Bilbao Travel Guide

Bespoke Journeys Through Bilbao

Travel packages that include Olite

What to see and do in Bilbao

Nestled in the heart of the Basque Country, Bilbao is an old city that seamlessly blends modernity with deep-rooted traditions. This vibrant destination, founded in 1300, offers a rich tapestry of experiences that captivate the senses and invigorate the soul. If you want a trip that combines luxury and cultural experiences, Bilbao invites you.

Explore Our Top Experiences Bilbao

Begin your adventure in Bilbao’s Casco Viejo, or Old Town, where cobblestone streets whisper tales of yore. This area is a treasure trove of 19th-century architecture, with stone streets that wind through bustling plazas, local restaurants, and small shops. Here, you’ll find the charming Arriaga Theatre and the majestic Santiago Cathedral, each a testament to Bilbao’s rich history and creativity.

Gernika’s creative heartbeat is deeply rooted in its land and history. In this private workshop at Alfa Arte or a contemporary local studio, learn the traditional and modern techniques of Basque ceramics, guided by passionate….

Dive deep into Bilbao’s contemporary art scene with a private expert-led visit to the Guggenheim Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts, where masterpieces and architecture converge. Learn about the dialogue between art, space, and….

Step into the Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s atmospheric Old Town, where cobbled streets and wrought-iron balconies reveal centuries of history. Walk through the Siete Calles (Seven Streets), plazas, and traditional shops with a local guide who….

What to see and do in Bilbao

Bilbao is more than a destination; it’s an experience that lingers long after you leave. With its blend of modern architecture, rich history, and culinary delights, Bilbao promises a journey of luxury, authenticity, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re exploring its streets or savoring its tastes, this city invites you to immerse yourself in its unique charm.

Culinary Delights: Savoring Bilbao’s Gastronomy

Bilbao is a paradise for food lovers, where gastronomy is an art form. Indulge in the city’s culinary rituals by visiting local pintxo bars. These establishments offer small bites that pack a flavorful punch, often accompanied by a glass of local Txakoli wine. For an immersive taste experience, Ribera Market is a must, where you can savor Idiazabal cheese and enjoy tastings of local delicacies amidst the vibrant market atmosphere. You can also enjoy a unique flavor at a Michelin restaurant.

Ascend Artxanda Hill for Panoramic Views

For breathtaking landscapes, take the funicular to Artxanda Hill. This vantage point offers sweeping panoramic views of the city, nestled between the mountains and the Bay of Biscay. The scenic journey provides a moment of tranquility, allowing you to reflect on the city’s harmonious blend of industrial port heritage and modern elegance.

The Best of Bilbao

Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao (Bilbao)

Facing the Guggenheim Museum, Gran Hotel Domine embodies Bilbao’s artistic soul. Philippe Starck’s design blends sculptural minimalism with warmth. Its rooftop terrace, spa, and river-view suites offer a front-row seat to the city’s architectural beauty.

Hotel Carlton (Bilbao)

An icon of Belle Époque grandeur, Hotel Carlton reigns over Plaza Moyúa with elegance and prestige. Lavish interiors, fine dining, and impeccable service have made it Bilbao’s emblem of timeless luxury since 1926.

Radisson Collection Gran Vía Bilbao (Bilbao)

A sophisticated haven in the city’s heart, this Radisson Collection hotel features refined Art Deco interiors, a panoramic rooftop bar, and sleek suites, ideal for guests seeking cosmopolitan comfort and style.

Azurmendi (Larrabetzu, Bilbao)

A global icon with three Michelin stars, Azurmendi redefines sustainable gastronomy. Chef Eneko Atxa invites guests on a journey through innovation, emotion, and respect for the earth. Surrounded by vineyards, this glass-walled sanctuary offers an immersive experience where nature, architecture, and flavor unite in perfect harmony, a masterpiece of Basque luxury.

Nerua Guggenheim (Bilbao)

Inside the iconic Guggenheim Museum, Nerua celebrates the dialogue between art and cuisine. With its minimalist design and Michelin-starred precision, each dish is a sculptural reflection of Basque flavors. The experience is serene, elegant, and deeply sensory, an invitation to taste Bilbao’s cultural soul through gastronomy.

Zortziko (Bilbao)

A refined institution in Bilbao, Zortziko offers haute cuisine that fuses tradition and modernity with impeccable grace. Its Michelin-starred menus showcase local produce transformed into elegant, expressive creations. Set in a historic building with timeless décor, Zortziko promises an evening of sophistication and authentic Basque excellence.

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Top Basque Cuisine: Pintxos and Michelin-Star Dining

Top Basque Cuisine: Pintxos and Michelin-Star Dining

  Located in the center of Spain’s Basque Country, Bilbao is a city that beautifully combines the old with the new, as well as the traditional with the avant-garde. A…

Bilbao: Where Industrial History & Modern Architecture Converge

Bilbao: Where Industrial History & Modern Architecture Converge

  In the northern reaches of Spain lies a city where the echoes of an industrious past harmoniously converge with the audacious strokes of modern architecture. Welcome to Bilbao, the…

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