Introduction
Explore the top 3 best itineraries in Bilbao. Whether you prefer the freedom of a road trip or the comfort of a weekend getaway, there’s a perfect Bilbao itinerary for you! Keep reading to learn the best ways to discover Bilbao.
What all great itineraries in Bilbao have in common is a unique ability to combine iconic tourist attractions with authentic experiences. Striking that perfect balance of sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural immersion should be the ultimate goal of every travel itinerary.
To make planning easier, we've curated the top 3 itineraries from the biggest selection of travel packages in Bilbao. This way, you can skip ahead and focus on the details.
Popular Types of Trips to Bilbao
No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Bilbao.
If you only have a few days, Bilbao weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Bilbao offers just enough time to soak in the highlights
For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Bilbao are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Bilbao’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.
For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Bilbao offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Spain's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.
Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Bilbao truly unforgettable!
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If you’re as convinced as we are that Bilbao belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Bilbao are just a quick search away.
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The Top 3 Best Bilbao Travel Itineraries
Discover the perfect Bilbao itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Bilbao for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.
With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Bilbao without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Bilbao!
3. The Ultimate 10-Day Road Trip Itinerary Through Bilbao and Beyond
A scenic 10-day road trip through Santander, Bilbao, Nava, León, and Burgos is one of the best ways to experience Spain. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.
A 10-day itinerary means that Bilbao can easily be combined with other top destinations in Spain without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Santander, Bilbao, Nava, León, and Burgos by public transport, renting a car in Spain opens up a whole new level of freedom!
So, with 10 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Donostia / San Sebastián
- Arrival city: Donostia / San Sebastián
- Accommodation: 4-star hotel in San Sebastian, e.g., De Londres y de Inglaterra
- Sightseeing: Beach of La Concha
Day 2: Explore Donostia / San Sebastián
- Destinations: Donostia / San Sebastián
- Driving distance: 14.54 km, approx. 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Accommodation: 4-star hotel in San Sebastian, e.g., De Londres y de Inglaterra
- Sightseeing: Aquarium, Monte Urgull, Miramar Jauregia, Comb of the Wind (Eduardo Chillida, 1976), and San Telmo Museum
- Recommended tour: Full-Day Private Cultural and Gastronomic Adventure in Rioja
Day 3: Discover Bilbao
- Destinations: Bilbao
- Driving distance: 106.25 km, approx. 1 hour and 57 minutes
- Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bilbao, e.g., Hotel Gran Bilbao
- Sightseeing: Federico Moyúa enparantza, Europa parkea, Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala, Funicular de Artxanda, and Albiako Lorategiak
- Recommended tour: Bizkaia, Route of the Coast. Unforgettable corners to enjoy by the sea.
Day 4: Experience Bilbao
- Destinations: Bilbao
- Driving distance: 4.34 km, approx. 1 hour and 1 minute
- Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bilbao, e.g., Hotel Gran Bilbao
- Sightseeing: Furnicular bottom station, Zubizuri, Parque Doña Casilda Iturrizar, Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao, and Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
- Recommended tour: Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka and Gernika Tour from Bilbao
Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Santander and Cueto
- Destinations: Santander and Cueto
- Driving distance: 111.72 km, approx. 1 hour and 59 minutes
- Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Santander, e.g., Santemar
- Sightseeing: Segunda playa de El Sardinero, Plaza Porticada (plaza de Velarde), Palacio de la Magdalena, Centro Botín, and Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico
- Recommended tour: Cabarceno Natural Park Visit
Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Oviedo / Uviéu
- Destinations: Oviedo / Uviéu
- Driving distance: 195.01 km, approx. 2 hours and 31 minutes
- Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Oviedo, e.g., Nuvó Hotel Boutique
- Sightseeing: Plaza del Fontán, Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias, Estatua de Mafalda, Mercado El Fontán, and Archaeological Museum of Asturias
- Recommended tour: Day trip to Luarca, Cudillero and Avilés from Oviedo and Gijón
Day 7: Spend Time in Nava, Oviedo / Uviéu, and La Peña'l Fuelle
- Destinations: Nava, Oviedo / Uviéu, and La Peña'l Fuelle
- Driving distance: 77.4 km, approx. 1 hour and 35 minutes
- Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Oviedo, e.g., Nuvó Hotel Boutique
