The Basque cultural capital is one of those places you could easily spend a few days exploring, but if you only have 1 day in Bilbao, this is the itinerary for you.
I promise you’ll fall in love with this edgy, industrial, food mecca just like we did – despite the fact it rained for the entire 24 hours we were there.
The best thing about spending 1 day in Bilbao? Getting a taste of all the best bits so you know exactly what to do when you (inevitably) come back.
But if you only have room for one short day in the city on your first visit, I’ve put together a cheat sheet to all the bits you can’t miss while you’re there.
I’ve also covered some FAQs about visiting at the end, but if you need more info, just let me know in the comments section!
1 Day in Bilbao: at a Glance
Where to stay:
Axel Hotel: Trendy spot by the river and train station
Letoh Letoh: Urban boutique bolthole in the Old Town
The Artist Grand Hotel of Art: Luxe spot with Guggenheim views
How to get to and from the airport: Bilbao airport is a 20-minute taxi ride from Bilbao city centre, or you can take the Bizkaibus line A3247.
How to get around the city: Trams are your best friend and will get you to all the spots on this itinerary. You can buy day travel passes or return tickets at the booth by the station.
Don’t Miss: A visit to the famous Guggenheim museum, a food tour guided by a local, and checking out Europe’s largest covered market.
Where to Stay For 1 Day in Bilbao
The Old Town is where you’ll spend most of any one-day itinerary in Bilbao, so it makes the most sense to stay here.
Letoh Letoh is the perfect modern bolthole in the heart of the Old Town, right in the thick of the best bars and restaurants.
Alternatively, Axel Hotel is a cool spot with a rooftop pool, in the trendy La Vieja neighbourhood, just across the river from the Old Town. This is where we stayed, and I can really recommend it!
It also has an underground spa, which is perfect for soothing those sightseeing muscles (and helped us warm up after getting caught in a downpour).
See rates and availability here.
What to See in Bilbao, Spain for One Day
If you only have one day in Bilbao, these things should be at the top of your must-see list:
- Guggenheim Museum
- A stroll around the Old Town
- Seven streets and Plaza Nueva
- A visit to Ribera Market
- A pintxos food tour
- Sunset views at Mount Artxanda
The Ultimate 1-Day Bilbao Itinerary in Brief
In case you’re in a hurry, here is my recommendation for the best way to spend one day in Bilbao.
I’ll go into detail about each stop in more detail below, including instructions on how to get from one spot to the next!
09:00AM: Seven Streets and the Old Town
10:00AM: Coffee and Breakfast Tortilla
11:00AM: Stroll around Ribera Market
12:00PM: Lunch at Plaza Nueva
01:00PM: Guggenheim Museum
04:00PM: Mount Artxanda Funicular
06:00PM: Pintxos Food Tour
09:00PM: Bilbao Nightlife
The Ultimate 1-Day Bilbao Itinerary in Detail
Morning
09:00AM: Seven Streets and the Old Town
I recommend starting your day in the Old Town (Casco Viejo) and exploring the quaint, cobbled streets while it’s still quiet.
This is the best time for photography, and you’ll be able to explore the dark, atmospheric ‘Seven Streets’, which date back to the 1400s, connecting the Old Town to the riverside. They run parallel to each other and are bursting with gorgeous boutiques and pintxos bars.
You can also check out the Gothic Santiago Cathedral, which serves as a stop on the famous pilgrimage hike, Camino de Santiago. There’s also an ornate opera house called Teatro Arriaga to snap photos of.
10:00AM: Coffee and Breakfast Tortilla
Tortilla (Spanish Omelette) is a work of art in the Basque Country, but in Bilbao in particular.
Many of the Old Town’s pintxos bars open around 9 or 10am, so you should be able to grab a slice of the gooey good stuff for a mid-morning breakfast.
Some of the top spots for tortilla in the Old Town include Sorgínzulo, which is located in Plaza Nueva, perfect for people-watching, and the squeeze-worthy Zaharra bar.
11:00AM: Stroll around Ribera Market
Mercado de la Ribera is known for being one of Europe’s largest covered markets, and it has had a big influence on the food culture of Bilbao.
If you came to the city for its iconic culinary scene, then having a stroll around the market is a must. It’s located on the banks of the Nervión River, adjoining the Seven Streets, so you won’t have to wander far to find it.
It’s also an architectural treasure, having been designed in the Art Deco style by Pedro Ispizua, a designer who trained alongside Gaudí.
