Top 3 Itineraries in 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!

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.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Bilbao and start planning your next trip!

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!

A scenic 11-day road trip through Madrid, Santander, Bilbao, Valladolid, and València 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 11-day itinerary means that Bilbao can easily be combined with other top destinations in Spain without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Madrid, Santander, Bilbao, Valladolid, and València by public transport, renting a car in Spain opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 11 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Santander

• Arrival city: Santander
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Santander, e.g., Santemar
• Sightseeing: Paseo Marítimo de Santander

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Santander. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Santander and Cueto

• Destinations: Santander and Cueto
• Driving distance: 110.61 km, approx. 1 hour and 42 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bilbao, e.g., Hotel Gran Bilbao
• Sightseeing: Muralla de Santander, Plaza Porticada (plaza de Velarde), Centro Botín, Mercado del Este, and Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor
• Recommended tour: Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka and Gernika Tour from Bilbao

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Muralla de Santander, Plaza Porticada (plaza de Velarde), Centro Botín, Mercado del Este, and Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Santander and Cueto, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Bilbao.

Day 3: Discover Bilbao and Portugalete

• Destinations: Bilbao and Portugalete
• Driving distance: 329.83 km, approx. 3 hours and 45 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Zaragoza, e.g., Hotel Diagonal Plaza
• Sightseeing: Federico Moyúa enparantza, Vizcaya Bridge, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and Puppy
• Recommended tour: Private custom tour with a local guide Zaragoza

Spend the day exploring Federico Moyúa enparantza, Vizcaya Bridge, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and Puppy. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Zaragoza.

Day 4: Experience Zaragoza

• Destinations: Zaragoza
• Driving distance: 314.27 km, approx. 3 hours and 44 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Valencia, e.g., Ramirez Flats & Bar
• Sightseeing: Stone Bridge Zaragoza, Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza, Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta, and Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar
• Recommended tour: Valencia Private Walking Tour with Official Valencian Guide

Continue your journey through Zaragoza, where you can explore Stone Bridge Zaragoza, Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza, Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta, and Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Valencia.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in València

• Destinations: València
• Driving distance: 10.46 km, approx. 57 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Valencia, e.g., Ramirez Flats & Bar
• Sightseeing: Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Oceanogràfic, Serranos Towers, and Instal·lacions dels Jardins del Túria
• Recommended tour: Valencia Old Town Tour with Wine & Tapas in a Historic Monument

Drive through València, stopping to visit Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Oceanogràfic, Serranos Towers, and Instal·lacions dels Jardins del Túria. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of València

• Destinations: València
• Driving distance: 350.95 km, approx. 4 hours and 13 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Madrid, e.g., Hotel Riu Plaza España
• Sightseeing: La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia, Mercat Central de València, Bioparc Valencia, and Plaça de la Mare de Déu
• Recommended tour: Day Trip from Madrid to Segovia and Avila in Spain

Spend time discovering La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia, Mercat Central de València, Bioparc Valencia, and Plaça de la Mare de Déu, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Madrid.

Day 7: Spend Time in Madrid

• Destinations: Madrid
• Driving distance: 20.82 km, approx. 1 hour and 32 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Madrid, e.g., Hotel Riu Plaza España
• Sightseeing: El Retiro Park, Palacio de Cristal, Great Pond of El Retiro, Casa de Campo, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
• Recommended tour: Full-Day Toledo Tour with Cathedral Visit from Madrid, Spain

Explore El Retiro Park, Palacio de Cristal, Great Pond of El Retiro, Casa de Campo, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Madrid

• Destinations: Madrid
• Driving distance: 16.74 km, approx. 1 hour and 12 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Madrid, e.g., Hotel Riu Plaza España
• Sightseeing: Museo Nacional del Prado, Puerta de Alcalá, Las Ventas Bullring, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
• Recommended tour: Tapas, Taverns & History Tour Madrid

Continue your road trip through Madrid, enjoying the flexibility to explore Museo Nacional del Prado, Puerta de Alcalá, Las Ventas Bullring, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Madrid

• Destinations: Madrid
• Driving distance: 211.88 km, approx. 2 hours and 38 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Valladolid, e.g., Gareus Boutique
• Sightseeing: Plaza de España, Mercado de San Miguel, Royal Palace of Madrid, Temple of Debod, and Plaza Mayor

Visit Plaza de España, Mercado de San Miguel, Royal Palace of Madrid, Temple of Debod, and Plaza Mayor as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Valladolid.

Day 10: Uncover Valladolid

• Destinations: Valladolid
• Driving distance: 249.29 km, approx. 2 hours and 48 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Santander, e.g., Santemar
• Sightseeing: Plaza de Zorrilla, Fuente Dorada, Parque Campo Grande, Plaza Mayor de Valladolid, and Cathedral of Valladolid
• Recommended tour: El Soplao Cave Visit

Continue your exploration of Plaza de Zorrilla, Fuente Dorada, Parque Campo Grande, Plaza Mayor de Valladolid, and Cathedral of Valladolid, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure. End the day by checking into a lovely hotel in Santander.

Day 11: Bid Farewell to Santander

• Departure city: Santander
• Driving distance: 1.69 km, approx. 26 minutes
• Sightseeing: Ascensor Río de la Pila

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Santander. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1224 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.

Enjoy a 13-day city break in Bilbao with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 13-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 Zubizuri.

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 Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Puppy.

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 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Bilbao

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Church of San Vicente de Abando and Albiako Lorategiak are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Bilbao.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Bilbao. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Spain!

Day 6: Connect With the Local Culture in Bilbao

No Bilbao itinerary is complete without learning something about the local culture. The large selection of cultural tours in Bilbao has something for every traveler.

If you prefer sightseeing on your own, head out to explore Bizkaiko Foru Aldundiaren jauregia and Bihotz Sakratuaren eliza, other popular attractions in Bilbao.

End the day with a sunset walk and dinner around Bizkaiko Foru Aldundiaren jauregia.

Day 9: Slow Down and Soak in Bilbao's Scenery

Enjoy a more slow-paced day in Bilbao by taking a stroll and visiting Furnicular bottom station and Funicular de Artxanda.

In the afternoon, treat yourself to some local street food, sampling unique flavors from local vendors.

End the day in Bilbao with a sunset view from a scenic overlook or a cozy restaurant.

Day 13: 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.

A 5-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 5 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 Federico Moyúa enparantza, 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 Furnicular bottom station early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Funicular de Artxanda, stopping by Museo Athletic Club | AC Museoa · Tour San Mamés 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 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Bilbao

No itinerary in Bilbao is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Europa parkea.
• Afternoon: Explore Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala and Church of San Vicente de Abando, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Bilbao and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Spain.

Day 5 - 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.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Bilbao. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Bilbao itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

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!