- Sightseeing: Cider Museum, Foncalada's Fountain, Iglesia de Santa María del Naranco, Parque de Invierno, and Church of San Miguel de Lillo
- Recommended tour: Private Tour from Oviedo to Covadonga, lakes, & sailors villages
Day 8: Explore León
- Destinations: León
- Driving distance: 117.48 km, approx. 2 hours and 2 minutes
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Leon, e.g., Hospederia Monastica Pax
- Sightseeing: Casa Botines, Parque del Cid, Plaza del Grano, Basílica de San Isidoro, and León Cathedral
Day 9: Wander Through Burgos
- Destinations: Burgos
- Driving distance: 393.77 km, approx. 4 hours and 32 minutes
- Accommodation: 4-star hotel in San Sebastian, e.g., De Londres y de Inglaterra
- Sightseeing: Burgos Cathedral, Mirador Del Castillo, Arco de Santa María, The Huelgas Monastery, and Parque de La Isla
- Recommended tour: Pintxos in San Sebastian Private Gastronomic & Cultural Adventure
Day 10: Bid Farewell to Donostia / San Sebastián
- Departure city: Donostia / San Sebastián
- Driving distance: 621 metres, approx. 7 minutes
- Sightseeing: Gipuzkoa Plaza
The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 856 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Bilbao.
Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Bilbao for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.
2. The Top Recommended 4-Day Bilbao City Itinerary
Enjoy a 4-day city break in Bilbao with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.
With a long list of top-rated attractions in Bilbao and Bilbao's widest selection of tours and activities at your fingertips, it's easy to plan a travel itinerary filled with unforgettable moments and discoveries.
No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 4-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Bilbao without the hassle of planning.
Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Bilbao
Arrive in Bilbao and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Federico Moyúa enparantza.Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. La Viña del Ensanche is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!
Day 2: Discover Bilbao's Most Iconic Attractions
Enjoy your first full day in Bilbao by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Parque Doña Casilda Iturrizar, Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao, Carola garabia, Euskalduna Zubia, and Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Bilbao. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Bilbao in the same amount of time.
In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!
Day 3: Learn More About the Top Sights in Bilbao
Use this day to discover more of Bilbao’s top sights. We recommend visiting Furnicular bottom station, Europa parkea, Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala, Zubizuri, and Funicular de Artxanda.To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Bilbao in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Bilbao's most popular attractions.
After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Bilbao’s attractions in another light.
Day 4: Savor Your Final Moments in Bilbao
Spend your last few hours in Bilbao soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.We recommend booking your transfers from Bilbao in advance.
For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Bilbao, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Bilbao travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.
1. The Perfect 3-Day Bilbao Weekend Itinerary
A 3-day weekend getaway in Bilbao offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.
However, with a well-planned Bilbao itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.
With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Bilbao weekend itinerary for your trip:
Day 1 - Arrive in Bilbao
Arrive in Bilbao around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.- Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
- Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Zubizuri, and soak in the surroundings.
- Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.
- Tip: Book an airport transfer to Bilbao in advance for a smooth journey. End the day with an evening stroll for an enchanting first glimpse of Bilbao by night.
Day 2 - Discover Bilbao’s Famous Sights
Maximize your first full day in Bilbao with sightseeing, food, and drinks.- Morning: Visit Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
- Afternoon: Continue to Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao, stopping by Parque Doña Casilda Iturrizar for a break and some photos.
- Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
- Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Bilbao and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.
Day 3 - Depart from Bilbao
Make the most of your last few hours in Bilbao before your departure.- Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
- Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
What To Discover Next in Bilbao
As you explore Bilbao, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.
Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Bilbao for you.
Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Bilbao in a way that feels truly unforgettable!