Inside, you can follow in the footsteps of local Michelin Star chefs, checking out the high standards of produce the region is known for.
You’ve got all the typical fish, meat and vegetable stalls, alongside a tempting food court, and spots selling edible gifts to take home. It’s the perfect place to pick up a foodie souvenir.
Afternoon
12:00PM: Lunch at Plaza Nueva
After you’ve explored the market, head back into the Old Town to the iconic Plaza Nueva, its beating heart.
Some of the best pintxos bars in the city are arranged around this famous square, so it’s the perfect place to grab a bite or two for lunch.
I can highly recommend the pintxos at Bar El Globo, which has plenty of space for standing at the bar, or you can book a seated table in the square.
01:00PM: Guggenheim Museum
Once you’ve had your fill, it’s time to head to the star of Bilbao’s show, the Guggenheim Museum.
To get there, you can take the tram from Arriaga, which is on the edge of the Old Town, by the river. Get off at stop Guggenheim.
Now I have to admit, I’m not usually into art galleries and museums. When I visit a city, I prefer to spend time in local bars and restaurants, soaking up the atmosphere. But I had to make an exception for the Guggenheim.
Considered the very epicentre of modern art, this place is a treat for the eyes before you’ve even stepped inside. I could have spent hours snapping photos of its smooth-as-steel exterior.
Inside, you’ve got some really unusual exhibits and paintings that go far beyond the typical gallery and provide a really immersive experience. To get the best of it, I recommend a guided tour.
Without one, it can be hard to understand the meaning behind some of the pieces, and you’ll definitely miss things along the way.
This is the guided tour I recommend.
04:00PM: Mount Artxanda Funicular
If you have time after visiting the Guggenheim, you should head up the funicular to Mount Artxanda for a stunning panoramic view of the city.
It’s a 15-minute walk from the museum to the Funicular station, which is where you can catch the cute little tram up the hill.
Depending on what time of year you visit, you might even be able to time it just right and catch the sunset up here. If not, you can still get some lovely photos of the city bathed in the late afternoon light.
Evening
06:00PM: Pintxos Food Tour
There’s really only one way to spend an evening in Bilbao, and that’s on a pintxos crawl.
Pintxos is the traditional food culture of Bilbao, and it basically means small morsels of food, typically served on top of bread.
All the local bars serve their own twist on pintxos, alongside local wines and small beers (zurito).
If you only have 1 day in Bilbao, the best way to explore the Pintxos bars is by joining a tour led by a local.
This way, you’ll unearth some of the best spots without accidentally wandering into any tourist traps, and get insider recommendations on the best things to order.
This is the tour we did, and I can really recommend it!
It includes 9 pintxos (which is equivalent to a full meal and then some) paired with 5 different local drinks. You’ll also cover a lot of ground and get to see some of the different neighbourhoods of the city.
It lasts for three hours and is the perfect way to round off an incredible day in Bilbao.
**You might also be interested in reading San Sebastian Food Guide: Top Pintxos, Tours and Must-Eats.**
09:00PM: Bilbao Nightlife
If you have any energy left, why not sample some of the delights Bilbao nightlife has to offer?
After dinner and pintxos in Casco Viejo, head toward Plaza Nueva and the surrounding streets, where classic Basque pubs blend with buzzing wine bars and cocktail lounges.
For a more contemporary vibe, the Ensanche district around Doña Casilda offers sleek lounges and speakeasies (think craft cocktails and chic interiors) that bridge the gap between early evening drinks and late-night dancing.
If you want to keep the energy high, clubs like Moma and Kafe Antzokia (a local favourite for live music and DJ sets) kick on into the early hours, with a mix of commercial hits and Basque-flavoured sounds.
Bilbao’s nightlife tends to start later (bars fill up around 10–11pm and clubs buzz well past 2am), so don’t forget to pace yourself!
3 of the Best Day Trips to Bilabo
If you’re staying in nearby San Sebastian or Santander, you can easily visit Bilbao in one day as part of a day trip. Here are my top three recommendations:
Bilbao, Guggenheim & Gaztelugatxe Day Trip from San Sebastián
Best for: Culture lovers who also want dramatic scenery
Average cost: ~€95 per person
Where & when: Departs early from San Sebastián; full day (typically 9am–7pm)
This highly rated excursion blends the best of urban art and coastal Basque landscape in one trip.
