Bilbao Reborn: Feasting in the Comeback City
- 4–5 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Bilbao is one of Europe’s great comeback stories, transformed from an industrial port city into a cultural and culinary capital. On this full-day tour, we’ll explore that transformation through the markets, bars and family-run institutions that have shaped the city. We’ll begin in the Casco Viejo at Mercado La Ribera, tasting market specialties before stopping for classic Basque breakfast sandwiches and cider. From there, we’ll visit a preserved-fish shop to learn about Bilbao’s obsession with salt cod, then continue to a century-old bodega for pintxos and txakoli. Along the way, we’ll taste artisanal cheeses, modern takes on classics like tortilla and cod pil pil, and afternoon pintxos at a beloved family tavern. We’ll finish with Bilbao’s whimsical Carolina pastry and a walk to the Guggenheim, where the story of the city’s remarkable rebirth comes full circle.
Inclusions
What's included
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Breakfast
What's not
- Private transportation
Itinerary
This bridge is located right near the San Anton Nikolas Eliza Church and is one of the city's iconic landmarks. It's known for its historical significance and stunning views of the river and surrounding areas.
While you mentioned Ribera Market, it’s worth highlighting its architectural beauty. It’s one of the largest covered markets in Europe, with a history that dates back to the 1920s, offering fresh produce and a taste of the local culture.
he historic heart of Bilbao, just a stone's throw from the square. Casco Viejo is full of narrow streets, old buildings, and vibrant plazas, perfect for exploring the city's traditional Basque culture.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
- 553
- 41
- 30
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- 10
Ratings come from 54 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- The square between San Anton Nikolas Eliza Church and Ribera Market
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 7 travellers
- Operated by
- Culinary Backstreets Walks
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Bilbao
- Its from-price is 13% above the median of the 330 experiences we list in Bilbao.
- It is longer than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 38 of 330.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Bilbao
Bilbao is a Basque city on the Nervión River, a former industrial port reborn around a titanium-clad art museum and an old quarter of pintxo bars.
Bilbao grew rich on iron ore and shipbuilding, and its industrial riverside has been turned to culture. The Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry and covered in titanium, curves beside the river, with a giant flower-covered dog and a spider sculpture outside. The Fine Arts Museum, in a park nearby, and the Zubizuri footbridge by Santiago Calatrava are other stops.
Top-ranked sights in Bilbao: Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Casco Viejo, Bilbao's Santiago Cathedral.
Special offers in Bilbao
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
