laid-back, with that perfect mix of locals and tourists. The cool thing about Bilbao is the whole bar scene feels very local – like, you won’t see many people nursing a gin and tonic in silence. Everyone’s chatting, laughing, and doing the whole “I’ll just have one more” thing. And we definitely did the same.
The rain did throw a wrench in our plans, though, so instead of strolling the streets from bar to bar like we’d imagined, we ended up ducking inside every few steps, checking out the cool local spots as we went. And let’s just say that the MERCADO DE LA RIBERA turned out to be a surprise highlight of the night. This indoor market is an absolute gem, offering everything from fresh produce to seafood and artisanal goods. But it’s also got a pretty fantastic bar scene inside, with a laid-back, vibrant atmosphere. Grab a pintxos or two from the market stalls and people-watch as the locals do their thing. It’s a mix of the authentic and the cool, and we loved it.
A Trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
The next day, we had grand plans of taking it easy, but instead, we went for the full adventure. Our destination? San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the island with a church on top that you’ve definitely seen on your social media feeds if you follow anyone into hiking or Game of Thrones (yes, this place is a filming location). We had read about the place, but there’s something about seeing it in person that blows your mind. That said, the journey there is no joke.
Getting There: The Bus Adventure
Pro tip: If you’re planning on visiting, the best way to get there from Bilbao is by taking the A3518 bus from Moyua to Bakio. Easy enough. But then, the real fun starts. You’ll need to hop on the A3524, a small cab van with the Bizkaibus logo, which will take you straight up to the foot of the hill. But fair warning – the journey feels a bit like you’re about to take a ride in a clown car. It’s tight, it’s cosy, and if you’re tall, you might spend the whole ride wondering how you’ll survive the climb. Still, it’s worth it for the views and the experience.
The Hike Up
As for the hike itself? It’s steep, it’s relentless, and the steps seem to go on forever. But once you get to the top, standing on that little island and looking back at the coastline, it feels pretty darn special. The church at the top is honesty scant reward – it’s an empty shell really – but the views are amazing and so, frankly, is the sense of achievement. Definitely not a walk in the park, but an experience you won’t forget. Frustratingly, you have to walk back up the cliff again to get ‘out’ and back to the bus stop – but there is a bar, and there is wine at the bar!
Funicular Ride and the Best Views of Bilbao
After our big adventure on the island, we decided to take it easy for the evening with a funicular ride up Mount Artxanda. There’s something about sitting back on a funicular that’s just cool—it’s one of those activities that makes you feel like you’re doing something a bit special, even if you’re just chilling. The views of Bilbao from the top are stunning, with the city laid out beneath you and the surrounding mountains adding a nice contrast to the urban landscape. It’s a perfect spot to stop, take a deep breath, and admire the city from a different perspective. This is also a good spot to get a picture with a sign saying ‘Bilbao’ if that’s what you’re after – like the big letters. You know what we mean.
A Walk Along the River
To balance out all the food, funicular rides, and heavy hiking, we spent the next morning on a relaxing river walk. Bilbao’s riverbanks are surprisingly serene, and walking along them gives you the chance to see the city from another angle. The path is lined with trees and dotted with public art, giving you plenty to look at as you stroll. It’s also the perfect way to work off some of the pintxos from the night before.
The Guggenheim: A Modern Art Must-See
Now, we couldn’t leave Bilbao without a proper dose of culture. Enter the Guggenheim Museum – the crown jewel of the city, and for good reason. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, with its swooping curves and reflective titanium surfaces. Even if modern art isn’t your thing, the museum is worth visiting just for the building itself. Inside, we found some pretty cool art installations including The Matter of Time (see images below – the big rusty metal thing), and yes, we totally took the obligatory selfies with Jeff Koons’ massive, flower-covered dog – Puppy. It’s a Bilbao icon for a reason.
But what really stood out during our visit was the Tulips sculpture – it was there when we visited. If you’re in town, make sure you stop by and take it all in if it’s in residence (it seems to move about?). We’ll dive deeper into the Guggenheim in a later post because it’s worth more than just a brief mention here.
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum: The Guggenheim’s Older, More Traditional Cousin
Sunday kicked off with a visit to the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, which is like the Guggenheim’s older, more traditional cousin. It’s not as massive or modern, but don’t let that fool you – this place is packed with incredible art. The museum is a bit smaller, so it’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want to see some standout pieces. From medieval to contemporary art, the collection spans centuries, offering a different perspective compared to the cutting-edge exhibits at the Guggenheim. It’s a quiet, relaxing spot to spend an hour or two, and definitely worth the visit if you’re into the more classic side of art.
Doña Casilda Park: Bilbao’s Tranquil Green Escape
After soaking in the art, we took a leisurely stroll through Doña Casilda Park, a peaceful, green oasis in the heart of the city. This park is the perfect place to unwind – with beautiful fountains, tree-lined paths, and plenty of greenery, it’s a chilled spot to relax and take a breather. It’s not as touristy as some of the other spots in the city, so it feels a bit like a local secret. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Bilbao for a moment or just want to enjoy the outdoors, Doña Casilda Park is the ideal place to do so.
Casco Viejo: Bilbao’s Charming Old Quarter
No trip to Bilbao would be complete without a wander through Casco Viejo, the city’s historic old town. This area is where Bilbao’s heart beats, with narrow, cobblestone streets, vibrant shops, and old-world charm. As soon as you step into Casco Viejo, you feel like you’re transported back in time. The buildings here are a mix of traditional Basque architecture and quirky modern touches, and it’s the perfect place to get lost for a few hours.
There’s something about the atmosphere in Casco Viejo that’s both lively and laid-back. You can browse the small boutiques, grab a pintxo in one of the bustling bars, or just soak in the ambience of this charming neighbourhood. Be sure to check out the Plaza Nueva, a lovely square lined with cafés where you can sit outside and watch the world go by. It’s one of those spots that captures the essence of Bilbao – a mix of history, culture, and a whole lot of character. We spent a fair bit of time here (in the context of a short visit).
Strolling Along the Nervión River: Views and Landmarks
From there, we strolled along the Nervión River, taking in the city’s skyline and passing some of Bilbao’s most iconic landmarks. One standout is the Zubizuri Bridge, a strikingly sleek and futuristic structure that’s almost like something out of a sci-fi film. The bridge’s design is all curves and glass, making it a perfect spot for a photo op. As we continued our walk, we also passed the Azkuna Zentroa, a former wine warehouse that’s been totally transformed into a cultural hub. It’s one of those places that screams “Bilbao reinventing itself.” The building is a cool blend of old and new – there are art installations scattered throughout, a rooftop pool for those in the know, and a variety of bars and restaurants. It’s an example of how the city’s contemporary side blends seamlessly with its industrial past.
Wrap Up: Bilbao in 48 Hours
So, yeah, Bilbao in two nights? Full of rain, great food, steep hikes, and some serious art. If you’re into food, culture, and a bit of adventure, this place is a winner. And when the rain gets you down, just duck into a pintxos bar or explore Mercado de la Ribera – Bilbao knows how to turn a rainy day into a good time.