After a scenic drive from San Sebastián, you’ll spend quality time exploring the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Frank Gehry’s shimmering architectural masterpiece and one of Europe’s top modern art institutions.
The tour then heads to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a dramatic rocky island connected by a winding stone staircase straight out of a storybook (known to many as the Game of Thrones location for Dragonstone).
Along the way, guides share local insights into Basque culture, architecture, and history.
Bilbao & Guggenheim Small-Group Tour from San Sebastián
Best for: Art & culture enthusiasts who prefer smaller groups
Average cost: ~€95 per person
Where & when: Morning departure from San Sebastián; 6.5 hours
This small-group experience focuses on immersive discovery of Bilbao’s contemporary highlights.
You’ll start with panoramic views of the city and then explore the Old Town with a guided stroll.
Next up, Guggenheim’s most celebrated exhibits with a guided museum visit that brings the art to life, highlighting key works with the artist’s commentary.
In contrast to walk-in tickets, the guided tour gives more context and depth to the striking pieces.
After some free time for lunch, you’ll be transported back to your start point.
Full Day to Bilbao & Castro-Urdiales from Santander
Best for: Travellers based in Santander who want coastal charm plus city culture
Average cost: ~€80 per person
Where & when: Early departure from Santander; all-day excursion
Perfect for those exploring Cantabria, this tour combines Bilbao’s highlights with a visit to Castro-Urdiales, a charming coastal town with medieval architecture and dramatic sea views.
The itinerary usually includes a guided walk through Castro-Urdiales’s historic centre and harbour, followed by free time in Bilbao to explore at your own pace.
You can visit the Guggenheim, wander the Old Town, or enjoy pintxos, all without worrying about transport or parking.
**You might also be interested in reading: 20 Beautiful Things to Do in San Sebastian.**
1-Day Bilbao Itinerary: FAQs
Can you do Bilbao in one day?
Yes, Bilbao is compact, walkable, and perfect for a well-planned one-day visit.
In 24 hours, you can easily explore the Guggenheim Museum, wander the Old Town (Casco Viejo), enjoy pintxos, and stroll along the riverfront. While you won’t see absolutely everything, one day is enough to experience the city’s unique blend of contemporary architecture and Basque tradition.
Is Bilbao worth a day trip?
Absolutely. Whether you’re based in San Sebastián or elsewhere in northern Spain, Bilbao makes an excellent day trip. The city offers striking architecture, world-class art, vibrant food culture, and a distinctly different atmosphere from coastal Basque towns.
We felt it was more urban and more modern, but just as addictive as San Sebastian (in its own way).
What not to miss in Bilbao, Spain?
Don’t miss the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, both inside and out; the building itself is a masterpiece!
Stroll through Casco Viejo for traditional pintxos bars and historic streets, cross the Zubizuri Bridge, and take the funicular up to Mount Artxanda for panoramic views over the city. Football fans might also want to try and catch a game at the San Mamés Stadium (or check for guided tours).
What to do in 3 hours in Bilbao?
If you only have a few hours, focus on the Guggenheim exterior and highlights inside, followed by a riverside walk toward the Old Town. Grab a quick pintxos stop here if you have time.
What to do in Bilbao for two days?
With two days, you can slow the pace a bit. On day one, see the Guggenheim, walk along the river, and indulge in Old Town pintxos. On day two, explore the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, visit the Ribera Market, browse boutique shops, and take a short trip to the nearby coast or the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe for dramatic Game of Thrones scenery. You could also see if there are any exhibits at the Azkuna Zentroa Cultural Center.
How to spend a rainy day in Bilbao?
It poured the whole time we were in Bilbao, but we found that rain actually suits Bilbao’s architectural mood.
If you want to avoid getting wet, you could spend extra time inside the Guggenheim, visit the Fine Arts Museum, explore covered sections of Ribera Market, and enjoy a long, leisurely pintxos crawl in Casco Viejo.
You could also do some retail therapy on the city’s main shopping street Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro, in the New Town. Bilbao’s café culture makes rainy afternoons feel cosy rather than inconvenient.
Can you store luggage in Bilbao airport?
Bilbao Airport does not always offer traditional left-luggage lockers, so it’s best to check in advance. Alternatively, luggage storage services are available in central Bilbao through private providers and apps like Bounce, making it easy to explore the city hands-free before a flight.
Have more questions about visiting Bilbao for the day? Let me know in the comments!
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